Puebla Municipalities Must Harmonize Permit Requirements to Prevent Land Invasions: COE

Web Editor

September 23, 2025

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Who is Cesar Bonilla Yunes?

Cesar Bonilla Yunes, the president of the Consejo de Organismos Empresariales (COE), is a prominent figure in Puebla’s business community. Leading approximately 1,500 affiliated entrepreneurs, his organization aims to address issues affecting local businesses and promote a conducive environment for growth.

The Issue: Land Invasions and Irregular Construction

Over the past two years, the Consejo de Organismos Empresariales (COE) has reported more than 20 instances of land invasions and irregular construction projects within the Puebla metropolitan area. These incidents have resulted from inadequate permit processes, leading to unregistered property claims and poorly verified land ownership.

Key Irregularities

  • Lack of physical identification of the properties when legitimate owners attempt to formalize their ownership.
  • Issuance of construction permits based on unregistered property deeds and identification documents not linked to the land.
  • Mismatched property dimensions, boundaries, and locations in relation to the intended construction site.

COE’s Recommendations for the State Government

Cesar Bonilla Yunes urges the state government to collaborate with the 18 municipalities in the metropolitan area to prevent further land invasion and abandoned construction projects. He emphasizes the need for better coordination between state agencies and local governments to ensure proper verification of property ownership and construction permits.

Impact on Businesses

These irregularities negatively affect real estate businesses that invest in land purchases, often waiting up to two years before initiating any projects. During this period, they must secure the properties with private security or fencing to deter invasions. However, these measures do not always guarantee protection against land seizures.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What is the main concern raised by COE? The primary issue is the inadequate permit process for construction and land use, leading to unregistered property claims and poorly verified ownership.
  • Who is Cesar Bonilla Yunes? Cesar Bonilla Yunes is the president of COE, representing around 1,500 affiliated businesses in Puebla.
  • How many land invasion incidents have been reported? More than 20 cases of land invasions and irregular construction projects have been documented over the past two years.
  • What are some examples of irregularities? Examples include issuing permits based on unregistered property deeds, mismatched property dimensions, and lack of physical identification during ownership formalization.
  • How do these issues affect businesses? Real estate businesses face delays in project initiation and additional costs for securing properties, with no guarantee against land seizures.