Law 1796 of 2016, known as the Safe Housing Law (Ley de Vivienda Segura), was passed after the collapse of the Space building in Medellín. It changed the rules for designing and building in Colombia.
What it requires
When a project's lot or lots allow more than 2,000 m² to be built, whatever the use, the law requires two independent roles: a review of the structural designs by a professional other than the designer, as a condition of the permit, and technical supervision independent of the contractor during construction. The review also applies to smaller projects whose design must allow for extensions beyond that threshold.
When the works are finished, the technical supervisor signs the Certificado Técnico de Ocupación (CTO), which is recorded before a notary and is required to occupy the building.
Who can do it
The reviewer must be a professional other than the designer and with no employment ties to the designer; the supervisor must be independent of the contractor. Both need the experience the code requires, and the law created a national registry of accredited professionals run by COPNIA (Colombia's professional engineering council). Independence is the core of the law.
Frequently asked questions
When is technical supervision mandatory?
When the project's lot or lots allow more than 2,000 m² to be built, whatever the use.
Who can be a technical supervisor?
A professional independent of the contractor, with the experience the code requires.
