Abc’s of Canton Of San Isidro Zoning Plan

by Quatro Legal Real Estate Team | March 21, 2025

A Costa Rican lawyer provides legal consultation to a couple on residency application requirements and processes.

Pérez Zeledón, located in the province of San José, is a diverse and growing canton, with San Isidro de El General as its social and commercial center. Pérez Zeledón extends from the Talamanca Mountain Range to the General Valley, including districts such as Rivas, Cajón, and Barú. Its lifestyle blends modernity and nature, offering shops, local markets, restaurants, universities, and access to outdoor activities such as hiking in Chirripó and exploring waterfalls. Its pleasant climate and high quality of life have attracted locals and expats seeking a balance between tranquility and development. Additionally, Pérez Zeledón has a zonning plan that covers areas such as San Isidro de El General, Daniel Flores, Herradura de Rivas, General Viejo, La Hermosa, Quizarrá, Las Juntas de Pacuar, San Rafael de Platanares, Pejibaye, Zapotal, Palmares, Los Chiles, Valencia, and San Pedro.

The Zoning Regulations of the Regulatory Plan of San Isidro de El General, developed by the Municipality of Pérez Zeledón establish the regulations governing land use in this region.

Its purpose is to ensure orderly and sustainable growth, protecting the population and natural resources from potential natural disasters while promoting proper urban development. The regulatory plan aims to guide urban expansion in a planned manner.

Main Objectives of the Regulations

Define urban expansion in a planned manner.
Regulate land use to ensure orderly development.
Protect risk-prone areas, ensuring the safety of the population.
Promote the adequate provision of public services and community facilities.
Establish construction requirements, such as height restrictions, setbacks, and minimum lot sizes.

Zoning Categories, Uses, and Key Regulations and Restrictions

There is a classification for each of the zones regulated under this plan to maintain order and better control when granting construction permits or zoning certificates. Each zone has distinct characteristics and requirements. The zones of interest for the purpose of this blog are classified as follows:

Category	Details
Residential Zone (Z.R)	It is a land area primarily designated for housing. These are zones with greater urban development or better growth potential. Designated for single-family housing and low-impact commercial activities. Maximum height: 2 stories or 7 meters. Minimum lot size: 120 m² with a sewer system, 200 m² without a sewer system.
Commercial Zone (Z.C)	The objective of these areas is to facilitate trade and services at a regional and national level. They are characterized by their high real estate value. Designated for commercial and service activities. Maximum height: 4 stories or 12 meters. Maximum building coverage: 85% of the lot.
Industrial Zone (ZJ)	The primary purpose of this zone is to allow industrial development and protect it from incompatible neighboring uses that could jeopardize investment security. Designated for industrial and wholesale trade activities. Residential developments and slaughterhouses are prohibited. Minimum lot size: 500 m² with a minimum frontage of 15 meters.
Small Urban Centers	The purpose of including and regulating these zones is to meet the needs of the normal growth of existing populations located in rural areas, separate from urban areas, whose development would have urban characteristics since their main function is to offer services such as schools, health centers, banks, cemeteries, to the surrounding rural population. Urban growth is permitted under specific regulations. Hazardous industries are not allowed.

Protection and Risk Areas: The regulations identify areas prone to natural hazards, where land use and construction restrictions apply.

Category	Details
High-Risk Areas	Flood-prone areas. Construction is strictly prohibited. Only reforestation with native species is permitted.
Landslide Areas	Unstable terrain where urbanization is not allowed. Relocation of existing residences is recommended.
Topographic Protection Areas	Slopes greater than 30%. Only reforestation is allowed to prevent erosion and landslides.

Important aspects:

Category

Details

Requirements and Permits

To develop construction or urbanization projects in San Isidro de El General, the following requirements must be met:

Obtain a Zoning Certificate issued by the Municipality.
Comply with the regulations of the designated zone.
Secure municipal permits before any construction, expansion, or remodeling.

Sanctions

Failure to comply with the regulations may result in the following penalties:

Closure of establishments that do not comply with zoning regulations.
Suspension of ongoing construction that lacks the proper permits.
Application of civil and criminal sanctions as stipulated by current laws.

The Zonning Plan of San Isidro de El General is a fundamental tool for territorial planning, ensuring sustainable and safe urban development for its residents. Property owners, investors, and urban developers are advised to consult the applicable regulations before undertaking any project to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your case further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to assist you!

Sofía Arroyo
Phone: (506) 2103-7294
Email: sac@quatro.legal

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, laws and regulations are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please contact our office directly. Some images may be AI generated.

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