House speaker calls 17-year wait for permitting reform ‘unacceptable’
Senate-approved measures head to lower chamber
By THE STAR STAFF
Speaker of the House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez said this week that Puerto Rico can no longer tolerate lengthy delays in its permitting system, following Senate approval of two measures aimed at overhauling the island’s permit process.
The Senate recently passed Senate Bill 1173 and Substitute Measure 1183, legislative proposals that seek to modernize the permitting framework governing residential improvements, affordable housing projects and the establishment of small businesses. He said the House will begin evaluating the measures once they are formally transmitted to the chamber.
“The Senate evaluated and approved Senate Bill 1173 and Substitute Measure 1183, measures that contain changes to the current permitting system and include amendments suggested by minority lawmakers who contributed to the process,” Méndez said in a written statement. “Waiting months or even years for a permit to make improvements to a home, develop affordable housing projects or establish a microbusiness is simply not acceptable.”
The House speaker argued that shortcomings in the permitting process continue to hinder economic growth and entrepreneurship across the island.
“Our people, as well as small and medium-sized businesses, cannot reach their full development potential without a true reform of the permitting system,” he said. “The private sector, not the government, is what generates capital and economic development in Puerto Rico.”
Méndez added that “17 years have elapsed since the Permitting Reform Act took effect, and despite efforts to expedite procedures, particularly through executive orders signed since 2025, the system still has not been brought in line with the reality of Puerto Rico in the third decade of the 21st century.”
The House speaker said the permitting issue carries significant public interest, prompting the lower chamber to undertake a detailed review of the legislation before determining its next steps.
“These are extensive bills,” he said, “and we will not outline a specific course of action until that evaluation is completed.”
The Senate measures represent the latest effort to address longstanding concerns over permitting delays that have impacted homeowners, developers and business owners seeking approvals for construction, investments and economic development projects across Puerto Rico. Legislative leaders say the House review will determine whether the proposed reforms move forward in the current legislative session.
