reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 102 - Declaration of purpose

It is hereby found and declared:
(a) That there exist in many communities within Puerto Rico blighted areas (as defined herein) or areas in the process of becoming blighted;
(b) that such areas impair economic values and tax revenues; that such areas cause an increase in and spread of diseases and crime and constitute a menace to the health, safety, morals, and welfare of the residents of Puerto Rico, that these conditions necessitate excessive and disproportionate expenditures of public funds for crime prevention and punishment, public health and safety, fire and accident protection, and other public services and facilities;
(c) that the clearance, replanning, and preparation for rebuilding of these areas, and the prevention or the reduction of blight and its causes, are public uses and purposes for which public money may be spent and private property acquired and are governmental functions of grave concern to Puerto Rico;
(d) that there are also certain areas where the condition of the title, the diverse ownership of the land to be assembled, the street or lot layouts, or other conditions prevent a proper development of the land, and that it is in the public interest that such areas, as well as blighted areas, be acquired by eminent domain and made available for sound and wholesome development and that the exercise of the power of eminent domain and the financing of the acquisition and preparation of land by a public agency for such redevelopment is likewise a public use and purpose;
(e) that redevelopment activities will stimulate residential construction which is closely correlated with general economic activity; and that such undertakings authorized by §§ 101—119 of this title will aid the production of better housing and more desirable neighborhood and community development and will make possible a more stable and larger volume of residential construction at lower costs, which will assist materially in achieving and maintaining full employment, and
(f) that it is in the public interest that advance preparation for such projects and activities be made now, and that the necessity in the public interest for the provisions hereinafter enacted is hereby declared as a matter of legislative determination.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 103 - Redevelopment powers of authorities

Any housing authority now or hereafter established pursuant to §§ 31—38, 39—45, 46—55 of this title, and any amendments thereto, may carry out any work or undertaking (hereafter called a “redevelopment project”):
(1) To acquire blighted areas, which are hereby defined as areas (including slum areas) with buildings or improvements which, by reason of dilapidation, obsolescence, overcrowding, faulty arrangement, or design, lack of ventilation, light and sanitary facilities, excessive land coverage, deleterious land use or obsolete layout, or any combination of these or other factors, are detrimental to the safety, health, morals, or welfare of the community;
(2) to acquire other real property for the purpose of removing, preventing, or reducing blight, blighting factors or the causes of blight;
(3) to acquire real property where the condition of the title, the diverse ownership of the real property to be assembled, the street or lot layout, or other conditions prevent a proper development of the property and where the acquisition of the areas by the authority is necessary to carry out a redevelopment plan;
(4) to clear any areas acquired and install, construct, or reconstruct streets, utilities, and site improvements essential to the preparation of sites for uses in accordance with the redevelopment plan;
(5) to sell or lease land so acquired for uses in accordance with the redevelopment plan, or
(6) to accomplish a combination of the foregoing to carry out a redevelopment plan.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 104 - General powers of authorities

In undertaking such redevelopment projects a housing authority shall have all the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities that such authority has under §§ 31—38, 39—45, 46—55 of this title, and any amendments thereto, and any other provision of law relating to slum clearance and housing projects for persons of low income (including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power to make and execute contracts, to issue bonds and other obligations and give security therefor, to acquire real property by eminent domain or purchase, and to do any and all things necessary to carry out projects) in the same manner as though all the provisions of law applicable to slum clearance and housing projects were applicable to redevelopment projects undertaken under §§ 101—119 of this title; Provided, That nothing contained in §§ 40 and 41 of this title shall be construed as limiting the power of an Authority, in the event of a default by a purchaser or lessee of land in a redevelopment plan, to acquire property and operate it free from the restrictions contained in said sections.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 105 - Approval of redevelopment plan

