Validity and Time Management of Urban Preliminary Information: Learn How to Manage Deadlines and Renew Documents
- Ana Carolina Santos
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
Urban Preliminary Information (Pedido de Inforação Prévia) is a fundamental tool for planning and validating development projects in Portugal. Anyone wishing to build, expand, or renovate a property must understand its purpose, validity, and renewal rules to avoid unnecessary risks or wasting the investment made at this stage.
What Is Urban Preliminary Information?
Urban Preliminary Information is a binding opinion issued by the Municipal Council regarding the feasibility of a specific development, outlining the legal, planning, and technical conditions applicable to the site or property. It allows the applicant to determine whether a project complies with the Municipal Master Plan (PDM) and other relevant legislation, enabling informed and confident investment decisions.
Practical importance:
Clarifies feasibility before project submission.
Reduces the risk of rejection.
Identifies restrictions and conditions affecting the property.
Validity of Urban Preliminary Information: How Long Does It Last?
The validity of Urban Preliminary Information is limited, making careful time management essential. All actions following its issuance must fall within the binding period defined by law.
Validity period (Article 17 of the RJUE):
The binding effects remain valid for two years from the date of issue.
Within this period, the applicant must initiate the process by submitting a licence application or prior notification.
If the deadline expires, a request for confirmation of unchanged conditions must be filed with the Municipal Council.
Renewal: If the initial conditions remain unchanged, the preliminary information may be renewed for one additional year, provided a request is submitted to the Mayor within the legal timeframe.
What to Do If the Deadline Expires
If two years pass without proceeding with the project, the applicant may request a statement from the Municipal Council confirming that all conditions remain valid. The Mayor must decide within 20 days, and once confirmed, the applicant then has 12 months to file the licence application.
Situation | Required Action | Validity / Time Limit |
Preliminary information issued | Submit licence application | Up to 2 years after issue |
Two-year period elapsed | Request confirmation of conditions | 20-day reply + 1 year |
Deadline expired without renewal | Submit a new request for preliminary information | Restart process |
Proper time management prevents unnecessary costs, delays, and duplication of work.
Practical Guidance on Validity and Renewal
Plan project schedules carefully, keeping the two-year validity in mind.
Submit licensing requests promptly after a favourable decision.
If delays occur, request confirmation of the initial conditions within the legal deadline.
Monitor all changes in planning instruments that may affect validity.
Consult qualified professionals to avoid expiry, complications, or loss of rights.
Practical Examples
A project approved in 2020 but submitted for licensing only in 2023 must obtain an updated statement confirming the conditions remain unchanged.
A plot affected by changes to the Municipal Master Plan (PDM) after the approval may lose the validity of the initial decision.
Final Considerations
Proper deadline management and timely renewal of Urban Preliminary Information are essential to preserve legal certainty and project viability. Lack of awareness of these rules can cause delays, loss of rights, and avoidable difficulties. Accurate information and time control are vital to turn urban development ideas into successful built realities.
