The Senate has introduced a new bill to reform the permitting process in Puerto Rico, which will replace previous legislative measures presented by Governor Jenniffer González Colón and Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz. The proposed reform, known as the 'proyecto sustitutivo', aims to simplify procedures, establish clear rules, reduce bureaucracy, and strengthen mechanisms for oversight and compliance.
Rivera Schatz explained that the reform seeks to address the real problems faced by citizens, professionals, and businesses in Puerto Rico, and to transform a system that has been marked by bureaucracy, uncertainty, and delays. The proposal was developed through a legislative evaluation process that included public hearings, technical analysis, and consultations with professionals and representatives from various sectors.
The bill proposes to consolidate existing laws and regulations into a single code, replacing the current permitting system with a registration system that allows authorized activities to begin with a declaration, subject to oversight and compliance. It also establishes a consolidated construction permit, a digital file for each project, and defined terms for the government to process applications.
Additionally, the proposal includes exemptions for certain residential renovations and reconstructions, and strengthens the responsibility of authorized professionals through self-certification, audits, inspections, and sanctions for non-compliance. The Senate President highlighted the importance of clear rules and uniform application, stating that the government’s responsibility is to facilitate compliance with the law, not to create obstacles. Various professional and economic organizations, including the Asociación de Constructores de Puerto Rico and the Cámara de Comercio de Puerto Rico, participated in the development of the proposal and presented their observations and recommendations.