Prior Notification of Construction Site and Works Opening

Everything You Need to Know

The prior notification of construction site opening is a legal requirement established under Decree-Law 273/2003, which regulates safety, hygiene, and health rules in civil construction works. Therefore, if you are planning to start construction work — for instance, building a house in Portugal — it is essential to understand this procedure. By doing so, you avoid issues during inspections and ensure full compliance with the law.

When the Prior Notification of Construction Site Opening Is Mandatory

The project owner must notify the opening of the construction site whenever at least one of the following conditions applies:

• The work will last more than 30 days and, at any time, more than 20 workers will be present.

• The work will involve a total exceeding 500 worker-days, considering the contribution of all workers.

Consequently, proper project planning helps anticipate these factors accurately and ensures that all legal obligations are met from the outset.

Who Must Submit the Notification

The responsibility for submitting the prior notification always lies with the project owner. Furthermore, if there are any significant changes — such as the replacement of subcontractors, adjustments to deadlines, or changes to the involved parties — the project owner must communicate these within 48 hours.

Accordingly, the role of site supervision becomes essential, as it ensures that all legal requirements are being fulfilled and that the information submitted to the competent authority remains correct and up to date.

What the Prior Notification Must Include

The notification must contain:

• Full address of the construction site

• Type and nature of the work

• Identification of the project owner and designers

• Identification of the executing entity

• Identification of the site supervisor and safety coordinators

• Expected start and completion dates of the work

Additionally, the main parties involved (project designer, executing entity, safety coordinator, among others) must attach signed statements.

Other Associated Obligations

Before work begins, the project owner must ensure:

• The existence of an adequate safety and health plan

• The posting of the prior notification onsite in a visible location

• The availability of safety procedure sheets to all parties involved

At the same time, it is mandatory to comply with rules regarding site signage and warning notices, ensuring that the location is properly identified and safe.

Step-by-Step: How to Proceed Correctly

1. Assess the expected duration and number of workers to determine whether the notification is mandatory.

2. Prepare the notification with all required information.

3. Gather the statements from the involved parties (designer, executing entity, safety coordinator, etc.).

4. Submit the notification to the competent authority, properly dated and signed.

5. Post a copy at the construction site.

6. Report any relevant changes within a maximum of 48 hours.

7. Ensure the implementation of the safety and health plan and access to safety procedures.

Conclusion

The prior notification of construction site opening is essential to ensure that the work proceeds safely and in accordance with legislation. Therefore, for anyone starting a project — whether a renovation or new construction — understanding these steps is fundamental to avoiding penalties and ensuring a smooth and compliant process.

If you require assistance with your project, you may request our consultancy services.