Procedural law for filing and prosecuting environmental claims: recurso de amparo, denuncias before the Tribunal Ambiental Administrativo (TAA), lesividad, signature-validity rules, SITADA filings, and Art. 27 Ley Forestal information requests.
Derecho procesal para presentar y litigar reclamos ambientales: recurso de amparo, denuncias ante el Tribunal Ambiental Administrativo (TAA), lesividad, validez de firma, trámites SITADA y solicitudes de información del Art. 27 Ley Forestal.
896 documents in this topic.
Res. 01626-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Electrocución de monos congo en Nosara y omisión estatal en prevención
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo against the Executive Branch, ICE, MINAE, and various electric companies, alleging a failure to implement effective prevention and mitigation measures for wildlife electrocution, focusing on the howler monkey population in Nosara district. Despite Directive 13-2018 and Decree 44329-MINAE, which formalize…
Res. 01702-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra Plan Regulador de El Guarco y Plan de Manejo de Zona Protectora es declarado sin lugar
The Constitutional Chamber denied an amparo filed by a resident of the Río Navarro – Río Sombrero Protective Zone against the Municipality of El Guarco and SINAC. The petitioner claimed that the modification of the Municipal Zoning Plan and the drafting of the General Management Plan for the protective zone lacked effective citizen participation,…
Res. 02702-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por inacción del Ministerio de Salud ante inmueble abandonado con contaminación
The Constitutional Chamber upheld an amparo appeal filed by a resident of La Lima de Cartago, who reported that since June 2024, the Cartago Health Area had failed to address an abandoned property—roofless, with accumulated waste, stagnant water, and vector breeding—that endangered the health and healthy environment of her community. The health authority…
Res. 00272-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de amparo por traslado del Festival de la Luz a La Sabana
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects a writ of amparo filed against the Municipality of San José, the Ministry of Health, MINAE, SINAC, and ICODER regarding the alleged intention to move the 2025 Festival de la Luz inside the Parque Metropolitano La Sabana. The petitioner argued the event would harm an urban ecosystem and resident and migratory birds,…
Res. 00585-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Archivo por admisión previa de amparo sobre inacción municipal
The Constitutional Chamber received an amparo action against the Municipality of Cartago for failure to enforce an administrative order to cease the illegal use of a property as a heavy truck parking lot — an activity prohibited by the zoning plan and generating noise and pollution. The Chamber ordered the case archived after confirming that the same facts…
Res. 03364-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de acción de inconstitucionalidad contra Decreto 25902-MIVAH-MP-MINAE
The Constitutional Chamber flatly dismisses an unconstitutionality action against Executive Decree No. 25902-MIVAH-MP-MINAE, which modified the Regional Urban Development Plan to establish protection and urban control zones in the Greater Metropolitan Area. The majority of the Court holds that the petitioner lacks standing. The underlying administrative…
Res. 00606-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento reiterado de órdenes de limpieza de quebrada en Puntarenas
The Constitutional Chamber hears a second noncompliance proceeding regarding Judgment 2025-017101, which ordered the Municipality of Puntarenas and the Barranca Health Area to resolve environmental and health complaints concerning the Bomba Vieja Creek. The Municipality reports partial cleaning work and emergency intervention requests but acknowledges…
Res. 00619-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Solicitud de aclaración y adición rechazada sobre prohibición de FADs anclados
The Constitutional Chamber denies the request for clarification and addition filed by the petitioner, who had obtained a favorable ruling ordering several institutions to prevent fishing with FADs or fish aggregating devices anchored to the seabed. The petitioner sought to clarify that the prohibition covers any heavy material used as ballast, that it…
Res. 00707-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de respuesta a denuncia ambiental sobre recurso hídrico
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by an individual against the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) for failing to respond to an environmental complaint about alleged impacts on water resources in Bahía Ballena, Osa. The complainant reported unmapped springs, internal road construction involving earth movement, and discrepancies with…
Res. 01207-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de plano por extemporaneidad de amparo ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses an amparo filed against the Municipality of Osa for failure to respond to inquiries regarding two development projects in Playa Dominical. The petitioner submitted the requests on October 24, 2024, and received no answer, but filed the amparo only on December 22, 2025—over a year later. The majority of the…
Res. 01379-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisión de amparo contra tope ecuestre en San Ramón
The Constitutional Chamber rejects outright an amparo filed against the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the Ministry of Health, and the Municipality of San Ramón for authorizing the horse parade on December 26, 2025. The petitioners alleged environmental and noise pollution, biological waste, animal abuse, harm to children, and the lack of prior…
Res. 01678-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad no puede aplicar estudio hidrogeológico sin plan regulador
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo against the San Rafael de Heredia Municipal Council, which in August 2024 adopted a resolution to immediately apply management policies from a hydrogeological study, raising allowed lot coverage in the GAM Special Protection Zone from 30% to 70%. The petitioner claims the resolution is void for bypassing Urban…
Res. 01727-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición y acceso a información sobre cierre técnico del Relleno Sanitario de Río Azul
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo petition filed by the Association for the Development of Ecology against the Ministry of Health for failing to adequately respond to a public information request regarding the technical closure of the Río Azul Landfill. The request sought a breakdown of public funds, beneficiaries, public tenders, and…
Res. 01872-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Disponibilidad de agua para persona jurídica no tutelable en amparo
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a limited liability company against the AyA for the delay in resolving a potable water availability request for a real estate project in Liberia. The petitioner alleges administrative omission violating the right to prompt justice and access to water. However, the Chamber dismisses the appeal on the…
Res. 01858-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Contaminación por residuos en vía férrea no constituye lesión a derechos fundamentales cuando hay respuesta municipal
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed an amparo action filed against INCOFER and the Municipality of Heredia concerning alleged waste accumulation on a railway line adjacent to the plaintiffs’ parents’ property. The petitioner claimed the debris and trash attracted pests, harming residents’ health, especially the elderly. The Chamber verified that the…
Res. 02326-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Explosión de bombetas en Aserrí no jurisdicción de amparo
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo petition filed against the Municipality of Aserrí for authorizing firecracker and gunpowder explosions during festivities. The petitioner claimed this caused continuous noise and environmental pollution, affecting the health and tranquility of residents and their pets. The Chamber notes that the…
Res. 04305-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Divulgación de nombre de denunciante no lesiona intimidad si no se solicitó confidencialidad
The Constitutional Chamber declined to grant an amparo filed by a resident of Siquirres who complained about noise pollution from a school band practice. The complainant argued that the Municipality violated his right to privacy by disclosing his name to the school. The Court found that the Municipality simply forwarded his complaint to the competent…
Res. 05768-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por obras de restauración en el Teatro Nacional
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action against the Ministry of Culture and Youth, the Cultural Heritage Directorate, and the National Theatre regarding restoration works carried out in 2025. The claimant alleged damage to the original wooden doors (transport without protocols, incompatible modern glossy finishes), damage to the perimeter wall…
Res. 02235-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Prorroga de plazo para cumplimiento de amparo sobre agua potable en Berlín
This post-decision action within an amparo proceeding addresses the request by the Costa Rican Water and Sewer Institute (AyA) and INDER to extend the deadline for executing water works ordered in a 2018 judgment. The Constitutional Chamber assesses the progress of the integrated project serving the communities of Berlin, El Consuelo, Quebrada Grande,…
Res. 02430-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro por orden sanitaria y omisión municipal en manejo de aguas
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejected an amparo petition filed against the Municipality of Oreamuno and the Ministry of Health. The petitioner, owner of a property in San Rafael de Oreamuno, argued that since 2008 he has built with municipal permits, and that the management of stormwater and sewage was always known and tolerated by the municipality.…
Res. 02548-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Aclaración sobre certificación de Patrimonio Natural del Estado no procede por ser cuestión técnica
The Constitutional Chamber rejects a request for clarification filed by the National Housing and Urbanism Institute (INVU), which sought a ruling on whether the updated certification of the State Natural Heritage (PNE) prepared by SINAC-ACLAC complied with a previous judgment that ordered the supplementation of the certification with wetland delimitation…
Res. 02561-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Ampliación de plazo para cumplimiento de sentencia sobre PTAR El Cacao
The Constitutional Chamber rules on a request for an extension of time filed by several ordered authorities (AyA, Ministry of Health, Municipality of Santa Cruz) to comply with ruling No. 2025030948, which required a definitive solution within two months to the health and environmental problems of the El Cacao WWTP. After reviewing progress reports, the…
Res. 02632-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Desestimación de amparo por obras de cuneteo en ruta nacional 239
The Constitutional Chamber denied an amparo filed by a landowner in Mora Canton who alleged that drainage works (cuneteo) carried out by CONAVI on National Route 239 in 2012 redirected stormwater into the Bajo Clara stream, increasing its flow and causing flooding, erosion, and risk of housing collapse. He also complained of unauthorized entry by municipal…
Res. 02673-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Suspensión del Festival de la Luz en La Sabana por riesgo ambiental
A resident of Pavas filed an amparo action against ICODER, MINAE, the Ministry of Health, and the Municipality of San José, arguing that holding the 2025 Festival of Light in La Sabana Metropolitan Park in a closed circuit would cause irreparable environmental damage to flora and fauna and to the park as the city's green lung, as well as endanger the lives…
Res. 03049-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Denegada gestión de desobediencia por emisión de acto final en expediente ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a noncompliance motion alleging disobedience of a prior judgment that ordered the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) to definitively resolve an environmental complaint. The TAA reports that, after multiple extensions and evidentiary requests, it issued final decision 1403-2025-TAA on November 25, 2025, which is…
Res. 03051-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Reiteración de orden por desobediencia sobre edificios municipales en área protegida
The Constitutional Chamber addressed a non-compliance motion (gestión de inejecución) filed by the petitioner in case file 24-031119-0007-CO regarding judgment No. 2025003692 of February 7, 2025. In that judgment, the Chamber had upheld the amparo and ordered the Municipality of Garabito to definitively and comprehensively resolve, within six months, the…
Res. 03055-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Revisión de sentencia sobre Parque Los Chorros por malla ciclón
The resolution addresses a request for review against the judgment that dismissed an amparo action filed by a neighbor of Grecia. The original ruling rejected complaints about lack of surveillance, uncontrolled visitation, and the installation of a cyclone mesh fence in Los Chorros Park by the Municipality, arguing that no arbitrary conduct harmful to the…
Res. 03078-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo por contaminación visual de postes
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses an amparo filed by several Alajuela residents against the Municipality of Alajuela, ICE, and SUTEL. The petitioners complained of visual pollution from three utility poles with disorganized cabling in the city center, alleging violation of their rights to a healthy environment and scenic beauty. The respondent…
Res. 03240-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso a datos de pesca de atún por buques cerqueros en la zona económica exclusiva del Pacífico
The Costa Rican Federation of Sport Fishing (FECOP) filed an amparo action against the Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA) for failing to provide information on tuna fishing by purse seine vessels in Costa Rica's Pacific Exclusive Economic Zone, as provided by the IATTC. The majority of the Constitutional Chamber dismissed the…
Res. 04421-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra SENASA por inacción ante denuncia ambiental — orden sanitaria emitida durante el proceso
The petitioner filed a complaint with SENASA regarding a cattle pen next to her home that lacked proper sanitary and environmental controls, causing foul odors, flies, and accumulation of excreta. Although SENASA conducted several site visits from May 2025 onward, it failed to notify the owner or issue a sanitary order until January 2026, after the…
Res. 04850-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Requisitos municipales en segregación no revisables en amparo
The Constitutional Chamber declares inadmissible the amparo appeal filed against the Municipality of Santo Domingo de Heredia. The appellant alleged violation of fundamental rights due to the late imposition of technical requirements (stormwater mitigation works and sidewalks) for the approval of a property segregation, as well as lack of timely…
Res. 05169-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de gestión posterior sobre cumplimiento de amparo ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses a subsequent motion filed by the petitioner in amparo case 19-007294-0007-CO. The petitioner claimed that the Municipality of Alajuela had failed to comply with the Chamber's orders and complained about the cancellation of an interpreter appointment in a related environmental case. The Court recalls that the original…
Res. 05665-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo ambiental por prematuro y falta de agotamiento
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo action against the Municipality of Barva for allegedly failing to address complaints regarding an unpermitted shop causing noise and environmental pollution. Regarding a 2023 complaint, the Chamber finds that the municipality did respond by warning the accused, rendering that part inadmissible. As for a…
Res. 05749-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Nueva gestión de desobediencia debe tramitarse como asunto nuevo si los hechos son posteriores y distintos a la sentencia original
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a noncompliance motion filed by the petitioner regarding judgment 2021-017811, which had ordered the Municipality of Alajuelita and the Ministry of Health to definitively resolve complaints about noise, clandestine slot machines, and alcohol consumption on public roads. The petitioner claims that, over a year later, the…
Res. 05996-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Inejecución de sentencia de amparo contra SENASA por actividad pecuaria
The petitioner alleges that the Constitutional Chamber already granted a previous amparo (case 25-030570-0007-CO), ordering SENASA to address irregularities from a cattle pen near his home. He claims the agency merely issued a Veterinary Operation Certificate without effectively solving the nighttime noise from penned cattle, the use of an electric grass…
Res. 06133-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia de orden de amparo sobre información ambiental en Plan Regulador Costero de Talamanca
This Constitutional Chamber ruling addresses a motion for clarification and noncompliance filed by the petitioner in an amparo proceeding. First, it corrects a material error in the prior judgment (No. 2025002151), replacing the award against the 'State' with an award against the 'National System of Conservation Areas' (SINAC), given its instrumental legal…
Res. 06158-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación sónica y orden sanitaria del Ministerio de Salud
The petitioner, a resident of the Condominium Barcelona, filed an amparo action against the Ministry of Health for allegedly failing to enforce a sanitary order issued against the Bar and Restaurant Fulcro due to noise pollution. Although a complaint was filed in February 2025, official noise measurements were not taken until September 2025, and the…
Res. 06212-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Suministro de agua en asentamiento informal afectado por conexiones ilícitas
The Constitutional Chamber denied the amparo action filed by residents of the informal settlement Martina Bustos in Liberia, Guanacaste, against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA). The plaintiffs claimed insufficient water pressure and scarcity at the 12 public taps installed by AyA as an exceptional measure in that irregular…
Res. 07194-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Coordinación interinstitucional ante filtración de aguas que amenaza seguridad y salud
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action concerning rainwater infiltration in a home, where water emerged from electrical outlets during rain, endangering the occupants. The Municipality of Montes de Oca inspected the property and referred the case to the Health Area, but failed to follow up on identified urbanistic irregularities. The Ministry…
Res. 07392-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso a información ferroviaria y proceso penal
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo appeal against INCOFER, where the petitioner requested official certification on the existence, nature, and registry status of a railway section. INCOFER responded that the information was linked to criminal proceedings (11-001840-0485-PE and 23-000003-1851-PE) and, therefore, access was restricted under Article…
Res. 08878-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de plano de segunda acción sobre Ley Indígena
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses a second constitutional challenge brought by the same representative and in the same underlying case (file 17-000087-1028-CA) against Articles 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 of the Indigenous Law. The action alleged that these norms empty the property rights of non-indigenous occupants in good faith without prior…
Res. 08996-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de desobediencia por avance en medidas provisionales contra basureros en Purral
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed a non‑compliance petition filed by the original petitioner against several authorities (Municipality of Goicoechea, IMAS, SINAC, the Health Area Directorate) for allegedly failing to comply with a judgment that ordered immediate minimization of contamination hotspots caused by informal settlements in Purral, Goicoechea.…
Res. 09076-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición en asociación protectora ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber resolves an amparo action filed on behalf of an environmental protection association. The petitioner claimed no response was received to a request filed with the Municipality of Vázquez de Coronado regarding compliance with a prior ruling (No. 2025-014024) from the same Chamber. The Chamber found it proven that the municipality…
Res. 09200-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo sobre medida cautelar penal en humedal
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo action filed by property owners in Esterillos Oeste, Parrita, after the Municipality of Parrita denied a construction permit due to an alleged indirect relationship with a wetland linked to a criminal case from 2011 (file 11-000009-0611-PE). They claimed good-faith acquisition, a clean land registry,…
Res. 09526-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación sónica declarado inadmisible por presentación prematura
The Constitutional Chamber resolves an amparo action filed by a resident of Heredia against the Ministry of Health and the Public Force, regarding the lack of response to a noise-pollution complaint from a hardware store in a residential area. The petitioner claims that high noise levels, even at night and on weekends, affect his health, rest, and work…
Res. 09951-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Gestión posterior por presunta desobediencia en amparo ambiental desestimada
The Constitutional Chamber denies a post-judgment motion filed by the petitioner in amparo 21-012199-0007-CO, seeking a declaration of disobedience of the 2021 ruling. The Chamber had already determined, in a prior interlocutory order, that the alleged facts (noise pollution, unlicensed activities, and recent disturbances) were new and distinct from those…
Res. 09960-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia de sentencia sobre información del plan regulador costero de Matina
The Constitutional Chamber resolves a second non-compliance filing by a petitioner against the Municipality of Matina, alleging failure to comply with Judgment 2025-032461 ordering a response to his request for an official map delimiting Afro-Costa Rican ancestral territory in the coastal regulatory plan. The petitioner claimed the municipality had not…
Res. 12238-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de respuesta municipal a denuncias ambientales en Playa Dominical y Dominicalito
The Constitutional Chamber grants an amparo action against the Municipality of Osa for failing to resolve and formally communicate the definitive solution to environmental complaints filed in February 2025 regarding illegal activities on Playa Dominical and Dominicalito. Although the Municipality carried out inspections, inter-institutional coordination,…
Res. 12204-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Gimnasio Grit Box y demora administrativa en denuncia por contaminación sónica
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a Turrialba resident against the Municipality of Turrialba and the Ministry of Health, due to noise pollution and vibrations from the Grit Box gym. The Chamber partially grants the appeal, solely against the Turrialba Health Area of the Ministry of Health, for violating the right to effective…
Res. 13379-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Contaminación sónica por sirena vecinal: deberes del Ministerio de Salud
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action concerning noise pollution from a siren installed on a neighboring property, activated without emergency. The complainant reported the situation to the Ministry of Health in 2024; the authority conducted inspections, issued sanitary orders, and reopened the case in 2026. The Chamber finds that the…
Res. 13419-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Contaminación sónica por alarmas comunitarias y deber de salud pública
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by a resident of San Francisco de Dos Ríos against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of San José for inaction regarding noise from loudspeakers installed as a community alarm system. The petitioner claimed harm to health, rest, and telework. The Chamber granted the appeal against the…
Res. 00583-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por aguas negras en El Cocal de Puntarenas: reiteración de órdenes ante incumplimiento municipal y del Ministerio de Salud
The Constitutional Chamber hears a new amparo from a resident of the El Cocal neighborhood in Puntarenas regarding the persistent problem of sewage entering homes, originating from the internal sewer network of the urbanization built by INVU. The petitioner claims lack of maintenance by competent authorities, endangering his health and that of neighbors,…
Res. 00538-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Respuesta a denuncia ambiental y cese del agravio en amparo
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo appeal against SINAC for failing to respond to an environmental complaint regarding stream piping and irregular constructions in Las Brisas Free Trade Zone. The appellant claims violation of fundamental rights, as neither his July 22, 2024 complaint nor his August 21, 2024 information request were answered. During…
Res. 00518-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de respuesta administrativa en trámite de pozo y viabilidad ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber of Costa Rica reviewed an amparo action filed against SETENA and the Water Directorate of MINAE for lack of response to requests concerning well CY-15 in Malpaís de Cóbano. The petitioner argued the well, classified as semi-confined, should be deemed covered unconfined, and its proximity to a stream and fecal coliform…
Res. 00544-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Proyecto de relleno sanitario en Picagres: sin vulneración por parte de Minae, Setena y Municipalidad
The Constitutional Chamber denied the amparo filed by residents against the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the Municipality of Mora, SETENA, and SINAC for alleged failure to oversee the Parque Industrial Jateo landfill project in Picagres, Mora. The petitioners alleged tree felling, earthworks, and material extraction without permits, as well…
Res. 00551-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Respuesta extemporánea de MINAE sobre consultas de impactos ambientales
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a deputy against the Ministry of Environment and Energy for failing to respond in a timely manner to a request for information on environmental impacts of a Solid Waste Transfer Technology Center in the community of Nombre194999, Osa. The request, sent on October 29, 2024, questioned the technical…
Res. 00075-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acumulación de amparos sobre acceso a permisos de construcción en zona de protección de ríos
The Constitutional Chamber consolidates amparo case 24-033482-0007-CO with case 24-027574-0007-CO due to material connection. Both amparos, filed by the same petitioner against the Municipality of Pérez Zeledón, concern the denial of access to documents related to a construction permit granted to a private company within the protection zone of the Barucito…
Res. 01363-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe atender informe de CNE sobre manejo de aguas pluviales
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by a property owner in Mercedes Norte, Puriscal, who claimed that inadequate stormwater management from the municipal road and adjacent properties is causing severe erosion on his land, threatening his home and the stability of the public road. The petitioner alleged that since 2015 he has…
Res. 01282-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de notificar resolución final tras denuncia ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the Municipality of Desamparados and the Ministry of Health for alleged inaction regarding a complaint about sewage overflows that flooded the plaintiff's home. The Chamber finds that both entities conducted inspections and dye tests, concluding that no connection was proven to the alleged source.…
Res. 01417-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe coordinar con Salud en denuncias ambientales por aguas residuales
The Constitutional Chamber ruled on an amparo filed by a property owner in Nicoya who reported to the Municipality a wastewater spill from neighboring properties that damaged her land. She claimed a violation of her right to a prompt and complete administrative procedure, as the complaint filed on October 4, 2024 had not been resolved by the time the…
Res. 01430-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de respuesta del INVU a solicitud de información sobre Plan Regulador y cuadrantes urbanos
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo appeal against the National Institute of Housing and Urbanism (INVU) for failing to respond to a request for certified information on the status of the Regulatory Plan process and urban quadrant expansion in Santa Bárbara de Heredia. The petitioner submitted the request on October 25, 2024, but had not received a…
Res. 01768-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de plano de amparo contra la Presidencia, MAG e INCOPESCA por no implementar decreto de pesca artesanal