An authority shall not initiate any redevelopment project under §§ 101—119 of this title until the Puerto Rico Planning Board has approved a plan (herein called the “redevelopment plan”) which provides an outline for the development or redevelopment of said area and is sufficiently complete (1) to indicate its relationship to definite local objectives as to appropriate land uses and improved traffic, public transportation, public utilities, recreational and community facilities and other public improvements and (2) to indicate proposed land uses and building requirements in the area. Any authority which begins a redevelopment project under §§ 101—119 of this title, shall in addition to the redevelopment plan, prepare a report indicating the method for the relocation of the residents of such zones; and also, the method for providing (unless already available) adequate, safe, and sanitary dwellings substantially equal in number to the number of substandard dwellings to be cleared from said area, at rents within the financial reach of the income groups displaced from such substandard dwellings. Said reports indicating the method for relocation and of providing dwellings to the groups to be displaced shall not form a part of the redevelopment plan, and same may be amended or changed to harmonize with the redevelopment plan should same undergo any amendment during the development of the redevelopment project. Any government entity as defined in the Housing and Cooperation Law, §§ 1—7 of this title, and any amendments thereto, shall have the same rights and powers to cooperate with and assist housing authorities with respect to redevelopment projects that such government entity has pursuant to such sections for the purposes of assisting the development or administration of slum clearance and housing projects in the same manner as though the provisions of the Housing Cooperation Law, §§ 1—7 of this title, were applicable to redevelopment projects undertaken under §§ 101—119 of this title.
There are hereby exempt from the approval requirement of the Planning Board for a redevelopment plan, those urban renewal plans which qualify under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, Public Law 90-448, 82 Stat. 476, 518, if such projects have received the previous endorsement of the Planning Board.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, § 4; June 19, 1969, No. 53, p. 96; May 30, 1970, No. 87, p. 233, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 106 - Land available for private and public use; convenants

With the approval of the Puerto Rico Planning Board the Authority may make land in a redevelopment project available for use by private enterprises or public agencies in accordance with the redevelopment plan. Such land may be made available at its use value, which represents the value (whether expressed in terms of rental or capital price) at which the Authority determines such land should be made available in order that it may be developed or redeveloped for the purpose specified in such plan.
To assure that land acquired in a redevelopment project is used in accordance with the redevelopment plan, an Authority, upon the sale or lease of such land, shall obligate purchasers or lessees: (1) to use the land for the purpose designated in the redevelopment plan; (2) to begin the building of their improvements within a period of time which the authority fixes as reasonable; and (3) to comply with such other conditions as are necessary to carry out the purposes of §§ 101—119 of this title. Any such obligations by the purchaser shall be covenants and conditions running with the land where the authority so stipulates.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 107 - Tax status of leased property

Any property which the Authority leases to private individuals or corporations for development under a redevelopment plan shall have the same tax status as if such leased property were owned by such private individuals or corporations.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 108 - Financial powers

An authority may borrow money or accept contributions from the federal government to assist in its undertaking redevelopment projects. An Authority may do any and all things necessary or desirable to secure such financial aid (including obligating itself in any contract with the federal government for annual contributions to convey to the federal government the project to which said contract relates upon the occurrence of a substantial default thereunder), in the same manner as it may do to secure such aid in connection with slum clearance and housing projects under the provisions of §§ 31—38, 39—45, 46—55 of this title.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 109 - Bonds as legal investments

Bonds or other obligations issued by a housing authority in connection with a redevelopment project pursuant to §§ 101—119 of this title shall be legal investments to the same extent and for the same persons, institutions, associations, corporations, and other bodies and officers as other obligations issued pursuant to §§ 31—38, 39—45, 46—55 of this title in connection with the development of slum clearance or housing projects.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 110 - Supplemental powers

The powers conferred by §§ 101—119 of this title shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 111 - Compliance with other laws

In the carrying out of §§ 101—119 of this title, an authority shall comply with Act No. 213, approved May 14 [12], 1942, as amended.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 112 - Findings

