Guide to Construction Procedures, Documents, and Permits in Costa Rica

Complete Guide to Obtaining a Building Permit in Costa Rica: Step by Step Obtaining a building permit in Costa Rica is a complex process that requires following several key steps. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide, including the necessary documents, associated costs, and possible special permits:

1. Initial Documentation

Before starting the permitting process, make sure you have the following documents: From the Landowner:

1. 1. • Literal Property Certification: Data on the landowner.
      • Legal Entity Status or identification document if the owner is an individual.
      • Email and contact phone number.

For the land:

1. 1. • Soil Study: Analysis of the structural viability on the specific land.
      • Topographic Survey: Detailed information about the surface and characteristics of the land.
      • Infiltration Study: Analysis to determine the soil’s capacity to absorb and drain water, crucial for designing stormwater management systems.

2. Special Permits

Depending on the project, additional permits may be required, such as:

1. 1. • Environmental Impact Permit: Required for projects that may significantly impact the environment.
      • Tree Cutting Permit: Necessary if the construction involves the removal of trees on the land.
      • MOPT Road Alignment: Required if the project is near national routes or involves changes to road infrastructure.
      • INVU Alignment: Necessary to ensure the project complies with urban planning regulations.
      • Treatment Plant Permit: Required if a wastewater treatment plant will be installed in the project.

3. Project Registration with CFIA

Registering the project with the College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) is the first formal step to ensure the project complies with all regulations. Necessary Documents:

1. 1. • Construction plans (architectural, structural, and electromechanical) signed by professionals registered with the CFIA.
      • Cadastral survey.
      • Wastewater report.
      • Electrical form.
      • Water Availability Letter.

The documents to be submitted vary depending on the project. The responsible professional will indicate if your project requires any additional documents and how to proceed to obtain them. Once the responsible professionals validate the submitted project, the CFIA will review the documentation, measure the total construction area, and estimate the construction cost based on the information presented. Costs: Between 0.256% and 1% of the total project value. Once the contract is approved by the CFIA, tax costs must be covered to seal the submitted plans. Timeframes: The process usually takes around a week.

4. Other Institutions

Once the contract is approved by the CFIA, it’s time for the plans to be reviewed by the Ministry of Health and Firefighters if necessary. Timeframes: The initial review takes 15 business days.

5. Application for Building Permit with the Municipality

Once registered with the CFIA and approved by the relevant institutions, you must apply for the Building Permit with the municipality. Necessary Documentation:

1. 1. • Building Permit application form.
      • Construction Statistics form.
      • Plans approved by the CFIA and other institutions.
      • Project contract submitted to the CFIA.
      • Land Use Certification issued by the municipality.
      • Environmental Impact Report (if applicable).
      • Water Availability Letter.
      • Up-to-date Literal Property Certification.
      • Up-to-date Legal Entity Certification or Identification Document.
      • Agreement of partners if the land has more than one owner.
      • Cadastral survey.
      • Up-to-date municipal taxes for the land.
      • Social Security Employer Certificate.

Costs:

1. 1. • Construction Tax: Generally, 1% of the total project value.

Timeframes: Varies depending on the municipality where the permits are requested.

6. Mandatory Workers’ Insurance (INS)

Before starting construction, it is mandatory to obtain Workers’ Risk Insurance with the National Insurance Institute (INS). Necessary Documentation:

1. 1. • INS payroll with insured workers.
      • Insurance payment receipt.

Costs: Approximately 3.71% of labor costs.

7. Final Approval and Start of Works

With all the permits obtained and the insurance contracted, the municipality will issue the Municipal Building Permit, officially enabling the start of construction. It is important to note that during the construction process, the responsible professionals must conduct their corresponding visits on time to give their final approval once the work is completed. Cost Summary For a house of more than 300 m² with a pool, the approximate costs are:

1. 1. • Registration with CFIA: $795 USD (0.256%-1% of the project).
      • Municipal Construction Tax: $3,000 USD (1% of the project).
      • Workers’ Risk Insurance (INS): $4,500 USD (3.71% of labor costs).

Conclusion Completing the permitting process in Costa Rica is essential to ensure that your project complies with all necessary regulations, optimizing resources, and ensuring efficient execution. For more information about the services we offer at CJ Arquitectura, such as architectural design, landscaping, and permit management, visit our services and check our blog on permit procedures.