Residents on some roads between Mijas and Fuengirola are set to see better-maintained road markings after the two councils agreed to work together on streets shared by both councils.

The four-year agreement, which can be extended for another four years, covers pedestrian crossings, road lines, painted symbols and other road markings. Fuengirola will carry out the work during 2026, starting on Sunday, October 4, on Calle La Union.

What makes the arrangement particularly interesting is the way the municipal boundary runs through some of these streets. In places, one side of a road can fall within Mijas while the opposite side belongs to Fuengirola. That means residents can be living on the same road while technically being subject to different different bylaws.

Local rules can change at the boundary

National laws obviously apply across both municipalities, but town halls have their own powers to regulate many aspects of everyday life, from public cleanliness and noise to the use of streets and other public spaces. One good example involves dogs.

Fuengirola dog-urine ordinance information

Mijas already requires owners to collect their pets’ little messages and dilute urine in public places. Police issued 12 reports for failing to collect dog waste or dilute urine during enforcement operations in February 2026, while earlier municipal guidance said owners must carry water for the job.

Fuengirola has gone into more detail with its own rules. Its updated Citizen Coexistence Ordinance requires dog owners to carry a bottle and use water mixed with cleaning vinegar to dilute urine, with failure to clean up urine initially attracting a €100 fine. Minor offences under the ordinance can carry fines of up to €750.

Noise and DIY rules can differ too

Noise is another area where residents need to look at local regulations rather than assuming that every Costa del Sol town has identical rules. Mijas sets specific quiet periods for noisy building and gardening work. Its rules prohibit noisy building work from 8pm to 8am on weekdays, from 3pm Saturday until Monday morning, and on Sundays and public holidays, although some gardening work is permitted between 10am and 3pm on Sundays and public holidays.

Fuengirola has its own municipal noise and vibration ordinance, covering domestic activities, building work, machinery, vehicles, businesses and behaviour in public places.

This side of the street, yes. That side, no

For people living or working on roads where Mijas meets Fuengirola, knowing exactly where the boundary lies can therefore matter for more than road markings.

A dog owner, DIY enthusiast or neighbour dealing with noise may find that the rules applying outside their front door depend on which side of the municipal line they are standing.

Circling and circling around hunting for a parking space is never a fun job when you just want to get on with your day. Now, Manilva’s town hall wants ease the problem with a a view to opening a brand new large car park, and at the same time, little ones may be treated to new way to cool off in summer too.

Underground car park would bring 600-plus spaces

Town planners at Manilva council have received a proposal for an underground car park with more than 600 spaces in the Corredor Verde. This route links Puerto de La Duquesa with El Castillo, the La Duquesa area. The idea is to meet the demand for parking that already exists in this part of the local area.

Nothing has yet been approved, but council technicians are studying the proposal, and their analysis is expected to finish within the next few weeks. If the plan clears that stage, the council intends to start the procedure for a licence under which a private company builds and runs a public facility.

A splash park for Plaza de la Amistad

Younger residents and families have good news of their own. Manilva is planning a water park for Plaza de la Amistad, close to Martin Carpena. Neighbours have been asking for new leisure options in the area, so with this in mind, the plan is to fill the square with water games, aimed especially at small children during the scorching hot summer months. Town hall representatives, visited the square to see the site first-hand and its potential.

Both projects could make daily life easier. A big underground car park to take some of the stress out of trips to the port, and a fresh fun water park would be a welcome treat for those summer days when the temperature climbs.