Pacific beach zoning plan was long time in coming

By: Garland M. Baker B.

Exclusive to A.M. Costa Rica

Editor's Note: While this article was accurate at the time of publication, some information may now be outdated. We are currently preparing a comprehensive update. Sign up for our Alerts to be notified as soon as the revised content is live!

Once upon a time, long ago, there were zoning plans up and down the coast of Guanacaste for the Zona Maritimo Terrestre. This area is known to most as Costa Rica’s ZMT or the maritime zone.  Most plans originated in the 80s. There have been some modifications to them throughout the years, but not many.

The maritime zone contains two parts: The first 50 meters inland measured from high tide is the public zone and the next 150 meters concession property. The total of the two areas or 200 meters is public land and considered owned by all Costa Ricans. There are some exceptions where the land is titled or part of a special government program, like the area in Papagayo, Guanacaste.

Costa Rica mean rich coast for a reason. It is beautiful and vital to tourism. However, 11 cantons have been without viable zoning for years. Government officials say new zoning is just around the corner. They have been saying this for years. Most people believe it is all just talk and political rhetoric and nothing more than a fairy tale. 

A wise expat will prepare for a graceful exit

By: Garland M. Baker B.

Exclusive to A.M. Costa Rica

Editor's Note: While this article was accurate at the time of publication, some information may now be outdated. We are currently preparing a comprehensive update. Sign up for our Alerts to be notified as soon as the revised content is live!

In a poem by Robert W. Service, Sam McGee, a gold prospector in the Canadian Yukon, asked his buddy to cremate him upon his death. He died soon after the request, and his friend anguished over the burden of his promise.

Asking a friend or loved one to take care of one’s funeral arrangements is one way of planning. Why put the burden on someone else? 

While making her own pre-arrangements, Kathy Riggle, an expat living in Pérez Zeledón, discovered many obstacles and problems one can encounter when an American, Canadian, or other foreigner passes away without prior preparation.