Land use regulations and rights to the city: squatter settlements in Recife, Brazil

This article reports on innovative elements in land use policy and zoning regulations which are being implemented in Recife, Brazil, notably with reference to the creation of zones (so-called Zeis) which recognize favelas as part of the city. It argues that the implementation of Zeis constitutes a considerable step towards the recognition of the social rights of favela dwellers to the city. By describing the process through which Zeis have been put into practice the article indicates how Zeis challenge an established social and legal paradigm and constitute a move towards the creation of a new system of property rights.