Law 1796
Which review, which supervision and which documents the law requires for your project.
Photo: Glenov Brankovic / Unsplash
Law 1796 of 2016 requires two independent controls when the lot allows more than 2,000 m² to be built, whatever the use: a revisión independiente (independent structural design review / peer review) by a professional other than the designer, before the permit, and a supervisión técnica independiente (independent technical supervision required by Law 1796 of 2016) during construction, independent of the contractor, which ends with the Certificado Técnico de Ocupación (CTO). With your project's area, use and number of floors, the assistant tells you what you need.
- Threshold
- 2,000 m²
- Legal framework
- Law 1796 of 2016
- Code
- NSR-10
Law 1796 of 2016 · NSR-10
What does the law require for your project?
Move the area, the floors and the use. The building changes with you, and we show you who has to sign it.
- Milestone 1 · Permit
- Milestone 2 · Structure
- Milestone 3 · Occupancy
Photo: Ray Donnelly / Unsplash
Why
What the curaduría will ask you for
Who signs your project
Frequently asked questions
What is Law 1796 of 2016?
It is Colombia's Safe Housing Law (Ley de Vivienda Segura). It was passed after the collapse of the Space building in Medellín and tightened the controls on the design and construction of buildings in Colombia: independent design review, independent technical supervision and the Certificado Técnico de Ocupación (CTO).
From what area is it mandatory?
When the project's lot or lots allow more than 2,000 m² to be built, whatever the use. It can also be required on smaller projects because of their complexity or the materials and methods they use (Decree 1203 of 2017).
Does the number of floors change anything?
The law looks at the area, not the floors. A five-story building with 450 m² per floor already adds up to 2,250 m² and falls under the law.
Who signs the Certificado Técnico de Ocupación?
The independent technical supervisor, under oath, once the structure and the nonstructural elements are finished. It is recorded before a notary and is required to occupy the building.
Can the designer and the reviewer be from the same firm?
No. The reviewer must be a professional other than the designer, with no employment relationship with the designer or with the permit applicant.
The services the law requires
Independent design review
Review of structural designs by others, required on projects of more than 2,000 m².
Technical supervision
Independent technical supervision under Law 1796 and Title I of the NSR-10, before every concrete pour.
Structural design
Concrete, steel and masonry buildings designed to the NSR-10, from the first concept to the reinforcement details.
Contact
Let's talk about your project
Tell us what stage you are at. An engineer replies with a proposal for scope and fees.
Our team works in Spanish. You can write to us in English and we will get back to you.
Photo: Julia Taubitz / Unsplash