Análise comparativa dos códigos de obras dos Municípios da Grande João Pessoa e os efeitos das atualizações e da defasagem normativa no setor da construção civil

Abstract

The accelerated urban growth of the Metropolitan Region of Joao Pessoa has occurred in a disorderly manner, resulting in irregular occupations, unplanned expansion, and pressure on urban infrastructure. In this context, effective and updated legislation is essential to guide land use, ensure building safety, and organize urban development, making the Building Code a crucial instrument for regulation and control in the construction sector. This study examines the Building Codes of the five main municipalities in the region, Joao Pessoa, Cabedelo, Bayeux, Santa Rita, and Conde, investigating how divergences and regulatory obsolescence directly affect professional practice and urban management. A detailed comparison of the codes was carried out, considering key parameters such as building permits and occupancy certificates, construction elements, and the regulation of construction sites. The study also adopted a qualitative approach by gathering the perceptions and difficulties faced by professionals in practice through an electronic survey. This evaluation made it possible to identify not only gaps and divergences in the regulations but also convergent aspects that may serve as a reference for future improvements and standardization. The results indicate a heterogeneous reality in the Metropolitan Region. Joao Pessoa has modernized its Building Code, incorporating stricter requirements and control mechanisms that favor safety and construction quality. In contrast, Cabedelo, Bayeux, and Conde still maintain outdated regulations, while Santa Rita lacks a specific code, which compromises oversight, increases professional risks, and fosters irregular land occupation. The lack of regulatory uniformity intensifies legal uncertainty, hinders the application of contemporary solutions, and limits the adoption of innovative technologies in projects, further aggravating the challenges of disorderly urban growth. It is concluded that updating and harmonizing the Building Codes are essential to promote legal certainty, operational efficiency, and coherence in metropolitan urban management. Despite the divergences, the study identified convergent aspects that indicate potential for regulatory standardization. The integration of best practices among the municipalities would contribute to orderly urban development, reduce structural and environmental risks, and enhance professional practice in the region.