It is hereby found and declared (a) that there exists in Puerto Rico slum areas, blighted areas, and areas in the process of becoming blighted, all of which pose a grave menace to the health, safety, morals, and welfare of the inhabitants of Puerto Rico, and that the findings and declaration thus far made in §§ 101—119 of this title with reference to blighted areas are hereby confirmed and reiterated, (b) that certain slum areas, blighted areas, or areas in the process of becoming blighted, or a part of the said areas, may have to be acquired and cleared, pursuant to §§ 101—119 of this title, inasmuch as the state of deterioration there may be such as to render impossible the restoration of the said areas through upkeep or rehabilitation, but other areas, or parts thereof, can, through the means provided by such sections, as amended, be subjected to upkeep and rehabilitation measures in such manner as to eliminate, correct, or prevent the above-mentioned conditions and hazards, and insofar as is feasible, such blighted areas and areas in the process of becoming blighted shall be subjected to upkeep and rehabilitation measures through private action, either voluntary or compulsory, and (c) that all the powers conferred by such sections, as amended, are for public purposes for which public funds may be used and other powers may be exercised; and that the need, in the public interest, for the provisions enacted in such sections, as amended, is hereby declared to be a matter for determination by the Legislature. In the enforcement of the provisions of such sections, as amended, all public entities and agencies shall see to it that area rehabilitation and redevelopment is carried out by private enterprise whenever it is consistent with the needs of the community in general.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, added as § 15 on June 20, 1955, No. 82, p. 302, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 113 - Urban renovation projects

In addition to their powers under any other section of §§ 101—119 of this title, all housing authorities are hereby authorized to plan and set up urban renewal projects. An urban renewal project, as the term is used in §§ 101—119 of this title, may include undertakings and activities in one or more areas composed within an urban renewal plan for the elimination (and for preventing the development or growth) of slum areas, blighted areas or areas in the process of becoming blighted, and may include any work or undertaking for such purpose which constitutes a renewal project, or any rehabilitation or upkeep work, or any combination of such undertakings or work. To this end, “rehabilitation or upkeep work” may include (1) the carrying out of plans for a program, voluntary or compulsory, for the repair and rehabilitation of buildings or for the making of other improvements; (2) the acquisition of real property and the demolition, clearance, or rehabilitation of buildings and improvements on the said property whenever necessary for wiping out conditions which are unhealthful, unhygienic, or unsafe; reducing overcrowding and traffic hazards; eliminating usances which are obsolete or otherwise prejudicial to the public welfare; or, in any way, wiping out or preventing the increase of blight or deterioration with regard to lands, or providing lands for public facilities; (3) the installation, construction, or reconstruction of streets, public services, parks, recreation areas, or other improvements necessary for the carrying out of the objectives of the urban renewal project; and (4) the sale or lease of properties, or a part thereof, acquired in an urban renewal project area, for use in conformity with the objectives of the project, provided such sale or lease is executed in conformity with the procedure established in §§ 101—119 of this title for the sale or lease of property in a renewal project area. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary contained in §§ 101—119 of this title, the Urban Renewal and Housing Corporation is hereby authorized to acquire real property within any area chosen for an urban renewal project whose delimitation has been approved by the Puerto Rico Planning Board, even when a Renewal Plan approved by the Planning Board for said area does not exist at the time of said acquisition. Likewise, the Urban Renewal and Housing Corporation of Puerto Rico is hereby authorized to take steps to attain and accept loans which may be granted by the Federal Urban Renewal Administration to finance said acquisitions; to grant the corresponding securities to guarantee said loans and to grant the contracts deemed necessary for said purposes.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, added as § 16 on June 20, 1955, No. 82, p. 302, § 1; June 18, 1965, No. 44, p. 83; May 30, 1970, No. 87, p. 233, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 115 - Powers with respect to urban renovation

All housing authorities shall have all the powers necessary and convenient for undertaking and carrying out urban renovation plans and projects, including the power to acquire and sell or lease property, issue bonds and other debentures, borrow money, and accept subsidies from the federal government or other sources, and exercise such other powers as are granted by §§ 101—119 of this title to housing authorities with relation to redevelopment projects. With relation to the planning and development of renovation plans or projects, all housing authorities and municipalities, and all public and private officers, agencies and entities shall have every right, power, privilege, and immunity which they have with relation to redevelopment plans and projects, just as if all the provisions of such sections which are applicable to a redevelopment plan or project were also applicable to an urban renovation plan or project; Provided, That for these purposes the word “redevelopment”, as it appears in such sections (except in this section and in the definition of “redevelopment project”, in § 103 of this title), shall mean urban renovation, and that the phrases “blighted areas” and “areas in the process of becoming blighted”, as they appear in such sections (except in this section and in the definitions in § 103 of this title), shall mean areas which are blighted, run-down, or in the process of becoming blighted; and Provided, further, That this clause shall not change the corporate name of any housing authority or the short title of §§ 101—119 of this title, nor shall it amend any section thereof. In addition to the surveys and plans which the housing authorities are empowered to carry out, all housing authorities are hereby expressly and specifically empowered to carry out (i) plans for the developing of voluntary programs for the repair and rehabilitation of buildings and improvements, and (ii) plans for enforcing the laws, codes, and regulations relating to land-use, the use and occupation of buildings and improvements, and the compulsory repair, rehabilitation, demolition, and clearance of buildings and improvements. The housing authorities are hereby authorized to develop, submit to tests, render reports on, and make demonstrations of methods and techniques for the prevention and clearance of blighted areas and urban blight.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, added as § 18 on June 20, 1955, No. 82, p. 302, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 116 - Cooperation of municipalities and other public entities in urban renovation

