In terms of heritage, the Historic Centre of San Sebastián is considered as a place of special relevance and uniqueness. This is because there is a significant number of architectural elements of special value and importance within its limits which contextualise the historical evolution of the city and its inhabitants: in its urban centre, there is part of the original founding hub of the city (catalogued as a cultural interest asset) as well as a there being a significant number of buildings with a certain heritage value.
The passage of time (almost 20 years) since the approval of the PEPRI (Special Plan for Interior Protection and Renovation) made it necessary to modify said plan to adapt it to newer laws (especially to the Law on the Historical Heritage of the Canary Islands) and to update it based on actions already carried out.
The objective of this Special Plan was to update and adapt the instrument for the preservation, conservation, and rehabilitation of historical heritage, establishing the basic constraints for regulation (building uses, building types, conservation criteria, consolidation, restoration, rehabilitation, and remodelling). Likewise, to update the Catalogue for the Protection of Architectural Heritage and Urban Spaces and Environments to correct any formal or aesthetic deficiencies that are observed in the buildings catalogued and which go against the heritage values under which said buildings were protected.