Reglamento 5902

This Emergency Regulation, issued by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico's Regulations and Permits Administration in December 1998, repeals the existing Building Regulation (Planning Regulation Number 7). Its primary objective is to adopt a new, comprehensive Building Code. The regulation incorporates significant amendments to the Uniform Building Code, 1997 Edition, across its three volumes. These changes encompass general provisions, including the date of application and a grace period for compliance. Specific modifications detail the creation of an enforcement agency, revised procedures for document submittal, inspections, and fee refunds. Furthermore, the regulation introduces a new Energy Code in Chapter 13 and revises various structural provisions, such as those concerning partition loads, roof loads, impact loads, retaining walls, and earthquake recordings. It also modifies requirements for special inspectors, quality standards, and workmanship, ensuring a modernized and updated framework for construction in Puerto Rico.