Building permits in Costa Rica: Everything you need to know about it

In Costa Rica, the process of obtaining construction permits is an essential step to ensure that any project complies with current legal and technical regulations. These permits guarantee structural safety, compliance with environmental regulations, and proper urban development. Below, I explain everything you need to know about this process.

1. Municipal Construction Permit

The municipal permit is the most important one you must obtain before starting any construction project. This permit is granted by the municipality of the canton where the property is located and is a requirement for any type of construction, whether residential, commercial or industrial.

Requirements for Municipal Permit:

CFIA (Federated College of Engineers and Architects) approved plans: Architectural and structural plans must be designed and signed by a registered engineer or architect, and subsequently endorsed by the CFIA. This step ensures that the plans comply with the established technical and safety regulations.
Environmental Impact Study (when applicable) : Large-scale projects or those located in sensitive areas require an environmental impact study approved by SETENA (National Environmental Technical Secretariat) . This document evaluates the impact of the project on the environment and proposes measures to mitigate it.

Additional permits : Depending on the type of construction and its location, you may need permits from other institutions such as the Ministry of Health (for buildings with sanitary services), the AyA (Aqueducts and Sewers) to guarantee access to drinking water and wastewater management, and the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) for the installation of electrical services.

2. Visa by the CFIA

The Federated College of Engineers and Architects plays a fundamental role in the review and approval of the plans. The CFIA visa certifies that the project complies with the construction regulations in force in Costa Rica.

Documents required for visa:

Architectural plans (structure design).
Structural plans (technical details on materials and structure).
Soil study (if the terrain has complex characteristics or geological risks).

This visa process typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks , depending on the complexity of the project and the volume of applications that the CFIA is processing.

3. Environmental Viability and Land Use

Land use is another key consideration in the permitting process. Each piece of land in Costa Rica has a land use defined by the municipality's Regulatory Plan , which establishes what type of construction is allowed on that land (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.).

Land use related permits:

Land use certification : This document is requested from the municipality and certifies what type of construction can be developed on the land.
SETENA Environmental Permit : For projects that could affect protected areas or natural resources, it is necessary to obtain this permit. The process includes assessments of the project's impact and mitigation measures.

4. Process Time and Costs

The time to obtain all building permits can vary, depending on the complexity of the project, but generally takes between 2 to 6 months . In addition, the costs associated with the process include:

Payment of fees at the CFIA for the approval of plans.
Municipal taxes , which vary depending on the value of the project.
Professional fees of architects, engineers and other consultants.

5. Municipal Inspections

Once a building permit is granted, the municipality conducts periodic inspections to ensure that the construction follows the approved plans and complies with local regulations. If irregularities are detected, the work may be temporarily suspended until the problems are corrected.

Final Considerations

Complying with all requirements and obtaining the necessary permits is essential to avoid legal problems and ensure that your construction project is safe and sustainable.

In a construction project, multiple disciplines are involved, from architecture and structural engineering to environmental studies and municipal regulations. At Grupo ACA, we specialize in coordinating all these aspects, bringing together the necessary professionals to manage the corresponding permits efficiently. Our team takes care of the entire process, ensuring that each phase of the project is aligned with current regulations and standards, thus guaranteeing the success and peace of mind of our clients.