The Constitutional Court dismissed outright an amparo action filed by coordinators of the Network of Marine Areas of Responsible Fishing and Marine Life Territories against the Presidency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), and the Costa Rican Institute of Fishing and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA). The plaintiffs alleged lack of response to…
Res. 01697-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de gestión de desobediencia por no ser parte
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a disobedience claim filed by Aaron Tapia Cortés, who was not a party to the original amparo proceeding (file 24-002426-0007-CO). In prior judgment No. 2024-006366, the Chamber granted the amparo upon verifying that the environmental complaint had been addressed, without issuing further orders. The claimant argues that…
Res. 02284-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Ocupación en Refugio de Vida Silvestre es conflicto de legalidad
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a person claiming to have occupied land within the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge for several years. The claimant argues that the Tempisque Conservation Area filed a criminal complaint against them for invasion of a protected area and threatened administrative eviction. The Chamber dismisses the…
Res. 01991-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental por descarga de aguas pluviales y residuales en Montes de Oca
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a property owner in Cedros de Montes de Oca, who claims that rainwater and wastewater from neighboring houses are discharged onto her land, causing foul odors, vectors, and an unhealthy environment. The plaintiff filed complaints with the Montes de Oca Health Area and the Municipality. Despite inspections…
Res. 02220-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro por inspección de daños por infiltración de aguas
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo appeal as premature. The appellant had asked the Municipality of Vázquez de Coronado for an inspection due to water infiltration from a neighbor's construction, submitting the request on November 28, 2024. By the time the amparo was filed on January 2, 2025, the reasonable two-month period that…
Res. 03101-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Antena celular en Ostional sin permisos y tala de cenízaro
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismissed an amparo petition challenging the installation of a cell tower in Ostional, Guanacaste. Petitioner argued lack of construction permits, harm to the health and tranquility of elderly neighbors, presumed location within the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, and felling of a protected cenízaro tree. The Chamber…
Res. 02797-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso a expediente y petición sobre Parque Tecnológico Aczarri
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by a journalism student against the Municipality of Aserrí, for failing to respond promptly to two requests concerning the Aczarri Environmental Technology Park. The first request sought a copy of the complete administrative file for the project, emphasizing municipal permits for the single cell.…
Res. 02954-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por denuncia de malos olores sin respuesta resuelto como improcedente
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by a citizen who, in June 2024, complained to the Montes de Oca Health Authority about foul odors from a neighboring property, alleging a health risk and a lack of response as of December 2024. The respondent authority reported having addressed the complaint through multiple inspections between June and…
Res. 03656-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Deslizamiento en Residencial Vista Azul por falta de estabilización y manejo de aguas
The claimants, owners of properties in the Vista Azul residential complex in Moravia, filed an amparo action against the Municipality of Moravia, CONAVI, AyA, and the Ministry of Health, alleging that a landslide in 2023 affected their homes, which were declared uninhabitable. They claimed the cause was CONAVI's 2018 intervention to stabilize National…
Res. 03729-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por omisiones municipales en infraestructura vial y pluvial
Residents of KM1 neighborhood in Golfito file an amparo against the Municipality for failing to build gutters, pave roads, and construct a gabion wall. The Constitutional Chamber partly grants the remedy: it orders the Mayor and the Municipal Council to build the gutters and pave road code 6-07-094 within six months, finding an unjustified delay since 2021…
Res. 05015-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo sobre botadero en Tucurrique por falta de gestión previa
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses an amparo petition filed against the Municipal District Council of Tucurrique and the Ministry of Health concerning the construction of a garbage dump. The petitioner alleged violation of the right to a healthy environment due to lack of information on environmental impact and permits, and possible future…
Res. 04524-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de ejecución de orden de demolición municipal
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a property owner who complains that the Municipality of Escazú has failed to execute a demolition order for irregular constructions that, she alleges, cause sewage and rainwater to divert onto her property, creating unsanitary conditions and environmental damage. The petitioner argues that despite more…
Res. 05136-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental por denegatoria de uso de suelo en Naranjo
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses an amparo filed by a landowner in Naranjo against the Municipality. The claimant argues that the municipality denied a land-use certificate to build her house, despite having previously granted it and having a hydrological study showing no risk to nearby water sources. The Chamber rules that the case involves…
Res. 04510-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Reiteración de orden en amparo por denuncia ambiental incumplida
The Constitutional Chamber addressed a disobedience proceeding in an amparo action against the Ministry of Agriculture and the Pococí Health Area. The original judgment ordered both authorities to coordinate and definitively resolve an environmental complaint regarding chemical pollution within two months. In this proceeding, the Chamber found that the…
Res. 04540-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de respuesta municipal a solicitud de información sobre daño ambiental en Bajo la Cabra
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by a resident of Bajo la Cabra, Palmares, who complained that the Municipality had not responded to an information request dated November 14, 2024, concerning permits for earthworks, tree felling, and material dumping in that area, which the resident alleged caused an environmental disaster. The…
Res. 05508-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo por incumplimiento de prevención sobre Mercado Municipal de Puntarenas
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by an individual against the Municipality of Puntarenas and the Ministry of Health. The petitioner denounces serious structural and sanitary deficiencies at the Puntarenas Municipal Market, including lack of wastewater treatment, pest infestation, electrical and gas failures, obstructed hallways, and…
Res. 05287-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso a información ambiental sobre proyecto PAACUME y Lomas de Barbudal
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against SENARA for failing to fully deliver information requested on July 31, 2024, regarding the PAACUME project, which involves clearing and replacing 113 hectares in the Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve. The petitioner asked for wildlife inventories, the name of the responsible biologist, a copy of…
Res. 05446-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo por prematuro de amparo contra ruido de construcción
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo filed by a neighbor against the Municipality of Santa Ana, alleging that the Santa Ana Trade Center project caused excessive noise due to nighttime, Saturday, and Sunday work. The petitioner had filed a formal complaint with the municipality on January 21, 2025, and filed the amparo on January 27 of the…
Res. 05608-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
SINAC debe responder solicitudes de información sobre deberes ambientales
In this ruling, the Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed against SINAC for failing to respond to a query regarding the duties and powers of SINAC officials to act ex officio in the face of threats to natural resources, and the sanctions for omission. Although during the proceedings the MINAE Legal Advisory Directorate issued a detailed official…
Res. 05315-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación del Estero de Puntarenas con aguas negras del Mercado Municipal
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a citizen against the Municipality of Puntarenas and the Puntarenas-Chacarita Health Area of the Ministry of Health, regarding contamination of the Puntarenas Estuary with sewage and waste from the Municipal Market. The petitioner claimed that despite sanitary orders issued since 2019 and a criminal…
Res. 05326-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Orden sanitaria y deber de la administración de garantizar salud pública
The Constitutional Chamber upheld an amparo action filed by residents of Chacarita, Puntarenas, against the Ministry of Health. The petitioners alleged that a local supermarket stored and sold liquefied petroleum gas without required safety measures, endangering the community. Although the Health Authority issued a health order to suspend the activity,…
Res. 05416-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de respuesta completa a solicitud de información sobre gestión de residuos y recursos hídricos en Grecia
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Municipal Council of Grecia for failure to respond to a request filed on January 6, 2025. The petitioner sought detailed information regarding the selection and oversight of the Green Sports World Federation as the manager of the Solid Waste Collection Center, potential international…
Res. 05438-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por acceso a información sobre ZMT en Talamanca
The Constitutional Court hears an amparo filed against the Municipality of Talamanca for denying two public information requests. The first, under filing AEL-00320-2024, sought a list of individuals and legal entities located in public spaces of the public maritime zone, per a municipal agreement. The second, under AEL-00327-2023, requested details on…
Res. 06143-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de respuesta a denuncia ambiental por filtraciones
The Constitutional Chamber reviews a recurso de amparo against the Municipality of Moravia for failing to respond to an environmental complaint filed on September 17, 2024. The petitioner alleged that the lack of maintenance of a municipal servitude caused water infiltration and pest proliferation, harming the health and quality of life of several…
Res. 06966-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Denuncia anónima por tenencia de cerdos y gallinas: mora de SENASA en resolver
The petitioner, a resident of San Isidro de Siquirres, filed an anonymous complaint with the Ministry of Health about foul odors and pests caused by pigs and chickens kept on a neighboring property. The Ministry of Health inspected the site and, finding no human health risk but possible animal health concerns, referred the case to the National Animal…
Res. 07332-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de sentencia previa sobre tala en Residencial del Monte es desglosado y acumulado
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a new amparo petition against the Municipality of San Rafael de Heredia alleging non-compliance with a prior ruling (2023-003137) that ordered the complete delivery of information regarding a tree-felling project in Residencial del Monte. The petitioner claimed the provided documentation was incomplete. The Chamber…
Res. 07651-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de acción de inconstitucionalidad contra Decreto de rastreabilidad bovina
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses without further consideration an unconstitutionality action filed without a prior pending case against several articles of Executive Decree No. 44.336-MAG-S-SP-MOPT, which creates the National System for Individual Identification and Traceability of Bovine Cattle. The petitioner, a lawyer acting on his own behalf,…
Res. 02806-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Corrección de error material en sentencia de amparo por inundaciones en Pococí
The Constitutional Chamber corrects a material error in ruling 2024029767 of October 11, 2024, which partially granted an amparo action for water overflow due to a clogged sewer in Pococí. The original ruling ordered the Municipality of Pococí and CONAVI to coordinate a solution within six months, under penalty of imprisonment and fine. The correction…
Res. 06034-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Corrección de oficio condenatoria en costas a municipalidad en amparo sobre aguas residuales y movilidad peatonal
The Constitutional Chamber corrects, on its own motion, a material error in the operative part of judgment No. 2025-003649, which had ordered only INCOFER to pay costs, damages, and losses. The correction now also includes the Municipality of Paraíso, since both authorities were found responsible for violating the petitioner’s fundamental rights: INCOFER…
Res. 06929-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Ampliación de plazo para obra de protección en río María Aguilar
The Constitutional Chamber resolves the post-judgment motions following ruling 2024024101 of August 23, 2024, which had ordered the Mayor and Council President of San José to solve, within six months, the erosion problem on the right bank of the María Aguilar River at La Alborada urbanization, Zapote, considering CNE recommendations from 2012 and 2021. The…
Res. 07084-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad de La Unión debe resolver denuncia sobre muro en peligro de colapso en dos meses
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by a resident of San Juan de La Unión against the Municipality of La Unión for failing to resolve a complaint submitted in October 2022 regarding a leaning wall that threatened to collapse onto the sidewalk, endangering the life and physical integrity of passersby, especially children. The petitioner…
Res. 07388-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia a orden de canalización de aguas pluviales
The Constitutional Chamber addressed a disobedience claim filed by the mayor of Flores on behalf of neighbors in Llorente, against MOPT and CONAVI, for non-compliance with judgment No. 2021016703 of July 30, 2021, which had ordered the completion of adequate stormwater channeling affecting a specific property in Llorente and required periodic progress…
Res. 06991-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra perforación de pozo en plaza de Aserrí
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed an amparo action filed by a resident of Aserrí against the Municipality of Aserrí and the Ministry of Health. The petitioner challenged a municipal bidding process to drill a water extraction well in the central sports plaza of Aserrí, claiming: (1) change of use of a property historically dedicated to recreation and…
Res. 07129-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso a Plan Maestro del Proyecto Turístico Golfo Papagayo
The Constitutional Chamber grants an amparo action filed by an association against the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) for violating the right of access to public information. The petitioner requested a certified copy of the current Master Plan of the Papagayo Project, along with the reasons, legal instruments, ICT agreements, and technical studies…
Res. 07724-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por polvo y tala en proyecto Condominio Avenida del Este
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by Curridabat residents against the Municipality of Curridabat, the Ministry of Health, and SETENA, alleging that the "Condominio Avenida del Este" construction project generated dust affecting their health, that trees had been felled without a permit, and that there was a stream on the property.…
Res. 07755-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia a sentencia por falta de respuesta municipal a consultas ambientales
In this ruling, the Constitutional Chamber addresses a disobedience motion filed by the appellant against the Municipality of Palmares, following a previous judgment that partially granted the amparo for failure to answer numerous inquiries about an environmental disaster in Bajo la Cabra. The original ruling ordered municipal authorities to respond within…
Res. 07757-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Participación ciudadana en reforma del plan regulador tras audiencia pública única
The Constitutional Chamber rejects an amparo action against the Municipality of Santa Ana for alleged violations of the right to citizen participation and a healthy environment, regarding zoning changes in a regulatory plan. The petitioner argued that after a public hearing held in July 2021, the zoning map was modified without informing the community,…
Res. 08177-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Caducidad del amparo por concesión minera en zona protectora
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses as untimely the amparo filed by Corporación Guapa Nova S.A. against SINAC and MINAE regarding the denial of a mining concession extension within the Cerros de la Carpintera Protected Zone. The concession was granted in 1994; an extension was requested in 2018 and formally denied by SINAC on August 24, 2020, and…
Res. 07718-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra viabilidad ambiental de cantera es materia de legalidad ordinaria, Sala desestima
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed the amparo filed against the 'Quebradores Aralfa Piedra Blanca' quarry project. The petitioner alleged violations of the right to a healthy environment and citizen participation. The Chamber found that: 1) the project met all stages and requirements, obtaining environmental viability from SETENA in 2022; 2) reviewing…
Res. 08269-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia a sentencia de amparo ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a disobedience claim filed by an individual against the Municipality of Pococí. In a previous ruling (2024031682), the municipality had been ordered to notify the claimant of the actions taken regarding an environmental complaint. The claimant alleges that only a partial response was received and that the request for…
Res. 07725-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Reiteración de orden de entrega de expediente completo del Parque Tecnológico Ambiental Aczarri
The Constitutional Chamber hears a disobedience claim filed by the petitioner, who alleges that the Municipality of Aserrí has not complied with the order in judgment No. 2025-002797, which required delivery of a copy of the complete administrative file of the Aczarri Environmental Technology Park. The respondent authority reported having sent the…
Res. 07764-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Construcción municipal de aceras y clausura de tuberías de aguas servidas no constituye lesión constitucional
The Constitutional Chamber denies an amparo action against the Municipality of Alajuelita regarding a sidewalk and gutter construction project in Lotes Paz neighborhood. The petitioners argued that the notification was informal, work began before the appeal period expired, and that the closure of wastewater pipes caused contamination and risk given the…
Res. 07999-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión municipal en atender denuncia ambiental sobre obstrucción pluvial
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Municipality of Puntarenas for failing to address an environmental complaint filed in November 2023. The petitioner alleged that obstruction of the storm drainage system in her community caused flooding in her home, violating her rights to a healthy environment, health, and a dignified quality…
Res. 08960-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo por omisión administrativa en cuestionamiento de uso de suelo para hospital en zona industrial
The Constitutional Chamber flatly dismisses an amparo action filed against INVU for failing to respond to a request to nullify a 2011 permit authorizing the location of the new Cartago hospital in the Coris Industrial Zone. The petitioner, representing an association, claimed a violation of the right to prompt and complete administrative justice and to a…
Res. 08602-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Aclaración sobre ejecución de sentencia de amparo por muro de llantas
The mayor of Puriscal asked the Constitutional Chamber to specify the exact actions the municipality must take to comply with an amparo ruling that ordered resolution of a problem involving a tire wall inside a protection zone. The Chamber denied the request, holding that the original order was clear in requiring coordination and execution of actions…
Res. 08704-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
La competencia para autorizar la corta de árboles urbanos no corresponde al SINAC sino a la vía sumaria de derribo ante el juez agrario
The Constitutional Chamber rejects the amparo appeal because, at the time of the ruling, neither the Municipality of Santa Cruz nor SINAC had filed any request or granted any permit to cut the canelo trees in front of the appellant's home. The municipal sidewalk reconstruction project, based on the Pedestrian Mobility Law and Law 7600, identified that…
Res. 08664-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Contaminación de quebrada y deber de resolver denuncias ambientales
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by residents against the Ministry of Health, the Municipality of Grecia, and SINAC, concerning the pollution of a stream in the Paco Mora sector of Grecia, caused by untreated wastewater discharges from homes and accumulation of garbage. The complainants reported the situation in September 2024, but five…
Res. 08667-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de resolver y notificar denuncia sobre botadero ilegal lesiona justicia pronta
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by residents against the Municipality of Palmares, the Ministry of Health, and MINAE, concerning an illegal open-air dump in Zaragoza de Palmares that was polluting the Río Grande and the ecosystem. The Chamber verified that after the complaints, the Municipality cleaned the site, fenced the property, and…
Res. 09312-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo sanitario por aguas negras desestimado por prematuro
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses outright an amparo filed by a resident of Concepción Arriba, Alajuelita, against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA), the Municipality of Alajuelita, and the Ministry of Health. The petitioner alleged inaction regarding a collapsed sewage pipe causing accumulation of blackwater and fecal matter in…
Res. 09672-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Solicitud de información sobre acuíferos en Santa Cruz, Guanacaste
A deputy filed an amparo action against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) for failing to respond to a detailed information request regarding hydrogeological studies, saline intrusion, well concession files, and water availability certifications for aquifers in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, related to CATALINAS PROPERTIES HOLDING LTDA and…
Res. 09437-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento municipal en canalización pluvial y conservación de talud en Urbanización Andesa
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action brought by residents of the Andesa Development in Cañas, Guanacaste, against the Municipality of Cañas. The plaintiffs claim that the lack of curb and gutter infrastructure for stormwater runoff, compounded by illegal constructions and poor wastewater management by some residents, has caused landslides,…
Res. 09450-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Obras viales en Taras-La Lima y omisión estatal frente a afectaciones hídricas
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by landowners in San Nicolás de Ochomogo, Cartago, whose properties border the ‘Taras-La Lima’ road project. They claimed that from the start of construction, poor stormwater management and lack of proper drainage caused recurrent flooding. They also complained about tree removal that eliminated a natural…
Res. 09452-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Denuncias ambientales sin demora justifican amparo excepcional
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Goicoechea for failing to definitively close a workshop that, according to the petitioner, carries out unauthorized activities and generates pollution from noise, odors, and hazardous substances, harming her mental health. The petitioner alleges that…
Res. 09458-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional ampara parcialmente acceso a información sobre humedales y permisos en Talamanca
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the Municipality of Talamanca for failing to fully deliver information requested by a citizen regarding developments, land-use and construction permits in wetland areas and the maritime-terrestrial zone. The petitioner sought copies, certifications, and explanations about the legal basis for…
Res. 09597-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Denunciante cualificado no equivale a notificación automática de todos los actos
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by David Cole Anderson Lambert against SINAC for refusing to consider him a «procedural party» and to notify him in real time of all actions in administrative file ACT-OR-DR-390-2024 concerning damage to the Río Lagarto wetland in Playa Sámara. As a qualified complainant since 2022, he requested to be…
Res. 09614-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Residuos sólidos en Santa Teresa de Cóbano y órdenes sanitarias
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by a resident of Cóbano against the Municipal District Council of Cóbano for alleged inaction regarding the solid waste problem in Santa Teresa. The petitioner had requested inspections and compliance with the Comprehensive Waste Management Law, and reported expired sanitary orders from the Ministry…
Res. 09936-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Seguimiento de inejecución de sentencia ambiental contra TAA
The Constitutional Chamber resolves a motion for non-execution filed within amparo case 23-004950-0007-CO, against the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA). The underlying matter is administrative file 62-14-02-TAA, an environmental complaint. The motion arises after the Chamber’s prior 2023 rulings ordered the TAA to conclude the administrative…
Res. 10219-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desacato por información ambiental no entregada
This ruling decides a noncompliance petition filed by the petitioner against the Municipality of San Rafael de Heredia, alleging failure to comply with ruling No. 2023003137. In that earlier ruling, the Constitutional Chamber ordered the mayor to provide complete and accessible information regarding the petitioner's requests dated December 9 and 19, 2022.…
Res. 10236-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de gestión de desacato por hechos nuevos
The Constitutional Chamber heard a contempt motion filed by the petitioner regarding judgment 2024033152, which partially granted an amparo action against the Municipality of Desamparados. That judgment ordered the municipality to resolve complaint form-00118 concerning garbage and stormwater infrastructure within fifteen days. The petitioner alleged…
Res. 10242-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de comunicar resultado de denuncia sanitaria sobre aguas residuales y tapia
The petitioner filed a complaint with the Talamanca Health Authority regarding irregularities on a neighboring property: a poorly built partition wall, a septic tank and drains affecting her land, and improper rainwater management. The Ministry of Health conducted several inspections between March and October 2024, technically ruling out the alleged…
Res. 10350-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad del amparo contra ruidos de academia de tenis
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismissed an amparo action filed by neighbors of a tennis academy in Heredia. The plaintiffs alleged noise and light pollution, as well as the failure to build a dividing wall between the properties despite the covered courts being constructed without respecting setbacks. They claimed that the respondent authorities…
Res. 10374-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Denegado amparo por ruido de cocina comercial en horario nocturno
The Constitutional Chamber denies an amparo action filed against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Flores for alleged violations of the right to a healthy environment and rest, caused by noise from a commercial kitchen operating during early morning hours. The plaintiff claimed authorities failed to address her complaints about noise,…
Res. 10258-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por botadero clandestino y carboneras en Aserrí
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by residents of San Miguel de Desamparados, El Huazo, against the Municipality of Aserrí and the Ministry of Health for failure to resolve a long-standing problem with a clandestine dump and illegal charcoal production. Petitioners allege inaction by authorities, endangering community health through noise,…
