Guidesto building
What it takes to build in Costa Rica, step by step, with the law or the office behind every step.
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(01) Guide30 sources
Building permits in Costa Rica, step by step
Every step to a building permit in Costa Rica, in order, with the law behind it: land use, water, SETENA, the CFIA platform, Health, the Fire Department, the municipality and the coast.
Contents01What the lot already decides02The steps for a single-family house03What changes for a hotel, a shop or a restaurant04When SETENA's environmental review applies05The national rules where there is no local plan06Building near the beach07How long each step takes
Reviewed 7 Oct 2026Read →
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(02) Guide11 sources
Building in a gated community or condominium
How condominiums and gated communities work in Costa Rica: the law, the design committee, setbacks, fees and the two approvals a house needs.
Contents01A condominium is shared property with its own rules02What the rules control03Two approvals: the condominium's and the State's04What it costs beyond the house05Five checks before buying a lot
Reviewed 7 Oct 2026Read →
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(03) Towns18 towns
Where we work
Rain, sun, wind and permits for every town where we design, each on its own page.
Regions9GuanacasteTamarindo, Playa Grande, Playa Negra, Flamingo, Playas del Coco, Papagayo, Liberia, Nosara, Sámara4Central ValleyEscazú, Santa Ana, Atenas, Heredia2South PacificDominical, Uvita1Southern Nicoya PeninsulaSanta Teresa1Central PacificJacó1CaribbeanPuerto Viejo
Climate data by townOpen →