Territorial planning in Sancti Spíritus prioritizes housing legalization

Colonel Luis Puerto González González, provincial delegate of Territorial Planning and Urbanism in Sancti Spíritus, reported that the institution is focusing its work on land management, cadastral updating, legalization of properties, heritage protection, addressing urban planning violations, and preparing for Urban October Week.

According to him, the fundamental objective is to contribute to the implementation of State policies on territorial and urban planning. The mission covers spatial planning of investment processes by natural and legal persons, as well as the control, use and management of state land for investments, agricultural purposes or other authorized uses. “The purpose is not to prohibit or repress. It is about ordering and educating people so they understand that initiatives can be developed, as long as they are carried out in accordance with legal provisions,” he stressed.

Regarding the Cadastre, he indicated that it allows keeping updated information on how state and agricultural land is used in the territory. Through this work, cadastral surveys are reviewed, prepared and updated, with precise data on parcels and their characteristics. This work is carried out in coordination with entities that provide measurement, coordinates, parceling, boundary lines and appraisal services. Having updated information is indispensable for planning investments, granting land and controlling the use of available areas.

The Delegation also has a Legal Affairs Department that intervenes in updating property titles, heir certifications, certificates of last will and other documents. The essence of the work, he specified, is to accompany investment processes and ensure that works, facilities and land uses comply with current regulations.

One of the central announcements is the new extension for the process of ordering and legalizing houses, rooms, bedrooms, accessory units and premises built or adapted without complying at the time with the required formalities. Agreement 10378 of 2026 provides a new one-year period, in force from September 1, 2026, to September 1, 2027.

Natural and legal persons in that situation may go to the municipal offices of Territorial Planning and Urbanism. The measure seeks to address pending cases from previous stages, affected by transportation, fuel and electricity service difficulties. However, each file is evaluated and legalization is not automatic. Technicians make a visit to the property to verify habitability, safety and construction characteristics. When appropriate, the right of surface and the habitable certificate are processed. Regularization makes it possible to have a legally recognized address and to carry out procedures for electricity, water, the food products ration book and school enrollment.

Regarding Urban October Week, the delegate noted that seminars, workshops, meetings and other activities are being prepared for students, workers, institutions and the general population. World Habitat Day is celebrated on the first Monday of October, and the week concludes on October 31, World Cities Day. The intention is to raise awareness about preserving habitat, caring for the environment and conserving architectural heritage.

Sancti Spíritus has architectural and urban values that are part of its history and identity. A considerable part of heritage buildings belongs to natural persons, so their owners must know the responsibility of maintaining and preserving them. Third- and fourth-year students of the mid-level technician program, along with first-year students, participate in tours of the city and pre-professional practices related to the specialty.

Regarding violations, the main ones are associated with illegal land use. Many people wish to establish a business, kiosk or sales point, but they must request permits and meet requirements. In some cases, sidewalks, passage areas, road safety strips or spaces intended for circulation are occupied, affecting pedestrians and vehicles.

A new exercise to address manifestations that affect territorial and urban planning will be carried out soon. The Delegation will participate together with other competent bodies and will complete a survey of kiosks and sales points installed without authorization. Based on that information, proposals will be presented to the Administration councils. “The purpose is not to prevent entrepreneurship. It is about ordering commercial activity and ensuring it develops in suitable sites,” he stated.

The installation of awnings, pergolas, signs, luminous advertisements and other exterior elements also requires prior authorization. The Delegation acts under Law No. 145 on Territorial and Urban Planning and Land Management. In addition, local bodies of People’s Power are expected to assume direct responsibilities in this matter. In the granting of land in usufruct, the institution issues cadastral certifications, and certain houses built in those areas can be recognized as property if they meet the requirements. As part of professional development, one hundred percent of the young workers of the Delegation enrolled in the university for workers.