The country would have seven types of buildings, whose locations would be assigned according to the soil classification, as stipulated by law.
SANTO DOMINGO.- If the Law on Territorial Planning, Land Use and Human Settlements is enacted, new constructions may not compromise environmental sustainability by replacing areas of mangroves or coastal-marine ecosystems, mountains and caves with buildings intended for residential, tourist, commercial use, among others.
Also unsuitable are spaces that have green areas required according to the population that permanently inhabits them; where housing density affects the use of facilities and public space in existing urban areas.
Construction will not be permitted in territories that destroy cultural heritage assets, especially in natural and rural areas, areas that may be urbanized, and urban areas that may be renovated or rehabilitated.
Buildings will not be permitted in places where there is a probability of flooding, landslides, or any condition that constitutes a danger to the life and property of people.
The construction must guarantee the continuity of the road network and service infrastructure with adjacent or contiguous land.
The Law on Territorial Planning, Land Use and Human Settlements was approved by the Senate of the Republic, although prior to its promulgation it must be reviewed by the plenary of both legislative chambers, since the approval in the Senate was limited to the proposal presented by the Bicameral Commission that reviewed the document and made modifications and contributions to it.
Eight criteria will govern the allocation of urbanized areas, should the law be enacted. In addition to the aforementioned criteria, buildings may not be erected in locations that affect agricultural land, increase vulnerability levels by constructing buildings in ravines and streams filled in for that purpose, or are near geological faults, ancient riverbeds, landslide areas, or areas prone to marine or river flooding.
Types of buildings
The country would have seven types of buildings, whose locations would be assigned according to the soil classification, as stipulated by law.
The PMOT, Municipal Territorial Planning Plan, would be the qualified body to define the classification and qualification of land use, as well as the permitted occupation in each case.
Residential is the first type of construction that would apply, when the main activity is intended for individual or collective housing buildings.
In the case of commercial buildings, they will be allowed when the predominant activity carried out in a property in an urbanized area refers to the purchase and sale of goods and services.
Institutional buildings should be for the following sectors: health, education, culture, government, justice, among others.
For tourism, when the activity is dedicated to free time, leisure, contemplation, enjoyment of natural and cultural attractions and recreation.
There is also the recreational property classification for sports, cultural or leisure buildings.
Industrial activity represents number six and must be located in places where it does not alter the quality of life of individuals or the ecological functions of the territory; and finally, mixed constructions when more than two activities are developed.
