The Process of Implementation of Compulsory Subdivision, Construction and Use of Land: The Case of Vacant Properties in the Central Districts of São Paulo - SP¹

Abstract

This paper describes the process of regulation and implementation of Compulsory Subdivision, Construction and Use of Land in the municipality of São Paulo after 2013. It offers context about the vacant, not built or underused properties in the form of further characterization, notice status, counter-arguments by the notified and description of the effects of vacant properties in the urban fabric of the central region of the city. Up until February 2018, 1,384 buildings were notified, of which 709 were considered vacant and 645 are in the central districts. Some of those still have time to address the notice; others are already under Progressive Land Taxation. The number is small and the effects in the urban fabric are inexpressive, indicating the persistence of speculative processes. However, the implementation process has proved innovative in its political and pedagogical character by creating regulation, procedures and concept strategies - such as the Strategic Master Plan of 2014 with its accompanying acts and decrees, as well as the institution of management spaces such as the Department of Control of the Social Function of Property (2013) - in order to fight property vacancy.

Keywords:
Compulsory Subdivision; Construction and Use of Land; Vacant Land; Social Function of Urban Properties