Res. 10383-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de respuesta congruente de municipalidad sobre información de área protegida del río Ipís
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed on behalf of a citizen against the Municipality of Vázquez de Coronado. The petitioner alleged that he requested specific information about constructions within the protected area of the Ipís River, including the number of dwellings, exact distances, property numbers, and registered owners, but…
Res. 10673-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inejecución por obras insuficientes en Quebrada Seca
The Constitutional Chamber hears a non-compliance motion regarding judgment 2024-012565, which ordered compliance with the technical recommendations of CNE report CNE-UlAR-INF-0273-2023 on hydraulic problems on the national road near Quebrada Seca. The petitioner argues that the works carried out are only partial improvements and do not definitively solve…
Res. 11094-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión municipal en limpieza de lotes enmontados y aceras
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the Municipality of Puntarenas for failing to address complaints about overgrown lots and obstructed sidewalks affecting pedestrian mobility and causing litter accumulation and insecurity. The petitioner filed several complaints since August 2022 without an effective response. Upon notification…
Res. 11956-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por concesión de gasolinera sin fiscalización y denuncia no planteada
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo against the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the Ministry of Health, and the Municipality of Sarchí concerning a gas station operating under a 'renewal' concession that the plaintiff argued should have been a new concession, and located within 100 meters of public gathering places. The Chamber denied the…
Res. 11989-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de aclaración sobre informe no rendido en amparo contra Municipalidad de Talamanca
This resolution addresses a request for clarification and rectification filed by the special judicial representative of the Municipality of Talamanca against judgment No. 2025009458, which partially granted an amparo remedy for failure to provide public information. The petitioner argues that the Constitutional Chamber erred in considering the Mayor's…
Res. 12047-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento del MINAE en protección de Finca Lornessa
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by a congresswoman against the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) for the lack of protection and abandonment of the Santa Ana Conservation Center (Finca Lornessa), after its administration was handed over by Fundazoo in May 2024. The petitioner alleges acts of vandalism, fires, water source…
Res. 11877-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amnistía de pozos sin estudios técnicos
The Constitutional Chamber flatly dismissed a constitutional challenge against Law 10647, "Amnesty for the registration of unregistered wells and granting of water-use concessions for agricultural production activities." The petitioner argued that the law violates the right to water and a healthy environment by omitting technical studies, leaving fragile…
Res. 11997-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión del MINAE en atender denuncia ambiental sobre la Quebrada Los Negritos
The Constitutional Court reviewed an amparo filed by a neighbor of Montes de Oca against the Ministry of Environment (MINAE) and the Municipality of Montes de Oca. The plaintiff complained about works without permits in the Quebrada Los Negritos, tree felling in linear parks, vegetation removal near the census office, and use of protected areas during the…
Res. 12496-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Reiteración de cumplimiento y denegatoria de ampliación de plazo en caso de acueducto Coto Brus
The Constitutional Chamber hears a disobedience claim brought by the petitioner against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), arguing that more than one year and three months have passed without compliance with judgment No. 2023029820, which ordered the Coto Brus Aqueduct Improvement Project to be operational within nine months. AyA, on…
Res. 12978-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental por mora del Tribunal Ambiental Administrativo
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action filed by a citizen against the Administrative Environmental Tribunal (TAA) for delay in resolving an environmental complaint filed on January 15, 2025. The complaint reported illegal activities on a property in Bahía Ballena, Osa, including unauthorized tree felling, construction without permits,…
Res. 12873-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Restaurante en zona marítima contamina el mar
The Constitutional Chamber denied an amparo action brought by a resident of the Lepanto District, Puntarenas, against the Ministry of Health and the Lepanto District Council. The petitioner claimed that a seafood restaurant located in the maritime-terrestrial zone was dumping food waste and fecal matter into the sea, harming the health of neighbors and the…
Res. 13094-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo por incumplimiento de prevención en caso de daño ambiental en corredor biológico
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismissed an amparo action filed by a citizen against the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) for the alleged failure to protect the Volcánica Central Talamanca Biological Corridor, due to unauthorized interventions with heavy machinery on tertiary national route 408, adjacent to Tapantí National Park. The…
Res. 13562-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Cumplimiento de orden sanitaria por fuga de aguas negras
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo concerning a sewage leak in front of the petitioner's home in San Francisco de Dos Ríos. The petitioner filed complaints against the AyA and the Municipality of San José for failing to resolve the issue, and against the Ministry of Health for inaction. During the proceedings, the Ministry of Health issued a…
Res. 13547-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de sentencia de amparo por inundaciones
The Constitutional Chamber rejects a noncompliance claim filed by a resident of La Colonia de Pococí, who argued that CONAVI and the Municipality of Pococí had failed to execute the order to resolve the overflow of stormwater and sewage, issued in a previous ruling of the same Chamber. The court clarifies that in this specific file (24-018619-0007-CO) no…
Res. 13565-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
SINAC niega informes de tala por investigación penal activa
The Constitutional Chamber denied an amparo appeal against the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) for refusing access to technical reports on logging and land-use change in the Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. The plaintiff requested copies of those reports, but SINAC refused based on Article 295 of the Criminal Procedure Code, since…
Res. 13587-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Retraso del Ministerio de Salud en resolver denuncia por botadero a cielo abierto
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Ministry of Health for failing to resolve an environmental complaint filed in November 2024 regarding a clandestine open‑air dump at the former Comag quarry in Pavas. The complainant alleged contamination of soil, water, air, and landscape, and that the Pavas Health Area, after assuming…
Res. 13819-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Plazo razonable para resolver denuncia ambiental ante el TAA
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo appeal against the Administrative Environmental Tribunal (TAA) for failing to issue a final decision on an environmental complaint filed by a private individual against Klamath S.R.L. for alleged violations of the Forestry Law (land-use change, tree felling, road construction) in Bahía Ballena, Osa. The…
Res. 14376-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Cumplimiento de orden de amparo sobre Fipronil y polinizadores
This interlocutory ruling by the Constitutional Chamber addresses a post-judgment compliance motion filed by the petitioner in amparo docket 21-016578-0007-CO, which originally ordered the Costa Rican State to study the impact of the pesticide Fipronil on bees and other pollinators. The petitioner alleges flagrant non-compliance because, although executive…
Res. 14418-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso a información sobre acuífero de Moín parcialmente denegado por AyA
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action filed by a construction company against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), alleging violation of the right of access to public information and the right to petition. The company submitted 17 questions about conditions, rules, and requirements in the so-called Zone 6 of the Moín…
Res. 14498-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Usurpación de terreno municipal y omisión en la recuperación no son amparables
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo petition filed against the Municipality of Goicoechea for the alleged failure to address a complaint about the usurpation of a municipal lot and to recover said property. The petitioner claimed that a neighbor had illegally taken over an adjacent municipal lot, using it as a yard and storage area, and…
Res. 14545-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Conexión de condominio a alcantarillado cantonal
The Constitutional Chamber declares inadmissible an amparo remedy against the Heredia Public Services Company (ESPH), which denied connection of the Avicenia Condominium to the cantonal sanitary sewer system. The petitioners, owners in that condominium, argued that the existing septic tanks failed, causing damage and contamination, and that the Ministry of…
Res. 14564-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad de Pococí debe prestar servicio de recolección de basura en Los Lagos
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the Municipality of Pococí, filed by a resident of the Los Lagos community in the Roxana district. The petitioner claims the municipality does not provide ordinary solid waste collection in the community, despite a formal request made in October 2024. The municipality responded negatively in…
Res. 14609-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Respuesta tardía del AyA a gestión sobre aguas residuales en Upala no lesiona derecho de petición
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a legislator against AyA for failing to respond to an information request regarding wastewater management in Don Chu housing development, Upala, where neighbor complaints about a decade of pollution from discharges into public ditches were reported. The petitioner alleged violation of her rights to…
Res. 14487-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desglose de escrito para gestión de desobediencia en caso de botadero ilegal
The Constitutional Chamber resolves an amparo action filed against the Ministry of Health, the Municipality of San José, and MINAE for alleged inaction regarding pollution from an illegal dump at Tajo COMAG and the CBZ asphalt plant in Pavas. The petitioner claims a violation of the right to a healthy environment. However, the Chamber finds that the same…
Res. 14559-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión del MOPT de informar vía sumario de derribo ante Juzgado Agrario para corta de árboles peligrosos
The Constitutional Court partially granted an amparo against the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) for its failure to effectively respond to a request, pending since 2022, to cut down four large, dead eucalyptus trees that threatened the petitioner's home and safety in San Rafael de Alajuela. The Court granted the amparo solely due to the…
Res. 14982-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo ambiental por falta de denuncia previa
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo action filed against a private university for alleged environmental and noise pollution arising from the demolition and construction of its building. The petitioner claimed harm to health, the environment, and property, invoking Article 50 of the Constitution. However, the Chamber finds that amparo is not…
Res. 15118-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad del amparo contra el zanate por no plantear denuncia previa
The Constitutional Chamber declares inadmissible an amparo action filed by a citizen against the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The petitioner complained about the proliferation of the great-tailed grackle ("zanate"), which he blamed for the decline of other bird species, reptiles, and invertebrates, as well as damage to crops, contamination of…
Res. 05710-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de respuesta a denuncias y solicitudes sobre explotación de cantera San Rafael
The Constitutional Chamber adjudicates a writ of amparo alleging violation of the right to petition and timely response. Petitioners, residents of La Unión, challenge the operation of Tajo San Rafael, run by Hacienda San Rafael HSR S.A., citing irregularities in the mining concession and municipal license. On January 9, 2024, they filed an information…
Res. 09097-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de ampliación de plazo para saneamiento de aguas residuales en La Unión
The Constitutional Chamber rules on a new request by the Municipality of La Unión for an extension of the deadline to comply with ruling No. 2021-018448, which granted an amparo due to pollution caused by wastewater in the canton. The original ruling ordered immediate measures to mitigate pollution and a definitive solution within 24 months, later extended…
Res. 14901-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de amparo sobre contaminación en San Pablo de Barva
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a non-compliance proceeding regarding the amparo judgment No. 2023031213, which ordered the Municipality of Barva and the Ministry of Health to remedy the problem of sewage discharge and contamination reported by the claimant in San Pablo de Barva. The original judgment gave three months to coordinate actions and…
Res. 15293-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Solicitud de revisión de amparo rechazada
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a post-judgment motion filed by Kevin Kichinka regarding the ruling that partially granted his amparo against SENASA (File 25-008432-0007-CO). That ruling ordered SENASA to resolve, within two months, an environmental complaint filed on August 8, 2024, concerning a poultry farm in Grifo Alto de Puriscal. The petitioner…
Res. 15717-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de recolección de basura en Isla Chira
The Constitutional Chamber rules on a fifth noncompliance claim filed by a resident of Isla Chira against the Municipality of Puntarenas for failing to comply with point 3) of ruling No. 2023019610 of August 11, 2023. In that earlier decision, the Chamber ordered municipal authorities to guarantee periodic, continuous solid waste collection on the island…
Res. 15325-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por omisión de SETENA en resolver nulidad de viabilidad ambiental de planta de tratamiento
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a citizen against the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA). The petitioner claimed that, after requesting on January 14, 2025, the annulment of resolution 1138-2023-SETENA granting environmental viability to a wastewater treatment plant in Santa Ana, SETENA had not resolved the matter by…
Res. 15379-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Respuesta tardía e incompleta de municipio a solicitudes de información constituye violación al derecho de petición
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by members of the Committee for the Defense of Public Services of San Isidro de Heredia against the Municipality of San Isidro de Heredia. The petitioners alleged that the municipality had failed to respond to their requests for information on various local issues, including matters concerning the municipal…
Res. 16097-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo sobre omisión de respuesta a solicitud de información ambiental y de bienes demaniales ante municipalidad
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the Municipality of San Rafael de Heredia for failure to respond to several information requests. The petitioner had asked for data on the enforcement of a previous Chamber ruling related to Law No. 65 (protected zones), actions regarding sewage discharge into rivers, and a list of illegal…
Res. 16120-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión municipal ante riesgo por erosión del río Cañas
The Constitutional Chamber ruled on an amparo filed by residents of Río Cañas in Desamparados, affected by flooding of the Cañas River. The petitioners claimed that, despite acknowledgment of high risk by municipal and National Emergency Commission (CNE) authorities, they were excluded from a bank-protection project without sufficient justification. The…
Res. 16170-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
La judicialización de un caso ambiental no exime al SINAC de sus deberes administrativos
The Constitutional Court partially grants an amparo action against the Caribbean Friendship Conservation Area (ACLAC) of SINAC. A citizen filed an administrative complaint regarding logging, drainage, and fragmentation of wetlands and forests. ACLAC merely replied that the facts were already under criminal prosecution. The Court holds that criminal…
Res. 16121-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra Municipalidad y CONAVI por omisión de indicar sumario de derribo
The Constitutional Chamber granted the amparo filed by a resident of San Pablo de Heredia, who complained that the Municipality and CONAVI had failed to address his requests to cut Casuarina trees located in the right-of-way adjacent to his property, which posed a danger to his home, the public sidewalk, and passersby. Although CONAVI conducted inspections…
Res. 16068-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento en construcción de pasos de fauna en Ruta 32
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a non-compliance claim against the National Road Council (CONAVI) for failing to fully execute Judgment 2021001189, which mandated the construction and activation of wildlife crossings on National Route 32. Despite reported progress —29 underpasses built but lacking functional adaptations, and only 2 of 20 overpasses—…
Res. 16086-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia en amparo ambiental por denuncia de aguas residuales en Nicoya
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses a disobedience petition against the Municipality of Nicoya for failing to comply with ruling 2025001417, which ordered resolution of an environmental complaint regarding wastewater seepage. The petitioner argued that the mayor had not resolved her October 2024 complaint. The municipality reported under oath that it has…
Res. 16094-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Resolución 16094-2025: Contaminación por fábrica de concreto y demora en atender denuncias sanitarias
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by a neighbor and other residents of the Los Geranios residential area in Flores de Heredia against the Municipality of Flores and the Ministry of Health, due to the operation of a pre-mixed concrete factory (AMCO) that emits fumes, dust, vibrations, and constant noise. The claimants allege that since…
Res. 09922-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Construcción del Laboratorio Nacional de Aguas no es materia de amparo
The Constitutional Chamber rejects the amparo petition filed by the Director of the National Water Laboratory (LNA) against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA). The petitioner claimed that the Executive President's proposal to move the construction of the new LNA building from La Unión de Cartago to Pavas violated the rights to life…
Res. 00517-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Denegatoria de amparo por falta de cumplimiento de requisitos técnicos y legales para asumir acueducto privado
The Constitutional Chamber analyzed an amparo action filed by the Neighbors Association of Residencial Vistas del Pacífico against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA) and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE). The petitioner argued that the institutions had failed to take measures to formalize the aqueduct administration or…
Res. 01291-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Respuesta tardía a solicitud de información ambiental lesiona derechos
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by a deputy from the Frente Amplio party against the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE). The petitioner had requested environmental information concerning the Térraba Sierpe Wetlands and a project potentially affecting this State Natural Heritage site, including questions about discharge…
Res. 12491-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento en la construcción de la planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales de Golfito
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a non-compliance motion filed by a resident of Golfito against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) and the Ministry of Health, concerning judgment 2020016705 of 2020. That judgment ordered the construction of a wastewater treatment plant for Golfito within a 24-month period. The complainant argues…
Res. 12904-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra el MINAE por tardanza en responder certificación sobre Patrimonio Natural del Estado
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed against the Caribbean Friendship Conservation Area (ACLAC-SINAC) of MINAE. The petitioner requested on December 2, 2024, certifications on whether a specific cadastral map (7-55102-1955) formed part of the State Natural Heritage, overlapped with wetlands or protected areas, and whether it had been subdivided…
Res. 12958-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de resolución de denuncia y acceso a información ante SENASA
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo petition filed by an individual against the National Animal Health Service (SENASA). The petitioner filed a complaint in August 2024 regarding environmental contamination and foul odors from a poultry farm near his property, also requesting copies of the Veterinary Operation Certificate (CVO) and inspection…
Res. 13624-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de requisito de disponibilidad de agua no lesiona derechos fundamentales
The Constitutional Chamber denies an amparo filed by three members of a group of 82 families living in extreme poverty against the Municipality of Guácimo and ICAA (water and sewer institute). The petitioners complained that building permits for the Las Rosas de Río Jiménez housing project had not been granted. The Court finds no fundamental rights…
Res. 16106-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso a información ambiental sobre tala en Gandoca-Manzanillo
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by an environmentalist against the administrator of the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge (REGAMA). The petitioner had requested detailed information on compliance with precautionary measures in cases of logging and land-use change within the refuge, following up on prior communications. The…
Res. 16119-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Polvo por construcción no lesiona derechos si municipio fiscaliza medidas de mitigación
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the Municipality of Flores for allegedly failing to enforce dust mitigation measures at the 'OFI BODEGAS CALLE VÍQUEZ' construction project. The petitioners claimed that excessive dust harmed their health and right to a healthy environment. The Court found that the Municipality did respond to the…
Res. 16143-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desestimación de amparo por relleno y actividad comercial ilegal en Santa Ana
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo action filed against the Municipality of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Health Governing Area. The petitioner, a neighboring resident, alleged that both entities failed to act regarding an illegal landfill, earthworks, operation of a truck yard without permits, and noise and air pollution on an adjacent property.…
Res. 16145-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por concesión minera en Cóbano desestimado por ser cuestión de legalidad ordinaria
The company Tajo Lacón S.R.L. filed an amparo action against the Municipal Council of the District of Cóbano, the Directorate of Geology and Mines of MINAE, and SETENA. It alleged that the Council authorized a mining land use without competence; that the company AYZ ALZUÑI S.A. obtained environmental viability without a valid land use and submitted…
Res. 16194-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Denegatoria de amparo por contaminación sónica del Bar Black Moon
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed an amparo petition filed by a neighbor of the Bar Black Moon in Poás de Alajuela against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Poás for alleged inaction regarding noise pollution from the establishment. The petitioner claimed that excessive noise, particularly at night, harmed residents' health, rest, and right…
Res. 16284-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Participación ciudadana en evaluación ambiental de proyecto turístico Bahía Papagayo
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo petition filed by the Asociación Confraternidad Guanacasteca against the Ministry of Environment and Energy and SETENA, challenging the granting of environmental viability for the mega-tourism project "Bahía Papagayo," categorized as high environmental impact (Category A). The petitioner argued that no public…
Res. 14028-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional reserva sentencia y otorga plazo para acción de inconstitucionalidad contra norma de pesca de arrastre
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo against INCOPESCA's authorizations for shrimp trawling under the research project 'New Alternatives 2023-2024'. The petitioner alleged violations of the right to a healthy environment, the precautionary principle, food security, access to information, and harm to artisanal fishermen, based on the Constitution and…
Res. 14408-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Cumplimiento de amparo: Municipalidad responde sobre tala e iluminación en Parque de Filadelfia
The Constitutional Chamber resolves a non‑compliance claim filed by the petitioner against the Municipality of Carrillo regarding compliance with judgment No. 2025008716. That judgment had ordered the mayor and the director of Engineering and Municipal Services to provide a clear and concise response to the petitioner's queries about the Central Park of…
Res. 14534-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por derrame de aguas negras y falta de denuncia previa
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo filed against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA) and the Municipality of Curridabat regarding an alleged sewage spill that flooded private property and affected a nearby school. The petitioner claimed to have made ten telephone reports without response. However, the ICAA stated that no…
Res. 15241-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad de Garabito no cumple orden de construir alcantarillado pluvial
The Constitutional Chamber adjudicates a contempt proceeding against the Municipality of Garabito for failing to comply with judgment 2020-010645, which ordered the construction of a storm sewer system to resolve flooding from wastewater in Quebrada Ganado, affecting the petitioner. Despite multiple extensions and reiterations since 2020, the work remains…
Res. 15339-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Sala IV rechaza amparo por cuestionamiento técnico a obras de protección fluvial en río Cañas
The Constitutional Chamber denied an amparo filed by an elderly resident of Desamparados against the Municipality and the National Emergency Commission (CNE). The claimant alleged violations of her rights to life, personal integrity, decent housing, and a healthy environment due to river protection works on the Cañas River, which she considered technically…
Res. 15498-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe notificar resultados de inspección sobre movimiento de tierra en lindero
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Municipality of Atenas filed by a resident who reported earth movements by her neighbor, a municipal employee, at the property boundary. She alleged landslide risk and municipal inaction. The Chamber found that while the Municipality conducted a technical inspection and issued a report…
Res. 16740-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Cumplimiento de sentencia por puente Bailey y transporte irregular en río Medio Queso
The Constitutional Chamber reviews a non-compliance claim filed by a petitioner who alleges breach of ruling No. 2024020399, which ordered the Municipality of Los Chiles and the MOPT to stop irregular transport on the Medio Queso River, install a temporary Bailey bridge, and build a permanent bridge. The municipality reported having remedied the illegal…
Res. 16876-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Instalación de torre de telecomunicaciones no amenaza salud ni ambiente
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses an amparo petition against the installation of a telecommunications tower near the petitioner's home. The petitioner, who suffers from multiple health conditions and uses a wheelchair, alleged that the tower would affect her health, pedestrian traffic, property value, and urban landscape. The Court reiterates…
Res. 17905-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo resuelve por falta de respuesta a denuncias sobre la quebrada Los Negritos
