Para establecer la “Ley para Simplificar el Sistema de Permisos de Puerto Rico” a los fines de declarar como política pública que los procesos que rigen la emisión de permisos sean sencillos, de suerte que impulsen el desarrollo y el disfrute de la propiedad, sin desplazar nuestra responsabilidad de proteger nuestros recursos naturales; sustituir el Permiso Único por el Registro de Uso, el cual tendrá un carácter declarativo y se regirá por la Intensidad del Uso Propuesto, así como simplificar los permisos de construcción con la creación de Permiso de Construcción Integrado; enmendar los artículos 1.5, 2.3, 2.7, 7.3, 8.1, 8.3, 8.4B, 9.6, 9.9, 9.12 y eliminar el actual artículo 8.4A, de la la Ley Núm. 161-2009, según enmendada, conocida como Ley para la Reforma del Proceso de Permisos de Puerto Rico, ordenar reglamenatación aplicable y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill replaces single-permit system with declaration-based use registry to accelerate development approvals while maintaining environmental protections through intensity-based classifications.

Vista Pública: Salón Leopoldo Figueroa

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 1173 seeks to streamline Puerto Rico's permitting system by replacing the "Permiso Único" (Single Permit) with a simpler "Registro de Uso" (Use Registry) based on proposed use intensity, and introducing an "Integrated Construction Permit." The bill amends the 2009 Permitting Reform Law with multiple procedural modifications while maintaining environmental protections.

Why is this important

Permitting delays are a recognized barrier to development and property use in Puerto Rico, affecting both business investment and individual property owners. Streamlining these processes could accelerate economic activity and construction projects, though implementation details will determine whether environmental safeguards remain effective or become compromised.

Potential points of contention

Environmental oversight reduction: Converting from an approval-based "Permiso Único" to a declarative "Registro de Uso" may weaken environmental review mechanisms, potentially allowing projects to proceed with less scrutiny before issuance

"Intensity of Use" standard ambiguity: The criteria for classifying proposed use intensity are not detailed in the bill summary, creating uncertainty about which projects qualify for expedited registration versus traditional permits

Implementation and enforcement capacity: The bill orders new regulations but doesn't address whether Puerto Rico's permitting agencies have sufficient resources and staffing to administer a different system effectively