All municipalities and other public entities are hereby authorized (without restricting any provisions of § 115 of this title) to do any and all things necessary for aiding in and cooperating with the planning and developing of an urban renovation project within the area in which such municipalities or public entities are authorized to operate, including the granting of financial aid or aid of any other kind which they are authorized to render under §§ 101—119 of this title with regard to redevelopment plans or projects.
All housing authorities are hereby authorized to delegate to any municipality or public entity any of the powers or functions of such authorities with regard to the planning or developing of an urban renovation project in an area in which such municipality or public entity is authorized to operate, and such municipality or public entity is hereby authorized to perform or exercise such powers or functions for a housing authority. All public entities are hereby authorized to execute agreements (which may cover any period of time, notwithstanding any provision or ruling of law to the contrary) with any other public entity or entities relating to the action to be taken under any of the powers granted by §§ 101—119 of this title, including the providing of funds or other aid in connection with an urban renovation plan or project.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, added as § 19 on June 20, 1955, No. 82, p. 302, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 118 - Disaster areas

When by resolution of the municipal legislature of any municipality, it shall be found and declared that a certain urban zone of said municipality has sustained the ravages of a disaster (which has been declared a major disaster by the Governor) caused by flood, fire, hurricane, earthquake, storm, or other natural or man-made catastrophe (including destruction by war) the Housing Authority operating in said municipality is hereby authorized to plan, carry out and develop an urban renewal project for the benefit of said zone without the necessity of fulfilling the following requistes: (1) the requirements of §§ 103, 113, and 114 of this title to the effect that the renewal or redevelopment plan shall show that the area where a renewal or redevelopment project is to be developed is a slum or blighted area or an area in process of becoming blighted; (2) the requirements of § 114 of this title to the effect that the renewal plan shall be in harmony with the general plan for the community; and (3) the requirements of § 105 of this title to the effect that the redevelopment plan shall indicate the method for providing decent, safe and sanitary dwellings in a number substantially equal to the number of substandard dwellings to be cleared from said area, and for rentals within reach of the income of the groups to be displaced from such substandard dwellings; Provided, That said project may be developed upon the previous finding of the Puerto Rico Planning Board that the Authority has presented a plan for promoting to the utmost the providing of dwellings fit to meet the requirements of the families ousted or displaced by such catastrophe or by such renewal or rehabilitation activities.
In the preparation of an urban renewal plan with respect to a project developed or to be developed under the provisions of this section, the Authority shall give proper attention to the transfer or relocation of the dwellings outside of the area swept by flood or any other periodic catastrophe.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, added as § 21 on June 17, 1957, No. 66, p. 154, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 5 - Redevelopment Projects (§§ 101 — 119) › § 119 - Preference to residents displaced by projects

In disposing of the lands acquired by an authority under the provisions of §§ 101—119 of this title, the authority shall, whenever it may deem it feasible, and if compatible with the method adopted for disposal of said lands, give preference or priority for the acquisition of a lot allocated for residential use according to the corresponding redevelopment or renewal plan, to any family residing in good faith in said lands and displaced therefrom by reason of the renewal or slum-clearance activities.
History —May 9, 1947, No. 97, p. 226, added as § 22 on June 17, 1957, No. 66, p. 154, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 131 - Short title

Sections 131—142 of this title shall be known as the “Slum Clearance Act”.
History —May 14, 1945, No. 264, p. 910, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 132 - Statement of motives

