The São Paulo State Court has provisionally suspended the issuance of permits for demolitions, tree cutting, and construction of new buildings in the city based on revisions to the Zoning Law and the city's Master Plan. The decision, made by Judge Luis Fernando Nishi, highlighted that the public participation and technical planning requirements were not adequately met during the legislative revision process that covered the years 2023 and 2024. The court's action aims to assess the potential risks that may arise from advancing urban occupancy policies under the disputed regulations, which can lead to irreversible community changes.

The motion was initiated by the São Paulo Public Prosecutor's Office, which criticized the accelerated pace of the legislative process. According to the court, advancing with the recent urban planning policies without a thorough review could have significant and lasting impacts on local communities. The judge cited concerns regarding both democratic participation in the law revision and the absence of a comprehensive technical approach.

In response to the court's ruling, the São Paulo City Council defended its actions by asserting that the zoning law revision process adhered to legal standards. This disagreement reflects broader tensions regarding urban planning strategies in one of Brazil's largest cities, where the need for development must be balanced against the protection of community interests and the environment. The ongoing judicial review will be crucial in determining the future of urban development in São Paulo.