| |
Ready to Build?
The Nosara Civic Association welcomes you to Nosara and congratulates you on your purchase of property within Las Playas de Nosara (The "Beaches of Nosara"). The NCA serves as the administrative body for our community, which is essentially a small town.
The mission of the NCA includes protection of the entire environment against improper use of the areas assets through careless pollution and irresponsible development. We consider the flora and fauna a major factor in our overall quality of life that has attracted the majority of us to the area. So, before you start your construction, we wish to provide a few tips aimed at helping your construction experience as well as helping you minimize the effects of your construction on the environment and, therefore, on our quality of life.
- Make sure the property is legally registered in your name and that you have a current survey of the property. Doing this early helps to avoid frustrating boundary disputes later.
- Before you build, walk your property and look for animal trails on the ground as well as tree "paths" (trees in close proximity to each other).
Please plan the placement of your construction around these "rights of way" so that animals can continue to transit to food sources, nesting areas and the like.
- While looking at your property, also observe water drainage patterns. Altering the existing water flow could cause problems with your neighbors or the roads.
- Choose a qualified architect to do your drawings and have them approved by the college of architects. There are requirements for distance from the property lines and the road right-of-way. Make sure these are adhered to.
- Obtain the proper permits for:
- Building
- Filling low-lying areas
- Cutting trees ( MINAE)
- Digging wells
- Sanitary waste treatment (Municipal Building and Health Department)
For commercial developments, also:
- Environmental impact study
- Zoning approval
- Others (check with your attorney for a complete list)
- Give your plans to a "qualified" contractor and have a signed contract.
A qualified contractor is one who:
- is licensed to build
- will use only approved plans
- will apply for all permits
- has all social benefits for employees in a company name
- have good references.
Check that all the contractor's permits and employees are legal. In the end, you can be held liable if they are not.
- You or your contractor must make applications for an electric connection and a water meter.
- If you are unable to be present during construction, have someone you trust keep on eye on the project.
- Take responsibility for any road damage caused by your construction.
A few more recommendations
- Design the house to have good air flow. Leaving large trees for shade, using large overhangs and taking advantage of winds from various directions can reduce your cooling costs.
- Retain as many trees as possible for the arboreal-dwelling animals.
- Design your house to minimize "light pollution." Not only can this disturb your neighbors, it can disorient animals such as birds and reptiles.
- Install low water toilets and water savers in your showerheads.
- Use recycled water for your yard and gardens.
- Consider a rainwater catchment system to provide extra water during the dry season.
- Look into a sewage treatment system rather than septic tanks. This can reduce the amount of ASADA water needed for gardens.
- Plant native, animal-friendly and low-maintenance plants and trees that are accustomed to the long dry months in the region. Grasses and exotic plants can require a lot of water and can spread to displace native plants.
- Install an auxiliary water tank (and possibly a pump) to avoid problems during periods of service disruption.
- Design your kitchen with recycling in mind.
- Install an animal-proof garbage receptacle at the end of your drive.
- Install a trash compactor.
WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY!
Top
|
|
