Para enmendar el inciso (t) del Artículo 3 de la Ley Núm. 75 de 24 de junio de 1975, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley Orgánica de la Junta de Planificación de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de expandir y actualizar la definición de “terreno” para atemperarla a las realidades contemporáneas, incluyendo aspectos de sostenibilidad ambiental, usos multifuncionales y consideraciones tecnológicas; añadir los incisos (x), (y) y (z) al mismo Artículo 3 para incorporar definiciones de “zona rural”, “zona de reserva natural” y “zona protegida”, respectivamente, con el propósito de fortalecer el marco regulatorio de planificación urbana y ambiental, promover la conservación de recursos naturales y facilitar una gestión territorial más equitativa y adaptada a los desafíos actuales; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico expands land-use planning definitions to incorporate sustainability, environmental protection, and new zone classifications (rural, natural reserve, protected) for modernized territorial management.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 910 amends Puerto Rico's Planning Board Organic Law by expanding the definition of "land" to include environmental sustainability, multifunctional uses, and technological considerations. It also adds three new definitions: "rural zone," "natural reserve zone," and "protected zone" to strengthen the urban and environmental planning regulatory framework.

Why is this important

These definitional updates modernize Puerto Rico's land-use planning laws to address contemporary challenges like climate change, sustainable development, and natural resource conservation. The changes could significantly affect how the Planning Board evaluates development projects and how land is classified and protected across the island.

Potential points of contention

Development vs. Conservation: Expanding "land" definitions to include multifunctional uses could either promote sustainable mixed-use development or potentially weaken protections for environmentally sensitive areas depending on implementation.

Rural and Protected Zone Conflicts: New zone classifications may create overlapping jurisdictions or restrict property rights in ways that affect landowners, agricultural interests, and local municipalities who may feel their autonomy is diminished.

Vagueness of Terms: The bill references "contemporary realities" and "current challenges" without precise specifications, potentially giving the Planning Board broad discretionary power that could lead to inconsistent application or legal challenges.