Tourism provides changes in density parameters for golf courses and undeveloped areas, in the Dominican Republic

The Tourism Secretariat (Sectur) issued Resolution 01-2008, amending the parameters of population density applicable to golf courses and undeveloped areas of national territory, such as mangroves and swamps.

In its first section, the measure provides that "in projects with golf courses and hotels will apply the gross population density in the area, the area where establishing the hotel development, without considering the area's golf course, for density purpose.”

Also, "the golf courses, with operating real estate projects, will be applied to net area to develop, the density permitted in the zone, plus 30% of the total area of the golf course that net area for calculation density.” Slogan, moreover, that in hotel and real estate projects "with undeveloped areas, indicates the additional percentage, based on the following criteria, which will be added to the net area to develop:

Area not developed in % percentage increase
50% 30%
50% -25% 20%
Less 25% 10%

The promoters of these projects "must provide in both cases - golf courses and undeveloped areas - a level of current and potential use of the land, with contours, locating watercourses, wetlands, mangroves, pastures, forests, etc." Indicating square meters in the entire surface of the extension that correspond to each area useful.

That level "must be backed by a No Objection the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources" and describe in detail "the system of reforestation or forestation allowing balancing the loss of tree" which resulted in the execution of the work, to preserve and increase the value of their biodiversity.

The resolution signed by the head of the Secretariat of Tourism, Felix Jimenez, relies on tourism legislation in force, which empowers this body to "regulate the construction, operation and tourist services, dictating the rules and parameters of development and its management harmonic, according to studies and recommendations.” Its antecedent, the National Plan spatial Tourism of the Dominican Republic (PNOTT) of 1991, drafted by the agreement IDB (Inter-American Development Bank) - Sectur.