The reinforcement of limitations on the installation of digital panels in the capital includes setting maximum brightness levels and the number of nits allowed, banning continuous moving images, and mandating the display of slow-motion images between 8 PM and 7 AM.
According to Lisbon City Council, led by Carlos Moedas (PSD), other measures include mandatory brightness sensors that automatically adjust light intensity and “specific restrictions on the installation of equipment in sensitive areas to safeguard citizens’ right to rest.”
A new order from the Lisbon City Council regarding the installation of digital panels on buildings and private spaces was published on Thursday in the Municipal Bulletin and comes into effect today, revoking the previous resolution from January 2024.
In the previous order, the municipality established rules for digital advertising panels, including that projections on large structures “should remain static with dark-toned backgrounds from 8 PM to 7 AM, and brightness should not exceed 60 lumens.”
This measure also aimed to address concerns from residents near the El Corte Inglés shopping center, who complained about light pollution from the advertising screen, but in July 2024 accused the establishment of not complying with advertising standards and “circumventing” the city council’s order.
In a statement released today, the municipality noted that the new order aims to “standardize the criteria” for assessing the compatibility of digital panels with the aesthetics of buildings and the urban landscape, as provided for in Article 4 of the Advertising Regulation.
“Among the new rules is a focus on combating light pollution, with concrete measures for its containment,” emphasized the city council, indicating that the goal is to protect the quality of life in residential neighborhoods and historic areas, minimizing the impact of these installations on architectural heritage and the urban environment.
Subject to licensing or zero licensing, the installation of digital advertising panels on buildings and private spaces must respect location criteria, with the city council’s order defining four zones, namely historical areas and classified buildings, residential zones, commercial zones, and equipment.
The update of the city council’s order on the installation of digital panels, signed by the Councilor for Economy, Diogo Moura (CDS-PP), aims to “deepen and clarify technical criteria within the scope of municipal licensing, focusing on mitigating light pollution and guidelines covering zero licensing.”
“The entry into force of these new rules aims to promote a more balanced, sustainable city attentive to the installation of digital equipment and its impacts, ensuring the balance between economic dynamism, resident well-being, and environmental protection,” stated Diogo Moura in a statement.
In the same note, the city council president, Carlos Moedas, mentioned that the municipality is taking “an important step” to protect the quality of life for Lisbon’s residents.
“We want to ensure that the installation of digital panels respects rigorous technical limits of brightness and location, protecting residents, public spaces, and the city’s historical identity,” he said.