It is hereby declared:
(1) That within and without the urban limits of the towns and cities of Puerto Rico there exist districts commonly known as “slum districts”, made up of unsanitary and unsafe dwellings and other structures which, due to the insalubrity of the lands where said districts are located, to the crowding of the said structures, or the excessive number thereof in proportion to the capacity of the area where they are located, their deterioration, their defective alignment or distribution, and their lack of ventilation or light; to the absence of sanitary facilities; to the lack of proper streets, or the concurrence of several of the factors above enumerated, are dangerous, harmful or contrary to the safety, health, welfare or morals of their occupants or of the community in general;
(2) that in violation of the laws and to the prejudice of the public interest, these “slum districts” are developing and spreading continually, promoting an increase and propagation of crime and disease, and constituting a menace to the health, safety, morals, and welfare of the inhabitants of Puerto Rico, mainly of those who live in the “slum districts” proper;
(3) that these conditions require excessive and disproportionate expenditures of public funds for crime prevention and punishment, preservation of public health and safety, fire and accident protection, and other public services and facilities;
(4) that the clearance of the districts where dwellings of conditions as hereinabove set forth exist, is an aim of public utility and necessity for which funds may and should be expended and private property acquired, and are governmental functions of great concern to the people of Puerto Rico, and
(5) that it is of public interest and necessity that the elimination of these unsanitary and unsafe districts be commenced as soon as possible.
History —May 14, 1945, No. 264, p. 910, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 133 - Declaration of slum districts

Whenever in the judgment of the Puerto Rico Planning, Urbanizing and Zoning Board (hereinafter called the Board), as organized under Act No. 213 of 1942, any group of houses or other structures within or without the urban limits of any town of Puerto Rico proves dangerous, prejudicial, or contrary to the safety, health, welfare, and morals of their tenants, or of the community in general, because of any of the conditions set forth under subsection (1) of § 132 of this title, it shall be the duty of the Board to declare the zone where said group of dwellings or other structures are located, a “slum district”. The Board may act on its own initiative, or at the request of the Puerto Rico Housing Authority, or of the Secretary of Health.
History —May 14, 1945, No. 264, p. 910, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 134 - Declaration of slum districts—Procedure

Before making the declaration of “slum district”, the Board shall give notice of its intention of making such declaration to the mayor of the municipality within which the zone to be declared a “slum district” is situated, and to all the owners of the lands or houses and other structures included within such district. Said notice shall include a detailed description of the zone it is intended to declare a “slum district”, setting forth the exact limits thereof in a manner clearly identifiable, and indicating the streets, alleys, or places which are to be included within the said district. The mayor and the other persons notified shall be called in the notice itself to a public hearing on a date and at an hour fixed, which shall be held in the city hall of the corresponding municipality before an official appointed by the Board, so that the persons who were given notice, or any other person really interested, may set forth the reasons they may deem pertinent in opposition to the declaration of the proposed slum district. A period of not less than twenty (20) days shall intervene between the date of the notice and the date of the public hearing hereinabove provided.
In any case in which it may not be possible to locate the owners of the houses or lots located within the zone proposed to be declared a “slum district”, the notice and call to such persons shall be made by the publication, for three consecutive times, of edicts in at least one newspaper of general circulation in Puerto Rico, the last publication to be made at least fifteen days in advance of the date on which the aforesaid public hearing is to be held.
After the close of the public hearing the Board shall, within a period which shall not exceed thirty (30) days, adopt the resolution it may deem pertinent and shall declare “slum district” or not “slum district” the zone suggested as such, or any part, portion or area thereof.
History —May 14, 1945, No. 264, p. 910, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 135 - Declaration of slum districts—Notice and publication

The decision of the Board declaring a “slum district” shall include the description of the zone in the manner set forth under § 134 of this title, and shall be published three consecutive times in at least one newspaper of general circulation in Puerto Rico.
History —May 14, 1945, No. 264, p. 910, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 136 - Declaration of slum districts—Appeals

