The main aim of this paper is to reflect on how the urbanistic instruments contained in Municipal Law no 16.290/97 and in Federal Law n° 10.257 of 2001 – the Statute of the City -, when applied against a historical reality, can guarantee a sustainable and equitable urban development. The implementation of these laws has been a subject of widespread debate, with some arguing that they provide a necessary framework for urban planning, while others claim that they are overly restrictive and hinder economic growth. This paper seeks to provide a nuanced analysis of the role of these laws in shaping urban development, and to explore the potential consequences of their application. By examining the historical context in which these laws were enacted, and by analyzing the impact they have had on urban development, this paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between law, policy, and urban development. Ultimately, the goal of this paper is to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the ways in which municipal and federal laws can be used to promote sustainable and equitable urban development, and to identify areas for improvement in the implementation of these laws.