Spain proposes stricter construction rules in flood-prone zones

The Spanish government is preparing a royal decree to significantly tighten construction regulations in flood-prone areas. The proposal, currently undergoing public consultation, aims to manage flood risks by restricting both private and public service developments in high-risk zones.

Key measures include prohibiting the transformation of certain rural lands, banning new residential uses even on already urbanized land, and generally forbidding the construction of basements and underground garages in floodable areas. The regulations also target sensitive facilities, such as hospitals, schools, elderly care centers, large commercial spaces, and camping sites.

The Ministry for the Ecological Transition justifies these changes due to the rise in extreme weather events, such as the DANA that impacted Valencia, and the historical occupation of water-exposed areas. The project estimates that approximately 33,000 hectares of built-up land currently sit within preferential flow zones—areas with a 1% annual probability of flooding—including over 3,600 hectares of residential land.