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by a Montes de Oca resident against the Municipality of Montes de Oca, SINAC, and the CNE. The petitioner claimed that authorities had failed to respond to several requests filed between April and November 2024 concerning illegal civil works that are constricting the Los Negritos stream, endangering…
Res. 12151-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Atención de denuncia sobre uso irregular de recursos hídricos por ASADA de San Isidro de Cóbano
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo appeal filed by a user against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), alleging failure to respond to a complaint regarding irregular use of water resources by the ASADA of San Isidro de Cóbano. The appellant claimed that over two months had passed without an answer. The Chamber verifies that…
Res. 13555-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Solicitud de agua en potrero sin cambio de uso aprobado
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) and the Municipality of Pococí for delay in resolving a water availability application for a pastureland property intended for commercial and residential development. The applicant argued that the lack of response prevented him from obtaining…
Res. 09506-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Denegación de disponibilidad de agua por insuficiencia técnica
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo against the ASADA of Miravalles and AyA for denying a water availability permit needed to build a house. The petitioner claimed that a 2021 availability approval was ignored when he reapplied in 2024 and that the denial based on a technical study showing water deficit violated due process, the right to water,…
Res. 09610-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Solicitud de copia de plan de reforestación por correo no oficial
The petitioner requested from the Municipality of La Unión, via email, a copy of a reforestation project at Condominio Barlovento. The Constitutional Chamber determined that the request was sent to an unofficial email address, so no violation of the right to petition and access to information could be found. During the amparo proceedings, the municipality…
Res. 09940-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de orden de resolver denuncia ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber addressed a non-compliance action against the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) regarding the order issued in Judgment No. 2024-012481 of May 10, 2024. In that ruling, the Chamber granted an amparo for violation of the right to prompt and complete justice (Art. 41 of the Constitution) due to the TAA's prolonged failure…
Res. 09941-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inejecución de sentencia sobre orden sanitaria en predio del INCOFER
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed a non-compliance claim alleging that the Costa Rican Railroad Institute (INCOFER) failed to obey Ruling No. 2025-003649, which required INCOFER to comply with a health order (MS-DRRSCE-DARSP-OS-0209-2024) from the Ministry of Health. The order mandated elimination of infectious sources, waste management, and prevention…
Res. 10972-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo ambiental por plazo no vencido
This amparo was filed against the Ministry of Health for failing to act on a noise pollution complaint concerning the Chorys restaurant. The complainant alleged that amplified music and live events exceeded permissible decibel levels, harming neighbors' health and rest. The complaint was lodged on March 12, 2025, with the local health authority, but no…
Res. 12111-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por denuncia ambiental sin respuesta y acceso al expediente
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo appeal against the Ministry of Health for failing to provide a formal response to an environmental complaint regarding noise and wastewater pollution filed in August 2024, and for denying access to the case file and a copy of the complaint. The Chamber finds that the complaint has been handled diligently, with…
Res. 15700-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por deterioro de ruta nacional 114 es prematuro
The Constitutional Chamber (Sala Constitucional) summarily dismissed a writ of amparo filed against the National Road Council (CONAVI) and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) concerning the severe deterioration of National Route 114 in Santa Bárbara de Heredia. The petitioner cited sinkholes, drainage failures, pavement deterioration, and…
Res. 17271-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición y acceso a información sobre construcción en zona de protección de quebrada
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a citizen against the Municipality of Goicoechea for failing to fully respond to a request for information submitted on March 21, 2025, regarding the construction of a church on the Quebrada La Cangreja. The request included twelve inquiries about construction permits, environmental viability, sanitary…
Res. 09462-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de respuesta del Ministerio de Salud a denuncias por contaminación sónica y partículas
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed on behalf of a neighbor of a company in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Santa Cruz. The petitioner complained about noise pollution, dust particles, and possible construction irregularities from the adjacent company, affecting his health and that of his…
Res. 09475-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de respuesta ante peligro por deslizamientos
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by a property owner in Limón affected by landslides caused by the expansion works on National Route 32 (Braulio Carrillo Highway). The petitioner claims that he submitted requests to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) and the Municipality of Siquirres in October 2024, describing the…
Res. 10874-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad del amparo contra sanción de ingreso al Parque Nacional Corcovado
The Constitutional Chamber rejects as inadmissible an amparo appeal filed by a tourist guide against the administration of Corcovado National Park, which imposed a seven-day entry ban to the protected area for straying from the authorized trail. The claimant alleged a violation of due process by not being allowed to defend himself before the sanction was…
Res. 11694-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Imposibilidad técnica no viola derecho al agua si se gestionan soluciones
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses on the merits an amparo action filed by a neighbor on behalf of his elderly parents and other community members of Nombre04 against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA). The petitioner claimed the omission to provide potable water service, which the community has lacked for over 30 years, in…
Res. 11736-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo contra empresa privada por condiciones laborales y ambientales en tienda
The Constitutional Chamber declared inadmissible the amparo appeal filed against the company H&M Costa Rica, located in Multiplaza Escazú. The plaintiff claimed that the store's roof allowed ultraviolet rays to pass through and generated unbearable heat, affecting their health and that of BAC valet parking workers, as well as visitors such as wheelchair…
Res. 19615-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
SINAC debe actuar en sede administrativa ante tala ilegal, más allá de la denuncia penal
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo against SINAC, the municipalities of Goicoechea and Vázquez de Coronado, and the Ministry of Health, regarding indiscriminate logging and burning in Rancho Redondo and El Durazno since November 2024. The petitioner claimed severe environmental impacts from land-use change without effective response. The Chamber…
Res. 06028-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Ampliación del plazo en amparo ambiental por saneamiento PTAR Nicoya
The Constitutional Chamber reviews a compliance management request filed by the Costa Rican Water and Sewerage Institute (AyA), seeking a three-year extension to fulfill a 2020 amparo ruling that ordered a definitive solution to river pollution in Nicoya caused by untreated wastewater. The Chamber finds that AyA has carried out substantial actions,…
Res. 06039-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por lotes baldíos como focos de contaminación
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by neighbors in Liberia, Guanacaste, who reported vacant lots turned into open-air dumps, mosquito breeding sites, and criminal hideouts, endangering their health and right to a healthy environment. They claimed that since June 2024, despite complaints to the Health Directorate and the Municipality of…
Res. 06128-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inejecución de acuerdo municipal de recuperación de zona marítimo terrestre no vulnera derecho ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the Municipality of Talamanca for the alleged non-compliance with Municipal Council Agreement No. 7, which ordered the recovery of the public maritime-terrestrial zone in the canton. The petitioner argues that this omission violates the right to a healthy environment (Article 50 of the Constitution)…
Res. 06626-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Ampliación de plazo para cierre técnico y estación de transferencia en Turrialba
The Constitutional Chamber resolves the request of the Mayor of Turrialba to again extend the deadline set in judgment No. 2018-004801, which ordered the Municipality and the Ministry of Health to solve the problems of the municipal landfill. A twelve-month extension is granted, counted from the expiration of the previous term (Res. 2024-008317), for…
Res. 06627-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de sentencia por pruebas de coloración de aguas residuales
The Constitutional Chamber rules on a non-compliance motion filed by the petitioner, who claims that the Ministry of Health has failed to comply with the dye-testing schedule ordered in judgment No. 2022-017539. That judgment had granted an amparo due to pollution on her property, ordering a joint inspection and technical dye tests to identify the source…
Res. 07754-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión municipal y del SINAC ante construcción ilegal en zona de protección
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Municipality of Pococí and SINAC for inaction regarding an illegal construction in a stream protection zone, reported since November 2022. The construction lacked municipal permits, did not respect the street line, and encroached on a protected forest area. The Chamber reiterates that local…
Res. 07768-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación sónica y ambiental de bodega industrial colindante
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by elderly neighbors against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Mora for failing to resolve noise and environmental pollution from an industrial warehouse adjacent to their home. The plaintiffs allege that since March 2024 they have filed complaints with the Mora Health Area, but no effective…
Res. 07812-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Recurso de amparo por quemas de caña de azúcar declarado sin lugar
The Constitutional Chamber declared without merit an amparo filed by an elderly person with respiratory illnesses against the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture (MAG), and the Ministry of Environment (MINAE) for alleged inaction regarding sugarcane burning in Turrialba. The Chamber found that the MAG had indeed responded to the petitioner's…
Res. 07881-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de respuesta: denuncia ambiental ante SINAC
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed against MINAE-SINAC for failing to timely respond to an information request and environmental complaint regarding possible violations of Forestry Law 7575 and protection zones of streams in the Montezuma Condominium, Grecia. The petitioner complained about the lack of response to three items: 1) verification…
Res. 08632-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desalojo administrativo de inmueble forestal — mora en notificación el mismo día del amparo
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the Ministry of Public Security for violation of the right to a prompt and completed procedure. The petitioner, owner of a farm in Heredia under the forestry regime, alleged that despite requesting an administrative eviction for invasion on April 4, 2024, after more than four months the Ministry…
Res. 09329-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional amplía plazo para audiencia pública del Plan Regulador Costero de Cahuita
The Constitutional Chamber addressed a post-judgment motion filed by the Municipality of Talamanca seeking an extension of the deadline to comply with prior rulings that ordered a new public hearing for the Coastal Regulatory Plan of the Cahuita District. The municipality argued that a modification to the State Natural Heritage certification in the…
Res. 16071-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de amparo por inundaciones en Los Chiles
The Constitutional Chamber resolves a non-compliance claim filed by the petitioner, who argued that the Municipality of Los Chiles had not complied with the ruling that ordered the resolution of flooding at her home, caused by insufficient stormwater drainage. The Chamber analyzes new elements: on one hand, the Municipality demonstrated having taken…
Res. 16298-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Árbol en área de protección de naciente no se corta por vía de amparo sino mediante sumario de derribo
The Constitutional Chamber denied an amparo filed against the Municipality of Alajuelita. The petitioner sought the cutting of a tree on municipal land adjacent to her home, alleging danger to occupants, aggravated health conditions (asthma, chronic rhinitis), structural damage from falling branches and leaves, leaks, flooding, and rodent access. The…
Res. 17055-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Cumplimiento de sentencia en recuperación de zona de protección de quebrada Chirracal
The Constitutional Chamber addressed a post-judgment motion for non-compliance with the 2020 amparo order to recover the protection zone of the Chirracal stream, which had been extended in 2024. The petitioner requested that the case be referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office for alleged disobedience by the Municipality of Santa Ana. The Chamber found…
Res. 17057-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desacato por obras de estabilización en el Río Bermúdez
The Constitutional Chamber upheld an accusation of contempt filed against the Municipality of Heredia. The original 2022 ruling ordered the municipality to carry out the necessary studies to resolve erosion and slope instability along the Bermúdez River, which threatened adjacent properties. The municipality contracted hydrological and stabilization…
Res. 17061-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia al voto 2024018803 sobre basurero clandestino en zona de protección del Río Segundo
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a disobedience claim filed by an active coadjuvant against the Ministry of Health, the Municipality of Alajuela, and the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA). The claimant argues that ruling No. 2024018803 of July 5, 2024, has not been complied with. That ruling ordered the authorities to resolve, within three…
Res. 17098-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación de cuerpo de agua y obstrucción de alcantarilla en Alajuela
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo remedy filed by residents of Sabanilla de Alajuela against MINAE, the Ministry of Health, and the Municipality of Alajuela. The petitioners complain about the invasion of public infrastructure (a storm sewer) and the contamination of a water body through illegal solid waste dumping, including tires and debris, by…
Res. 17101-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Obligación de resolver denuncias ambientales ante la Municipalidad y el Ministerio de Salud
The Constitutional Chamber admitted an amparo action filed by a resident of El Roble, Puntarenas, against the Municipality of Puntarenas and the Health Area of Barranca (Ministry of Health), for the alleged failure to respond and provide a definitive solution to her complaints regarding the pollution and flooding caused by the Quebrada Bomba Vieja. The…
Res. 17121-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental sobre acceso a información de humedales en Talamanca
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo against SINAC for allegedly failing to provide complete information on wetlands in the maritime-terrestrial zone of Talamanca. The petitioner requested copies of wetland locations, reasons for not including new wetlands in the National Wetland Registry, explanations for the Punta Uva and Manzanillo cases, actions…
Res. 17238-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por acceso a información sobre contaminación del Estero de Puntarenas
A congressman filed an amparo action against the Ministry of Health for failing to respond to an information request regarding compliance with a Constitutional Chamber order concerning contamination of the Puntarenas Estuary by wastewater from the Municipal Market. The Chamber found that the Ministry responded late, violating the ten-business-day deadline…
Res. 17253-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Demora del SENASA en resolver denuncia por ruido de gallos
The petitioner filed an amparo action against the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) for the delay in addressing a complaint filed on February 21, 2025, concerning a rooster breeding operation that generated noise pollution and affected his health and quality of life. As of the filing date (May 2025), SENASA had neither resolved the complaint nor…
Res. 17565-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Gestión de desobediencia por demolición pendiente en área protegida
The Constitutional Chamber rules on a disobedience claim filed by the petitioner following ruling 2025007754, which ordered the Municipality of Pococí and SINAC to issue and execute administrative acts to resolve an illegal construction in a watercourse protection area. The authorities initiated the demolition process, notifying the owner in April 2025…
Res. 17585-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo por reiteración de cosa juzgada y actos jurisdiccionales
The Constitutional Chamber declares inadmissible the amparo appeal filed against the Judiciary regarding the seizure and extraction of information from cell phones in a criminal investigation conducted by the Agrarian Environmental Prosecutor's Office. The appellant argued that the proceedings were carried out without the presence of a guarantees judge,…
Res. 20509-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad de Osa debe reparar caminos de Vergel y Tres Ríos en seis meses
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action against the Municipality of Osa, filed by a resident of the communities of Vergel and Tres Ríos. The petitioner complained about the poor condition of the local public roads 6-05-028 and 6-05-087, stating that the clay surface becomes extremely slippery when wet, endangering the life and physical…
Res. 92514-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Admisión de acción de inconstitucionalidad contra Decreto 44974-S de gestión regionalizada de residuos
The Constitutional Chamber admits an unconstitutionality action against several articles of Executive Decree 44974-S, Regulation for the Regionalized Management of Ordinary and Organic Solid Waste in Costa Rica. The plaintiff alleges violation of constitutional articles 21 and 50, international treaties (Convention on Biological Diversity, Paris…
Res. 16719-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición y respuesta tardía ante solicitud de información sobre causa penal ambiental
The Constitutional Court reviewed an amparo filed by a complainant in an environmental criminal case against SINAC's Osa Conservation Area. The complainant sought information about inspections at a property under investigation for possible encroachment on protected areas. Despite multiple follow-ups, the administration did not respond within the statutory…
Res. 21358-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación de acequia en urbanización La Troja
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by the president of the La Troja Neighborhood Committee, in Curridabat, against the Ministry of Health, the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA), the National Road Council (CONAVI), and the Municipality of Curridabat. The petitioners reported that a ditch adjacent to their community mixes…
Res. 20503-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de respuesta del INDER sobre acciones de la Comisión Interinstitucional en el Asentamiento Osa
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by AGRIDET directors against INDER. They claimed that on November 20, 2024, they requested via email from INDER's Executive President information on the specific actions and solution proposals elaborated by the Interinstitutional Commission formed on February 19, 2024, to provide a comprehensive response to…
Res. 92515-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acción de inconstitucionalidad contra artículos 50 y 51 del Decreto 43449-MINAE sobre recalificación de tanques de combustible
The Constitutional Chamber admits for processing a constitutional challenge against Articles 50 and 51 of the Fuel Supply Regulation for Service Stations (Executive Decree 43449-MINAE). The petitioner, invoking diffuse interests, contests the term 'requalification' in Article 50 and Article 51, which allows extending the useful life of fuel storage tanks…
Res. 22229-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe verificar y atender denuncias sanitarias y ambientales
Residents of Calle Sara Soto in Santo Domingo de Heredia filed an amparo appeal against the Municipality for failing to address their complaints, filed since April 18, 2022, regarding problems with stormwater and sanitary sewer systems, a clandestine dump, an informal settlement, security, and environmental risks. The Constitutional Chamber partially…
Res. 22280-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión del Ministerio de Salud ante denuncia por contaminación sónica de bar residencial
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a resident who reported noise pollution from a restaurant-bar. The claimant filed a complaint with the Health Area on March 12, 2025, alleging that the noise exceeded permissible levels under the Noise Control Regulation and affected his and his family's health. After months without a definitive solution,…
Res. 17972-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acumulación de amparos por área de protección del Pozo La Meseta
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo petition filed by two citizens against the Municipality of San Rafael de Heredia and the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA), alleging disrespect for the 200-meter protection zone around the La Meseta Well, a drinking water source for approximately 32,000 people. The petitioners claim that the…
Res. 18117-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de respuesta municipal sobre recolección de basura
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a resident against the Municipality of Pococí for failing to respond to a request submitted on November 15, 2024, seeking garbage collection services for the community of La Unión, Guápiles. The petitioner argued that the lack of response violated fundamental rights and that waste accumulation polluted…
Res. 17902-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Estese a sentencia previa sobre afectaciones del Río Aguas Zarcas a camino comunal en San Carlos
The Constitutional Court resolved an amparo petition filed by residents of the Valle del Río road committee in Aguas Zarcas, San Carlos, who claimed that the Municipality of San Carlos, the National Emergency Commission (CNE), the National Road Council (CONAVI), and the 911 Emergency Service had failed to provide a definitive solution to road damage caused…
Res. 18414-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rectificación de condena en costas a SETENA vs. Estado en amparo
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a motion to correct a material error in judgment 2023026912, which granted amparo against SETENA for failure to respond. The petitioner first requested that the costs be imposed on SETENA, arguing it has its own legal personality; the Chamber agreed via resolution 202401620. Subsequently, the same petitioner noted that…
Res. 18652-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inundaciones por alcantarillado municipal en Barrio El Roble, Liberia
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo action filed by the president of the Integral Development Association of Barrio El Roble de Liberia against the Municipality of Liberia. The plaintiff alleged that the installation of larger culverts on an adjacent road was diverting stormwater into an unmaintained channel, causing flooding, isolation,…
Res. 18761-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia prematura no ha lugar en caso de pozo AB-1477
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses as premature a new disobedience claim filed by the petitioner regarding compliance with Judgment No. 2020-015207 and subsequent interlocutory orders. Those orders required ICAA and MINAE to resolve the registration and potable water supply problem of well AB-1477, while guaranteeing service in the interim. Although the…
Res. 18764-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Ampliación de plazo para desalojo y reubicación en Bajo Cacao y La Mandarina
The Constitutional Chamber resolves a subsequent motion to judgment 2024021414, in which the Municipality of Atenas requests an extension of the twelve-month deadline to carry out the eviction and relocation of inhabitants in risk zones in Bajo Cacao and La Mandarina. The Court finds that the respondent authorities have indeed taken significant actions…
Res. 18777-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición y acceso a información sobre fraccionamientos en el Área de Conservación Amistad Caribe
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by Marco Vinicio Levy Virgo against the Amistad Caribe Conservation Area of MINAE. The petitioner claimed that, through a letter dated November 26, 2024, he requested information on various topics, including the basis for subdivisions in specific plans, names of involved officials, and copies of…
Res. 18806-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Tajo COMAG: amparo sobre contaminación y acceso a expediente administrativo
The Constitutional Court reviews an amparo against MINAE, the Ministry of Health, and the Municipality of San José regarding the alleged illegal operation of a dump (Tajo COMAG) and the CBZ asphalt plant in Pavas, causing contamination of aquifers, soil, and wildlife. The petitioner also claims denial of access to the CBZ plant’s administrative file…
Res. 18815-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desatención de denuncias por contaminación de aguas negras
The petitioner filed an amparo action against the Ministry of Health, claiming that the Goicoechea Health Area had failed to address her complaints about sewage infiltration from a supermarket, which affected her home and health. The Constitutional Chamber analyzed the case and found that the 2024 complaints had been closed after inspections during which…
Res. 18948-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Denuncia ambiental en Playa Dominical y Dominicalito — amparo prematuro
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by María Estela Aguilar Corella against the Municipality of Osa for allegedly failing to address environmental complaints submitted on February 18 and 25, 2025, regarding illegal activities on the beaches of Dominical and Dominicalito. The petitioner claims that neither municipal inspectors nor the mayor…
Res. 18968-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad de Golfito actuó ante riesgo de inundación en Purruja
The petitioner, owner of a property in Purruja de Golfito, claims that soil erosion threatens to collapse a structure and cause the Purruja River to flood, endangering homes, an elderly person, and a school. Although she made emergency reports to 911, she accuses the Municipality of inaction. The Constitutional Chamber denies the appeal for two reasons:…
Res. 19052-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad atendió denuncia ambiental en plazo razonable
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the Municipality of Vázquez de Coronado for an alleged violation of the right to petition and to prompt administrative justice. The petitioner had filed a complaint about noise pollution and suspected irregularities in construction permits and business licenses of a commercial establishment. The…
Res. 19265-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por olores nauseabundos y aguas servidas
The Constitutional Chamber flatly dismisses an amparo petition filed by a resident of San Pablo de Barva de Heredia against the Ministry of Health. The petitioner alleged that for three years he has suffered from nauseating odors emanating from a neighboring property that lacks proper drainage for blackwater, graywater, and stormwater, which run in the…
Res. 03640-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Exención de evaluación ambiental para ajustes y rectificaciones de planes reguladores costeros en ZMT
The Constitutional Chamber analyzes an unconstitutionality claim against several articles of the Manual for the Preparation of Coastal Regulatory Plans in the Maritime-Terrestrial Zone (ZMT), published in 2021. The claimant argues that the rules regressively exempt adjustments and corrections to regulatory plans from strategic environmental assessment by…
