NOM-005-SEDATU-2024, General Contents for Municipal Land Use and Urban Development Plans Programs

The purpose of this NOM is to promote a more sustainable and equitable territorial and urban development in Mexico, ensuring that all municipalities implement plans and programs (Municipal Land Use and/or Urban Development Plans or Programs) that consider both environmental and social well-being. The NOM is also aimed at guaranteeing equitable access to urban infrastructure, improving residents’ quality of life encourage citizen participation in planning, and establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure transparency and effectiveness of the implemented actions.

This NOM is mandatory and applicable throughout the national territory in the preparation of planning instruments issued by municipal governments and mayoral offices, within the scope of their respective powers.

Impact of the new NOM

The impacts and objectives of this NOM pertain to:

1. Sustainability: Promote urban and territorial development practices that are environmentally sustainable, reducing ecological impact and preserving natural resources;
2. Equity and Accessibility: Ensure that all residents have equitable access to urban infrastructure and basic services, regardless of their geographical location within the municipality;
3. Citizen Participation: Increase community involvement in the planning process, ensuring that decisions reflect the needs and opinions of local residents;
4. Integrated Planning: Promote more integrated and coherent planning that considers all aspects of territorial and urban development, from infrastructure to social and economic factors; and
5. Improvement of Quality of Life: Improve the quality of life for residents through more orderly and well-planned urban and territorial development that effectively addresses the population’s needs.

This NOM represents a significant step towards more just and sustainable urban and territorial development in Mexico. Municipalities will need to adapt their plans and programs to the new guidelines, promoting citizen participation and ensuring the equitable and sustainable development of their communities.