Sedetus Can Now File Criminal Complaints in Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo, Mexico — A reform to the Organic Law of the Public Administration of Quintana Roo has officially empowered the Secretariat of Sustainable Urban Development (Sedetus) to file criminal complaints related to urban development violations. The amendment, which took effect on Saturday, also expands the agency’s role in promoting sustainable housing construction to address the state’s housing shortage.

Expanded Legal Authority for Sedetus

The revision to Article 34 of the Organic Law was published as Decree 129 in the state’s Official Gazette, following its approval in May by the Quintana Roo State Congress. Previously, Sedetus had limited authority to pursue legal action against urban development offenses.

The reform was proposed by legislators from the Morena party in the state congress. According to the justification for the amendment, the changes align state laws with the Mexican Constitution and provide Sedetus with tools to promote adequate housing, including the authority to formalize private property ownership.

“The reform aims to encourage the construction and commercialization of real estate developments and/or urban complexes for social interest, intended for sale or rent to individuals who lack housing and whose economic capacity prevents them from acquiring it,” states Section XXX of the amended Article 34.

Strengthening Oversight of Irregular Developments

Sedetus has played a key role in regulating real estate in Quintana Roo, particularly in exposing irregular condominium projects built without proper permits. While the agency has imposed administrative sanctions such as closures, its ability to escalate cases through criminal complaints was previously restricted.

The reform now enables Sedetus to formally denounce criminal offenses related to urban development violations, marking a significant step in enforcing compliance and accountability in the state’s rapidly growing real estate sector.