Romania urbanism reforms spark legal and administrative debate

The implementation of the new Law no. 169/2026, regarding the Territorial Planning, Urbanism, and Construction Code, has triggered significant administrative and legal challenges across Romania. Alin Tișe, President of the Cluj County Council, has formally submitted proposals to the Romanian Government to amend the legislation, describing certain provisions as “aberrant.” The Council argues the new code restricts citizen rights, lacks practical digitalization, and leaves local authorities without necessary application tools.

In the judicial sector, the High Court of Cassation and Justice (ÎCCJ) issued a decision clarifying that building permits may remain valid even if the underlying urban planning documentation (PUZ) is subsequently revoked for illegality, provided the authorization process began legally while the documentation was in force.

Additionally, new regulations regarding residential renovations have introduced stricter requirements. Homeowners must now provide official notification for expanding bathrooms or kitchens, with potential fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 lei for non-compliance. Meanwhile, the new code maintains that properties with final court orders for demolition cannot use regularization procedures to avoid destruction.