The Most Common Mistakes When Applying for Construction Permits

• Constructions

Applying for construction permits is a mandatory step to begin any formal project in Costa Rica. However, it is common for property owners and developers to face obstacles during the process due to avoidable mistakes that could be prevented with better planning and professional guidance.

Understanding the most frequent errors when handling construction procedures in our country can make a difference and help you anticipate any setbacks.

1. Incomplete or Improperly Submitted Documentation

One of the most common mistakes when managing construction permits is submitting incomplete files or those with inconsistencies. Municipalities and entities such as the CFIA (Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos) require a series of mandatory documents to approve any application, including approved plans, technical studies, and specific forms.

Frequent problems in this area include:

• Plans without the required official approval or with technical errors.
• Missing signatures from the professionals responsible for the design and construction.
• Outdated or expired land use studies.
• Missing payment receipts or required insurance policies.

A detailed review of all documents before submitting the application is essential to avoid delays or rejections. It’s also important to understand which entity requires each document and in what format.

2. Lack of Knowledge of Local Regulations

Each canton in Costa Rica has its own construction and land-use regulations, which means the procedures can vary significantly depending on the project’s location. It’s common for those unfamiliar with local regulations to begin processes without considering restrictions such as:

• Height limits for buildings depending on the zone.
• Proximity to rivers, streams, or protected areas.
• Minimum width of public roads or vehicle access.
• Special requirements for tourism or commercial projects.

Without specialized technical guidance, many property owners face the need to redo plans or make costly adjustments that could have been foreseen from the beginning.

How to Avoid Mistakes and Speed Up Your Construction Permits?

Having the support of qualified professionals makes a major difference when managing construction permits. Many of the common mistakes can be avoided by working with a team that understands the technical, legal, and administrative processes involved in each project.

At Arkcon, we provide comprehensive support in construction procedures, focused on optimizing each stage of the process and reducing the risk of rejections or delays. Our team takes care of:

• Verifying land viability before designing, considering regulations, easements, forest zones, or other restrictions.
• Coordinating the preparation and review of plans, ensuring they are correctly approved and signed by certified professionals.
• Using digital tools such as APC to streamline procedures with CFIA, INVU, and other institutions.
• Maintaining constant communication with municipalities and involved entities, anticipating any additional requirements depending on the project type.

Get specialized technical advice for residential, commercial, or tourism projects with us, tailoring each process to the specific characteristics of your location and construction goals.

Start your project with confidence from day one. Let us handle the entire permit and procedures process with the technical and professional backing that ensures efficient management. Contact us!