Obtain results of geotechnical study / soil test
Agency: Private licensed company
BuildCo will request a soil test for the structural calculations for the foundation. Contractors ask for a soil test to ensure that the foundation of the building is solid. The engineer must understand the suitability of the soil for the proposed construction work. It allows to build a solid foundation and avoid structures to be damaged or collapsed or leaned.
Time and cost: 11 days, USD 1,695
Obtain results of topographical study
Agency: Private licensed company
A topographical study is conducted prior to construction to measure the levels on the specific terrain. It is a general technical requirement when building a structure of this class.
Time and cost: 5 days, USD 400
Request and obtain construction line and site qualification
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador)
To request a construction line, BuildCo must present the deed of ownership and a topographical plan with geodesic coordinates.
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.
BuildCo. can start having the 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.
The silence-is-consent rule applies to this procedure. Approvals are granted automatically if the applicant does not hear from OPAMSS in 30 days.
Time and cost: 20 days, USD 725
Request and obtain analysis of the feasibility of connecting to potable water and sewage services
Agency: ANDA
BuildCo requests for the feasibility of potable water and sewage services study with the national water and sewage utility (ANDA). The utility defines the place for the sewage discharge and where are the locations of the water mains. In order to obtain the feasibility study, BuildCo should receive an on-site inspection by the national water and sewage utility (ANDA). After the request, payment of the fees is made through a commercial bank.
Time and cost: 210 days, USD 92
Obtain approval of environmental form (formulario ambiental)
Agency: Ministry of Environment
According to Acuerdo Ejecutivo No. 23 (Environmental Law on the Classification of Activities, Works and Projects) published in the Diario Oficial No 162, Tomo No 380 from September 1st 2008, the warehouse in the Doing Business case study would fall under Category ‘A’ which is exempt from an Environmental Impact Study. In this case, all that is required is for the architect or engineer to fill out an Environmental Form and submit it to MARN (Ministry of Environment) on http://www.marn.gob.sv/sistema-de-evaluacion-ambiental-3/. The form outlines the project and its potential environmental impact. MARN will then decide if the work can be considered exempt from the full impact study.
Time and cost: 21 days, no charge
Receive inspection by the national water and sewage utility (ANDA)
Agency: ANDA
BuildCo. receives the inspection from the utility company (ANDA), in order to assess the feasibility of the connection.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Request and obtain construction permit
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador)
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.
Time and cost: 21 days, USD 3,113
Notify OPAMSS of the start the construction
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
The OPAMSS must be notified of the start of the construction and will then inspect the site at least once per month. The notice must be given at least 15 days before the start of construction. An inspection takes 2-3 hours and does not interrupt construction work.
According to “Reglamento a la Ley de Desarrollo y Ordenamiento Territorial del Area Metropolitana de San Salvador y de los Municipios Aledaños con sus Anexos” (article VIII.27), the OPAMSS with the collaboration of the appropriate institutions and municipalities from AMSS, has the right and obligation to inspect all the works of division (of lands into plots) and/or construction by qualified staff duly authorized to enforce this regulation. The builders or owners of the work will not be able to prevent the inspections and must provide access to the documentation indicated in this regulation. Inspectors from OPAMSS must visit at least once a month, unless the OPAMSS suggests having more frequent inspections. Inspectors must periodically submit reports of their visits and will be jointly responsible with the Director of the construction works, if they do not report the corresponding anomalies. The inspection is performed at no cost.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive set-out inspection during construction
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
BuildCo. receives the first out of three phased inspections during the construction phase.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive excavation inspection during construction
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
BuildCo. receives the second out of three phased inspections during the construction phase.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive foundation inspection during construction
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
BuildCo. receives the third out of three phased inspections during the construction phase.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Request and receive inspection from Fire Department
Agency: Fire Department
Once all the inspection were conducted, BuildCo. can request the Fire Department Inspection. From the time of the request, it takes about 4-5 working days until the fire inspectors visit the site.
Time and cost: 4 days, USD 114
Request “recepcion de obras” and obtain final inspection
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing is involved in this procedure
The project manager at BuildCo needs to fill out a form and request the “recepcion de obra” at OPAMSS.
Once the construction is completed and the final inspection is done jointly by OPAMSS and the corresponding Municipality, BuildCo will obtain the “Recepción de obras”. This is the official resolution BuildCo is given that proofs that the construction has been done in accordance to plans.
Time and cost: 1 day, USD 4,397
Obtain “recepción de obras” and request occupancy permit
Agency: OPAMSS (Office of Planning of Metropolitan Area of San Salvador), Municipal Authority or Vice-Ministry of Housing.
The “recepcion de obras” is granted once the final inspection by OPAMSS and the Municipal Authority is approved,.
This “recepcion de obras” will be necessary for BuildCo to obtain the occupancy permit (“permiso de habitar”) from the Municipality Agency.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Obtain occupancy permit
Agency: Municipal Authority
Upon payment, BuildCo. receives the occupancy permit. The cost associated with the occupancy permit, assuming that BuildCo constructs the warehouse in Apopa is USD 1,170.54 (USD 0.90 per sq. meter)
Time and cost: 8 days, USD 1,171
Obtain water and sewage connection
Agency: ANDA
All utilities can be requested only after the occupancy permit is granted.
Time and cost: 30 days, USD 338
