under 70 m2

[dano]

Is it legal to build a small, simple cabin/workspace that would serve as a future "helpers" residence on our property without planning permision that we could live in and work out of temporarily while we build something more substantial. What sort of bureaucracy are we likely to face in the acquisition of a building permit and throughout the building process? What is the timeframe required to get a permit? Any comments, experiences would be appreciated.

Regards, Dan

[Ivo]

Thanx for participating Dan
It depends a lot on which municipality you're under. Some have a zoning plan, some don't, some belong to the GAM plan (Greater Metropolitan area). It's easy to find out at the Municipality at the Engineering desk. For example, in Escazu, you can build under 30 m2 with only two sketches made by a professional, a copy of your plot map, a copy of your ID, Certification of the property from the public registry and fill out the form hey give you. All construction over 30 m2, be ready for a lot of bureaucracy. I recently asked for a permit to tear down my old perimeter wall and to build a new one and it took me 5 1/2 months to get started. It's much easier to get permits for a new house than for addition. To make it easy on yourself, now that you want to build a larger structure also: get the permits for the 70 m2 as well as for the main house all at the same time, you'll save yourself a lot of aggravation. At the city hall they can give you all the requirements but careful you get them all the first time. Better even, have your builder get it all for you. They seem to come up, every time you think you get it all together, with a new requirement. Have a local do it for you. I speak Spanish fluently and have lived here for 25 years but I have come on the verge of killing someone several times.

good luck on your venture
Ivo
Godutch Realty

[dano]

Thanks Ivo.  I am a builder but obviously have very little local knowledge. Is there an Engineer or Architect anyone would recommend who also has skills in dealing with the municipality/inspectors/planners?  Our property is in Playa Negra. Any other ideas for a temporary shelter to avoid paying rent and commuting over the long-term? We've lived in a camper van in our youth, we can sacrifice. We just want to be legal!

Thanks again
Dan

[Ivo]

I have no idea what Municipality Playa Negra belongs to. You can see that on your plot map or study of the public registry. It's where you pay your property taxes.
A good guy to contact for your whole project:
Erik Reinhold
http://www.reinholdcostarica.com/en/

I have worked for several years with him on a large project and he knows his way around.

Good luck on your project

Ivo
Godutch Realty