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RCC 358

Para ordenar al Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas y a la Autoridad de Carreteras y Transportación a elaborar, adoptar e implantar un reglamento uniforme para regular la utilización de espacios adyacentes a carreteras estatales, avenidas, marginales, servidumbres y paseos con fines comerciales por parte de pequeños y medianos comerciantes y vendedores ambulantes; establecer los parámetros mínimos que deberá contener dicho reglamento; armonizar dicho reglamento con la Ley 107-2020 mejor conocida como el “Código Municipal de Puerto Rico”; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Establish a single uniform regulation by DTOP and ACT governing commercial use of spaces adjacent to state roads, aligned with Law 107-2020, for small/medium vendors.

Vista Pública: Salón de Audiencias #1
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Bill Summary · RCC 358

Bill summary: RCC 358 (Session 2025-2028, Puerto Rico)

Main purpose and intent

RCC 358 seeks to require the Department of Transportation and Public Works (Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas, DTOP) and the Highways and Transportation Authority (Autoridad de Carreteras y Transportación, ACT) to develop, adopt, and implement a uniform regulation governing the use of spaces adjacent to state highways, avenues, marginal roads, servitudes, and promenades for commercial purposes by small and medium-sized merchants and street vendors. The bill aims to establish minimum standards for such regulation, harmonize the regulation with Puerto Rico’s Municipal Code (Law 107-2020), and address other related matters.

Key provisions and changes the bill would make

  • Regulatory mandate for adjacent spaces: DTOP and ACT would be required to create a single, uniform regulation governing how commercial activities may utilize spaces adjacent to state infrastructure (roads, rights-of-way, embankments, promenades, etc.).
  • Scope of regulated spaces: The regulation would cover spaces adjacent to state-maintained roads and related public right-of-ways used for commercial purposes by small and medium merchants and street vendors.
  • Commercial use by small/medium vendors: The rules would set parameters for allowing, managing, and potentially limiting commercial activities by smaller merchants and ambulant vendors in these spaces.
  • Minimum content parameters: The bill would specify the minimum elements that the regulation must contain, ensuring clarity on eligibility, operational requirements, safety, aesthetics, permits, compliance, and enforcement.
  • Harmonization with the Municipal Code: The regulation would be aligned with Law 107-2020 (the Puerto Rico Municipal Code), ensuring consistency between state-level standards and municipal governance and permitting processes.
  • Related provisions: The bill includes or contemplates other provisions necessary to implement the regulation and ensure coherent administration, enforcement, and oversight.

Who would be affected

  • State transportation agencies: DTOP and ACT would develop, implement, and oversee the new regulation.
  • Small and medium merchants and street vendors: Those who operate or seek to operate in spaces adjacent to state roads and right-of-ways could be subject to the regulation, permits, and related compliance requirements.
  • Municipal authorities and local governance: Given the harmonization with Law 107-2020, municipalities would participate in aligning permits, inspections, and enforcement with the state regulation.
  • Public canopies and users of space near roadways: General public impact includes changes to how commercial activities are permitted in adjacent spaces and any associated safety and visual standards.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Radication date: The bill was filed/radicated on June 3, 2026.
  • Implementation timeline (typical expectation): While not explicitly stated in the summary, such bills generally provide a phased timeline for regulation development, public consultation, approval by the legislature, and a schedule for phased implementation after enactment (e.g., 12–24 months to adopt the regulation, with various compliance deadlines for vendors and municipalities). The exact timeline would be determined in the bill’s final form and any accompanying fiscal/administrative provisions.
  • Intergovernmental coordination: The bill envisions coordination between state agencies (DTOP and ACT) and municipal authorities to ensure alignment with the Municipal Code.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Clarity and predictability: A uniform regulation could reduce fragmentation across municipalities and provide clearer procedures for vendors seeking to operate near state roadways.
  • Safety and aesthetics: Minimum content requirements are likely to address safety, accessibility, traffic impact, and visual standards to protect public interests.
  • Economic impact for vendors: Clear permits and standards could enable lawful operation for small and medium vendors, potentially increasing opportunities while imposing compliance costs.
  • Municipal-state collaboration: Harmonization with the Municipal Code aims to streamline regulatory processes and minimize conflicts between state and local authorities.

If you’d like, I can compare RCC 358’s anticipated framework with the existing Municipal Code provisions (Law 107-2020) and outline a side-by-side map of potential regulatory elements, permits, fees, and enforcement mechanisms once the bill’s text becomes available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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