Res. 24007-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inundaciones por alcantarillado en La Cruz: deber municipal de proteger a persona adulta mayor
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by an elderly person against CONAVI and the Municipality of La Cruz. The claimant alleges that inadequate stormwater management and an unfinished sewer network cause flooding on her property, located along the North Inter-American Highway. The Chamber finds no liability of CONAVI, since the flooding was not…
Res. 24030-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Carbonera sin permisos y Ministerio de Salud omiso
The owner of a lot in La Estrella del Guarco filed an amparo action against the Ministry of Health, alleging that a neighboring charcoal operation without sanitary permits generates smoke and dust that prevent construction and harm health and the environment. The complainant filed a complaint in February 2025 (No. 12-2025) and although the Ministry…
Res. 20520-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Corrección material de sentencia de amparo sobre contaminación por aguas negras
The Constitutional Chamber corrects a material error in ruling No. 2025018815 of June 20, 2025, which erroneously declared an amparo action “granted” when it should have been denied. The amparo was filed by a resident of Goicoechea against the Ministry of Health, claiming neglect of environmental complaints regarding black water seepage from a supermarket,…
Res. 19581-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento en rehabilitación de camino rural en Upala
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed a noncompliance claim filed by a resident of Upala, who alleged that the Municipality had not resolved the passability of road C2-13-398, despite a previous amparo ruling (No. 2024003962). The Municipality reported significant progress: it conducted a forest inventory to identify protected trees, coordinated with SINAC,…
Res. 19584-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional acoge desobediencia parcial por omisión municipal en resolver denuncias sobre obstrucción de vías y permisos constructivos
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed a disobedience claim filed by the protected party, who alleged that the Municipality of Grecia and the Ministry of Health failed to comply with ruling 2024033184. That ruling ordered the Municipality, within two months, to resolve the complaints of December 2023 and April 2024 regarding the obstruction of public roads…
Res. 19612-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Condena en costas al SINAC, no al Estado, en amparo ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber addressed a request to supplement and clarify judgment 2025-016106, which had granted an amparo against the administrator of Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge for denying public information on monitoring of precautionary measures in logging and land-use change cases. The petitioner sought correction of a material error…
Res. 19634-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Corrección de condenatoria en costas de Estado a SINAC
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed a motion for material correction filed by the petitioner in case file 25-010839-0007-CO. In the original judgment No. 2025017121 of June 6, 2025, which partially granted an amparo against SINAC for violation of the right to petition and access to information regarding wetlands in Talamanca, the State was erroneously…
Res. 19799-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo prematuro por inactividad del SENASA en denuncia ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo filed by a resident of San Pedro de Poás against a private individual and the National Animal Health Service (SENASA). The petitioner alleged that her neighbor kept dogs, geese, and chickens in unsanitary conditions, causing noise and affecting her minor daughter's health (rhinitis and allergy). Regarding…
Res. 20033-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia del amparo contra el Decreto 44974-S sobre gestión regionalizada de residuos
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo action filed by residents of Heredia against Executive Decree 44974-S regulating regionalized management of ordinary and organic solid waste. The petitioners argue the decree will prevent Heredia from disposing waste in an environmental park located in another region, causing environmental harm. The…
Res. 20082-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra Decreto 44974-S sobre gestión regionalizada de residuos
The Constitutional Chamber rejects outright an amparo filed by a resident of Heredia against the Ministry of Health, challenging Executive Decree 44974-S (Regulation for Regionalized Management of Ordinary and Organic Solid Waste). The petitioner argued that the regulation requires municipalities in the Central Region to dispose of their waste within the…
Res. 20489-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Prórroga de plazo en amparo por suministro de agua en La Tejona
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a compliance claim filed by residents of the La Tejona community against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA). The claimants allege that AyA has failed to comply with the 2018 amparo ruling that ordered potable water supply through the San Luis ASADA. AyA reports that it has taken over responsibility,…
Res. 20500-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de orden administrativa sobre tubería en área de protección de naciente
The Constitutional Chamber grants an amparo appeal filed by an individual who reported a wastewater pipeline from Sigma Alimentos within the protection zone of a spring in Monteverde. The appellant claimed that SINAC had not addressed his complaint within a reasonable time. The Chamber finds that although SINAC issued an administrative order…
Res. 20710-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra Municipalidad de Cóbano por falta de respuesta
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by an individual against the Municipality of Cóbano for failing to respond to a petition submitted on April 8, 2025, requesting information on the compliance with Internal Audit recommendations concerning urban development, construction oversight, pending closures, document management systems, and the…
Res. 21357-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
CONAVI no debe reparar muro de gaviones en propiedad privada fuera del derecho de vía
The Constitutional Chamber examined an amparo action filed by two residents of San Francisco de Dos Ríos, seeking to compel the National Roadway Council (CONAVI) to repair a gabion wall that collapsed after a landslide on the bank of the Tiribí River, damaging part of the access to their home. The petitioners argued that the Ministry of Health was…
Res. 21453-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de notificación de respuesta a solicitud de información ambiental
The Constitutional Court hears an amparo filed against the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA). The petitioner, a Legislative Assembly deputy, requested on April 30, 2025, digital copies of all environmental feasibility files for two corporations, claiming he received no response. During the amparo proceedings, it was proven that SETENA…
Res. 22124-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional rechaza petición de ejecutar sentencia del Contencioso
The Constitutional Chamber addresses an interlocutory motion filed by Industrias Infinito S.A., requesting that the Administrative Contentious Tribunal (TCA) be declared incompetent to continue enforcing a 2010 ruling on environmental damage from clear-cutting, and that the Constitutional Chamber itself enforce both that ruling and its own decision in…
Res. 22223-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por omisión en resolver denuncia sobre alcantarilla municipal
The petitioner filed an environmental complaint in 2018 with the Municipality of Pérez Zeledón regarding uncontrolled stormwater runoff on her property caused by a poorly maintained culvert, allegedly due to municipal works. Despite repeated requests and a 2024 inspection that showed 50% sedimentation and recommended cleaning, the complaint had not been…
Res. 22308-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo por falta de prueba de gestiones ante el ICAA
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by El Gavilán Murillo y Vargas S.A. against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA). The petitioner, developer of the El Gavilán housing project, claims that ICAA has not decided its request to take over the project's wastewater treatment plant despite repeated filings since 2007, and that…
Res. 22311-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Dilación del Tribunal Ambiental Administrativo en resolver denuncia por contaminación de matadero
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by residents of La Cañada Condominium against the Administrative Environmental Tribunal (TAA) and the Water Directorate of MINAE, for violation of the right to timely administrative justice (Article 41 of the Constitution). The environmental complaint against a slaughterhouse was filed in 2013, and after…
Res. 22319-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición y acceso a información ambiental ante municipio ecológico
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Municipality of Turrubares for failing to respond to a request for information regarding earthworks and deforestation near Cerro El Rayo. The petitioner sent an email on May 22, 2025, asking whether permits existed and what inspections had been conducted. The municipality did not reply until…
Res. 22357-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de sentencia de amparo sobre dilación del TAA
The Constitutional Chamber reviews a new amparo petition filed by the same party as in case file 23-001182-0007-CO, where the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) had been ordered to resolve an environmental complaint within three months. The petitioner claims that, despite this judgment, the TAA has not issued a final decision but has rescheduled…
Res. 22377-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Plazo excesivo en responder solicitud de dragado del Río Tiribí
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed against the Municipality of La Unión for failing to respond to a citizen request submitted in November 2022, which called for the dredging of the Tiribí River due to accumulation of debris and garbage, allegedly posing a risk of flooding and natural disasters to the community. It was also alleged that…
Res. 22565-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia del amparo contra medidas cautelares penales en proceso ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejected an amparo action filed against an atypical precautionary measure ordered in a criminal proceeding for usurpation of public domain property. The petitioner alleged violations of due process and his right to possession over a property located within the Térraba Sierpe National Wetland, arguing he was not given a…
Res. 23012-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia en certificación de humedales y plan regulador de Talamanca
The Constitutional Chamber rules on a non-compliance petition filed by active coadjuvants regarding judgment No. 2024003959, which ordered SINAC to supplement the State Natural Heritage certification in the Talamanca Maritime-Terrestrial Zone with the 2021 wetland characterization, and ordered INVU and the Municipality of Talamanca to incorporate that…
Res. 23118-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho a respuesta municipal en denuncias ambientales
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by the mother of a minor student against the Ministry of Public Education and the Municipality of Desamparados. The petitioner alleged multiple deficiencies in the temporary facilities of the San Jerónimo School — physical-sanitary conditions, lack of a cafeteria, dangerous access — and the municipality's…
Res. 23184-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Recurso de amparo por demora en respuesta de AyA sobre disponibilidad de agua
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo appeal against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) for an alleged violation of the right to a prompt and complete procedure. The appellant had requested two potable water services for a real estate project in Alajuela, which were denied due to hydraulic insufficiency in the Cacique–Borbón…
Res. 23222-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de respuesta a solicitud de información sobre plan regulador costero
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by María Carolina Delgado Ramírez against the Municipality of Guácimo. The petitioner claims that on May 7, 2025, she sent a request for information regarding the coastal regulatory plan of the canton and other aspects of the Maritime Terrestrial Zone, without receiving a response at the time of filing the…
Res. 23252-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inundaciones en residencial y derecho de petición ante BANHVI
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by a beneficiary of a housing voucher in the Espaveles Residential Complex, who claims that her house floods due to its proximity to the Diría River, only 35 meters away. She alleges having requested a solution from the respondent authorities — the Housing Mortgage Bank (BANHVI) and the Ministry of…
Res. 23332-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso al expediente de orden sanitaria sobre Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by a citizen, as president of the Liberia Unida Party, against the Ministry of Health. The petitioner sought access to the file of a sanitary order issued to the Municipality of Liberia concerning Mario Cañas Ruiz Park, invoking the right of access to public information. The Ministry of Health denied…
Res. 23578-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo por extemporaneidad en denegación de servicios públicos en Refugio Ostional
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses an amparo petition filed by an occupant of a property within the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge against the Tempisque Conservation Area, the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers, and the Costa Rican Electricity Institute. The petitioner alleged a violation of his fundamental rights due to the…
Res. 23673-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo por falta de gestión previa municipal sobre pólvora en Escazú
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses an amparo against the Municipality of Escazú regarding its declaration of artisanal pyrotechnics as a cantonal cultural interest. The petitioner alleged harms to public health, animal welfare, and the environment, as well as a lack of citizen participation. The Court found that the petitioner had not filed any…
Res. 23741-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo sobre revocatoria de permiso y demolición
The Constitutional Chamber summarily rejects an amparo action filed against the Municipality of Cartago. The plaintiff claimed the municipality revoked a minor construction permit and ordered the demolition of his home without prior notice or due process, based on a neighbor's complaint and a 2017 ruling from the Environmental Administrative Tribunal that…
Res. 20547-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por denuncia ambiental y justicia pronta en quebrada Carmen
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo appeal alleging violation of the right to prompt and complete justice (Article 41 of the Constitution) due to the failure to resolve an environmental complaint filed on March 10, 2025, regarding the diversion of the Quebrada Carmen in Cóbano. The complaint was filed with the National System of Conservation…
Res. 24846-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Excepcionalidad del amparo frente a la inacción administrativa en un deslizamiento de talud
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo remedy filed by a resident of Heredia whose home was threatened by Pirris River erosion. The court held that, although administrative omissions on infrastructure normally fall under the contentious-administrative jurisdiction, this case presented exceptional circumstances: the delay in addressing the complaints…
Res. 25665-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Descoordinación institucional ante alcantarilla peligrosa y vertidos residuales
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action against the Ministry of Health, MOPT, and CONAVI. The petitioner reported a large, unprotected open culvert on the national road to Carrizal in San Bartolomé de Barva, Heredia, posing a risk to people and vehicles. The ditch was eroding the road, affecting utility poles, and collecting wastewater with…
Res. 26481-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por riesgo de deslizamiento en El Erizo, Alajuela
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo petition filed by residents of the El Erizo neighborhood and occupants of the Juan Santamaría settlement in Alajuela against the Municipality of Alajuela and the National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Response (CNE). The petitioners claimed that since 2004, technical reports had warned of a serious…
Res. 26511-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de SINAC en atender denuncias ambientales en Cocalito
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action against the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) for its prolonged failure to address multiple environmental complaints filed since 2018 by the administration of the Romelia National Wildlife Refuge, Cocalito sector. The complaints involved illegal constructions in the maritime-terrestrial zone…
Res. 27291-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de acción de inconstitucionalidad contra delimitación de zona pública de ría
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects the unconstitutionality action filed by the Mayor of Cañas against the delimitation of the public zone of the ria of the Abangares, Bebedero-Tenorio and Cañas rivers, published in the Official Gazette in 2020. The plaintiff alleged violation of citizen participation, municipal autonomy and due process, but the…
Res. 15276-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Corrección material de sentencia sobre protección del río Ipís en Vázquez de Coronado
The Constitutional Chamber corrects a material error in the operative part of Ruling 2025-014025, which granted an environmental amparo against the Municipality of Vázquez de Coronado. The original ruling omitted to fully link the decision with the substantive analysis, so it is corrected to reflect that, by majority, municipal order AL-200-0180-2025 is…
Res. 24858-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de gestión de adición y aclaración en amparo por falta de vía administrativa
The Constitutional Chamber rejects the motion for addition and clarification filed by the petitioner against the ruling that previously dismissed their amparo appeal outright. The petitioner claimed failure to assess evidence regarding their property ownership, allegedly illegal municipal sewer works, environmental damage from discharges, and documentary…
Res. 23981-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Respuesta tardía a denuncia sobre uso de área comunal en Barva
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by residents of the Antiesquivo urbanization in Barva against the Municipality of Barva. Residents alleged that on March 11, 2025, they filed a complaint with the mayor regarding the use of a communal area for park and communal facilities, claiming discharges of sand, rocks, possible bituminous waste,…
Res. 23988-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por inundaciones en servidumbre privada
The Constitutional Court rejects an amparo petition filed by a resident of Vara del Roble, San Isidro de Cartago, who claimed that the Municipality of El Guarco's failure to act regarding stormwater diversion and road deterioration caused flooding in her garage, septic tank overflow, and erosion of a retaining wall with risk of collapse. The property lies…
Res. 24056-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Reiteración de amparo por falta de respuesta municipal sobre plan regulador costero
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a congresswoman against the Municipality of Guácimo for allegedly failing to respond to a request for information regarding the coastal regulatory plan and the maritime-terrestrial zone, submitted on May 7, 2025. The Chamber notes that the facts alleged were already adjudicated in ruling No. 2025023222,…
Res. 24082-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Suspensión de amparo contra Decreto 45019-S sobre calidad del agua potable
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo petition filed against AyA and the Ministry of Health, in which the petitioner challenges Executive Decree No. 45019-S, which amended the Drinking Water Quality Regulation (Decree No. 38924-S). The petitioner argues that the amendments — particularly the introduction of an Alert Value for pesticides and the…
Res. 24161-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Instalación de alarma comunitaria en poste eléctrico frente a vivienda
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismissed an amparo action filed by a resident against the Municipality of San José regarding the installation of a community alarm horn on a utility pole in front of his home. The petitioner alleged noise pollution from excessive and unjustified use of the device, affecting his health, tranquility, and quality of life,…
Res. 24183-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro por construcción de hospital en Orotina
The petitioner, a neighbor adjacent to the construction of a new hospital in Orotina, filed an amparo against the Municipality of Orotina and the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) alleging excessive noise, demolition threats, and lack of evacuation routes. He lodged a complaint on July 3, 2025, and sought amparo on July 11, 2025, merely eight days…
Res. 24547-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo contra Decreto 44974-S por gestión de residuos
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses an amparo action filed by a resident of Aserrí against the Ministry of Health, challenging the lack of a national comprehensive waste management plan and the disproportionate burdens imposed on local governments by Executive Decree No. 44974-S. The petitioner claimed the decree would cause environmental harm…
Res. 24745-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de amparo sobre inundaciones en Villa Bonita de Alajuela
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses a new non-compliance motion filed by the petitioner against the Municipality of Alajuela, CONAVI, AyA, and the Ministry of Health, regarding judgment No. 2020-18857 which ordered a comprehensive solution to stormwater flooding in the Villa Bonita community of Alajuela. The petitioner claims that CONAVI has made no…
Res. 24841-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo sobre movimientos de tierra sin permisos municipales que afectan zona de protección del Río Alajuela
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by the Integral Development Association of Canoas and Guadalupe and the Association for the Development of Campo Verde against the Municipality of Alajuela and SETENA. The petitioners allege that unpermitted earth movements are taking place next to the Campo Verde residential complex, invading the…
Res. 24879-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Invasión de terreno municipal y canal pluvial La Saca
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by property owners in Santo Domingo de Heredia, who claim that the Municipality has failed to resolve landslides and erosion caused by extreme weather and uncontrolled stormwater discharge into the adjacent canal known as 'La Saca'. They allege municipal omissions in canal maintenance, lack of a hydraulic…
Res. 24889-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición sobre borrador de convenio para embarcadero en Isla Tortuga
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the Paquera District Municipal Council for failing to respond to the petitioner's opposition to a proposed cooperation agreement with the ICT for a dock on Tortuga Island and his request for a certified copy of the agreement. The Council reports that no agreement has been approved—only a draft under…
Res. 25324-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Aumento de cupos en Corcovado SIN base técnica — Amparo concedido
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo against SINAC's increase in daily visitation quotas at Corcovado National Park. The petitioner argued that Resolution SINAC-ACOSA-D-R-0048-2023, which raised the daily entry cap from 560 to 700 and overnight capacity from 70 to 80, lacked scientific backing and violated the precautionary principle and the right…
Res. 25664-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Habilitación de calle pública contiguo al Parque de Montezuma no lesiona derechos fundamentales
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed the amparo action filed by a resident and a corporation against the Cóbano District Municipal Council regarding a sign for a public road project adjacent to Montezuma Park. The plaintiffs claimed the project would destroy the park, lack proper environmental assessment, and destabilize a hotel under construction. The…
Res. 25666-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derrame de aguas negras sin denuncia previa no activa el amparo
A resident of Lomas de San Francisco de Dos Ríos filed an amparo against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA), the Ministry of Health, and the Municipality of San José over a sewage spill affecting the community. The Constitutional Chamber dismissed the amparo because the complainant did not file a prior administrative complaint before…
Res. 25672-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición sobre informe de población de cocodrilos
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by the director of Defendamos Costa Rica against the Ministry of the Presidency for failing to respond to a request for information submitted on September 28, 2024. The petitioner sought a copy of a MINAE study on the abundance and population status of the American crocodile, referenced by the president in a…
Res. 25673-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por ruido y vertidos: seguimiento de denuncia ante Ministerio de Salud
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by neighbors adjacent to HC Recycle, who allege noise and environmental pollution (oil and paint spills) affecting their health and quality of life, as well as danger from truck traffic and an inadequate dividing wall. They filed a complaint with the Ministry of Health in November 2024 without receiving a…
Res. 25687-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro por estacionamiento de autobús que causa deslizamientos
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by a property owner whose land borders a national route, where a bus is continuously parked. The petitioner claimed that the parking causes visual obstruction, traffic hazard, and landslides that endanger her home and family, and that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) failed to address…
Res. 25693-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia del amparo por respuesta municipal a oposición de planché
The Constitutional Chamber rules on an amparo filed by a resident of Urbanización Heliconias in Purral de Guadalupe against the Municipality of Goicoechea, concerning the alleged failure to address her opposition to the construction of a multi-use court in the park in front of her home. The appellant argued that the project would affect her quality of…
Res. 25696-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de resolver denuncias ambientales sobre granja avícola en Puriscal
The Constitutional Chamber hears a new amparo action brought by an elderly person against the Municipality of Puriscal, SENASA, and SINAC regarding the operation of a poultry farm in Grifo Alto de Puriscal. The complainant alleges that complaints filed since 2018 concerning illegal construction, aquifer contamination, and health impacts remain unresolved.…
Res. 25728-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Cierre de puente sobre el Río Torres no vulnera derechos fundamentales
The Constitutional Chamber denied an amparo action filed by a local resident against the Ministry of Public Education and the Municipality of Goicoechea regarding the installation of a mesh gate on a bridge over the Torres River leading to Liceo Anastasio Alfaro. The plaintiff claimed obstruction of public access to a public domain asset. The Chamber…
Res. 25745-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Demora del Ministerio de Cultura en resolver solicitud de declaratoria patrimonial del Puente Tures
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by a citizen interested in the protection of historical and cultural heritage, specifically the Tures Bridge in Santo Domingo de Heredia, against the Ministry of Culture and Youth, the MOPT, and the Municipality of Santo Domingo. The petitioner argued that: (i) the Ministry of Culture had not resolved…
Res. 25757-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de respuesta a solicitud de información sobre manipulación genética
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by an individual who requested from the Ministry of Environment and Energy the names of natural and legal persons who had performed genetic manipulation activities and were registered with CONAGEBIO's Technical Office between 2020 and 2025, based on Biodiversity Law No. 7788. The requested authority did…
Res. 25791-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición y acceso a información sobre el Proyecto Junabra
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed against the Municipality of Santo Domingo for failing to respond to a request for information about the approval conditions of the stormwater drainage and the traffic impact study for Project Junabra, filed on June 26, 2025. The municipality replied on July 29, 2025, after the amparo was underway,…
