By The Star Staff
A steering committee composed of experts from the construction industry that is under the direction of the Permits Management Office (OGPe by its acronym in Spanish) will start a review in January of Puerto Rico’s construction codes.
The codes review is part of a regular three-year cycle.
The process, established by Act 161-2009, seeks to update the existing family of codes by incorporating two new standards to continue innovating in construction practices and thus ensure that buildings are safer, resilient, sustainable and adapted to the specific needs and challenges of the island. The process is participatory, so the Construction Codes Committee invites all interested parties to subscribe through the following Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) email address: codigosdeconstruccion@ddec.pr.gov
“Continuing to streamline permits and construction projects on the island is essential for the development of Puerto Rico’s infrastructure, which, above all, must be safe and follow the proper construction codes,” DDEC Secretary Manuel Cidre Miranda said. “That is why the DDEC has spared no effort or resources to strengthen this important area, updating codes according to climate change and innovation in construction methods and materials.”
Félix Rivera, DDEC assistant secretary of OGPe, underscored the importance of continuously reviewing the island’s construction codes.
“Our codes are governed by the global construction standards of the International Code Council (ICC) and are adapted to the geography and atmospheric conditions of a Caribbean island,” Rivera said. “For us at OGPe, it is vital that construction and permits follow due process to guarantee safe and resistant structures built under current requirements.”
Lissette Rodríguez Tomasini, architect in training and assistant executive director of construction codes and technology at OGPe, added that the codes “are a valuable tool to ensure that structures in Puerto Rico are safe and sustainable for all.”
“Our commitment during each review stage is to incorporate the most recent lessons learned and technological advances to protect the lives and property of Puerto Ricans,” she said. “We invite the community to be part of the process, in order to generate construction standards that respond to local needs.”
The update seeks to facilitate structures that are more resistant to atmospheric events such as floods, earthquakes and strong winds; energy efficiency and sustainability; innovation in construction methods and materials capable of reducing insurance and maintenance costs in the long term; simplified implementation and compliance processes; and increased durability and value of properties for greater investment value.
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