11/11/2026
Greece is introducing further changes to its urban planning framework, affecting construction outside designated urban areas, building permits and the recognition of municipal roads. The new provisions aim to clarify certain planning procedures while introducing additional requirements for specific development projects.
One of the key changes concerns the legal recognition of municipal and community roads connecting settlements. Under the new framework, this process will require a Presidential Decree.
The provision covers routes linking settlements within the same municipality, neighbouring municipalities, or settlements to international, national and provincial road networks. Where alternative routes exist between the same locations, the main connecting road will be considered.
This development is particularly relevant to property owners with land outside urban planning zones, since the legal status of an adjoining road can directly affect whether a property meets the requirements for construction.
It is important to note that the measure does not extend automatically to every rural or private road, nor does it replace the separate procedure for officially recording and approving the wider municipal road network.
The new legislation also expands the powers of the authorities when preparing Special Urban Plans (SUPs).
Under certain conditions, restrictions may now apply not only to the issuance of new building permits but also to construction works already underway. Any such suspension must follow the required administrative procedure and be formally approved; it does not apply automatically to every area undergoing urban planning.
Additional provisions concern certain Special Use Areas, where minimum plot requirements may be set between 2,000 and 4,000 sq.m., together with at least 15 metres of frontage on a public road.
These requirements will depend on the applicable planning provisions. They should not be interpreted as granting a general building entitlement to all plots measuring 2,000 sq.m.
The legislation further revises the procedures for checking supporting documents submitted with certain building permits issued by designated departments of the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
For these permits, the responsibility for ensuring that the relevant documentation is accurate will lie with the engineers who prepare and submit the studies.
Overall, the changes introduce new procedures that could affect property development and construction opportunities, particularly for land located outside established urban planning zones.
Source: https://www.tanea.gr/print/2026/11/02/economy/ektos-sxediou-domisi-me-proedriko-diatagma-i-anagnorisi-dimotikon-kai-koinotikon-dromon-pou-enonoun-oikismous/