If you’re planning to build a single home, the permitting process is a lot simpler. For one thing, you don’t have to get your master plan approved INVU, although most of the INVU requirements still apply for individual construction (specifically, alineamientos, water availability, slope of the terrain, Health Ministry approval – consult with your civil engineer or architect). The pre-permitting recommendations (do a land survey, get the uso de suelo, draw up construction plans) still stand as well. Your construction plans must still be approved by CFIA. Also, depending on where you’re building the house and how large it will be, the SETENA process will go much faster, or won’t be needed at all. If the construction covers less than 500m2, you can do the process with a D-2 permit, which your project manager can fill out. Construction greater than 500m2 still needs a D-1, but since single family homes are low density (and assuming you’re not building in virgin rain forest) you can usually get away with a sworn statement of environmental commitment. The environmental impact of construction on less than 300m2 is the municipalities’ responsibility to review.

There is, however, a large difference between building on a lot that someone sells you in a development, versus building out in a cow pasture in Cartago. The lot should have all of its permitting done. Which is to say, wastewater permission, property lines, water access, electricity access, etc. Ask to see documentation for all of the above, including the master plan of the development with visado stamped on it, as well as construction permits from the municipality. Depending on the range of flexibility the developers afford to the lot buyers (ie – if you’re only allowed to chose between three house designs, versus do-it-yourself) you might still have some permitting to do. Again, consult with your architect or the architect designing the project.

For an untouched plot, you might have a lot to do. Good luck.