Illegal construction in Montenegro

Summary Illegal constructions are a significant problem in Montenegro. Especially in areas of municipalities facing a certain economic development, namely the capital, Podgorica, and the coastal area sub-urbanisation and an increasing amount of illegal objects can be observed since the mid-1990-ies. Inadequate planning documentation as well as long and expensive procedures for permits and licenses are identified as the major reasons for today’s illegal constructions. The paper gives recommendations how to deal with them and to prevent future illegal objects without claiming their applicability in other countries with different prevailing conditions. It is concluded that due to the extend of illegal objects only legalization of those constructions in combination of an efficient prevention of future illegal objects can stop the further environmental degration of Montenegro and ensure sustainable urban and economic development. Process of legalization needs to be carefully adjusted in order to motivate the citizen in participation, but instruments for enforcement have to be operationalized as well. Mandatory precondition is provision of necessary financial resources by both the Government and the local self-government units.