According to the Decree 1222 of 1986; the functions of the North Santander Department are as follows:
Participate in the preparation of the national plans and programmes for economic and social development and public works and coordinate the execution of them. The National Planning Department will quote to the Governors, the Mayor of Bogotá and the mayors and Commissioners to discuss with them the reports and regional analyses that prepare the respective sectional planning boards. These reports and analysis must be taken into account for the elaboration of plans and development programmes referred to in articles 76 and 118 of the Constitution.
Responsibilities and provide national services, or coordinate their compliance and benefit, in conditions that provide for delegations received and contracts or agreements that held for the effect.
Promote and implement, in compliance with the respective plans and national programmes and departmental economic activities that interest to their development and to the well-being of its inhabitants.
Provide administrative assistance, technical and financial to the municipalities, promoting their development and exercise guardianship laws brought attention on them.
Cooperate with the competent authorities in the execution of the tasks necessary for the preservation of the environment and arrange what require the adequate preservation of natural resources.
Meet other administrative functions and services pointing them to the Constitution and the laws.
ARTICLE 6 - departments will have independence for the Administration giving them sectional Affairs, with the limitations referred to in the Constitution, and shall serve on municipalities in the administrative supervision required to plan and coordinate regional and local development and the provision of services, under the laws designated (ARTICLE 182, inc. 1 C.P.).