In a global scenario where socio-environmental sustainability is urgent, environmental licensing emerges as a crucial regulatory tool to mitigate impacts on nature resulting from economic activities. In Brazil, the institutionalization of this legal tool occurred with the creation of Federal Law No. 6,938/81, with its competence subsequently decentralized by Complementary Law No. 140/2011, enabling its concession by federal, state, and municipal bodies. The main objective of the research is to describe in detail the environmental licensing process in Itapetinga-BA, demonstrating how this specific case aligns with broader environmental policies. In this context, a documentary analysis of reports, regulations, technical opinions, and official documents available at the Environmental Control and Licensing Division of Itapetinga-BA was carried out. Therefore, this article can be considered a case study. These documents were analyzed using the content analysis technique, providing an in-depth view of the evolution of Itapetinga's environmental licensing over the years. As a result, the procedural analysis of the environmental licensing flow in Itapetinga initially indicated limited effectiveness, later progressing to a phase of greater compliance with national and international environmental standards. This study highlights the administrative structuring and implementation of local environmental policies by global governance guidelines. The need for continuous improvement in environmental management is highlighted, emphasizing the strengthening of the municipal environmental council, technical training of professionals, and the establishment of strategic partnerships.