21 October 2025
Starting a construction project in areas like Pérez Zeledón or Dominical involves complying with a series of essential procedures tailored to each location. These steps, while necessary to ensure the legality and safety of the project, can become time-consuming if not managed properly from the outset.
In addition to regulatory compliance, these procedures coordinate technical, environmental, and administrative aspects that directly impact the feasibility and pace of construction. That’s why understanding each stage and strategically planning around seasonal weather conditions can make a significant difference in your project’s progress.
Key Stages of the Construction Permitting Process
Before laying the first stone, it’s mandatory to go through different phases to ensure the land, design, and execution comply with current regulations. Among the main steps are:
- Preliminary studies: These include acquiring the lot, verifying registration in the Registro Nacional, and reviewing zoning regulations and service availability (water, electricity, access). This stage also involves a physical site analysis and technical studies such as environmental impact, geotechnical assessments, and contour mapping.
- Construction plans: Once the preliminary phase is completed, architectural and engineering plans are drawn up for approval by the CFIA (Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos), relevant entities (such as MINAE if applicable), and the local municipality. This process includes submitting official forms like D1, D2, and D3, as well as paying for insurance policies and bonds.
- Construction permit: With all plans approved and stamped, the municipal construction permit is processed. This includes paying municipal fees and marks the official legal start of the project.
- Execution and project supervision: This stage involves managing social security compliance, payroll reporting, technical inspections (structural, electromechanical, architectural), and overall project management.
- Project close-out: Upon completing construction, essential certifications are processed, including the final construction report (acta de fin de obra), final acceptance, and closure of the construction logbook. Guarantees and required insurance policies are also documented at this stage.
How Long Does This Process Take?
The duration of construction permitting varies depending on the type of project, location, and number of institutions involved. On average, the full process takes between 3 to 6 months, although for more complex projects it can extend up to a year.
Construction procedures often face bottlenecks due to high demand, especially during the dry season, when permit requests increase significantly.
One way to counteract these delays is by starting paperwork during the rainy season. During these months, there are fewer active construction projects, which reduces the workload of regulatory institutions. This allows your project to enter the dry season with all necessary permits ready, ensuring a smoother execution.
Why Choose Arkcon to Manage Your Construction Procedures?
At Arkcon, we handle the entire permitting process so you don’t have to worry about slow or complicated bureaucracy. We have extensive experience in construction permitting, which allows us to anticipate requirements, prepare complete documentation, and maintain efficient communication with the involved institutions.
We’re deeply familiar with local regulations and use drone photogrammetry studies to understand the site’s specific conditions. This allows us to adapt each design strategically to avoid rejections or delays. From the preliminary studies to the final project handover, we offer full support to ensure compliance, quality, and efficiency.
We know the best timing to start the process and how to optimize each step. Working with us means saving time, reducing risks, and moving forward with confidence toward building your project. ¡Contact us today for more information!