Romania implements new Urbanism Code, triggering regulatory shifts

The entry into force of Law no. 169/2026, the new Territorial Planning, Urbanism, and Construction Code (CATUC), on August 25, 2026, has triggered significant administrative and regulatory shifts across Romania.

Urbanism services in several municipalities, including Oradea, Odobești, and Bucharest, have faced temporary suspensions or delays as local authorities update forms and procedures to align with the new law. The new code introduces a regularization procedure for illegal constructions, provided they meet safety standards, though owners must pay significant fines. Additionally, the law allows local councils to establish zero-emission and low-emission zones within 12 months to improve air quality, potentially restricting vehicle access based on CO2 levels.

Economic impacts include a potential increase in land values due to greater urbanistic certainty and a restructuring of fines, which can now reach up to 1,000,000 lei for unauthorized works. The new legislation also introduces simplified notification procedures for certain small-scale renovations, aiming to reduce administrative timelines through tacit approval if authorities do not respond within 15 working days.