We must get construction permits to build your Project.

Upon completion of the Construction Documents, it is necessary to obtain a building permit prior to beginning of construction. We will submit the building plans to the local building departments, respond to any comments made by the building officials, and revise the drawings as necessary to expedite the process.

By law, all applications for construction permits must be filed by an architect or civil engineer who is a member of the Costa Rican Association of Engineers and Architects (Colegio Federado e Ingenieros y Arquitectos, CFIA).

We will ensure that your plans meet seismic, electrical and other regulation standards, as well as that there are no restrictions placed on the lot that could result in the denial of a construction permit.

Depending on the Project and location, the plans will be studied by representatives from the MOPT (Roads and Transportation Department), INVU (Housing and Urban Development Department), ICE (Electricity Department), AYA (Water Department) or ASADA (water local association) , SNE (National Electrical Services), CFIA (Costa Rican Architect and Engineer Association), the Health Department and the local Municipality, where the property is located. Each Municipality creates and enforces building codes for construction projects in its own area.

We will put together all this information with the help of your attorney, but you must cover the taxes they will ask for, which are written ahead of this document.

Remember that to obtain the Municipality permits you must be up to date with all municipal and property taxes.

The building permit phase is not the responsibility of the architect, but an added service. Only for single Residential case: The cost of this is $800.00 US, the full process, if someone else does the procedures to get the permits on the institutions and we only prepare paperwork and follow up by phone our fee will be $250.00 U.S.

Note: The Average Time for this is 4 to 6 weeks approx, and depends on the Government Institutions.

Calculation for Building Permits

The cost of the building permits are based on the total average cost of the project given by the Colegio de Ingenieros & Arquitectos de Costa Rica, and they are to be paid when the constructive plans are ready. The following numbers are the standard percentages that are applied to a single project.

Building permits average costs:

The following numbers are only an estimate until we have the plans.

* Colegio de Ingenieros y Arquitectos de Costa Rica.............0.265%
* Municipalidad de Osa…………. ……...........................................1.0%
* Insurance (I.N.S.) in most cases is ………………………..................2.0%
* INVU setback ……………………………………………...................……...$50.00
* Health Ministry Permits (water test)………………………..........…$100.00
* MOPT (Ministry for Public Works and Transports) Permit…....$0.00


The following applies depending on the project type:

* MIN.A.E.T Environmental Evaluation (SETENA D-2)
* MIN.A.E.T. Environmental Evaluation (SETENA D-1)

Over 1000 m2 project size, the SETENA requires an Environmental Impact Study D1, which average cost is of $3900-$4750. US., hiring a specialist on the field, as well as an Environmental Guarantee and Environmental Regency monthly Inspections, not considered in the costs mentioned before.