Obras residenciais irregulares na zona norte de Macapá: desafios e custos para regularização

Abstract

This study analyzes irregular residential buildings in the North Zone of Macapá, highlighting the main challenges and costs related to their regularization process. The research aimed to identify the factors associated with the occurrence of irregular buildings and to analyze the difficulties faced by property owners in regularizing them, integrating socioeconomic and technical aspects regarding building performance. Rapid urban growth, inadequate planning, limited government intervention, self-construction practices, and the lack of technical assistance were identified as core drivers of urban informality in the region. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach with a descriptive and exploratory design, using bibliographic and documentary research, field observations, and structured questionnaires applied to 62 property owners. The results show a predominance of families earning between one and three minimum wages, a high rate of constructions carried out without professional supervision, a lack of municipal project approval, and widespread non-compliance with mandatory setbacks. In the economic analysis, regularization costs for a reference residential model of 60 mଶ (based on Social Interest Housing standards) were estimated using administrative fees, documentation expenses, and technical project fees, revealing that the financial impact represents a significant burden relative to household income. Findings also indicate that 72.6% of participants believed regularization would bring benefits, while 100% expressed interest in participating in public programs featuring reduced fees, free technical assistance, and accessible digital guidance through institutional communication platforms. It is concluded that financial constraints, lack of procedural knowledge, and administrative barriers are the primary obstacles to regularization, highlighting the relevance of measures aimed at streamlining procedures, tax relief, expanding public technical assistance (ATHIS), and leveraging digital communication strategies.