PERMITS MANAGEMENT OFFICE.

LEGAL AUTHORITY

Act No. 161 of December 1, 2009, known as the Law to Reform the Permit Process of Puerto Rico, repeals Act No. 76 of June 24, 1975, as amended, known as the Organic Law for Administration of Permits and Regulations, and creates the Permits Management Office, ascribed to the Planning Board.

MISSION

Offer trustworthy, agile and knowledgeable services to clients; services that contribute to the progress and development of Puerto Rico, facilitated by uniform, clear and objective regulations. At the same time, guarantee quality and consistency in the evaluation and processing of applications, through an efficient, integrated service system.


VISION

Be recognized across the world as an investment destination with an agile and efficient permit system.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The following organizational units compose the Permits Management Office:

  • Legal Affairs Division
  • Environmental Evaluation and Compliance Division
  • Permits Evaluation and Processing Division
  • Secretariat and Customer Service Division
  • Adjudication Board
  • Executive Director's Office

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

The Permits Management Office is located on Jos De Diego Avenue, Roberto Snchez Vilella Center, North Building, in San Juan.

PROGRAMMATIC STRUCTURE

POSITIONS FILLED

Authorized and Proposed Positions 2009 2010 2011 2012
Sept./08 Sept./09 Sept./10 Feb./11 Proj.

 

Total amount of positions 0 0 316 171 171

Data comes from the Agency's Certified Headcount Reports. Figures for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 were estimated during the budget formulation process.

PROGRAMS

Adjudication of Discretional Permits

Program Description

Evaluate and adjudicate requests for the reclassification of lands, location assessment, use variations in compliance with the requirements of planning regulations, exceptions, discretionary matters and variations in construction.

Customers

General population, housing developers, Puerto Rico government agencies that need an evaluation of a discretionary permit.

Human Resources

Authorized and Proposed Positions 2009 2010 2011 2012

Managerial,Technical, Administrative, and Office Staff 0 0 0 3
Total, Positions 0 0 0 3

General Management and Administration

Program Description

Establishes institutional policies related to the implementation of regulations and norms related to land use and public and private construction. Also offers other direct services to clientele.


Statistical Data 2010 2011 2012

 

Advise 0 72 80
Affidavits 0 25 30
Contempt applications 0 50 40
Court appearance and other 0 562 400
Customers served 0 420 500
General mail 0 1,670 1,700
Hearings 0 1,558 1,600
Injunction preparation 0 91 0
Lawsuits filed 0 66 30
Memorandum of appearance 0 300 250
Orders issued 0 200 250
Permanent cessation order 0 11 0
Visual inspections 0 10 7

The statistical data was provided by the Agency during the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 budget formulation process.

Customers

Consist of the programs that integrate the Permits Management Office, as well as citizens who request review and orientation about the Office's decisions.

Human Resources

Authorized and Proposed Positions 2009 2010 2011 2012

Managerial,Technical, Administrative, and Office Staff 0 0 45 16
Other staff 0 0 34 4
Total, Positions 0 0 79 20

Environmental Compliance Assessment

Program Description

Determines environmental compliance of all actions subject to an environmental impact analysis, as dictated by the Environmental Public Policy of Puerto Rico Act, Act No. 416 of September 2004, as amended. Also evaluates Green Permit applications, through categorical exclusions, granted for projects or edifications that comply with the green design guides.

Statistical Data 2010 2011 2012

 

Environmental documents evaluated 0 2,850 5,700

The statistical data was provided by the Agency during the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 budget formulation process.

Customers

General population, housing developers, and government agencies.

Human Resources

Authorized and Proposed Positions 2009 2010 2011 2012

Managerial,Technical, Administrative, and Office Staff 0 0 0 10
Total, Positions 0 0 0 10

Permits evaluation and processing

Program Description

Evaluates permit applications, central and regional location assessments, changes of classifications and environmental documents. Is responsible for making final decisions and issuing: permits, fire prevention certificates, and health ambiance and environment compliance certificates.

