Portugal Land Classification

Natural and landscape space (espaço natural e paisagístico): can you build on it in Portugal?

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Very limited: natural and landscape space (espaço natural e paisagístico) covers the areas of greatest natural value and the strictest safeguard regimes, so building depends on the protection rules of the plan.

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Answer
Usually only what the strict regime allows.
What it includes
Areas in protected-area programmes or the Natura 2000 programme, areas of recognised natural and landscape interest, wetlands, beaches, cliffs, dunes and rock outcrops.
Who decides
The municipality, plus the nature authority where a classified area applies.
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 Regulamentar 15/2015, article 21
Sources
files.diariodarepublica.pt/1s/2015/08/16100/0613706143.pdf
Checked
2026-11-05

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