Carlos Bonilla, the institution's minister, stated that he will maintain zero tolerance towards construction outside of the regulations.
SANTO DOMINGO.–The Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (Mivhed)presented yesterday, Thursday, September 11, the new Construction Code of the Dominican Republic (CDCRD), with the purpose of strengthening the construction process in the country and raising its standards.
"This guide seeks to promote regulatory compliance and contribute to strengthening the national building system, providing clear guidance on the scope, structure and
principles of the Code," states the introduction to volume one of the document.
It includes two volumes on construction and several for plumbing and sanitary in buildings, electrical, recommendations for mechanical and architectural design.
According to a press release, the new code introduces innovations such as a continuous review scheme , the incorporation of new technical specifications , structural analysis methodologies, and the first seismic zoning map of the Dominican Republic , which will allow for the design of buildings with greater safety in the face of natural events.
Housing Minister Carlos Bonilla presents the new code. (External source).
It cites that among the main advantages of the compendium are uniformity in processes, greater public confidence, alignment with international standards and best engineering practices , as well as a reduction in costs and discretion in construction.
The implementation of the Dominican Republic's Building Code will be phased in, with a transition phase that includes education, dissemination, and technical assistance.
The Minister of Housing and Buildings, Carlos Bonilla, said that the new Construction Code constitutes “a State decision that puts the safety of people and the quality of the works at the center.”
Bonilla emphasized that the document will serve as a common reference for construction throughout the national territory, establishing a single standard that prioritizes both citizen security and the quality of the works.
“As a minister in President Luis Abinader’s government, I want to reaffirm something essential: in the Dominican Republic, the law is enforced. This code was created with the intention of being upheld. We will maintain zero tolerance for construction outside the established regulations and, at the same time, provide training and support for its effective implementation. There will be technical guides, training sessions, and consultation spaces to support professionals, developers, municipalities, condominium boards, and property owners,” he stated.
The official maintained that the Code does not simply represent a set of rules, but rather a commitment to rigor, transparency, and accountability in all construction projects in the country. He emphasized that it will serve as the common reference for construction throughout the nation, establishing a single standard that unifies criteria, streamlines processes, and provides verification mechanisms that reduce improvisation and discretion.
“The impact will be direct on daily life: clearer calculations and plans, strengthened inspections, materials with verifiable specifications, and a transparent process from design to completion. More safety, less risk. Higher quality, less uncertainty,” Bonilla noted.
The development of this code was carried out in several phases, includingtechnical review, public consultations, and outreach to key stakeholders in the nation's construction sector. With this presentation, the country enters the publication, training, and implementation phase, with a planned transition period of six to twelve months before the regulations are fully applied.
