São Paulo court voids July zoning law revision

The Court of Justice of São Paulo (TJ-SP) has ruled the July 2024 revision of the city's zoning law unconstitutional. This decision, issued by a panel of 25 judges, effectively reinstates the zoning regulations established in January 2024.

The ruling specifically targets the July update, often referred to as the “revision of the revision.” The court found that while the update was intended to correct mapping errors from the January law, legislators improperly included new areas for verticalization without the necessary technical support required by the Constitution.

The decision impacts only new construction requests. Projects that already possess building permits or have already filed licensing applications with the City Hall will remain valid.

The legal action was initiated by the Public Prosecutor's Office of São Paulo (MP-SP), which cited a lack of transparency, insufficient technical studies, and inadequate public participation during the legislative process. While Mayor Ricardo Nunes expressed dissatisfaction with judicial interference in legislative matters, the City Hall is currently reviewing the ruling to determine potential legal responses.