The Special Body of the São Paulo Court of Justice (TJ-SP) has issued a provisional suspension on the granting of new permits for demolitions and the cutting down of vegetation, including tree removals, alongside the construction of new buildings. This decision comes as a response to an emergency request from the State Attorney General's Office, which raised concerns about potential bypassing of procedural steps and inadequate public participation in the revisions of urban planning laws undertaken between 2023 and 2024, approved by the city council and sanctioned by Mayor Ricardo Nunes.

The court's ruling highlights significant issues surrounding the legislative process in the city, as it challenges the thoroughness of community engagement in what is a critical aspect of urban development. Despite repeated questions regarding the municipal government's compliance with public consultation protocols, the local authorities have managed to counter these challenges in the past by demonstrating that public hearings had taken place. However, this recent decision signals a shift as the courts take a more critical view of the procedures involved in approving major urban development projects in São Paulo, reflecting broader public concerns about transparency and accountability in governance.

As the city government has yet to respond publicly to the ruling, the City Council plans to appeal the decision, indicating that this conflict over urban planning is far from resolved. With the potential for further legal battles ahead, the outcome of this issue could set important precedents for urban development practices in Brazil, particularly in relation to the balance between development interests and community participation in decision-making processes regarding urban policies.