Building height and the 45 degree line in Portugal

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A building's height is limited by a 45 degree line drawn from the alignment of the building opposite, at ground level; nothing may rise above it except chimneys and decorative parts (RGEU, art. 59.º).

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Law

Regulamento Geral das Edificações Urbanas (RGEU, Decreto-Lei n.º 38382/51)

Article

59.º

Rule

In every vertical plane at right angles to the facade, no part of the building may pass the 45 degree line drawn from the alignment of the building opposite

Not counted

Chimneys and decorative accessories

Sloping ground

Up to 1.50 metres of extra height is tolerated on the downhill part (§ 1)

Corner buildings

The facade on the narrower or lower street may rise to the height allowed on the other street, for up to 15 metres (§ 2)

Where it applies

Inside urban perimeters and the protection zones of towns; elsewhere only where the council has extended it (art. 1.º)

Official text

pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=1217&tabe...

Sources

pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=1217&tabe...
pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=1217&tabe...
pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=4024&tabe...

Checked

2026-11-05