President Luis Abinader issued Decree No. 396-25, officially approving the Implementation Regulations for Law No. 368-22 on Territorial Planning, Land Use, and Human Settlements. This marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to foster integrated and balanced municipal development across the Dominican Republic.
The announcement was made by Antoliano Peralta Romero, legal consultant to the Executive Branch. He highlighted the collaborative process behind the regulation, which saw input from various government institutions, including the ministries of the Presidency, Tourism, and Housing and Buildings. The draft, initially prepared by the Vice Ministry of Territorial Planning and Regional Development within the Ministry of Economy, underwent a public review and was extensively discussed in a process spearheaded by the Legal Consultancy of the Executive Branch.
Beyond government entities, the development of the regulation also involved representatives from municipal associations and business sectors that will be impacted by the new rules.
One of the most notable aspects of this new regulation is the mandate for local governments to design and approve territorial planning schemes. This will streamline land use management within municipal boundaries. It also requires municipal urban planning offices to grant authorization for infrastructure projects only if they are compatible with the specific land types in each municipality.
For areas designated for tourism development, the regulation introduces a dual approval process. Projects will now require not only a land use permit from the local government but also a non-objection certification from the Ministry of Tourism to ensure viability.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Hacienda and Economy has been designated as the authority responsible for certifying which municipal districts meet the requirements of Paragraph I of Article 24 of Law No. 368-22 for land use management within their respective territories.
Both Law No. 368-22 on Territorial Planning and its new Implementation Regulations are initiatives championed by President Abinader’s administration. They aim to promote the comprehensive and balanced development of municipalities through strategic planning and participatory land use management. The ultimate goal is to align development with the potential, expectations, and aspirations of local populations, ensuring improved quality of life for all residents.
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Presidency
N Digital
El Nacional
23 July 2025