Portugal updates urban planning regulations via Simplex 2.0

Portugal has implemented significant updates to the Legal Regime for Urbanization and Building (RJUE), following the enactment of Decree-Law no. 108/2026. These changes, often referred to as Simplex 2.0, aim to clarify concepts and correct inconsistencies identified since the initial Simplex reforms in early 2024.

A key feature of the new regime is the return to a streamlined prior communication model. This approach places greater responsibility on private individuals to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards, effectively removing the previous phase of preliminary assessment and sanitation to expedite urban operations.

In response to these national changes, the Coimbra City Council has updated its urban planning procedures, forms, and digital channels to ensure a smooth transition. The municipality has also launched two new online tools: an Urban Operations Fee Simulator to estimate costs for construction or demolition, and a Parking Needs Simulator to assist professionals in calculating required parking spaces.