Summary.
The bill establishes a simplified regime for minor work on real property and the installation of distributed generation systems using renewable sources for self-consumption. Its purpose is to remove disproportionate administrative burdens while preserving the constitutional and statutory powers of municipalities. To qualify as minor work, an intervention must satisfy several conditions at the same time: it must not increase the built area, affect structural elements, change the property's authorized use, alter the building's volume or external configuration, or compromise public property, historical heritage or protected areas.
The regime covers painting, waterproofing, replacement of floors and finishes, interior remodeling, replacement of ceilings, interior plumbing and electrical work, installation of fixed furnishings, and roof maintenance. It also covers replacing doors, windows and other basic infrastructure without changing facades; improvements for universal accessibility; and the installation of solar photovoltaic systems, solar water heaters, batteries and supporting infrastructure for self-consumption. These activities remain subject to the conditions that define minor work under the bill.
Covered activities would require no municipal construction or remodeling license or permit. Consequently, they would not incur municipal fees, duties or charges associated exclusively with issuing those licenses or permits. This administrative exemption would not waive compliance with national rules on structural safety, electrical installations, fire prevention, public health and the environment, or with other applicable special provisions. The bill thus specifies the municipal authorization requirement it removes while retaining the relevant technical and sector-specific requirements.
New construction, expansions, demolitions, structural modifications and changes in a property's use would fall outside the regime. Properties designated as historical heritage, projects subject to environmental impact assessment, and activities governed by special legislation are also excluded. The bill requires its provisions to be interpreted consistently with the municipal autonomy recognized by the Political Constitution (Constitución Política). It also preserves the urban planning, oversight, inspection and sanctioning powers that current legislation assigns to municipalities.
The Executive Branch (Órgano Ejecutivo) would issue implementing regulations within six months after the proposed law enters into force, in coordination with the competent authorities and with respect for municipalities' statutory powers. The bill sets entry into force for the day after promulgation. The public bodies connected with its provisions are the Executive Branch (Órgano Ejecutivo) and municipalities. Its content could interest or affect property owners, people undertaking maintenance and remodeling work, suppliers and installers of solar equipment and batteries, and the construction and renewable self-consumption sectors.
What it proposes.
- A simplified regime for minor work on real property.
- Installation of renewable distributed generation for self-consumption.
- Municipal licenses, permits and charges for covered activities.
- Compliance with national rules and preservation of municipal powers.
Who it would affect.
- Owners and occupants of properties where covered work is undertaken.
- People and businesses carrying out minor work.
- Installers of renewable systems for self-consumption.
- Municipalities and competent authorities.
Key points.
- Proposes to simplify minor work and the installation of renewable distributed generation for self-consumption while respecting municipal powers.Art. 1
- Minor work must simultaneously meet conditions concerning built area, structure, use, external configuration, and protected property or areas.Art. 2
- Covers maintenance and interior adaptation work, accessibility improvements, and installation of solar systems, batteries and supporting infrastructure for self-consumption.Art. 3
- Waives the municipal construction or remodeling license or permit and charges tied exclusively to its issuance, while retaining compliance with applicable national and special rules.Art. 4
- Excludes new construction, expansions, demolitions, structural or use changes, heritage properties, projects subject to environmental assessment, and activities governed by special legislation.Art. 5
- Requires interpretation consistent with municipal autonomy and preserves municipal planning, oversight, inspection and sanctioning powers.Art. 6
- Directs the Executive Branch (Órgano Ejecutivo) to issue implementing regulations within six months after entry into force, in coordination with competent authorities.Art. 7
- Sets entry into force for the day after promulgation.Art. 8