Santiago approves its new PLOT to boost sustainable and planned development.
Authorities from the Miviot formally received the legal document that establishes the new guidelines for the construction and functional organization of the Veraguas district. However, those procedures currently in process will have a six-month period to adapt to the new technical parameters.
A significant change is that, from the entry into force of this plan, no more Territorial Ordering Schemes will be accepted. These measures seek to strengthen decentralization and provide local governments with the necessary tools for efficient and equitable territorial administration.
This new legal and technical instrument aims to guarantee orderly, sustainable, and planned development, adapted to the current growth needs of this region of the country.
A milestone in municipal planning The Secretary General of the Ministry of Housing and Land Use Planning (Miviot), Alcibiades Pinzón, formally received the document, highlighting that the PLOT is the result of a prolonged effort to modernize territorial management.
The plan replaces the old Regulatory Plan dating from 1978, establishing updated guidelines for land use and occupation in urban, rural, and environmental protection areas.
With a validity of 10 years, the document will serve as a guiding principle to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.
The structure of the norm is divided into three fundamental titles: the first covers the glossary and scope; the second details the urban regulations and land classifications (agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, among others); and the third establishes the final and transitional provisions for the implementation of the law.
Transition and new urban regulations With the entry into force of the PLOT, the graphic document becomes the essential guide for granting land use certificates, mandatory requirements for any construction in the district.
Schemes approved prior to the new regulations that have not yet started construction will have a two-year deadline to begin works; otherwise, they must be fully adjusted to the new PLOT regulations.
Regarding transitional provisions, the validity of previous project proposals and construction permits is recognized.
Santiago, Panama.- The Santiago district now officially has a Local Land Use Plan (PLOT), approved through municipal agreement No. 37 of December 23, 2025.
