The Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation announced on Apr. 26 that it will begin updating the Technical Safety Inspection Regulations for Buildings (ITSE) in order to strengthen risk prevention and improve safety conditions in public venues across the country.
This update is important because ITSE is a requirement for establishments such as restaurants, shopping centers, markets, and offices to obtain operating licenses. Ensuring these inspections are rigorous helps protect citizens by preventing incidents and safeguarding their well-being.
“The objective is to have a modern regulation that not only strengthens risk prevention but also improves supervision and, above all, protects the lives of urban and rural populations,” said officials from the Ministry of Housing.
The current regulation has been in place since 2018. The ministry said there is a need for improvements so that safety evaluations are more uniform and thorough. The new regulation will be developed by a Multisectoral Working Group created under Ministerial Resolution No. 173-2026-VIVIENDA. This group includes executive branch entities, professional associations, local governments, technical experts, and academic representatives to ensure the reform addresses local realities with decentralized application.
According to the official website, the Ministry contributes to social wellbeing by enhancing access to housing and basic services while fostering sustainable territorial development. It maintains its central headquarters in San Isidro, Lima along with regional Centers of Citizen Attention throughout Peru as reported by the official website. Established by Law No. 27779 as an autonomous entity within Peru’s Executive Branch according to its official website, it develops policies promoting sustainable access to housing, construction, water supply, sanitation and urban development for all Peruvians according to information from its official website. The ministry serves communities nationwide through its headquarters and regional centers supporting national initiatives per details on its official website. It issues policies supporting sustainable development in areas like housing or water management according to data from its official website. As described on its official website, it provides services including housing support projects aiming at improving living conditions especially for lower-income groups while partnering with specialized entities.
The planned reforms will also include improved inspection procedures, clearer sanctions systems, increased numbers of inspectors and greater involvement from local governments providing information used during inspections—all intended so every building can be evaluated using rigorous technical standards.
