Dealing with Construction Permits in
El Salvador
Listed below is detailed summary of the procedures, time and costs to build a warehouse —including obtaining necessary licenses and permits, completing required notifications and inspections and obtaining utility connections.
The information appearing on this page was collected as part of the Doing Business project, which measures and compares regulations relevant to the life cycle of a small- to medium-sized domestic business in 183 economies. The most recent round of data collection for the project was completed in June 2011.
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Building a warehouse
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Estimated Warehouse Value:
USD 479,081
- City: San Salvador
| No. |
Procedure |
Time to Complete |
Associated Costs |
| 1 |
Pay for construction line, site qualification, and zoning revision at Commercial Bank
According to Regulatory Order No5 as of 5 February 20008, Volume 378, published on
February 15, 2008 the official fee schedule for procedures has been updated.
The fee for obtaining a construction line, zone revision and site qualification is based on USD 0,11 sq. m.. If the procedure needs to be completed in fast track option it will cost twice. The total cost for fast track approval will be USD 204.38.
Agency: Commercial Bank
|
1 day
|
USD 204
|
| 2 |
Obtain Construction Line and Site Qualification
To request a construction line, BuildCo must present the deed of ownership and a topographical plan with geodesic coordinates. This is required to ensure that public works (street or highway) will not effect the land. The construction line is the document that defines the alignment of new construction with the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador (AMSS) road network. It describes the right of way, retract area, and transversal section of the road projects to be developed, or widening to be undertaken in the San Salvador metropolitan area. The document is valid for 12 months. For San Salvador, this document should be requested at the Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador (OPAMSS,); outside of this area, at the Municipal Authority or the Vice-Ministry of Housing.
The site or land qualification defines whether the proposed construction is allowed on that land for the use projected. The compatibility of land use is based on reference to the soil matrix, as defined in the General Plan of Zoning in force for AMSS, which indicates the requirements for project development. This document is valid for 12 months and should be requested from OPAMSS, the Municipal Authority, or the Vice-Ministry of Housing.
Time and cost have been calculated on the assumption that a special service was used so that documents can be obtained in half the time if a premium (double the cost) is paid. The silence-is-consent rule applies to this procedure. Approvals are granted automatically if the applicant does not hear from OPAMSS in 30 days.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador)
|
10 days
|
no charge
|
| 3 |
Obtain approval of Environmental Impact Study
The Environmental Impact Study is requested at the Ministry of Environment. Given the size of the project considered here, the regulatory institution would eliminate this requirement (at the ministry’s discretion).
Agency: Ministry of Environment
|
60 days
|
USD 2,046
|
| * 4 |
Obtain Zoning or Road Construction revision
The Zoning or Road Construction Revision should be requested from (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador, OPAMSS), the Municipal Authority, or the Vice-Ministry of Housing. The document verifies the compliance of the planned construction with the requirements established for the use of soil, as established under the General Plan of Zoning for the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador and its standing bylaws. Compliance with this procedure includes verification of the internal road network, dwelling spaces, circulation of pedestrians, recreational areas, and the provision of equipment.
Cost associated with procedure: USD 0.17 per square meter, based on the total square meters of the plot. This rate is applicable over lots that have an extension of more than 300 sq. m. With fast track option it will cost USD 315.86.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador)
|
21 days
|
USD 316
|
| * 5 |
Obtain an analysis of the feasibility of having rainwater drainage
BuildCo must submit a request for the feasibility of rainwater drainage study, which is performed by the OPAMSS. This municipal entity defines, at no charge, the place where the rainwater will be discharged. The request is submitted to the OPAMSS, the Municipal Authority, or the Vice-Ministry of Housing.
As of February 2008, the feasibility analysis fee is USD 0.11 per square meter, based on the plot size. The rate applies only to plots that are 300 sq. m. or more. With fast track option it would cost USD 204,38 (0,11x 929 s.m. x 2).
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador)
|
21 days
|
USD 204
|
| * 6 |
Receive inspection by the Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador)
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| * 7 |
Obtain analysis of the feasibility of connecting to potable water and sewage services
BuildCo must submit a request for the feasibility of potable water and sewage services study with the national water and sewage utility (ANDA). The utility defines the place of sewage discharge and where the requested amount of water is served.