Res. 25793-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por demora en resolver recurso de disponibilidad de agua
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) filed by a petitioner who in 2024 obtained a positive water and sewer availability certificate for a commercial premises, valid and extendable. In May 2025, she applied for a new certificate to build two apartments on the same property, but…
Res. 26119-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro por falta de respuesta técnica del MINAE sobre proyecto Puket
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by the Association for the Development of Ecology against the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) claiming a lack of technical response and cartographic support to a request for information about the environmental impacts of the real estate project Inversiones Puket, S.A., allegedly located within…
Res. 26242-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desglose y archivo por reiteración de amparo sobre incumplimiento de sentencia previa
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against MINAE, the Municipality of Pérez Zeledón, and Finca La Familia S.A. for alleged non-compliance with Judgment 2025-017901 of June 13, 2025 (Case No. 24-027574-0007-CO). That judgment ordered the authorities to enforce the closure and removal of illegal constructions within the protection zones of the…
Res. 26314-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia del amparo contra norma reglamentaria
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo action filed against Article 5 of Executive Decree No. 44842-S, Regulation for the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste. The plaintiff argued that this provision restricts her right to work by limiting the signing of hazardous waste transport sheets solely to chemical engineering and/or…
Res. 26346-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo contra resolución judicial de demolición de galeras avícolas
The Constitutional Chamber summarily rejects an amparo filed against a ruling by the Criminal Court of Grecia that denied an extension for the demolition of sheds at Finca Avícola San Juan. The petitioner alleged new facts posing serious risk to animal health, environmental sanitation, and public health, and sought the Chamber's intervention. The court…
Res. 26388-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inejecución de sentencia sobre denuncia ambiental y sanitaria en quebradas de Puntarenas
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a non-compliance proceeding filed by the original amparo petitioner, who alleged that neither the Municipality of Puntarenas nor the Barranca Health District had definitively resolved her complaints within the one-month period set in Decision No. 2025-017101. The Ministry of Health issued a sanitary order and…
Res. 26456-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Seguimiento de órdenes en amparo por contaminación de aguas negras en Tamarindo
This resolution follows up on Constitutional Chamber judgment 2023032275, which had granted an amparo action concerning black water contamination in the community of Tamarindo, Guanacaste. The Santa Cruz Health District requested an extension of the deadline to complete the sanitation system works, arguing that construction is estimated to finish by May…
Res. 26473-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por demora en resolver apelación ambiental ante SETENA
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) for failing to resolve an appeal with ancillary nullification remedy filed on February 12, 2024, against resolution 0196-2024-SETENA, pertaining to the environmental permit of Compañía Agropecuaria Las Brisas S.A. in Upala. The Chamber finds that, since…
Res. 26525-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de notificación previa en ajuste de tarifa de residuos sólidos
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action filed by the legal representative of a hotel and restaurant against the Municipality of Nicoya. The claimant alleges that in January 2025 she was charged retroactively for the garbage collection service corresponding to three quarters of 2024, without prior notification of the tariff category change. She…
Res. 26572-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Estese a lo resuelto en recurso de amparo ambiental por reiteración de alegatos
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo appeal filed against the National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Response (CNE) and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) for alleged failure to address an environmental complaint concerning illegal alterations to the Carmen Creek in Cóbano. The appellant claimed that his complaint had not…
Res. 26625-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Violación al derecho de petición y acceso a la información ambiental por parte del Concejo Municipal de Liberia
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by Eddy Antonio Álvarez Rivas against the Municipality of Liberia for failing to respond to an information request submitted on July 2, 2025. The petitioner, as President of the Superior Executive Committee of the Liberia Unida Party, had asked the Permanent Environmental Commission of the…
Res. 26766-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición y plazo razonable ante consulta técnica al INVU
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action against the National Institute of Housing and Urbanism (INVU) for failure to timely respond to a query about urban development projects near Parque de la Paz, San José. The petitioner requested information on June 9, 2025, and filed the amparo after receiving no reply. During the proceedings, INVU responded…
Res. 26937-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo por fuga de aguas negras
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo filed by a person who reported a blackwater leak from a neighboring property that affects his health and quality of life. The petitioner alleged that the Ministry of Health failed to carry out the inspection mandated by sanitary protocol within the maximum three-day period, even though more than a month…
Res. 26982-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de gestión posterior al amparo por ruido excesivo
The Constitutional Chamber resolves a post-ruling motion filed by the petitioner in a previously granted amparo against the Ministry of Health for delayed notification of results of a complaint regarding excessive noise and river pollution by HC Recycle. The original ruling found that the Ministry took over seven months to inform the petitioner that sound…
Res. 27198-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de amparo contra Decreto Ejecutivo 44974-S
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects the amparo action filed on behalf of the Municipality of Heredia against the Ministry of Health, deeming it manifestly inadmissible. The petitioner challenged Executive Decree 44974-S, arguing that it would hinder proper solid waste disposal and cause environmental and health impacts in the canton. The Chamber…
Res. 27214-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo inadmisible sobre diálogo ciudadano en Proyecto Papagayo
The Constitutional Chamber flatly dismisses an amparo petition filed by a resident of Carrillo against the municipalities of Carrillo and Liberia, requesting that the municipalities be ordered to promote dialogue and citizen participation concerning the Papagayo Tourism Project. The petitioner argued that the lack of dialogue violated rights such as the…
Res. 27282-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental contra TAA por demora excesiva
The Constitutional Chamber ruled on a disobedience complaint filed by a neighbor who alleged that the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) had failed to resolve an environmental complaint against the RIU hotel complex, regarding wetland destruction and impacts on beach, biodiversity and watercourses. In 2022, the Chamber had already ordered the TAA…
Res. 27428-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Guía turístico sancionado por salir del sendero en Parque Corcovado no demuestra violación al debido proceso
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo filed by a tour guide against SINAC after he was given a seven-day administrative ban from Corcovado National Park for leaving the authorized trail with tourists. The petitioner claimed violation of due process and defense rights, arguing lack of motivation and inability to present evidence. The Chamber relies…
Res. 92522-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Admisión de acción de inconstitucionalidad contra Decreto 45019-S sobre calidad del agua potable
The Constitutional Chamber admits for study an unconstitutionality action filed by a deputy against Executive Decree No. 45019-S, which amended the Regulation for Drinking Water Quality. The plaintiff challenges the replacement of 'maximum admissible values' with 'alert values' for the determination of pesticides and their metabolites in water for human…
Res. 25307-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe recuperar bienes demaniales en Nosara
The Constitutional Chamber upheld the amparo against the Municipality of Nicoya for the prolonged failure to define and recover public domain lands—green zones, parks, and roads—within the "Proyecto Americano" in Nosara. Although the municipality had been aware since 2021 of technical reports identifying 23 cadastral plans designated as green zones or…
Res. 27464-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por corte de tubería de agua y omisión de SETENA
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action filed by 14 families against a property owner and SETENA. The petitioners claim they have drawn water for 20 years from a spring on the owner's land, and that on June 19, 2025, the owner, with police support, destroyed the pipes supplying water to their homes, affecting minors and elderly persons. They…
Res. 28058-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Detención por desobediencia en construcción clausurada en Gandoca-Manzanillo sin lesión a derechos
The Constitutional Chamber denied a habeas corpus petition against SINAC and the Public Security Ministry for the arrest of a property owner at a construction site within the 188-hectare Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. The facts showed the property lay inside the protected area under court-ordered moratorium on permits; the construction exceeded the…
Res. 20621-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de amparo por denuncia de agua no potable atendida extraprocesalmente
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo action against the Ministry of Health concerning an alleged lack of response to a citizen complaint about the quality and continuity of the potable water service in Esterillos Oeste. The petitioner claimed that his submissions made in April 2025 had gone unanswered, violating his right to prompt administrative…
Res. 29132-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de inconstitucionalidad por omisión ambiental en Torre de la Esperanza
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismissed a claim of unconstitutionality filed against alleged administrative omissions in the 'Critical Care Tower – Tower of Hope' project at the National Children's Hospital. The plaintiff argued that the lack of environmental, geotechnical, and hydrogeological studies violated the right to a healthy environment, the…
Res. 29125-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Legitimación para impugnar el Decreto 25902-MIVAH-MP-MINAE mediante acción de inconstitucionalidad
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an unconstitutionality action against Executive Decree 25902-MIVAH-MP-MINAE, which establishes urban control areas and protection zones in the Greater Metropolitan Area. The petitioner argued the decree is void for lack of technical studies, violation of the principle of legislative reservation, and inequality,…
Res. 29991-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Construcción ilegal en zona ambientalmente protegida — Municipalidad debe resolver
The Constitutional Court granted an amparo filed by neighbors of San Rafael de Heredia against the Municipality, for illegal construction of a shed without permits on a property partially located within the inalienable zone under Law 65 of 1888 and in the area of Decree 25902-MIVAH-MP-MINAE. The construction involved earthworks, vegetation removal, and…
Res. 30948-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
PTAR El Cacao — responsabilidad y coordinación institucional
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo against the Municipality of Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Health Area, and the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA), concerning serious pollution from the wastewater treatment plant (PTAR) of the El Cacao residential project, which for years had operated deficiently, causing overflows of raw…
Res. 30992-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe interconectar agua potable a condominio de interés social pese a proceso de lesividad
The Constitutional Chamber grants an amparo filed by the Minister of Housing on behalf of 120 families of the La Esperanza Condominium in Naranjo. The Municipality had granted water availability three times (2021, 2022, 2023) for the project, developed through the National Housing Finance System and declared of municipal interest. Based on those…
Res. 20640-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra Municipalidad de Heredia por inundaciones en Boruca
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed an amparo action against the Municipality of Heredia regarding recurring stormwater flooding in Residencial Boruca, Mercedes Norte. The petitioners alleged that the municipality had failed to carry out works to remedy deficiencies in the storm drain system, despite a 2020 technical report that identified them. The…
Res. 31963-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Deber municipal de fiscalización de comercios ruidosos
Neighbors of Sarchí Norte filed an amparo alleging irregular operation of three businesses that function as clandestine bars despite holding only licenses for a mini-supermarket, restaurant and soda shop. They denounce noise pollution, alcohol and drug consumption in public areas, insecurity, and authorities’ failure to take effective action despite…
Res. 27400-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia de amparo ambiental por dilación en el TAA
The Constitutional Chamber resolves a disobedience filing brought by the petitioner, who alleges that the Administrative Environmental Tribunal (TAA) has failed to comply with the order issued in amparo judgment No. 2023003737 of 2023. That judgment ordered the TAA to definitively resolve an environmental complaint (file No. 140-20-02TAA) within three…
Res. 27431-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Dilación en resolver denuncia por ruido vulnera derecho a justicia pronta
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Goicoechea regarding a materials laboratory operating in a central residential zone, which neighbors claim generates excessive noise and vibrations. Residents filed complaints starting in October 2024, but as of August 2025, the Health District had…
Res. 27436-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por traslado de residuos del GAM al relleno sanitario de Limón
Two residents filed an amparo against Empresas Berthier EBI de Costa Rica S.A. and the Municipality of Limón, arguing that transferring solid waste from the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) to the El Tomatal landfill threatened Limón residents' rights to health and a healthy environment, and endangered the landfill's lifespan. The Constitutional Chamber…
Res. 27984-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Gestión de ejecución: prórroga a municipalidad para solución de contaminación por aguas residuales
The Constitutional Chamber hears a post-judgment motion stemming from Amparo 2022-017539, which granted protection and ordered the Municipality of Desamparados and the Ministry of Health to coordinate and implement a definitive solution to wastewater contamination on the petitioner's property. In this ruling, the mayor of Desamparados requests a further…
Res. 27986-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de amparo contra el Tribunal Ambiental Administrativo por demora en resolución de expediente 286-04-03-TAA
The Constitutional Chamber examines the claim of noncompliance filed by the petitioner regarding judgment 2024-012481, which ordered the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) to definitively resolve, within three months, the environmental complaint processed under file 286-04-03-TAA. The TAA reported that it issued the final act through resolution…
Res. 28362-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho al agua no justifica amparo si el servicio existe, aunque sea mediante conexiones precarias
The Constitutional Chamber denies an amparo action filed by residents of Calle Morera in San Antonio de Alajuela against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA) and the Municipality. The claimants alleged a violation of the fundamental right to drinking water due to administrative obstacles that since 2014 have prevented the extension of a…
Res. 28490-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo por obstrucción de drenaje pluvial
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses an amparo action against the Municipality of Alajuela, filed by a resident who alleged that a neighbor's modification of their driveway with stones and cement obstructed stormwater drainage, causing stagnant water, mosquito breeding sites, and dengue infections within her family. The Chamber finds that the…
Res. 28724-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Legitimación vicaria ambiental y rechazo de amparo sobre deberes del Ministerio de Salud
A municipal inspector from Desamparados filed an amparo action against the Ministry of Health for failing to apply inspection procedures and provisions of Law 5395 (General Health Law) and Law 8839 (Integrated Waste Management Act), concerning a complaint about improper waste disposal. He requested the application of Articles 275 of Law 5395 and 58 of Law…
Res. 28808-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Denegatoria de gestión por incumplimiento en amparo ambiental sobre Sitio Ramsar Gandoca-Manzanillo
The Constitutional Chamber denies a motion of protest and non-compliance filed by a claimant in amparo 24-005929-0007-CO. The claimant alleged that the Director of the Amistad Caribe Conservation Area disobeyed judgment 2024010951-2024, which ordered the updating of the State Natural Heritage certification in the Talamanca Maritime Zone, and denounced…
Res. 28813-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Aclaración y adición rechazadas en caso de calle por parque Montezuma
The Constitutional Chamber rejects as untimely the request for clarification and addition filed against Judgment No. 2025025664. In the earlier ruling, the Chamber had dismissed an amparo action challenging the construction of a public road adjacent to Montezuma Park by the Cóbano District Municipal Council. The petitioner, appearing personally and as…
Res. 29061-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Legitimación de gobierno local para amparo ambiental
The Constitutional Court declares inadmissible an amparo petition filed by the mayor of Belén against the Ministry of Health. The petitioner sought a response to official communications regarding the application of Executive Decree No. 44974-S, which sets a maximum distance of 80 km for final solid waste disposal, arguing that the lack of response violated…
Res. 29174-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Gestión posterior en amparo ambiental carente de legitimación procesal
This ruling by the Constitutional Chamber addresses a post-judgment motion filed by a third party not involved in the already concluded environmental amparo proceeding. Invoking a diffuse interest, the moving party sought to extend the effects of the Naranjo canton ruling to the Alajuela canton, specifically regarding the updating of the national water…
Res. 29201-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Negativa de información sobre Sitio Ramsar 783
The Constitutional Court dismissed an amparo action against SINAC's executive director. The petitioner sought detailed information about Ramsar Site 783, Gandoca-Manzanillo, including administrative files, lists of occupants, constructions, owners, and coordinates. SINAC responded by providing available data, such as a table of coordinates for 756…
Res. 29202-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
SINAC no vulnera derechos al responder sobre caminos en Refugio Gandoca-Manzanillo
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo action against the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) regarding the management of the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. The petitioner claimed the administrator gave evasive answers to his inquiries about roads, road maintenance, and subdivisions within the refuge. The Chamber finds that…
Res. 29211-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de prórroga solicitada por el amparado tras sentencia estimatoria
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a procedural motion filed by the claimant in an already-granted amparo action. The amparo had been granted for violation of Article 41 of the Constitution, ordering the Mayor of Puriscal and the Acting Executive Director of SINAC to resolve and serve pending requests and complaints. Now, the claimant requests a five-day…
Res. 29225-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Falla en planta de tratamiento de condominio no vulnera derecho a ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber denies an amparo action filed by a resident of the Condominio Horizontal Residencial con Fincas Filiales Primarias Individualizadas Rincón del Valle (La Valencia) against the Ministry of Health. The petitioner alleged that the condominium administrator had persistently omitted the duty to maintain and repair the wastewater…
Res. 29270-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión municipal y del Ministerio de Salud en denuncia por contaminación sónica en parque recreativo
The Constitutional Court hears an amparo filed by residents of the Jorge Debravo Urbanization in Turrialba, who claim that the operation of the Jorge Debravo Recreational Park, built without neighborhood consultation or usage regulations, generates noise pollution from band rehearsals and other loud activities. The petitioners state they have repeatedly…
Res. 29376-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Permiso construcción en zona de protección de la Quebrada Negritos sin respuesta de la municipalidad
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo appeal against the Municipality of San José for failing to respond to a request to open an administrative procedure and impose precautionary measures regarding construction permit No. 067-2022-CFIA-920253 for the DI Escalante Verde project. The appellants, district trustees and council members, allege the permit…
Res. 29628-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Suspensión de permiso de construcción no amparable por ser cuestión de mera legalidad
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo action filed by a corporation and an individual against SINAC and the Municipality of Talamanca. The plaintiffs argued that the authorities suspended their family home construction permit on private property outside the maritime-terrestrial zone, relying on Chamber rulings they claimed were inapplicable.…
Res. 29760-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia en contaminación por clorotalonil en Cartago
The Constitutional Chamber grants a disobedience motion against the Ministry of Health, AyA, and the Santa Rosa de Oreamuno ASADA for noncompliance with ruling 2023-013384. That ruling ordered interagency coordination to implement the recommendations of the “Informe Técnico Clorotalonil” and to guarantee drinking water without using contaminated sources.…
Res. 30035-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de amparo por perturbaciones de plantel municipal de recolección de residuos
A 79-year-old senior filed an amparo action against the Municipality of Heredia and a waste collection company, alleging environmental disturbances from a facility near the Heredia Cemetery: noise from motorcycles, fumes and odors from garbage trucks, and waste transfer in public streets. She claimed violation of the right to a healthy environment and…
Res. 30106-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
SINAC puede remitir a plataformas electrónicas para acceso a información ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed an amparo action against SINAC filed by a citizen who requested detailed information about occupations and permits in the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge and Ramsar Site 783. The petitioner claimed that the administration violated his right of access to information by referring him to electronic platforms…
Res. 30124-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acumulación de amparo sobre modificación al Reglamento Papagayo
The Constitutional Chamber rules on an amparo filed by a citizen against MINAE, the Ministry of the Presidency, and the Ministry of Tourism, challenging the amendment to the Regulation for the Development and Execution of the Golfo de Papagayo Tourism Project via Executive Decree No. 44448 of January 17, 2024. The petitioner claims the amendment harms…
Res. 30301-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo sobre permisos de postes de telecomunicaciones y participación ciudadana
The petitioner challenged the grant of 96 permits for the installation of telecommunications poles by ten municipalities, alleging violations of the rights to environmental information and citizen participation, as well as to a healthy environment. She argued that the affected communities were neither informed nor allowed to participate, generating visual…
Res. 30407-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo contra municipalidad por certificado de uso de suelo
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismissed an amparo action filed by a corporation against the Municipality of San Rafael de Heredia. The petitioner claimed that the municipality disregarded a MINAE resolution (R-555-2024-MINAE) stating that its property was not subject to the restriction of Law LXV of 1888. The municipality, by official letter…
Res. 30464-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Torre de telecomunicaciones y falta de denuncia previa
The Constitutional Chamber denies an amparo action filed against the Municipality of Talamanca over the installation of a 45-meter transmission tower in Puerto Viejo, alleging risks to health, the environment, and groundwater. The Chamber reaffirms its settled jurisprudence that there is no scientific evidence that telecommunications towers pose a risk to…
Res. 30477-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo por falta de agotamiento de vía administrativa en denuncia ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismissed an amparo action filed against the Municipality of San José regarding a public tender for cleaning and maintenance services at Finca El Maderal, Mata de Plátano. The claimant argued that brush clearing, tree pruning and felling, and chemical application would threaten the environment, particularly due to…
Res. 30508-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo por mora administrativa en nulidad de viabilidad ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses the amparo filed by the developer of the Bella Flor de Montezuma condominium project against SETENA. The petitioner argued that, after the environmental viability was approved in 2023, a private party requested its nullity and SETENA issued a precautionary measure suspending the viability in November 2024, but…
Res. 30982-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Suspensión de amparo contra compensación de densidad en Polo Turístico Golfo de Papagayo
The petitioner challenged Executive Decree No. 44448-MP-TUR in an amparo action, arguing that it introduced a density compensation mechanism in the Papagayo Gulf Tourist Hub that allows concentrated construction without comprehensive environmental assessment, allegedly causing unconstitutional environmental regression. The Constitutional Chamber noted that…
Res. 31019-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Solicitud de información de diputado a municipalidad enviada a correo no oficial
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by a deputy of the Legislative Assembly against the Municipality of Nicoya. The plaintiff claims that, through a letter sent to two email addresses, he requested information on construction permits, earthmoving permits, land-use certifications, subdivision applications, and public access to Playa…
Res. 31073-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por inacción del Ministerio de Salud ante contaminación de granja avícola
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by neighbors against the Ministry of Health and SENASA for pollution from the Juan Rodríguez Poultry Farm in Santa Bárbara de Heredia. The petitioners claim that since 2010 they have filed multiple complaints about nauseating odors, fly infestations, and poor wastewater management, without effective…
Res. 33862-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Contaminación por aguas negras frente a vivienda de adulta mayor
This amparo action was filed on behalf of an 86-year-old woman from Purral, Goicoechea, who since January 2024 suffered pollution from sewage that pooled in front of her house. She repeatedly sought help from the Municipality of Goicoechea and the Ministry of Health, but the agencies declared themselves incompetent and did not resolve the problem. The…
Res. 32911-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Prohibición de ingreso de perros en parque infantil no vulnera derechos fundamentales
