Key Regulations to be Aware of Before Beginning Construction in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s rich and beautiful landscape has convinced many to build homes and construction projects on its affordable soil. Understandably, it is easy to get swept up in the romance of starting such a project. However, there are key regulations to consider before construction begins.

From zoning rules to soil conditions, there are many factors that need to be taken into account. We will bring to light the key regulations, so that your project remains unaffected and is given the go-ahead to begin.

Project Registration

One of the first steps you should take when embarking on a construction project in Costa Rica is registration. In order for the project to be greenlit by the CFIA (College of Engineers and Architects), the following documents must be presented:

• Construction plans approved by a professional architectand a member of CFIA
• Water availability letter known as a “carta de agua”
• An outline of the plot’s boundaries, referred to as a cadastral survey
• Electrical availability

Environmental Regulations

Costa Rica is well-known for its biodiversity, and because of this, it is protected by strong environmental regulations. Despite only making up 0.03% of the landmass here on Earth, it is home to 20% of the world’s species.

Unfortunately, since the 1980s, Costa Rica has experienced deforestation, leading to about half its forests being felled. Skip forward to the present day, and the country has made the headlines by being one of the first to reverse deforestation and renew its ancient forests.

This is precisely why Costa Rica takes environmental concerns so seriously and why such regulations should be strictly followed. Therefore, do your research before you begin if you require tree removal or the use of natural bodies of water.

Construction Permits

As with any construction project, you will need to ensure you have all the necessary permits in place in order to move forward. Permits for land use, the construction process itself, and approved architectural plans are essential. You may also require an environmental impact permit for certain projects.

Land Evaluation

In such a diverse place as Costa Rica, you can imagine that the soil composition is going to be equally as varied. Costa Rican soil often contains volcanic ash, which can make for an unstable ground to build upon. A land evaluation is vital in ensuring that the ground can safely support the structure you intend to develop.

It’s not just the soil quality that requires assessment. Its ability to drain away excess water is also an important consideration. Costa Rica’s rainy season runs from May to November, and if the land is prone to becoming waterlogged, this could cause future issues for your construction project.

How to Make Sure Your Construction Project Stays Compliant

Even after obtaining permits and approval, compliance is still your responsibility. Here’s how to ensure that your project remains in line with the law.

Hire Local Experts

There is a way to ensure that your Costa Rican construction project complies with all the necessary rules and regulations, and that’s to use reputable, local professionals. It helps that all projects require registration with CFIA, as this way, you are guided by one of their architects who fully understands which permits you will need.

After the architect’s plans have been approved and the permits obtained, working with local construction companies is also a smart move. Construction professionals from Costa Rica have the experience of building on this land and are well aware of any pitfalls a project may encounter. This way, they can easily troubleshoot problems and get your project back on track.

Learn the Language

Though it helps if your team has a language in common, alternatively, hire a translator to ensure that important information doesn’t get lost in translation. Communication is key to navigating the regulations that may put a stop to your project.

Install a Security System

For security, install an on-site PoE camera system to ensure comprehensive oversight and accountability across the construction site. Security technology will give you peace of mind that no one is breaching any regulations on the construction site and also serve as a way of ensuring personnel safety and asset protection on the premises. With high-resolution, real-time video surveillance, potential breaches or unsafe behaviours can be quickly identified and addressed, promoting a safer and more secure working environment for everyone involved.

Summary

It’s not so difficult to meet the key regulations when you approach them strategically and apply some common sense. Seeking local experts for advice, understanding the unique makeup of the land, and using technology to give you peace of mind can all contribute towards a successful construction project in Costa Rica.