The Manager of the Government of the Capital or the mayor of the municipality and any of the owners of lands or houses located within the district declared slum district, or any other person with a right or interest therein, may challenge the decision of the Board through an appeal to the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico within a term of fifteen (15) days counting from the date of the last publication provided for under § 134 of this title.
The appeal shall be filed by brief in which shall be set forth all reasons of fact and of law on which the challenge is grounded. After the appeal has been filed the appellant or appellants shall serve notice thereof on the Board with copy of the brief containing same, within a term of fifteen (15) days counting from the date it was filed, in default of which the court shall order its dismissal; Provided, That all parties in interest shall be joined in one sole appeal; and Provided, further, That after the decision of the Board has been appealed, the same shall be stayed until final decision is made in the proceeding.
The Board, upon being notified of the appeal provided for in this section, shall file its answer thereto within a term of fifteen (15) days counting from the date of such notification, and the Supreme Court shall set a date for the hearing of the case, with preference over all other business on the docket, within a term of not more than twenty days counting from the date the case was set for hearing.
The Supreme Court shall enter an order in the case within a term of twenty (20) days counting from the date on which the case is heard, and the order so entered shall be final and conclusive.
History —May 14, 1945, No. 264, p. 910, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 137 - Puerto Rico Housing Authority—Supervision and inspection

As soon as a declaration of “slum district” is final, the Board shall give notice thereof to the Puerto Rico Housing Authority, and from the date of such notice the said “slum district” shall be placed under the supervision and inspection of the Puerto Rico Housing Authority, which is hereby vested with power to appoint inspectors and watchmen for said districts chargeable to the appropriation made by §§ 131—142 of this title, for the purpose of avoiding the infringement or violation of the provisions hereof in connection with the construction, lease, sale or improvement of houses on lands within the said “slum districts”.
The Board shall investigate in the corresponding registry of property the registration of the properties affected by the declaration of “slum district” and shall officially state to the registrar the properties affected by such declaration, with a description thereof and registration entry, and the registrar of property shall set forth on the margin of each one of said properties after verifying that they are included in a “slum district,” the following: “This property, being located within a ‘slum district’ officially and finally so declared in accordance with law, the same is subject to the restrictions fixed by law.”
History —May 14, 1945, No. 264, p. 910, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 138 - Puerto Rico Housing Authority—Powers and duties

As soon as the Puerto Rico Housing Authority shall deem it advisable and pertinent, and as sufficient funds therefor are appropriated, it shall proceed to eliminate the zones declared “slum districts” through voluntary purchase or condemnation of the land, dwellings, or other unsanitary and unsafe structures included within said zones for the purpose of demolishing said structures, and for improving or removing them to other residential districts or projects of the Authority itself, according to the regulations of the Puerto Rico Housing Authority; Provided, That when the “slum district” is located in a municipality where a municipal housing authority has been organized and is operating, the Puerto Rico Housing Authority shall remove the houses which may be improved, to housing developments constructed for said purposes, and said houses shall be leased in the same manner and under the terms which the Puerto Rico Housing Authority may direct.
History —May 14, 1945, No. 264, p. 910, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 139 - Puerto Rico Housing Authority—Additional duties of Housing Authority

It shall be the duty of the Puerto Rico Housing Authority and of the Secretary of Health to denounce to the Board the existence of circumstances which in their judgment justifies a declaration of “slum district”, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 131—142 of this title; and the Puerto Rico Housing Authority and the Secretary of Health are also authorized hereby to apply to the Board for declarations of slum districts in such cases.
History —May 14, 1945, No. 264, p. 910, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 140 - Certain actions and contracts declared illegal

Hereafter it shall be illegal to erect any building or structure in a zone declared “slum district” under §§ 131—142 of this title, and it shall likewise be illegal to make repairs or improvements to houses located in a “slum district”, without previous permission in writing of the Puerto Rico Housing Authority. It shall be unlawful to sell, lease or otherwise cede any building or structure located in a slum district or to sell, lease or otherwise cede lands in said districts for purposes of constructing thereon, without previous permission in writing of the Puerto Rico Housing Authority; but said permission, in cases of sale, lease or cession of buildings, shall be granted if the sale, lease or cession is made in behalf of persons who, under the rules prescribed for the purpose, qualify to enjoy the benefits, concessions or rights granted to the residents of a district declared “slum district”; Provided, however, That in no case may improvements be allowed which consist in extension to any house, building, or structure located in a “slum district”, and no Registrar of Property may investigate or enter any sale or conveyance of land or dwelling in a “slum district” without the consent of the Puerto Rico Housing Authority.
History —May 14, 1945, No. 264, p. 910, § 9; Apr. 26, 1950, No. 126, p. 328, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 141 - Violations, penalties

