Costa Rica Beach Versus City – Different Regulations

Coastal regulations differ from urban regulations.

In the first place there are two separate laws; one for urban zones and another for coastal areas.

The major difference is that coastal areas are destined for tourist use and investment.

Urban laws apply to every kind of building whether for industry, commerce or private homes, while the maritime area law does not apply to homes.

Basically the coastal regulating plan is a legal and technical instrument for the economic, social and environmental development in the maritime coastal zone and adjacent areas, when it applies.

The maritime law also keeps the first 200 meters of land above the high-tide mark in the hands of the government.

For coastal areas, plans must be drawn up according to the land-use regulations defined by the National Plan of Touristic Development.

Other parts of coastal regulations are much like those for urban development, calling for: research, diagnosis, soil analysis, purpose, ingress and egress maps, etc.

The major difference is in the ecology of the areas.

Environmentally speaking, all lots, urban or coastal, must first be studied by MINAE to see if they could serve as forest land. Although necessary, this study adds to delays in getting permits.

If the coastal area has been declared good for tourism, then the order of priority is as follows: touristic activities, next recreational and sport activities, then homes, then commerce-artisans and finally fish farms.

When the zone is declared non-touristic the order of priorities is reversed.

Our thanks to Gloriana Gomez and our friends at La Nación – Costa Rica’s largest Spanish circulation newspaper for their permission use this article.

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.