Statistical Data 2010 2011 2012

 

Advertising 0 77 84
Amendments to construction plans (URB) 0 2 3
Bills 0 1,446 1,589
Construction permit 0 5,347 5,882
Construction permit (URB) 0 137 150
Construction waivers 0 406 446
Demolitions 0 343 378
Endorsements 0 437 480
Environmental amendment inquiries 0 3,780 4,158
General consultation on regulations 0 182 201
Horizontal property regime 0 48 53
Land movement 0 24 26
Land transactions 0 110 121
Model plans 0 127 140
Non substantial improvement inquiries 0 41 45
Preliminary developments 0 1,830 2,012
Registration plans (URB) 0 749 824
Segregation for funding 0 50 55
Services authorizations 0 4,481 4,929
Signs 0 698 768
Signs worker 0 10 11
Simple subdivision 0 2,717 2,988
Special consultation 0 70 77
Special projects 0 2 3
Subdivisions registration plans 0 1,975 2,173
Temporary use permit 0 2,179 2,397
Use permits 0 13,759 15,135

The statistical data was provided by the Agency during the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 budget formulation process.

Customers

General population, housing developers and government of Puerto Rico agencies.

Human Resources

Authorized and Proposed Positions 2009 2010 2011 2012

Managerial,Technical, Administrative, and Office Staff 0 0 158 87
Other staff 0 0 79 0
Total, Positions 0 0 237 87

Customer Service

Program Description

Implements and manages all the necessary processes to offer services that meet our client's satisfaction, according to established codes. The program will include service representatives, call center and agents, who will be committed to a quality experience.

Customers

General population, housing developers and agencies of the government of Puerto Rico.

Human Resources

Authorized and Proposed Positions 2009 2010 2011 2012

Managerial,Technical, Administrative, and Office Staff 0 0 0 50
Other staff 0 0 0 1
Total, Positions 0 0 0 51

FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012 ADOPTED BUDGET

The adopted consolidated budget for fiscal year 2011-2012 ascends to $15,558,000. The funds include: $2,789,000 originating from the Joint Resolution - General Fund, $216,000 from Special Appropriations - General Fund and $12,553,000 from State Special Funds.

Operational Expenses reflect a decrease of $1,066,000, compared to the funds assigned for fiscal year 2010-2011. This is due to a reduction in payroll resulting from the implementation of an early retirement program and other cost control measures.

The funds from the Joint Resolution - General Fund will cover operating expenses of the Agency. In addition, a Special Appropriations - General Fund is included for the payment of the perpetual agreement to the Municipality of Ponce.

The State Special Fund is generated from fees collected for services and permit rights; according to Act No. 161 of December 1, 2009, known as the Law to Reform the Permit Process in Puerto Rico. These funds are used to cover the operational expenses of the Agency.

SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES

Consolidated Budget  (thousands $) 2009 2010 2011 2012

 

Program  
Operational Expenses Actual Actual Budget Adopted
Adjudication of Discretional Permits 0 0 518 983
Customer Service 0 0 3,956 4,402
Environmental Compliance Assessment 0 0 779 731
General Management and Administration 0 0 3,633 3,115
Permits evaluation and processing 0 0 7,738 6,327
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 0 0 16,624 15,558
Total, Program 0 0 16,624 15,558
 
Funding Sources  
Operational Expenses  
Joint Resolution - General Fund 0 0 865 2,789
Special Appropriations - General Fund 0 0 0 216
State Special Funds 0 0 13,413 12,553
Local Stabilization Fund 0 0 2,346 0
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 0 0 16,624 15,558
Total, Funding Sources 0 0 16,624 15,558
 
Expense Category  
Operational Expenses  
Payroll and Related Expenses 0 0 12,179 12,025
Rent and Utilities 0 0 1,242 1,242
Purchased Services 0 0 2,093 1,135
Donations, Subsidies, and Distributions 0 0 48 0
Transportation Expenses 0 0 271 271
Professional Services 0 0 180 178
Other Expenses 0 0 272 271
Non Distributed Allocations 0 0 2 216
Equipment Purchases 0 0 141 40
Office Supplies and other Materials 0 0 167 141
Advertising and Media Expenses 0 0 29 39
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 0 0 16,624 15,558
Total, Expense Category 0 0 16,624 15,558

SUMMARY OF RESOURCES BY PROGRAM

Adjudication of Discretional Permits

Budget (thousands $) 2009 2010 2011 2012

 

Funding Sources  
Operational Expenses  
Joint Resolution - General Fund 0 0 62 220
Local Stabilization Fund 0 0 160 0
State Special Funds 0 0 296 763
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 0 0 518 983
Total, Funding Sources 0 0 518 983
 
