Prepared by Ana Lucía Rodríguez
On November 4, the National Government issued Decree 1166/25, which introduces the figure of the “letter of responsibility”: a document that modifies the necessary requirements for authorization and execution of urban planning interventions. This change applies to the modalities of family housing allowance, housing improvement, progressive housing or construction on own site, as long as the National Government is the granter of the subsidy.
The letter of responsibility, which replaces building permits for the aforementioned modalities, aims to encourage subsidies for housing improvement. In these terms, those in charge of carrying out the work (architects, engineers, etc.) are the delegates to carry out technical checks and must assume responsibility in case of non-compliance. The works will be monitored by the territorial entities, the National Government and the Family Compensation Funds, which must certify compliance with the rule.
The decree has generated a high controversy, since there are sectors that consider that this measure generates an institutional setback, as there is no way to control public investment and, additionally, the security is put at risk, not only of the owners of the home, but of society in general (councillor Sandra Forero). Additionally, the replacement of an administrative act by a document that is subject to the subjectivity of the professionals is generated. With this change, the competences headed by the legal system are distributed in the different architects and engineers who have a professional card, without specifying the particularities of their function.
On the other hand, the National College of Urban Curators (CNCU) clarified that the decree does not eliminate construction licenses in general, they are only replaced by the letter of responsibility in social housing projects, in the modalities mentioned above. Likewise, it was clarified that the measure has not been regulated, so the Government has 6 months to establish the margins of its application. Finally, emphasis was placed on the continuity of technical controls, with the variation that those responsible for the certification of compliance with the rules are the professionals.
Bibliography:
- Mayor’s Office of Bogotá. (2025, November 4). Decree 1166 of 2025. Mayor’s Office of Bogotá.
- Acosta, J. (November 13, 2025). ‘Decree 1166 does not eliminate building permits for remodeling’: Urban Curators clarify its scope. Portfolio.
- Otalero Álvarez, N. (2025, November 13). Government rule that eliminates housing construction licenses has exceptions for those who have subsidies. Infobae Colombia.
- Escobar Fernández, J. (November 2025). Analysis: the “letter of responsibility” of Decree 1166: the oxymoron of urban licensing without a building permit
Do not hesitate to contact Brick Abogados if you have any questions or if you would like further details on the topic discussed above.
****
This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, nor does it engage the responsibility or professional opinion of Brick Abogados.