(a) Any person who wilfully, illegally, and maliciously violates the provisions of § 140 of this title, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be punished by a minimum fine of fifty dollars ($50), or minimum imprisonment for a term of thirty (30) days, or by both penalties [at] the discretion of the court.
(b) Whenever the denounced violation consists of having carried out any construction, repair, or improvement of any house located in a slum district, the sentence entered shall provide, in addition to the penalty set forth under subsection (a) of this section, that the construction, improvement, or extension, the object of the complaint, be demolished by the marshal of the court with personnel under the direction of the Puerto Rico Housing Authority as soon as the sentence entered in the case is final.
History —May 14, 1945, No. 264, p. 910, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 142 - Restrictions on municipalities

After the declaration made by the Board of a “slum district” is final, the corresponding municipality cannot introduce in same any improvement of a public character or service without previous permission in writing of the Puerto Rico Housing Authority
History —May 14, 1945, No. 264, p. 910, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 143 - Elimination of unfit dwellings by municipalities

It is hereby found and declared that the existence and occupation of dwellings in Puerto Rico which are unfit for human habitation are inimical to the welfare, and dangerous and injurious to the health, safety and morals, of the people of Puerto Rico, and that a public necessity exists for the repair or elimination of such dwellings. Whenever any municipality of Puerto Rico finds that there exist in such municipality dwellings which are unfit for human habitation due to dilapidation, defects increasing the hazards of fires, accidents or other calamities, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, or due to other conditions rendering such dwellings unsafe and insanitary and dangerous or detrimental to the health, safety or morals, or are otherwise inimical to the welfare of the residents of such municipality, power is hereby conferred upon such municipality to remedy or eliminate the aforesaid conditions in the manner herein provided.
History —May 15, 1938, No. 222, p. 429, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 144 - Elimination of unfit dwellings by municipalities—Definitions

The following terms whenever used or referred to in §§ 143—151 of this title shall have the following respective meanings for the purpose of §§ 143—151 of this title, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
(a) Municipality. — Shall mean any municipality of Puerto Rico including the Government of the Capital.
(b) Governing body. — Shall mean the municipal legislature, board of commissioners or other legislative body, charged with governing a municipality.
(c) Public officer. — Shall mean the officer or officers who are authorized by ordinance adopted hereunder to exercise the powers prescribed by such ordinance and by §§ 143—151 of this title.
(d) Public authority. — Shall mean any housing authority in Puerto Rico, or any officer who is in charge of any department or branch of the government of a municipality or of the Government of Puerto Rico relating to health, fire, building regulations, or to other activities concerning dwellings.
(e) Owner. — Shall mean the holder of the title in fee, or a mortgagee or trustee, whose interest is shown of record or who is in possession of a dwelling, or any person in control of a dwelling, or the agent of any such person.
(f) Parties in interest. — Shall mean individuals, associations or corporations who have an interest of record in or who are in possession of a dwelling.
(g) Dwelling. — Means any building, or structure, or part thereof, used and occupied for human habitation or intended to be so used, and includes any yard, garden, outhouses and appurtenances belonging thereto or usually enjoyed therewith.
History —May 15, 1938, No. 222, p. 429, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 146 - Elimination of unfit dwellings by municipalities—Standards for determining fitness

An ordinance adopted by a municipality under §§ 143—151 of this title shall provide that the public officer may determine that a dwelling is unfit for human habitation if he finds that conditions exist in such dwellings which are dangerous or injurious to the health, safety or morals of the persons using such dwellings for human habitation or to the public; such condition may include the following (without limiting the generality of the foregoing): defects therein increasing the hazards of fire, accident, or other calamities; lack of adequate ventilation, light, or sanitary facilities; dilapidation; disrepair, structural defects; uncleanliness. Such ordinance may provide additional standards to guide the public officer, or his agents, in determining the fitness of a dwelling for human habitation.
History —May 15, 1938, No. 222, p. 429, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 147 - Elimination of unfit dwellings by municipalities—Service of process; evidence