Expense Category  
Operational Expenses  
Payroll and Related Expenses 0 0 414 883
Rent and Utilities 0 0 16 16
Purchased Services 0 0 10 10
Transportation Expenses 0 0 3 3
Professional Services 0 0 15 15
Other Expenses 0 0 26 26
Equipment Purchases 0 0 2 0
Office Supplies and other Materials 0 0 28 28
Advertising and Media Expenses 0 0 4 2
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 0 0 518 983
Total, Expense Category 0 0 518 983
 

General Management and Administration

Budget (thousands $) 2009 2010 2011 2012

 

Funding Sources  
Operational Expenses  
Joint Resolution - General Fund 0 0 145 470
Local Stabilization Fund 0 0 377 0
Special Appropriations - General Fund 0 0 0 216
State Special Funds 0 0 3,111 2,429
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 0 0 3,633 3,115
Total, Funding Sources 0 0 3,633 3,115
 
Expense Category  
Operational Expenses  
Payroll and Related Expenses 0 0 2,834 2,180
Rent and Utilities 0 0 37 37
Purchased Services 0 0 314 364
Donations, Subsidies, and Distributions 0 0 48 0
Transportation Expenses 0 0 90 90
Professional Services 0 0 31 31
Other Expenses 0 0 107 107
Non Distributed Allocations 0 0 0 216
Equipment Purchases 0 0 114 40
Office Supplies and other Materials 0 0 54 28
Advertising and Media Expenses 0 0 4 22
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 0 0 3,633 3,115
Total, Expense Category 0 0 3,633 3,115
 

Environmental Compliance Assessment

Budget (thousands $) 2009 2010 2011 2012

 

Funding Sources  
Operational Expenses  
Joint Resolution - General Fund 0 0 95 339
Local Stabilization Fund 0 0 247 0
State Special Funds 0 0 437 392
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 0 0 779 731
Total, Funding Sources 0 0 779 731
 
Expense Category  
Operational Expenses  
Payroll and Related Expenses 0 0 643 600
Rent and Utilities 0 0 25 25
Purchased Services 0 0 23 23
Transportation Expenses 0 0 3 3
Professional Services 0 0 21 21
Other Expenses 0 0 29 29
Equipment Purchases 0 0 3 0
Office Supplies and other Materials 0 0 29 29
Advertising and Media Expenses 0 0 3 1
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 0 0 779 731
Total, Expense Category 0 0 779 731
 

Permits evaluation and processing

Budget (thousands $) 2009 2010 2011 2012

 

Funding Sources  
Operational Expenses  
Joint Resolution - General Fund 0 0 375 1,208
Local Stabilization Fund 0 0 1,189 0
State Special Funds 0 0 6,174 5,119
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 0 0 7,738 6,327
Total, Funding Sources 0 0 7,738 6,327
 
Expense Category  
Operational Expenses  
Payroll and Related Expenses 0 0 4,563 4,180
Rent and Utilities 0 0 1,124 1,124
Purchased Services 0 0 1,693 686
Transportation Expenses 0 0 168 168
Professional Services 0 0 67 66
Other Expenses 0 0 66 65
Equipment Purchases 0 0 17 0
Office Supplies and other Materials 0 0 30 30
Advertising and Media Expenses 0 0 10 8
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 0 0 7,738 6,327
Total, Expense Category 0 0 7,738 6,327
 

Customer Service

Budget (thousands $) 2009 2010 2011 2012

 

Funding Sources  
Operational Expenses  
Joint Resolution - General Fund 0 0 188 552
Local Stabilization Fund 0 0 373 0
State Special Funds 0 0 3,395 3,850
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 0 0 3,956 4,402
Total, Funding Sources 0 0 3,956 4,402
 
Expense Category  
Operational Expenses  
Payroll and Related Expenses 0 0 3,725 4,182
Rent and Utilities 0 0 40 40
Purchased Services 0 0 53 52
Transportation Expenses 0 0 7 7
Professional Services 0 0 46 45
Other Expenses 0 0 44 44
Non Distributed Allocations 0 0 2 0
Equipment Purchases 0 0 5 0
Office Supplies and other Materials 0 0 26 26
Advertising and Media Expenses 0 0 8 6
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 0 0 3,956 4,402
Total, Expense Category 0 0 3,956 4,402