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo appeal filed by a person with Parkinson's disease against the Municipality of Heredia for installing a sign prohibiting dogs in Park No. 4-145 of the Privacía Residential Complex, designated as a children's playground. The appellant argues that his dogs provide therapeutic and assistance support, and that the…
Res. 34700-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe resolver denuncia ambiental sobre infraestructura pluvial y protección de naciente en plazo razonable
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by elderly residents of Finca Flor de Mayo in Alajuela, who had reported to the Municipality of Alajuela since May 2023 the lack of adequate stormwater infrastructure, causing flooding, erosion, damage to flora, fauna and a water spring, as well as foul odors affecting health. The municipality processed…
Res. 34699-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Parque de Los Árboles — abandono por falta de denuncias
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed the amparo action against the Municipality of San José concerning the 'Parque de Los Árboles'. The claimant alleged abandonment, sick trees, and occupation by homeless persons, violating the right to a healthy environment. The Chamber held no fundamental rights violation was shown because the municipality demonstrated…
Res. 34701-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Contaminación del río Poás por planta de tratamiento abandonada en urbanización La Senda
The Constitutional Chamber partially grants an amparo filed by residents of La Senda housing development in Carrillos Bajo de Poás, Alajuela, against the Ministry of Health, the Municipality of Poás, and the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewerage (AyA). The petitioners claimed that the development's wastewater treatment plant, built approximately…
Res. 31134-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Solicitud de criterio al Procurador no es amparable como derecho de petición
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses on its merits an amparo action filed by a congresswoman against the Attorney General’s Office. The petitioner asked the Attorney General for a technical-legal opinion on whether an administrative act of the Environmental Administrative Tribunal—concerning the appointment of judges and transfer of posts—harmed the…
Res. 31313-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro por denuncia anónima sobre construcciones en zona de protección del río Bermúdez
The petitioner filed an amparo action against the Municipality of San Rafael de Heredia, alleging failure to address her anonymous complaint about allegedly illegal constructions in the protection zone of the Bermúdez River. She argued that since August 7, 2025, she had requested municipal intervention without receiving a response, which she deemed a…
Res. 31965-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de orden de amparo en quebrada Los Negritos
The Constitutional Chamber reviews a non-compliance motion filed by a petitioner alleging that the Municipality of Montes de Oca and the MINAE Water Directorate failed to comply with Judgment No. 2025017905, which ordered them to provide a report requested on two dates in 2024. The original judgment had granted an amparo for lack of response to requests…
Res. 31967-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Tala de cipreses en San Rafael de Heredia no viola derecho ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses a habeas corpus appeal filed by a resident of San Rafael de Heredia against the Municipality for the felling of cypress trees in the El Tirol – Del Monte sector. The appellant alleged massive deforestation, failure to conduct comprehensive risk assessment, and violation of the rights to a healthy environment, life, and…
Res. 31971-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Exigencia de firma digital para peticiones por correo electrónico vulnera derechos fundamentales
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action filed against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Poás for refusing to process a request for information on operating permits of a fairground, requiring a digital signature in the email. The Chamber flatly rejects the claims regarding the suspension of activities or the legality review of…
Res. 32463-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de solución integral a contaminación de aguas residuales en Residencial Estancia Antigua
The Constitutional Court hears a claim of disobedience filed by residents of Residencial Estancia Antigua against AyA, the Municipality of La Unión, and the Ministry of Health, alleging non-compliance with ruling 2021-022447, which ordered the cessation of illegal discharges into the planned sewer system and the provision of a comprehensive and definitive…
Res. 32466-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional rechaza gestión de incumplimiento sobre obras en zona de protección
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a non-compliance claim filed by the plaintiff in a previous environmental amparo (Res. 2025017901), which ordered the removal of illegal structures in the protection zone of the Barucito River and Sin Nombre creek, and closure measures. The plaintiff alleges disobedience; the owning company and authorities report…
Res. 32469-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Gestión posterior rechazada en relleno sanitario Los Pinos
The Constitutional Chamber rules on a post-judgment request following amparo ruling No. 2025023963, which ordered the Municipality of Cartago and the Ministry of Health to correct the environmental problem at the Los Pinos Landfill within two months. The mayor requests a six-month extension, citing the need for 2026 budget allocation, compliance with…
Res. 32665-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Regulación municipal de pólvora sonora como gestión exhortativa inadmisible
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Municipality of Escazú. The petitioner had requested that the municipality regulate the use of fireworks in public spaces due to their negative effects on health, the environment, and public peace, but received no satisfactory response. Subsequently, the Municipal Council declared fireworks of…
Res. 32722-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro por denuncia ambiental ante municipalidad
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo action filed by a resident of Tucurrique against the Municipality of Tucurrique and an official, for lack of response to an environmental complaint filed on September 23, 2025. The plaintiff alleged that constructions on two properties altered the course of a river, causing overflows and flooding that affected…
Res. 32864-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Posturas divergentes en amparo contra cierre vial y presuntos incumplimientos de CONAVI y MOPT
By majority decision, the Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo action that alleged non-compliance with a prior ruling regarding the condition of national routes 135 and 716, as well as harms caused by the "La Pista" quarry at the entrance of Grecia, Alajuela. Regarding the alleged non-compliance, the Chamber states that the proper avenue is a…
Res. 32890-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental por inestabilidad de ladera y falta de respuesta a denuncia
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a property owner in Sabana Sur, San José, against the Municipality of San José, the National Emergency Commission (CNE), and SETENA. The plaintiff claimed that the “Condominio Torres de Valencia” project and authorized earthworks caused slope instability, structural damage, harm to a water spring and…
Res. 32989-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación sónica contra Ministerio de Salud
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by a neighbor in San Ramón against the Ministry of Health, alleging a lack of response and action on a complaint about noise pollution from a gym. The petitioner argued that since July 22, 2025, she filed a complaint, amplified on August 11, without receiving a response or timely action, affecting her…
Res. 33081-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición y acceso a información sobre licencias sanitarias del proyecto Los Mangos
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a citizen against the Ministry of Health, claiming that a request for information submitted on August 21, 2025, to the Alajuela 1 Health Area had not been answered. The request asked whether the 'Los Mangos' project had a sanitary license to operate as a landfill, whether a waste transfer station…
Res. 33104-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inercia del Ministerio de Salud en denuncia por contaminación sónica
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by neighbors in El Coyol, Alajuela, against the Ministry of Health, alleging failure to address noise and air pollution from a truck yard. The petitioners claim that for years they have endured noise and gases from trucks operating day and night, harming their health and rest. After a prior Chamber…
Res. 33390-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho a respuesta por denuncia ambiental sobre contaminación sónica
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo appeal filed by a resident of Concepción de La Unión against the Municipality of La Unión. The petitioner complained about excessive noise from the 'Chory's' restaurant exceeding permissible decibel levels and alleged the municipality had not responded to his June 2025 complaints, violating his rights to health…
Res. 33787-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de obras de contención ante deslizamientos en Barrio La Isla
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a property owner in Barrio “La Isla” in San Miguel de Desamparados, who claims that since 2022 recurring landslides have affected the community's sole access, preventing emergency vehicles from passing and exposing residents—especially the most vulnerable—to significant risks. The petitioner accuses both…
Res. 33851-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de respuesta municipal sobre gestión de residuos sólidos
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed against the Municipality of San Rafael de Heredia for an alleged violation of the right to petition and timely response. On June 30, 2025, the petitioner requested information on preventive actions taken by the municipality to avoid potential legal claims arising from inadequate solid waste management. The…
Res. 33915-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión administrativa en mediciones sónicas por parte del Ministerio de Salud
The Constitutional Court reviews an amparo action filed by neighbors alleging the Ministry of Health's failure to conduct noise measurements at an adjacent clandestine workshop, which they claim violates their rights to health and a healthy environment, especially affecting a 2-year-old child. The Court finds that the San Ramón Health Authority acted…
Res. 34171-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra la gentrificación es rechazado de plano
The Constitutional Chamber rejects as inadmissible an amparo filed by a person claiming to act in the diffuse interest against three ministries and the tourism board, arguing that gentrification —the displacement of local communities by wealthy foreigners— violates the rights to decent housing, not to migrate, and a healthy environment. The Chamber…
Res. 34295-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo por conflicto de legalidad en orden sanitaria
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo action filed by residents of the Lomas de Hidalgo condominium in Alajuela against the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, and the Municipality of Alajuela. The petitioners alleged contamination of the Ojo de Agua stream by discharges from the Empaques Santa Ana industrial plant.…
Res. 34702-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de adición y aclaración sobre orden de regular visitación en Parque Nacional Corcovado
The Constitutional Chamber unanimously denies the motions for addition and clarification filed by the Asociación de Desarrollo Integral de Corcovado-Carate against decision 2025024842. That prior judgment had annulled a resolution that increased daily visitation to Corcovado National Park and ordered the Regional Directorate of the Osa Conservation Area to…
Res. 34712-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por ubicación de poste de telecomunicaciones en Bahía Ballena
The Sala Constitucional denied an amparo filed by a resident of Bahía Ballena de Osa against the Municipality of Osa. The petitioner argued that a construction permit for a telecommunications pole on a road shoulder obstructed pedestrian use, violating rights to safety, accessibility, and a healthy environment. The Chamber verified that the municipality…
Res. 34784-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Dilación injustificada del TAA en desacumular denuncias ambientales
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the Administrative Environmental Tribunal (TAA) for allegedly failing to enforce its own order to sever a complex environmental complaint. The complainant had filed a complaint for Forestry Law violations in Bahía Ballena, Osa, and the TAA ordered on June 20, 2025, to split the case into separate…
Res. 34786-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por denuncias ambientales sin resolver en concesiones de Zona Marítimo Terrestre
The Constitutional Chamber granted the amparo filed by Asociación Cívica de Hermosa against the Cóbano District Municipal Council. The petitioner claimed the municipality granted concessions in the Maritime Terrestrial Zone on lands with forest cover and wetlands, which constitute State Natural Heritage (PNE), and are therefore under the exclusive…
Res. 34849-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Tala en Condominio Eco Residencial Villa Real
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the Municipality of Santa Ana for tree felling on a lot within the Eco Residencial Villa Real Condominium. The petitioner alleges excessive and systematic logging of protected timber species, earthmoving, and timber sales without permits, harming a forest ecosystem. The municipality reports that it…
Res. 28806-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Orden de resolución de denuncia por aguas residuales en Cachí
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a resident of Cachí de Paraíso, Cartago, who alleges that an open ditch on her property carries wastewater from neighboring homes, causing stagnant sewage and health and environmental problems for her family (elderly mother and minor children). The complainant filed complaints with the Ministry of Health…
Res. 35872-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
SENASA debe notificar al denunciante los resultados de inspecciones
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action against the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) for alleged inaction regarding complaints about a cattle pen near the petitioner's home causing foul odors, fly proliferation, and health risks. Although SENASA conducted three on-site inspections and ultimately ordered the suspension of livestock…
Res. 36638-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Demora en expropiación de finca en Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas viola derecho de propiedad
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by the president of El Pelícano Marino S.A., registered owner of property 43135-000 located within Las Baulas Marine National Park. The petitioner claims that expropriation proceedings began in 2021 and she accepted the appraisal in 2022, but on January 24, 2024, the Tempisque Conservation Area (SINAC)…
Res. 36585-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional ordena cumplir Decreto 43368 sobre Área Marina de Manejo del Bicentenario
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action against MINAE and SINAC for failing to comply with Articles 5 and 6 of Executive Decree No. 43368-MINAE. The decree required mobilizing resources to strengthen the Coco Marine Conservation Area, preparing the General Management Plans for Cocos Island National Park and the Bicentennial Marine Management…
Res. 36241-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acumulación de amparos sobre tala en Finca El Maderal
The Constitutional Chamber issues a procedural ruling in an amparo action brought by residents of Mata de Plátano district, Goicoechea, against the municipalities of San José and Goicoechea, and the Ministry of Health. The petitioners allege that the Municipality of San José, through a reduced bidding process, authorized the felling of trees on Finca El…
Res. 37542-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Tercer amparo por contaminación del tanque del Residencial El Río en Liberia
The petitioner, a resident of the Camino de Luna residential complex in Liberia, files her third amparo in nine years over environmental pollution caused by the malfunctioning wastewater storage and treatment tank of the El Río residential complex. She claims that the cesspool overflows into the Liberia River and neighboring lots, producing foul odors,…
Res. 37551-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inacción municipal en la tutela de la zona marítimo terrestre de Playa Dominical
The Constitutional Chamber reviews a writ of amparo filed by a citizen against the Municipality of Osa for inaction in protecting the maritime-terrestrial zone (ZMT) of Playa Dominical. The petitioner reported illegal occupation of public domain lands, accompanied by criminal activities such as robberies, drug dealing, and homicide, and requested evictions…
Res. 37490-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de acción contra omisión de consulta previa TCM
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an unconstitutionality action filed by an Afro-descendant citizen against the failure to conduct prior consultation with tribal and indigenous communities in the Moín Container Terminal (TCM) project. The petitioner challenged specific administrative acts: the 2011 award agreement, the 2012 concession contract, and…
Res. 92531-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Impugnación del Decreto 44710-MINAE por omisión de protocolos geológicos
The Constitutional Chamber admits for review an unconstitutionality action against Article 31 of Executive Decree 44710-MINAE, which regulates the incorporation of environmental variables into territorial planning. The plaintiffs claim the new decree, by repealing Decree 32967-MINAE, unjustifiably eliminated two key instruments: the Protocol on Land-Use…
Res. 38330-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acuerdo municipal que aplica políticas de manejo en ausencia de plan regulador, rechazado de plano
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismissed an action of unconstitutionality against Agreement No. 2 of the Municipal Council of San Rafael de Heredia (August 12, 2024), which approved the Management Policies (Phase 3) of the Hydrogeological Studies Project. The plaintiff argued that the agreement violated the right to a healthy environment, citizen…
Res. 38435-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amenaza de tala de árboles en zona marítimo terrestre requiere investigación y aplicación del principio precautorio
The Constitutional Court reviews an amparo against the Municipality of Santa Cruz and MINAE (SINAC) regarding the marking of over 120 trees in the public zone of the Maritime-Terrestrial Zone of Brasilito Beach, allegedly linked to a road improvement donation agreement with a private developer. Although the municipality claimed it never authorized any tree…
Res. 39537-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación sónica con lugar contra Ministerio de Salud
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed against the Municipality of Liberia and the Ministry of Health for noise pollution from a restaurant in a residential zone. The petitioner argues that despite multiple complaints, the authorities have not taken effective action to mitigate the noise, violating his right to a healthy environment. The Chamber…
Res. 40245-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe resolver denuncia ambiental sobre construcciones en zona de protección de río
The Constitutional Chamber (Sala Constitucional) hears an amparo action against the Municipality of Goicoechea filed by a citizen who reported the alleged invasion of a river protection zone by houses near a bridge connecting the cantons of Goicoechea and Vázquez de Coronado. The Chamber finds that, although the municipality replied by forwarding the…
Res. 40256-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
AyA y mantenimiento de estación de bombeo en residencial El Malinche
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by a resident of the El Malinche Residential Project against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA). The plaintiff alleged that AyA failed to provide adequate maintenance of the wastewater pumping station in the residential complex, causing foul odors, lack of electricity, and risks…
Res. 35727-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Negativa de SINAC a entregar informe de inspección por existir causa penal
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a civic association against SINAC for refusing to provide a report on findings from an inspection carried out in a forested area in Cóbano, Puntarenas. SINAC argued that it could not disclose information because a criminal case was underway. The petitioner also claimed that SINAC failed to address a new…
Res. 35949-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de respuesta a denuncia ambiental sobre zona de protección del río Ipís
The Constitutional Chamber ruled on an amparo filed against the Municipality of Moravia for its failure to respond to a complaint filed in December 2024 regarding possible constructions within the Río Ipís protection zone. The petitioner claimed a violation of the right to petition, since the municipality had not addressed his environmental complaint. The…
Res. 36174-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Mora administrativa municipal en gestión ambiental se remite a la vía contenciosa
The Constitutional Chamber flatly dismisses an amparo appeal filed against the Municipality of Nicoya for failing to respond to two requests submitted to its Environmental Management Department. The appellant claimed a violation of the right to a prompt and fulfilled administrative procedure, after over a month without reply to his requests from August and…
Res. 36208-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo por solicitud de información ambiental prematura
The Constitutional Chamber flatly dismisses an amparo appeal filed against the Ministry of Environment and Energy for failure to respond to an information request submitted on October 18, 2025. The Chamber finds that the claim concerns environmental matters, linked to the right to prompt and complete administrative justice (Article 41 of the Constitution),…
Res. 41025-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de procedimiento de certificación de bosque ante la AFE no es inconstitucional
The Constitutional Chamber rejected outright an action of unconstitutionality filed against the alleged omission of an official procedure allowing landowners or interested persons to directly request the State Forestry Administration (AFE) for a certification on the existence of forest or forest cover. The plaintiff argued that the lack of such procedure…
Res. 35590-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Solicitud de aclaración y adición de resolución sobre desobediencia en amparo de agua potable
The Constitutional Chamber reviews a request for addition and clarification filed by the legal representative of neighbors from a community in Barva, Heredia, concerning interlocutory ruling No. 2025013529 of May 9, 2025. In that prior ruling, the Chamber upheld a second non-compliance proceeding against the Municipality of Barva for failing to comply with…
Res. 35913-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de respuesta directa de la Dirección de Aguas a solicitud de información
In this amparo appeal, the Constitutional Chamber examines the failure of the Water Directorate of MINAE to provide a direct and timely response to an information request filed by a private party concerning alleged irregular constructions over water bodies within the Las Brisas project. The request, grounded in the Right of Petition Act (No. 9097),…
Res. 36248-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acumulación de amparos ambientales y planificación municipal de residuos en Finca El Maderal
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by residents of Mata de Plátano, Goicoechea, against the Ministry of Health, the Municipality of Goicoechea, and the Municipality of San José. The petitioners claim that Finca El Maderal, owned by the Municipality of San José, contains secondary forest, springs, and streams, and that the authorities intend…
Res. 36328-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Sala rechaza amparo sobre inclusión de datos de humedal en SNIT
The Constitutional Chamber summarily rejects an amparo filed by a legal entity on behalf of another against SINAC. The petitioner argues that since 2023 there is an official report reducing the area of a wetland in Playa Hermosa de Jacó, but SINAC has not updated the National Territorial Information System (SNIT), causing economic and legal harm to its…
Res. 36408-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad del amparo sobre artesanías con mariposas de zoocriadero
The Constitutional Chamber declared inadmissible the amparo filed by a craftsman who uses butterflies from authorized captive breeding facilities to make ornamental frames. The petitioner claimed that legal opinion SINAC-AJ-CJ-21, which prohibits third-party artisans from acquiring and selling such by-products, violated his freedom to work, trade, and…
Res. 36451-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional rechaza amparo por mora del TAA
The Constitutional Chamber rejects in limine an amparo filed by a commercial company against the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) requesting an order to issue the final decision in an administrative proceeding initiated in 2008. The TAA had maintained a total work stoppage precautionary measure for over 17 years without resolving the merits. The…
Res. 36565-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Incompetencia para ejecutar medidas del TAA en fase de cumplimiento
The Constitutional Chamber rejects a new non-compliance claim against the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) filed by a claimant who alleges that the company sanctioned in administrative file 286-04-03-TAA has not executed the ordered restoration measures. The Chamber recalls that in its ruling No. 2024-012481 it ordered the TAA to issue a…
Res. 36569-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia por demolición parcial en área de protección de quebrada
The Constitutional Chamber rules on a second contempt motion filed by the petitioner, who claims that the Municipality of Pococí only partially demolished illegal structures in a stream protection zone, violating judgment 2025007754. The municipality reported that all structures invading the protected area were fully demolished, achieving the area’s…
Res. 36571-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Variable climática no es causal de amparo contra viabilidad de relleno sanitario
The Constitutional Chamber denies the amparo filed against SETENA for granting environmental viability to the 'Parque de Tecnología Ambiental Galagarza' sanitary landfill in Montes de Oro. The petitioner argued that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) failed to integrate the 'climate variable' via specific guidelines, violating rights to a healthy…
Res. 36643-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inundaciones en La Milenita: estese a lo resuelto
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a resident of San Juan de Santa Bárbara against the National Road Council (CONAVI) and the Municipality of Santa Bárbara, for recurrent flooding on National Secondary Route 123, sector 'La Milenita'. He claims the community has endured flooding for ten years, affecting homes, businesses, and traffic…
Res. 36955-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad del amparo por mora administrativa ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber rejects outright an amparo petition filed against the Municipality of Nicoya. The petitioner had requested the municipality to investigate the validity of an official communication digitally signed by an assistant of the Environmental Management Department, claiming ideological falsity. After over a month without a response, he…
Res. 37099-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo por falta de agotamiento de vía y control de legalidad
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses an amparo action filed against the Municipality of Curridabat for refusing to grant construction permits to repair a retaining wall adjacent to the Puruses River. The petitioner alleged structural and environmental risks, as well as historical urban planning errors that allowed construction within the river's…
Res. 37112-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Gestión de desobediencia por reubicación de drenaje pluvial cerca de nacientes en Alajuela
The Constitutional Chamber reviews a disobedience claim filed by the petitioner regarding non-compliance with judgment 2025009421, which ordered the Municipality of Alajuela to relocate a storm drainage and discharge channel near the Nombre99132 and Gutiérrez springs within six months. The petitioner argues that the municipality has remained inactive…
Res. 37124-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Gestión de incumplimiento prematura contra el Tribunal Ambiental Administrativo
The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court reviewed a non-compliance claim filed against the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) for alleged disobedience of ruling No. 2025022311 of July 18, 2025. That prior ruling had ordered the TAA’s president and vice president to definitively resolve an environmental complaint within a maximum of three…
