When planning a project, one of the fundamental steps is to identify in advance which permits, licenses, or authorizations are necessary to carry out the activities. This analysis prevents delays, fines, or even the paralysis of the project due to regulatory non-compliance.
Permits may vary depending on the type of project (construction, technological, social, industrial, etc.), but in general terms they can be grouped into:
Legal and administrative permits: municipal licenses, building permits, land use permits, environmental impact permits, or occupational safety permits.
Sectoral authorizations: in health, education, transportation, energy, and other projects, specific permits may be required from regulatory agencies.
Internal organizational authorizations: approval from management, legal, human resources, or finance departments to allocate resources or perform tasks.
Supporting documentation: plans, feasibility studies, contracts, insurance, quality or compliance certificates.
An important consideration is that obtaining permits can take time and depend on external processes.
Therefore, it is recommended that they be incorporated into the project schedule as critical activities, since the start or continuation of other phases depends on them.
In addition to identifying which permits are required, it is important to analyze the legal and regulatory context in which the project will be developed. This not only involves complying with national or local regulations, but also considering:
Environmental and sustainability standards: projects that generate waste, emissions, or resource consumption must comply with environmental protection regulations.
Occupational health and safety regulations: ensure that activities do not put workers or the community at risk.
Contractual requirements: some projects require suppliers or partners to have specific certifications (e.g., ISO, operating licenses).
Social and community factors: in certain cases, authorization or acceptance from local communities, neighborhood associations, or associations is required.
Proper identification is not limited to “paperwork,” but is part of project risk management, since not having the proper permits can mean total suspension of activities or the imposition of fines.
Therefore, it is advisable to create a permit registry that includes:
Name of the permit.
Issuing institution.
Required documents.
Estimated time frame for obtaining it.
Person responsible for processing it.
This serves as a clear guide and facilitates monitoring during planning and execution.