TC declares admissible the challenge filed by opposition deputies and mayors against the new construction ordinance

PulsoNow the in-depth analysis of the decree amending the General Ordinance of Urban Planning and Construction (OGUC) will begin. From the Chilean Chamber of Construction (CChC), they criticized the decision due to the economic situation the country is going through. Santiago, August 25, 2026. The full bench of the Constitutional Court reviews the unconstitutionality petition filed by the government against article 31 of the mega-reform, which refers to the free reconnection of basic services in a state of catastrophe. Jonnathan Oyarzun/Aton Chile JONNATHAN OYARZUN/ATON CHILE CommentsThe Constitutional Court (TC) reviewed the admissibility of the appeal that a group of mayors and parliamentarians filed to seek a declaration that the decree amending the General Ordinance of Urban Planning and Construction (OGUC) is unconstitutional. And although the government's goal was for it to be declared inadmissible, that idea did not succeed. This Wednesday the TC declared it admissible, so the review of the merits of the petition by opposition parliamentarians and mayors will begin. "That from the examination of the petition filed and the accompanying background information, it can be concluded that it meets the requirements established in the cited legal provisions and in the other pertinent provisions of the aforementioned constitutional organic law to be admitted for processing, and that for the sole purpose of ruling on the admissibility of the petition filed, this Court considers that none of the grounds for inadmissibility established in the aforementioned second paragraph of article 111 applies," the TC's ruling states. Specifically, what the opposition parliamentarians and mayors are claiming is that this new ordinance relaxes some characteristics in housing construction, which, according to the mayors' accusations, will allow the real estate sector to benefit by obtaining more profits, as it will be able to build more in the same space. Hence, the local leaders accuse that the change to the OGUC will allow the construction of more "vertical ghettos," as currently occurs in Estación Central. November 25, 2025 Construction of the Eco Egaña buildings by the real estate company Fundamenta. Photo: Andres Perez Andres Perez From the Chilean Chamber of Construction (CChC), they criticized the decision due to the economic situation the country is going through: "It is essential to advance measures that allow boosting activity, generating work, and expanding opportunities for access to housing." The president of the guild, Raimundo Rencoret, stated that "the admissibility by the Constitutional Court of the petition filed against the amendments to the General Ordinance of Urban Planning and Construction (OGUC) introduces a scenario of uncertainty that could delay the development and start of new housing projects." In that sense, he argued that "this not only affects companies' investment decisions, but also postpones job creation and access for thousands of families to housing solutions they urgently need today." The guild leader added that "the modifications incorporated into the OGUC respond to an evident reality: Chilean families have changed and households are now smaller than a few decades ago, as indicated by the latest Census, so the update maintains construction standards and requirements, but provides greater flexibility to offer homes that respond to new ways of living in the city." More about: Construction TC Constitutional Court NEWSLETTER Pulso PM Monday to Friday, 12:30 PM The most relevant news on markets, companies, and business: timely information, context, and content to make better decisions. By subscribing, you are accepting the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policies of La Tercera.