El Salvador Construction New Directorate of Territorial Planning and Construction

Creation of a new autonomous agency responsible for issuing permits will streamline construction approvals for U.S. companies operating in or seeking to establish a presence in El Salvador.  

On October 16, 2024, the Legislative Assembly approved the Law for the Creation of the Directorate of Territorial Planning and Construction, which creates an entity responsible for granting construction permits for all projects over 250 square meters outside the San Salvador metropolitan area and its historic city center, as these districts already have a planning authority.  The Directorate of Territorial Planning and Construction (DOT) will centralize permits previously issued by municipalities and seven government agencies, including the Ministry of Environment and Culture, Water Authority, and Fire Department.  
Additionally, the DOT will dictate territorial planning and land use policies, as well as draft necessary implementing regulations.  The DOT will also manage the Registry of Professionals and Construction and Urban Development Service Providers, requiring all professionals and companies dedicated to the design and construction of works and environmental impact and heritage studies to register.
The DOT is set to begin operations on March 5, 2025.  A full copy of the law is available in the Official Gazette: Date of Publication: October 28, 2024. 

For more information, contact the U.S. Commercial Service Office in San Salvador at office.sansalvador@trade.gov.