Prior Information Request (PIP)
Prior Information Request (PIP) is an optional process that allows any applicant – owner or otherwise – to obtain information on the feasibility of carrying out a particular urban operation, namely: construction, reconstruction, extension, alteration, change of use, demolition or masterplanning.
A PIP also allows the applicant to obtain legal information on the existing building or land, in accordance with Article 14 of the current Legal Regulation of Urbanisation and Construction (RJUE).
In addition, under Decree-Law 10/2024 of January 8, known as Urban Simplex, a PIP with a favorable response from the municipality has a deadline of two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension. Depending on the level of detail of the submitted proposal, if the response from the local authority is favourable, it indicates whether the project is subject to a planning application or a prior communication. In some cases, works preceded by favorable prior information may be exempt from prior control.
If the Architectural project has been submitted in sufficient detail and there are no further changes, it allows the immediate submission of the engineering projects through a prior communication, saving a significant amount of time.
In summary, the submission of a PIP is a very useful procedure for land or building development, providing the potential buyer with a guarantee that a particular urban operation is approved in principle.