Agency: ANDA
|
21 days
|
USD 92
|
| * 8 |
Inspection by the national water and sewage utility (ANDA)
Agency: ANDA
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| * 9 |
Obtain an analysis of the feasibility of connecting to electricity
At this point, BuildCo applies for the point of delivery of electric power and indicates the amount requested. This request should be placed with the local private power company (in this case, Electric Lightning Company of San Salvador, CAESS).
Agency: CAESS
|
15 days
|
USD 31
|
| * 10 |
Receive inspection by a local private power company (CAESS)
Agency: CAESS
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| * 11 |
Pay for water and electric power feasibility analysis
After the request for the feasibility analyses at the two agencies, payment to both agencies is made through a commercial bank.
Agency: Commercial Bank
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 12 |
Obtain construction permit
The following documents are needed to obtain the construction permit, which constitutes the final approval of the project: soil study, architectonic designs, structural designs, electric system designs, hydraulic systems design, mechanical systems designs, fireproof system, calculations report, and technical specifications. The construction permit is granted by the OPAMSS in San Salvador or by the Municipal Authority or the Vice-Ministry of Housing. The different approvals mentioned are coordinated by the OPAMSS itself and do not require BuildCo’s follow up.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador)
|
30 days
|
no charge
|
| 13 |
Pay Construction Permit application fee
The fee for building permit which was based before as a function of project value, has been established under fixed USD 0,57 sq. m.. The total cost will be USD 741.34 (057 x 1300.6).
Agency: Commercial Bank
|
1 day
|
USD 741
|
| 14 |
Receive first inspection during construction
The OPAMSS must be notified of the start of the construction and will then inspect the site every 2 weeks. The notice must be given at least 15 days before start of construction. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no cost.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 15 |
Receive inspection during construction - II
During construction, the OPAMSS will conduct inspections every 2 weeks. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no charge.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 16 |
Receive inspection during construction - III
During construction, the OPAMSS will conduct inspections every 2 weeks. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no charge.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 17 |
Receive inspection during construction - IV
During construction, the OPAMSS will conduct inspections every 2 weeks. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no charge.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 18 |
Receive inspection during construction - V
During construction, the OPAMSS will conduct inspections every 2 weeks. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no charge.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 19 |
Receive inspection during construction - VI
During construction, the OPAMSS will conduct inspections every 2 weeks. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no charge.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 20 |
Receive inspection during construction - VII
During construction, the OPAMSS will conduct inspections every 2 weeks. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no charge.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 21 |
Receive inspection during construction - VIII
During construction, the OPAMSS will conduct inspections every 2 weeks. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no charge.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 22 |
Receive inspection during construction - IX
During construction, the OPAMSS will conduct inspections every 2 weeks. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no charge.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 23 |
Receive inspection during construction - X
During construction, the OPAMSS will conduct inspections every 2 weeks. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no charge.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 24 |
Receive inspection during construction - XI
During construction, the OPAMSS will conduct inspections every 2 weeks. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no charge.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 25 |
Receive inspection during construction - XII
During construction, the OPAMSS will conduct inspections every 2 weeks. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no charge.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 26 |
Receive inspection during construction - XIII
During construction, the OPAMSS will conduct inspections every 2 weeks. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no charge.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 27 |
Receive inspection during construction - XIV
During construction, the OPAMSS will conduct inspections every 2 weeks. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no charge.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 28 |
Request and receive inspection from fire department
From the time of the request, it takes about 4–5 working days until the fire inspectors visit the site.
Agency: Fire Department
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 29 |
Receive final inspection and request occupancy permit
During construction, the OPAMSS will conduct inspections every 2 weeks. An inspection takes 2–3 hours and does not lead to a work stoppage. The inspection is performed at no charge.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 30 |
Receive occupancy permit
The occupancy permit is granted within 8 days from final inspection by the OPAMSS, the Municipal Authority, or the Vice-Ministry of Housing.
Occupancy permit is charged at USD 0,57 sq. m.. and in fast track mode double that amount. The total cost would be USD 1,482.6.
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing.
|
8 days
|
USD 1,483
|
| 31 |
Obtain water and sewage connection
All utilities can be requested only after the occupancy permit is granted.
Agency: ANDA
|
30 days
|
USD 338
|
| * 32 |
Obtain telephone Connection
Agency: CTE Telecom Personal SA de CV
|
5 days
|
USD 200
|
| 33 |
Arrange for payment at a Commercial Bank
It is assumed that BuildCo arranges for as many concurrent payments as possible to save time.
Agency: Commercial Bank
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
* Takes place simultaneously with another procedure.