Act LXXVIII of 1997 on the Development and Protection of the Built Environment.

The purpose of the regulation of urban areas is to achieve rational use of the built environment and infrastructure; regulate local constructions; develop and protect natural and artificial environment; harmonize national, regional, local and private interests. In accordance with national rules on construction, local governments define their own rules. Chapter II provides special legal instruments to aid the implementation of settlement planning: requirements, restrictions, creation of lots, expropriation, right of pre-emption, requisition of the estate or part of it for public road construction, contribution to road-making and to public utilities supply, restoration, planting of trees and other plants, indemnities. Chapter III regulates constructions, determines general requirements for buildings and rules of architectural and technical planning. This Chapter sets out construction licensing procedures as well. The authority of first instance (the local government notary) supervises the works. Offenders of the provisions are liable to penalty. Chapter IV provides for the maintenance and utilization of the built environment, and the protection of its resources (architectural heritage). According to Chapter V, archives of data, necessary for the execution of construction works, are to be kept by building authorities, local authorities, public utility companies, public foundations, chambers and other organs entitled to keep registers by law.