What is an urban planning certificate?

An urban planning certificate is a document that contains relevant information about a specific area or piece of land in terms of its urban use and development. It is issued by the municipal or departmental authority in charge of urban planning and management in a city or region.

The urban planning certificate is an important document for any person or company interested in investing in a specific land or area, as it provides relevant and updated information on the urban use and development of the area. In addition, the cédula can serve as a requirement to obtain the necessary permits to develop real estate or commercial projects in the area. If you have any questions regarding this, our law firm can help you.

What information does an urban planning certificate have to contain?

The urban planning certificate may include information on the following aspects:

• Zoning of the area: this refers to the classification of the area according to the permitted land uses and the corresponding restrictions.
• Permitted building levels: refers to the maximum height of buildings permitted in the area.
• Access to public services: refers to the availability of basic services such as drinking water, sewage, electricity, transport, among others.
• Limitations or restrictions: refers to prohibitions or restrictions imposed on certain activities or projects in the area, such as the construction of tall buildings, commercial activities, etc.

Who issues the urban planning certificate?

The urban planning certificate is issued by the municipal or departmental authority in charge of urban planning and management in a city or region. This may vary depending on the country or jurisdiction, but in general, it is the department or secretariat of urban planning or the institute of territorial planning that is in charge of issuing the cédula urbanística.

The entity in charge of issuing the  urban planning certificate must have up-to-date and accurate information on zoning, permitted land uses, limitations, restrictions and other relevant characteristics of urban areas. The urban planning certificate is issued as an official document that serves to make known the urban conditions of the area in question and is a requirement for the application for permits and authorisations for the development of projects in the area.

Advantages of applying for an urban planning certificate

Applying for an urban planning certificate has several advantages for any person or company interested in investing in a specific piece of land or area. Some of these advantages are:

1. It provides relevant and updated information on the use and urban development of the area: The urban planning certificate contains information on the zoning of the area, permitted levels of construction, access to public services, limitations and restrictions imposed in the area, among other important characteristics. This makes it possible to know the possibilities and limitations of the land or area in question.
2. It makes it easier to obtain permits and authorisations: The urban planning certificate is a requirement for obtaining permits and authorisations for the development of real estate or commercial projects in the area. Having a cédula can streamline the permitting process and reduce the time and cost associated with permitting.
3. Allows for a more accurate cost-benefit assessment of the project: The information contained in the urban planning certificate allows for a more accurate assessment of the costs and benefits associated with the intended project. This allows more informed decisions to be made and reduces the risk associated with the investment.
4. It helps to avoid penalties and fines: Lack of information or ignorance of the limitations and restrictions imposed in the area can lead to penalties and fines by local authorities. By having the urban planning certificate, such situations can be avoided.

Disadvantages of applying for the urban planning certificate

Although the urban planning certificate has several advantages, there are also some disadvantages or limitations to consider when applying for it, among which we can mention:

1. Cost: In some cases, there may be a cost associated with applying for an urban planning certificate. This cost may vary depending on the entity in charge of issuing the certificate and the complexity of the case.
2. Time: As mentioned above, the process of obtaining the urban planning certificate can take time, which can delay project implementation or investment in the area.
3. Time constraints: The information contained in the urban planning certificate may be subject to changes over time, such as changes in regulations or in the urban development plan, which may limit its usefulness in the long term.
4. Limitations on the information: The urban planning certificate provides important information on the use and development of the area, but there may be other factors that are not included in the urban planning certificatethat may affect the project or investment in the area. Therefore, it is important to consider the additional information needed before making an investment decision.

How long does an urban planning report take?

The time taken for an urban planning report can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the availability of information and the workload of the entity in charge of issuing the report. In general, the time for issuing a zoning report can range from a few weeks to several months.

In some cases, the responsible entity may offer online or electronic processing services, which may speed up the process of issuing the report. In other cases, it may be necessary to make field visits or consult with different entities, which may prolong the process.

It is important to note that in order to obtain an urban planning report, it is necessary to have the necessary information and documents required by the entity in charge of issuing the report. Therefore, it is advisable to do prior research and gather the necessary documentation before requesting the report to avoid unnecessary delays.