What Is Norma 26 in Mexico City?

In the world of architecture and construction in Mexico City, it is common to hear people talk about Norma 26. If you are not involved in the industry, you have probably never heard of it, so here is a simple explanation.

Norma 26 is a General Planning Regulation created by SEDUVI, the Mexico City Secretariat of Urban Development and Housing. Broadly speaking, it allows developers to build more stories than the zoning regulations for a property would normally permit, provided that the project is intended for social or affordable housing with a regulated sale price.

A Brief History

The regulation was introduced in 2010, but it was suspended in 2013 after some developers obtained permits to build "affordable" housing and then sold the units at prices far above the legal limit. It was reinstated in 2021, and between 2025 and 2026 the city government established clearer rules and stricter oversight for each project to prevent those abuses from happening again.

Where and How Does It Apply?

Norma 26 does not apply to every property. It applies to sites with residential or mixed-use zoning, and in some cases also to areas with heritage value, although those are subject to stricter restrictions.

In general terms, this is how it works:

  • The property and its location within the city are evaluated.
  • The additional buildable area is calculated. For example, properties near the Historic Center may be authorized to add up to six additional stories, while in other areas up to eight additional stories may be permitted.
  • The project must be sold at a maximum price established by the authorities (for 2026, this is approximately 2 million Mexican pesos per housing unit).
  • The project must comply with sustainability requirements, such as the efficient use of water and energy.
  • If a project fails to meet these requirements, the authorities may revoke the permits that were granted.
Why Does It Exist?

Mexico City needs more affordable housing, but it also seeks to prevent continued urban expansion into conservation areas. Norma 26 is intended to strike that balance by making better use of land that is already urbanized instead of allowing the city's footprint to continue expanding. Today, it is an active and enforceable regulation, and it is even mentioned as part of the city's broader strategy to help curb gentrification.

In short, Norma 26 is, at its core, an attempt to answer a question that Mexico City has been facing for years: how can the city build more affordable housing without sacrificing the order and character of the existing urban fabric? It has not always achieved that goal without setbacks, but its history—and its return under clearer rules—says a great deal about the direction of urban development in the Mexican capital.

 

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