With the aim of reducing tourist establishments in neighborhoods where their presence already has an excessive weight in relation to the total available housing, the city councils of major cities have defined containment zones where they impose a maximum limit on AL licenses.
This measure aims to protect the identity of neighborhoods from gentrification and promote affordable rentals and neighborhood commerce.
Containment zones are considered to be those that exceed 25% of available housing allocated to Local Accommodation. There are also temporary suspension zones for areas between 10% and 20% of housing linked to this activity.
What are the implications?
- The same owner can only operate a maximum of seven Local Accommodation establishments;
- The registration number of the LA establishment is personal and non-transferable, expiring in the event of a change or transfer of ownership.
Does this mean that you cannot apply for new AL licenses in containment zones?
The answer is, it depends... Containment zones are divided into absolute and relative zones, and both types provide for some specific exceptions, such as:
- Renovation of buildings in ruins or complete renovation of vacant buildings;
- Operations involving the entirety of a building that has been declared completely vacant for more than three years or has undergone renovation work in the last two years, resulting in a two-level increase in conservation status
Each case is unique, and you should contact your local city council for more detailed information about your specific situation.
Source: https://www.badireto.pt