Portugal Land Classification

Flood-threatened zone (zona ameaçada pelas cheias): can you build on it in Portugal?

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Generally no: a zone threatened by floods (zona ameaçada pelas cheias) is part of the REN, where construction and extension are banned except listed compatible uses.

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Answer
The REN ban applies unless the use is on the allowed list.
Related
Flood-risk areas in the flood risk management plans are also excluded from the special reclassification.
Who decides
The regional development commission (CCDR) for REN uses; the municipality for the permit.
Council rules
The municipal plan (PDM) sets the detail for your plot; ask the council for a planning certificate (certidão) and the plan maps.
Legal basis
Decreto-Lei 166/2008, article 20; Decreto-Lei 117/2024, article 72-B
Sources
files.diariodarepublica.pt/1s/2008/08/16200/0586505884.pdf
files.diariodarepublica.pt/1s/2024/12/25200/0000900016.pdf
files.diariodarepublica.pt/1s/2025/04/07001/0000200007.pdf
Checked
2026-11-05

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