Procedure on temporary use of public domain administered by the 4th District’s Council of Bucharest

By project IMPETUS

Published on 23 July 2024

Romania

Bucureşti-Ilfov

Bucharest

About this good practice

Despite persistent barriers such as bureaucracy and funding challenges, the procedure pioneers a fair and transparent mechanism for granting the right to temporary use of public spaces, specifically encouraging seasonal commercial activities, fairs, and festivals.
This procedure aims to establish a legal and unitary mechanism for granting the right of temporary use of public places to carry out commercial activities in the 4th District of Bucharest. In this sense, the procedure establishes the guidelines regarding the criteria for awarding, in a fair, correct and transparent manner, agreements for the temporary use of public places, including sites used for carrying out commercial activities of a seasonal or temporary nature.
The 4th District Local Council, Bucharest City Hall, and Bucharest Municipality, have led this transformative effort, fostering new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and craftsmen to contribute to events, particularly in supporting traditional crafts. The procedure simplifies the access and use of public spaces, especially during the summer season, ensuring tax compliance, and contributing to public space maintenance.
The norm was designed after a public consultation with citizens, which was strategic and crucial in ensuring that diverse perspectives were considered, integrating valuable insights from those directly impacted.
Beyond its immediate objectives, the initiative lays the groundwork for potential applications in the cultural sector.

Resources needed

Human resources from the 4th District Hall and the Municipality (that register, verify and approve the requests).

Evidence of success

Despite no formal impact assessment, the initiative has shown positive impacts, especially in making the bureaucratic process for the public space’s use and management more accessible, which was perceived as critical by the involved stakeholders and business companies. Moreover, the impact is visible in improved maintenance of buildings and spaces. While it primarily involves commerce, encouraging the participation of craftsmen, it holds potential for the cultural sector.

Potential for learning or transfer

The practice can be interesting for other regions and metropolitan areas because it addresses, straightforwardly and explicitly, the need to open public spaces to private activities and initiatives. The fact that the call has been designed after an open consultation is crucial for further replication. It makes the instrument particularly suitable for the context and needs of Bucharest's 4th District. Due to the purpose and requirements of the practice, it is fascinating not only for the temporary commercial exploitation of public space, which is the current use, but also as a mechanism that can be open to the participation of cultural initiatives and organisations.