Complaints or orders issued by a public officer pursuant to an ordinance adopted under §§ 143—151 of this title shall be served upon persons either personally or by registered mail, but if the whereabouts of such persons is unknown and the same cannot be ascertained by the public officer in the exercise of reasonable diligence, and the public officer shall make an affidavit to that effect, then the serving of such complaint or order upon such persons may be made by publishing the same once each week for two successive weeks in a newspaper printed and published in the municipality, or, in the absence of such a newspaper, in one printed and published in Puerto Rico and circulating in the municipality in which the dwellings are located. A copy of such complaint or order shall be posted in a conspicuous place on premises affected by the complaint or order. The rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or equity shall not be controlling in hearings before the public officer.
History —May 15, 1938, No. 222, p. 429, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 148 - Elimination of unfit dwellings by municipalities—Judicial review

Any person affected by an order issued by the public officer may apply to the Court of First Instance for an injunction restraining the public officer from carrying out the provisions of the order, and the court, or any judge thereof, may, upon such application, issue an order restraining the public officer pending final disposition of the case. Hearings shall be had by the court on such applications within twenty (20) days, or as soon thereafter as possible, and shall be given preference over other matters on the court’s calendar. The court shall hear and determine the issues raised and shall enter such final order or decree as law and justice may require. In all such proceedings the findings of the public officer as to facts, if supported by evidence, shall be conclusive. Costs shall be in the discretion of the court. The remedies herein provided shall be exclusive remedies and no person affected by an order of the public officer shall be entitled to recover any damages for action taken by the public officer under such order or because of noncompliance therewith.
History —May 15, 1938, No. 222, p. 429, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 149 - Elimination of unfit dwellings by municipalities—Powers of public officer

An ordinance adopted by the governing body of the municipality may authorize the public officer to exercise such powers as may be necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of §§ 143—151 of this title, including the following powers in addition to others herein granted:
(a) To investigate the dwelling conditions in the municipality in order to determine which dwellings therein are unfit for human habitation;
(b) to administer oaths, affirmations, examine witnesses and receive evidence;
(c) to enter upon premises for the purpose of making examinations; Provided, That such entries shall be made in such manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession;
(d) to appoint and fix the duties of such officers, agents and employees as he deems necessary to carry out the purposes of the ordinance, and
(e) to delegate any of his functions and powers under the ordinance to such officers and agents as he may designate.
History —May 15, 1938, No. 222, p. 429, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 150 - Elimination of unfit dwellings by municipalities—Expenses; appropriations

The governing body of any municipality adopting an ordinance under §§ 143—151 of this title shall as soon as possible thereafter prepare an estimate of the annual expenses or costs to provide the equipment, personnel and supplies necessary for periodic examinations and investigations of the dwellings in such municipality for the purpose of determining the fitness of such dwellings for human habitation, and for the enforcement and administration of its ordinances adopted under §§ 143—151 of this title; and any such municipality is authorized to make such appropriations from its revenues as it may deem necessary for this purpose and may accept and apply grants or donations to assist it in carrying out the provisions of such ordinances.
History —May 15, 1938, No. 222, p. 429, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 151 - Elimination of unfit dwellings by municipalities—Other powers not affected

Nothing in §§ 143—151 of this title shall be construed to abrogate or impair the powers of the courts or of any department of any city to enforce the laws, ordinances or regulations, nor to prevent or punish violations thereof; and the powers conferred by §§ 143—151 of this title shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law.
History —May 15, 1938, No. 222, p. 429, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE SEVENTEEN - Housing (§§ 1 — 1546) › Chapter 7 - Slum Clearance (§§ 131 — 160) › § 152 - Prevention of slums on public lands—Appropriation

The sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), or such part thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated from any funds in the Commonwealth Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to be expended in the policing of the public lands adjacent to the urban zones of the principal cities of Puerto Rico, including the Island of Vieques, which are mostly affected by slum construction, at the discretion of the Secretary of Public Works.
History —Nov. 21, 1941, No. 15, p. 48, § 1.