Regulation of platforms: distortions in urban planning and zoning in São Paulo

Abstract This article examines the impact of home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb on urban planning in São Paulo. Based on the hypothesis that the lack of specific regulation has contributed to urban and housing distortions, the study combines legislative analysis, both in Brazilian and foreign cities, with a literature review on territorial impacts. It argues that, even without systematized data for São Paulo, it is possible to identify evidence in the urban policy, specifically in the Urban Transformation Structuring Axes, incentivized mixed-use, zoning, and social housing. The comparison with international experiences highlights key aspects missing from Brazilian legislative initiatives. The article concludes that specific, data-driven regulation is essential to mitigate the negative impacts of these platforms on cities.