Urban Planning and Large Developments
Comprehensive legal advice for urban development projects in the Canary Islands
Who is this service for?
We work with professionals who need legal guarantees for their urban development projects.
Promoters
Residential, tourist or commercial developments from the initial phase.
Investors
Prior urban planning feasibility before acquiring land or buildings.
Companies
Logistics, industrial or renewable energy projects.
Owners
Regularization of uses, licenses and sanctioning files.
What does the service include?
Comprehensive coverage in all phases of the urban development project.
Complete urban planning reports
Feasibility studies and comprehensive analyses of current territorial and municipal planning.
License management
Processing of building, activity and opening licenses with city councils and island councils.
Expert advice
Tourism, commercial, logistics, industrial and general interest projects.
Urban planning discipline
Processing of files and defense in administrative proceedings.
Administrative litigation defense
Legal representation in the face of denials, sanctions and appeals.
Technical-legal coordination
I work together with architects, engineers, and specialized consultants.
What is NOT included
- Technical preparation of architectural or engineering projects
- Appraisals or economic valuations (handled with collaborators if required)
Process and deadlines
Clear methodology and transparent deadlines in each phase.
Step 1
Initial assessment
- 48-72 hours
Case review, current planning and urban risks.
Step 2
Report and strategy
- 5-15 days
Complete analysis, feasibility study and legal roadmap.
Step 3
Processing
- Variable terms
Management of permits and licenses according to city council, council or regional ministry.
Step 4
Resolution
- Follow-up
Representation and follow-up until the final favorable resolution.
Great deals with legal security from day one
We support projects of general interest and large developments, guaranteeing regulatory compliance, technical viability and maximum legal protection at every stage of urban development.
Requirements and documentation
Documentation required to begin the study of your project.
Title deed or contract
Property deed or purchase agreement that proves ownership or intention to acquire.
Technical documentation
Plans, preliminary design or any available technical documentation of the project.
ID card
ID card, NIE or passport of the owner or legal representative of the promoting company.
Cadastral information
Cadastral reference and registration status of the property if available.
Transparent fees
Customized budget based on the type and scope of the project. Each urban development has unique characteristics that require individualized analysis.
Success stories
Real results in complex urban development projects.
Tourism promotioN
Tourism development on rural land
Challenge
Land classification and doubts about permitted building capacity for tourist complex.
Solution
Complete urban planning report, coordination with architects and engineers, comprehensive processing of licenses.
Result
Project approved and all licenses obtained on time. Construction begins with full guarantees.
- Total success
Disciplinary proceedings
Defense in urban planning discipline
Challenge
Opening of disciplinary proceedings for work carried out without a municipal license.
Solution
Solid legal arguments, regularization in accordance with planning, processing of supplementary permits.
Result
Case closed without serious penalty. Building fully regularized.
- Case closed
International Seal
We work under the principles and standards of RICS, synonymous with rigor, quality and safety for our clients.

Important aspects to consider
- Legal warnings
- Processing times depend entirely on the town councils and island councils, and are beyond our direct control.
- Regulatory changes or planning modifications may affect the initial viability of the project.
- Projects without a prior urban planning study may result in financial penalties and stop-work orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer the most common questions about urban planning and large developments.
Can I build on rural land?
It depends on the specific municipal planning regulations and the permitted uses according to the land classification. In the Canary Islands, there are different categories of rural land with varying building possibilities. We conduct a complete feasibility review within 48 hours, analyzing applicable territorial, municipal, and sectoral regulations.
How long does it take to obtain a building permit
Processing times vary between 2 and 6 months depending on the municipality, type of permit, and project size. Large developments may require additional sector-specific reports (coastal, environmental, heritage) which extend the timeframe. We provide realistic estimates in the initial assessment based on the specific municipality.
What does a complete urban planning report include?
Analysis of land classification and rating, buildability, permitted uses, planning restrictions, sectoral impacts (coasts, roads, heritage), registration and cadastral status, analysis of urban planning history, technical-legal viability of the project and roadmap for obtaining licenses.
What happens if my license is denied?
We offer several legal avenues: an appeal for reconsideration (1 month), an administrative appeal (2 months), or a modification of the project. We analyze the reasons for the denial, assess the realistic chances of success for the appeal, and present a comprehensive legal strategy. Our experience allows us to overturn many unjustified denials.
Do you coordinate with my architects and engineers?
Yes, we work in direct coordination with your technical team. We provide the legal and urban planning perspective while they develop the technical aspects of the project. This multidisciplinary collaboration ensures that the technical design meets all legal requirements from the outset, avoiding costly corrections later.
