Maritime Zone Laws Costa Rica Summary

Costa Rica is a beautiful country with a long coastline that borders both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The country has a diverse marine ecosystem, including coral reefs, sea turtles, and a variety of fish and marine mammals. As a result, the country has established maritime zone property laws to protect this valuable natural resource. The maritime zone in Costa Rica is defined as the strip of land that runs from the high tide line to a distance of 200 meters inland. This area is divided into two zones, the public maritime zone which is the first 50 meters and the restricted maritime zone which is the following 150 meters. The public maritime zone is the area that is closest to the water and is considered public property. This area is subject to strict regulations to protect the natural environment and is used for public activities such as recreation, fishing, and tourism. No one is allowed to infringe the rights of passage in this area. Typically there is no allowance for development. Any development in this area must be approved by the local government and must adhere to strict environmental regulations. Anything placed in this area can be utilized by the public. The restricted maritime zone is the area that is further inland and is subject to private property rights. This area is typically used for residential or commercial development and is subject to property taxes. However, any development in this area must still adhere to strict environmental regulations to protect the natural environment. In Costa Rica, the maritime zone property is divided into two categories: concession and occupation rights. A Concession is granted by the government to individuals or companies who wish to develop or use the restricted maritime zone for a specific purpose, such as building a hotel or restaurant but only after a zoning plan has been established for the immediate area. Occupation rights are granted to individuals or companies who possess property in the restricted maritime zone. To obtain a concession, applicants must submit an application to the local government and provide a detailed plan for their intended use of the public maritime zone. The application will be evaluated based on environmental impact, public interest, and the applicant’s financial and technical capacity. If approved, the concession will be granted for a specific period of time, typically 20 to 30 years, and can be renewed upon expiration. If you are interested in obtaining property rights in the restricted maritime zone in Costa Rica, it is important to work with a reputable real estate agent who is familiar with the local property laws. The process can be complex and it is important to ensure that all legal requirements are met. In conclusion, Costa Rica has established strict maritime zone property laws to protect its valuable natural resources.