Portimão turns to AI to speed up planning applications

Applying for planning permission in Portimão could soon become quicker and more straightforward, with the municipality introducing an artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to streamline the licensing process.

The new system will digitise the entire planning application process, allowing residents, architects and developers to submit applications online, pay fees electronically and track the progress of their requests in real time.

The platform builds on the municipality’s existing ePaper system by adding two new modules: Urban Planning Management, which digitises the processing of planning applications, and an AI-powered online service that checks submitted documents for missing or incorrect information before an application is accepted.

According to the municipality, this is expected to address one of the biggest causes of delays.

Currently, around seven in every 10 decisions issued by the council’s Planning Process Management Section relate not to assessing projects but to requesting additional information or missing documents from applicants.

Under the new system, applications will only proceed once all the required documentation has been submitted. The AI system will automatically identify missing information during the application process and alert applicants immediately, reducing the back-and-forth correspondence that often delays approvals.

The change comes as municipalities face tighter legal deadlines under Portugal’s Simplex Urbanístico reforms, which require an initial review of planning applications within eight working days.

Portimão receives around 5,000 planning requests each year, and the municipality says automating routine administrative checks will allow technical staff to spend more time assessing projects rather than dealing with incomplete applications.

For residents and businesses, the changes mean planning applications can be submitted from home at any time of day, without visiting council offices, while applicants will also be able to monitor the status of their requests online.

“We want an urban planning service that supports those who want to build, invest and live in Portimão, rather than a maze of paperwork,” said mayor Álvaro Bila.

“Digitalising and simplifying these processes is about giving people back their time and restoring confidence in public services,” he added.

The platform is being introduced in phases, with training for municipal staff already underway. The new system is expected to enter operation in the coming months.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.