Prior communication

What is prior communication

Prior communication is one of the methods used by local authorities to control private works of construction, reconstruction, extension or alteration of buildings.

Under Decreto-Lei no. 10/2024, of 8th January, known as Urban Simplex, a planning application system is no longer optional when it is legally possible to follow the simplified prior communication procedure.

When properly instructed, prior communication allows the client to proceed immediately with the site works, after paying the urban fees to the local authority.

Urban development operations carried out under the terms of a prior communication must comply with the applicable legal and regulatory standards, specifically those relating to technical construction standards and territorial management instruments.

However, it is mandatory to submit joint architectural and engineering projects, as well as proof of consent from any external entities, if applicable. In addition, the contractor should already be selected, as it will also be necessary to submit documents from the contractor, the site technical director and the site supervisor.

However, not all projects can be subject to this type of procedure, we should first ensure that the work you intend to carry out falls within the scope of this system, in accordance with RJUE, updated by Decreto-Lei no. 10/2024, of 8th January.

Who should submit prior communication

The applicant in a prior communication of any urban operation will have to prove the legitimacy of their interest, i.e., prove they are entitled to do the works in a particular property. The applicant should be one of the following:

  • The property owner;
  • A representative (whether an individual, a company, organisation or condominium);
  • A tenant with written consent from the owner to carry out the works proposed;
  • A potential buyer with written consent from the owner to carry out the works in question.