Last year in Costa Rica, permits were processed to build 3.03 million square meters, 13% less than the 3.49 million square meters reported in 2017.
From the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses report:
In 2018, there was a decrease in the number of works (-0.52 %), area (-13.4 %) and value (-5.5 %) compared to 2017. This behavior was most marked in the province of Cartago, followed by San José; in the provinces that show growth, Alajuela and Heredia stand out.
Since October 2017, constructions whose coverage exceeds 20% of the land must submit a hydrogeological study.
The entry into force of the Generic Matrix for the Protection of Aquifers has generated doubts about what the projects that must comply with the presentation of the hydrogeological study really are.On the one hand, the guide indicates that constructions which have a coverage of land equal to or less than 20% of the area will not need the study, and on the other hand, representatives of the National Service of Underground Waters of Irrigation and Drainage (Senara), suggest a different interpretation.
The union of builders is opposed to the decision taken by the Mayor of Panama, which would represent an "increase in rates of up to 328%, depending on the cost of the building permit."
From a statement issued by the Panamanian Chamber of Construction:
A warning was given by the Panamanian Chamber of Construction (CAPAC) to the City Mayor, Jose Blandon, stating that "strong action" will be taken if he signs and promulgates the new agreement to increase the municipal tax rate,
Now, in addition, an inquiry must be made at the National Committee of Protected Areas to determine if a construction project is within a protected sector.
The headache of getting a construction license in Guatemala will get worse now that a new process has been added to the list. In addition to the 13 agencies that must "rule " whether or not a permission can be granted, Government Agreement 20-2016 by the Ministry of Environment, establishes in Article 13 a new requirement for the construction sector: a consultation with the National Committee on Protected areas (CONAP), said Jorge Benavides, research associate of the Foundation for the Development of Guatemala to Republica.gt.
The new head of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources believes it is illogical to reduce the cost of an environmental permit from $3,000 to $6 per, which would be applied with the entry into force of a new regulation in May.
Government Agreement 20-2016 published on January 12 in the official newspaper, La Gaceta, makes official the new rules for granting environmental licenses that will apply from May.
Employers are demanding a one-stop shop service for issuing building permits, in order to avoid the ordeal of visiting 18 state institutions, and also the streamlining of tax collection.
Guatemala ranks 106 in the world in terms of ease of obtaining building permits, according to the World Bank. Data from the Guatemalan Chamber of Construction (CGC) reveals that the current backlog of projects awaiting approval amounts to about 2.6 million square meters of construction work, processes which represents for the State lost revenue of up to Q2.145.000 ($277 million) through IVA , ISR, USI, payments to municipalities and for licenses.
The measure will be maintained until an infrastructure report is prepared in the district to develop a proper urban planning strategy.
The Directorate of Works and Construction at the Municipality of Panama will not be able to temporarily approve building permits in the district of San Francisco. The decision was taken by the City Council after receiving complaints from residents about construction projects that did not comply with safety, environmental, maritime and health standards, La Prensa reported. The measure will apply until the authorities have made a report on the entire infrastructure of the township.
The failed attempt to acquire a building which has already been constructed in order to reduce spending on rents, could lead to the start of a process to build one specifically designed for its needs.
The Comptroller General's Office refused the permission requested by the Ministry of Finance to buy the office complex 'El Tobogán', for $121 million, citing lack of market research.
Projections for 2015 include construction of 7 residential and 11 commercial developments in the southwest and northwest areas of the city, estimated at $133 million.
Compared to 2013 figures, the Department of Urban Planning in San Pedro Sula reported a 60% increase in building permits requested for construction of residential and commercial projects.
Construction companies say there are projects worth $630 million affected by delays in processing permits in Panama City, one of the areas of greatest investment.
The Mayor of Panama recognizes the problem and argues that delays in granting building permits are due to a restructuring which is being carried out on the system.
Deputy Mayor, Raisa Banfield told Revistamyt.com that "...
In Panama entities applying for a license to build a power plant must provide a deposit worth 10% of the investment required.
The National Authority for Public Services has announced several changes to the processes for requesting a license for the construction and operation of plants generating electricity. Other changes detailed in the resolution state that in the case of a deadline not being met, the licensee will lose its deposit.
With a new system, the authorities promise to reduce the time for granting environmental permits from 70 to 49 days for high-impact projects, and 20-16 for mild impact ones.
According to a statement issued by the Salvadoran authorities, the new System of Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) "... will speed up and reduce waiting times for the issuance of Environmental Permits by up to 30%.
The total number of square meters of construction sites authorized in the first nine months of the year in the municipalities of the metropolitan area increased by 8.9% compared to the same period in 2013.
From January to September of this year authorization was given for the construction of 1.6 million square meters of buildings, similar to that reported in 2013 which was for 1.8 million square meters, in other words, it is expected that by the end of 2014 an increase in the amount of construction will be reported.
Between October 2013 and September 2014 permits to build 53,827 square meters of hotels were processed, 21% more than in the same period in 2012-2013.
The county of Garabito in the province of Puntarenas, has performed best, as of the total amount of building permits requested for hotel projects in the country, this canton has an 18% share, with a total of 13,455 square meters processed.
The industry claims that the law streamlining procedures is not being implemented in all institutions involved in the permitting process.
The law which aims to reduce the time it takes to gain authorization for medium and long term real estate projects from 880 days to 175 days, is not being applied equally by state entities.
Carlos Guerrero, president of the Salvadoran Chamber of Construction (Casalco) said in an article on Laprensagrafica.com ".... 'Importance has not been given to this law. There are many (government) institutions that are not complying with it.'"