Res. 37129-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Aclaración inadmisible en amparo sobre asentamientos informales y contaminación en Purral de Goicoechea
The Constitutional Chamber addressed a post-ruling motion in amparo case 25-022056-0007-CO, where the Health Area of Goicoechea requested clarification on the exact location to implement measures ordered in judgment N°2025-030968 to address pollution sources. The Court dismissed the motion, finding that the original ruling clearly stated that actions…
Res. 37399-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inejecución rechazada sobre Relleno Sanitario Los Pinos
The Constitutional Chamber rejects the non-enforcement claim filed against the Municipality of Cartago and the Ministry of Health for failing to comply with judgment No. 2025023963, which ordered remediation of environmental problems at the Los Pinos landfill. The petitioner argued that the deadline had expired and abandonment and health risks persisted.…
Res. 37605-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inundaciones en Golfito por drenaje insuficiente y competencias institucionales
The Constitutional Chamber grants a writ of amparo filed by an elderly woman on behalf of herself and two legal entities against CONAVI, MOPT, the Ministry of Health, and the Municipality of Golfito. The petitioner reported recurrent flooding since 2022 in the Alamedas neighborhood of Golfito due to insufficient drainage, clogged ditches, deteriorated…
Res. 37607-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de respuesta municipal sobre tala de árboles no vulnerado si la respuesta se emitió antes del amparo
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a citizen who on June 5, 2025, requested from the Municipality of San Rafael de Heredia certified copies of administrative and judicial files and scientific studies regarding the felling of cypress trees in El Tirol Urbanization. The municipality responded on June 23, 2025, via official notice…
Res. 37723-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de respuesta sobre contaminación del Estero de Puntarenas
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the Ministry of Health for failing to timely respond to a request for information on contamination of the Puntarenas Estuary, submitted on September 25, 2025. The Ministry replied via official letter MS-DM-6006-2024 on October 28, 2025, after the ten-business-day legal deadline had passed and…
Res. 38456-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra derogatoria de medidas fitosanitarias para importación de papa con Zebra Chip es improcedente
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo brought by a potato farmer against the Ministry of Agriculture and the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE). The petitioner claimed that repealing the 2012 Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) for Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (Zebra Chip) via Technical Report 469-2022-NR-ARP-SFE, and subsequently allowing imports of…
Res. 38541-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición de diputada sobre el Humedal Laguna Pozo de Agua
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a congresswoman against MINAE-SINAC, Tempisque Conservation Area, for failing to respond to an information request regarding the Laguna Pozo de Agua Wetland, part of the Palo Verde Ramsar site. The request, sent on September 4, 2025 to the official Conservation Area email, sought detailed information on…
Res. 38710-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Recurso de amparo contra el TAA por falta de respuesta a solicitud de información parlamentaria
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a congresswoman against the Ministry of Environment and Energy, alleging that the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) had failed to respond to a letter requesting detailed information about vacancies, appointments, and staff reassignments within the tribunal. The petitioner argued that, despite a…
Res. 39223-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro por falta de respuesta a denuncia ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber rejects outright an amparo action filed against the Ministry of Health for the alleged failure to respond to a complaint regarding the poor condition of a public bus stop shelter with stagnant water, filed on September 27, 2025. The Chamber finds that the amparo is premature because the two-month period the Administration has to…
Res. 39353-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Reiteración de desobediencia a sentencia de amparo ambiental contra TAA y Ministerio de Salud
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a second non-compliance claim filed by the petitioners against the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) and the Ministry of Health. The original 2020 judgment ordered the TAA to resolve administrative case 410-09-02-TAA within two months and the Ministry of Health to follow up on a health order. More than five…
Res. 39424-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe notificar al denunciante el resultado de denuncia ambiental sobre zona de protección de quebrada
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by a citizen against the Municipality of Goicoechea, alleging violation of the right to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment due to constructions within the protection zone of the Mozotal stream. Although the Municipality demonstrated it had taken actions —including the removal of encroaching…
Res. 40042-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro por denuncia ambiental sin respuesta municipal
The Constitutional Chamber declares inadmissible an amparo action filed against the Municipality of Heredia for failure to respond to a complaint regarding light, noise, and dust pollution from a sports complex. The claimant argues that despite filing the complaint on September 23, 2025, no resolution has been provided. The Chamber determines that at the…
Res. 39747-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de respuesta del MINAE a reclamo administrativo de adultos mayores sobre Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by two elderly adults, owners of a 215-hectare property in El Roble, Bijagua, Upala, which was included within the Tenorio Volcano National Park by Executive Decree 5836-A of 1976. The claimants argue that the inclusion was done without prior consultation or compensation, and that on August 18, 2025, they…
Res. 26093-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Traslado de residuos de la GAM a Limón cuenta con regulación y supervisión
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo action challenging the transfer of solid waste from the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) to the "El Tomatal" Environmental Technology Park landfill in Limón, operated by Empresas Berthier EBI de Costa Rica S.A. The claimant alleged threats to a healthy environment, public health, leachate contamination, tourism…
Res. 20929-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad rechaza permiso de movimiento de tierra sin invadir competencias de SETENA
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses in limine the amparo filed by a development company against the Municipality of Alajuela. The petitioner alleged that the municipality improperly denied its earth-movement permit application despite holding a SETENA environmental viability license. It argued compliance with all requirements and claimed the municipality…
Res. 38426-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Gestión de incumplimiento presentada por tercero no legitimado
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a complaint filed by a person who is not a party in amparo proceeding 19-020028-0007-CO, alleging non-compliance with judgment 20200003992 issued on February 28, 2020. That judgment had ordered the Environmental Administrative Tribunal and the Municipality of Santa Ana to resolve administrative files and remove an…
Res. 37560-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional ampara por inacción de SENASA ante denuncia ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) for failing to definitively resolve a citizen complaint about a chicken and rooster breeding operation in a residential area of Alajuela, which allegedly caused noise, pests, and foul odors. The petitioner argued that SENASA had been dilatory despite…
Res. 38021-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Seguimiento reforzado a reubicación de drenaje pluvial cerca de nacientes
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a compliance action filed against the Municipality of Alajuela for failing to relocate a storm drain near the Lankaster and Nombre33105 springs within the six-month deadline set by a prior judgment. The Chamber finds that the Municipality encountered documented technical, topographical, and structural obstacles that…
Res. 38086-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad de Flores incumple deber de fiscalización por ruidos y operación irregular de empresa en zona residencial
Residents of San Joaquín de Flores filed an amparo against the Municipality of Flores de Heredia for failing to address nuisances caused by the company Trahiza, which operates in an area zoned residential under the local zoning plan. They alleged noise and environmental pollution, unauthorized construction of a workshop, and unpermitted earthworks. Despite…
Res. 38559-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de capacidad hídrica del acueducto no constituye violación de derechos fundamentales cuando la ASADA y AyA actúan dentro del marco legal
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed a petition for amparo filed by a long-time user of the Pénjamo ASADA, who claimed that the ASADA had granted new water connections despite a water deficit, thus violating her acquired rights. The Chamber dismissed the amparo against both AyA and the ASADA. It found that AyA had fulfilled its oversight duties: it issued…
Res. 40183-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Dilación en responder sobre implementación del Decreto 42955 de pesca artesanal
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by representatives of the Network of Responsible Fishing Marine Areas against the Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Incopesca), the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), and the Office of the President. The petitioners claim a violation of the right to petition and timely response,…
Res. 40409-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por demolición en zona de protección del Río Ipís sin constatación técnica previa
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a family —including a female head of household, a minor, and an older adult— against the Municipality of Vázquez de Coronado and other institutions. The family claimed a violation of due process because the Municipality ordered the demolition of their home, allegedly within the protection zone of the…
Res. 40504-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inacción municipal ante aparcamiento ilegal en zona residencial
The Constitutional Chamber examines an amparo petition filed against the Municipality of Cartago for failing to enforce an administrative order to cease an illegal heavy truck parking operation on a property located in a very high density residential zone, according to the Territorial Regulatory Plan. The petitioner claims that the activity generates noise…
Res. 40337-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición sobre el Puente de Piedra de Grecia
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by Carlos Alberto Chavarría Chavarría against the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE). On August 18, 2025, the petitioner requested information on mining permits, environmental damage, and sanctions regarding the natural geological arch known as the Stone Bridge (Puente de Piedra) in Grecia,…
Res. 40218-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Plazo de caducidad del amparo frente a omisiones municipales sobre concesión minera
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the Municipality of Paraíso for failing to respond to a request for information and institutional pronouncement regarding Mining Concession 2022-CDP-PRI-095. The petitioner filed on December 5, 2024, and the Municipal Council agreed to request a technical opinion from the administration. A majority…
Res. 40853-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad del amparo ambiental por falta de gestión previa ante la municipalidad
The Constitutional Chamber declares inadmissible an amparo filed by a resident of Osa canton who complained about the lack of recycling collection points and the municipality's failure to implement a waste management system. The petitioner alleged violation of the right to a healthy environment (Article 50 of the Constitution) and asked the Chamber to…
Res. 40861-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad del amparo por denuncia ambiental y de salubridad no presentada ante las autoridades competentes
The Constitutional Court summarily dismissed as inadmissible an amparo petition filed by residents of San Rafael de Heredia against the Ministry of Health, the Municipality, MINAE, and the Ministry of Security. Petitioners complained of environmental and sanitary deterioration in Central Park, blaming homeless individuals for contamination with drugs,…
Res. 41063-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por demora en tramitación de denuncias sanitarias en Santa Teresa
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo appeal against the Ministry of Health for the alleged delay in handling several health complaints filed by the appellant against the commercial establishments GOMA, Kooks, and SOMOS in Santa Teresa de Cóbano. The complaints warned about overcrowding, lack of licenses, infrastructure deficiencies, and violations of…
Res. 41068-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra escombrera en ampliación de Ruta 32 declarado sin lugar
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo filed by the owner of a property adjacent to a spoil heap associated with the Route 32 expansion. The claimant alleged that earth accumulation and a drainage trench caused seepage and landslides damaging his synthetic soccer field. The Chamber finds that the spoil heap has SETENA environmental clearance and…
Res. 41078-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación sónica de la banda municipal de San José
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by residents of La Favorita Norte in Pavas against the Municipality of San José and the Ministry of Health, alleging noise pollution from the municipal band's rehearsals in nearby facilities. The claimants argued that extreme noise harms the health of children and the elderly, and that the Municipal…
Res. 41306-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo sobre obras viales en zona de nacientes
Residents of Santiago de Puriscal filed an amparo action against the Municipality of Puriscal, claiming that the cantonal road project on El Cirri road threatened nine water springs supplying two thousand people. They argued the Municipality failed to conduct environmental impact studies or obtain necessary permits, and that the road widening would…
Res. 41335-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Recurso de amparo inadmisible por ejecución de medida cautelar penal
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismissed an amparo action filed by a resident against the Municipality of San Carlos and the Public Force. The petitioner claimed a violation of the right to a healthy environment (Article 50 of the Constitution) due to the demolition of a church, school, and houses in the Chorreras community, carried out in compliance…
Res. 41359-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Devolución de garantía ambiental no es tutelable por amparo
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed an amparo action filed against the National Technical Secretariat (SETENA). The complainant sought the return of an environmental compliance guarantee deposit made under mining file 182014 CDP Río La Vieja for a project in Florencia, San Carlos. He alleged that, despite environmental compliance and having requested a…
Res. 41380-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acumulación de amparos por contaminación visual en San Ramón
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed against the Municipality of San Ramón, ICE, and SUTEL for alleged inaction regarding complaints of visual contamination caused by disorganized overhead cabling in the canton. The petitioners identified four utility poles with chaotic accumulations of telecommunication cables that they argued affected…
Res. 41558-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo rechazado por incumplir prevención en caso de alcantarillado Vista Verde
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed outright the amparo appeal filed by the Vista Verde Neighborhood Association against the Municipality of Santa Bárbara. The residents alleged violations of their rights to a healthy environment, petition, and timely response due to flooding problems, lack of a stormwater management plan, unauthorized earthworks, and…
Res. 41720-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisible por prematuro amparo sobre conflicto vecinal y denuncia ambiental municipal
The Constitutional Chamber flatly dismisses an amparo filed by an elderly woman against a security guard hired by neighbors and against the Municipality of San José. The appellant complained about trash accumulation, illegal constructions on green areas and sidewalks, fire risk from irregular electrical connections, and ownership of dogs causing noise and…
Res. 41931-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por quemas de caña de azúcar en Turrialba
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a 71-year-old oxygen-dependent resident of El Recreo de Turrialba against the MAG, the Ministry of Health, and MINAE. The petitioner claims that since April 1, 2025, he has filed complaints about sugarcane burning on farms in Turrialba, producing black particles that affect his health, but the authorities…
Res. 41926-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional rechaza amparo por socavación de vía en Playa Hermosa de Garabito
The Constitutional Court heard an amparo filed by residents of Playa Hermosa, Garabito, against the Municipality of Garabito, SINAC, and the CNE. Petitioners alleged violations of their rights to life, free transit, and a healthy environment, caused by progressive erosion of public road 611017 —the sole access to the Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala National…
Res. 42412-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro por denuncias de contaminación sónica y ambiental
The Constitutional Court declares inadmissible an amparo action filed against the Ministry of Health for failing to address two complaints of noise and environmental pollution lodged on November 22 and December 1, 2025, regarding two butcher shops. The complainant alleged the Ministry had not stopped the use of loudspeakers on public roads or outdoor food…
Res. 41968-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra sanciones por contaminación sónica denegado
The Constitutional Chamber rejected an amparo action filed by the owner of Bar and Restaurant Barahona against the Ministry of Health, concerning fines of 462,200 colones each for non-compliance with administrative measures aimed at controlling sonic pollution from the establishment. The petitioner alleged violations of due process and presumption of…
Res. 42066-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Granja en zona residencial no genera riesgo ambiental ni sanitario según pruebas
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed an amparo action filed by residents of Santa Gertrudis Norte, Grecia, against the Ministry of Health, the Municipality of Grecia, and SENASA. The residents claimed that a property housing farm animals (horses, donkeys, a pig, sheep, chickens, and dogs) generated foul odors, proliferation of flies, cockroaches, and…
Res. 42213-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Solicitud de información sobre contaminación del Estero de Puntarenas — Ministerio de Salud responde intra-proceso
A citizen filed an amparo against the Ministry of Health for failing to respond to a request for information on measures, studies, and permits related to pollution of the Estero de Puntarenas, allegedly caused by wastewater from the Puntarenas Municipal Market. The request, sent on November 5, 2025 to the minister's official email, included seven questions…
Res. 06027-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acción de inconstitucionalidad contra el Reglamento de Evaluación, Control y Seguimiento Ambiental (Decreto 43898)
The Constitutional Chamber, by majority, dismissed the unconstitutionality action filed against Executive Decree No. 43898-MINAE-S-MOPT-MAG-MEIC, the Regulation for Environmental Assessment, Control and Monitoring. The majority decision was based on admissibility grounds, primarily the lack of sufficient and precise argumentation in the claim, without…
Res. 00400-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición de información sobre relleno sanitario Los Pinos
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo against the Municipality of Cartago for violation of the right to petition. The petitioner had requested from the City Council detailed information about the Los Pinos landfill —including environmental viability, permits, leachate studies, and tonnage— but the Municipality failed to provide the requested…
Res. 01082-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Registros ambientales en límites del Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas
The petitioner claims that the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA) approved environmental registrations (D2-0885-2022 and D2-1158-2022) for building single-family homes on properties partially within Las Baulas National Marine Park, whose only access is a public road inside the park, and one borders the La Chipriota mangrove without…
Res. 01073-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Reiteración de cumplimiento de amparo por abastecimiento de agua en Andrómeda III
The Constitutional Chamber resolves a non-compliance proceeding filed by a resident of Andrómeda III in Balsa de Atenas, who claims that the local ASADA and AyA have not definitively resolved the intermittent potable water supply problem, breaching the 2019 ruling No. 2019004066. The respondent authorities report progress: environmental viability obtained…
Res. 01831-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso a informes preliminares de pesca de camarón de profundidad ante INCOPESCA
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a legal entity against INCOPESCA for failing to provide requested information about the research project 'New alternatives for responsible deep-sea shrimp fishing in the Costa Rican Pacific Ocean'. INCOPESCA argued that the information was raw, that the requester did not clarify their interest, and that…
Res. 01784-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Desacato en amparo por ruido de caninos es improcedente si inspección descarta exceso de niveles
The Constitutional Chamber rules on a contempt claim by Oswaldo Luna Vega against the Ministry of Health and SENASA for alleged non-compliance with judgment 2023025953, which ordered inspection of canine noise at a neighboring property. Authorities reported SENASA inspected on October 23, 2023, finding normal dog behavior and noise within technical…
Res. 01890-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo por denuncia de humo de tamaladas
The petitioner, an elderly woman with pulmonary emphysema, chronic asthma, and hypertension, filed an amparo against the Ministry of Health for failing to resolve a complaint she submitted on December 7, 2023, regarding environmental pollution from smoke produced by a neighbor's tamale-making business. She claimed the smoke worsened her health and feared…
Res. 02458-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Obligación municipal de responder denuncias ambientales sobre áreas de protección de cuerpos de agua
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a resident of Playa Sámara, Nicoya, who complained to the Municipality of Nicoya and SINAC about tree cutting, timber extraction, and fires on a property located within a public watercourse protection area. The claimant argued that despite filing complaints in April 2022, neither authority had issued a…
Res. 02497-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Denuncias sanitarias por contaminación sónica y accesibilidad no probaron omisión
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a neighborhood association against the Ministry of Health, alleging inaction on health complaints. The complaints involved a second-floor restaurant that did not comply with the Equal Opportunities Law (Law 7600), and another establishment due to nighttime noise pollution. Solid-waste management issues…
Res. 02987-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de ampliación de plazo en amparo por servicio de agua potable
The Constitutional Chamber rules on a request for extension of time filed by officials of the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), who sought to extend the deadline to August 2025 for complying with a 2018 amparo judgment ordering them to restore drinking water service to a resident of the Berlín community. Although AyA argues that the…
Res. 03237-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso a información sobre obras de drenaje y órdenes sanitarias en Oreamuno
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action filed by Denia María Guillén Martínez and Melvin Guillén Martínez on behalf of Dinorah María, Sociedad Anónima, against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Oreamuno. The petitioners claim that on June 15, 2023, they submitted requests for information regarding the progress of stormwater…
Res. 04005-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Coordinación municipal y del Ministerio de Salud ante contaminación de la quebrada Gata
Neighbors of San Ramón filed an amparo action against the Municipality of San Ramón and the Ministry of Health for failing to definitively resolve their complaints about the pollution of Quebrada Gata. The Constitutional Chamber found that, despite complaints filed in September 2023, after more than four months the problem had not been solved, even though…
Res. 04153-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Procedencia de amparo por derecho de petición respecto de proyecto Boulevard
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by a resident of San Vito against the Municipality of Coto Brus, alleging lack of response to a January 10, 2024 information request regarding a project called "Boulevard". The petitioner questioned potential street closures, lack of public consultation, and non-compliance with environmental and…
Res. 04364-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro por falta de respuesta a denuncia ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber declares inadmissible, as premature, a writ of amparo filed against the Municipality of Turrialba. The petitioner alleged lack of response to a complaint regarding foul odors from vehicle traffic near a property, submitted on January 8, 2024. The Chamber recalls that, per its jurisprudence (vote 2008-02545), the proper venue to…
Res. 04384-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro por denuncia de alcantarilla con aguas negras
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses as premature the amparo filed by a resident against the National Road Council (CONAVI) for lack of response to a complaint about a sewage overflow in front of his house, which caused foul odors and serious risk to public health and the environment. The complaint was filed on January 30, 2024, and the amparo on February…
Res. 03964-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Comunicación oportuna de actuaciones en denuncias ambientales
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against SINAC for failing to respond to a complaint about tree felling filed by the petitioners. While it confirms that SINAC did carry out inspections and other administrative proceedings, and even coordinated a parallel criminal investigation with the Environmental Prosecutor's Office, it finds that the…
Res. 04472-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso a información pública sobre registro de manipulación genética ante CONAGEBIO
In this amparo appeal, the Constitutional Chamber examines the alleged violation of the right of access to public information by the National Commission for Biodiversity Management (CONAGEBIO). The claimant, an elderly person, requested on March 10, 2022, the names of individuals and legal entities that have carried out genetic manipulation activities…
Res. 04735-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de respuesta ante solicitud de uso de suelo en zona de protección de naciente
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo appeal filed against the Municipality of Naranjo for an alleged failure to respond to a land-use permit request. The petitioner claimed he filed the request on November 8, 2023 and received no answer. However, the Chamber found it proven that the municipality responded by official letter dated November 14,…
Res. 04692-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
SETENA y viabilidad ambiental sobre humedales en Cahuita
The Constitutional Chamber examined an amparo against SETENA and SINAC regarding the environmental viability granted to the Coastal Regulatory Plan of Cahuita, Talamanca. The petitioner argued that technical and legal requirements were not met and that wetlands were left unprotected. The Chamber verified that SETENA granted viability based on SINAC's…
Res. 04807-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Inacción de SINAC y Municipalidad ante invasión de humedal Laguna Carrizal
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action filed by an adjacent landowner to the Carrizal Lagoon, a recognized wetland that forms part of the Paso Las Lapas Biological Corridor in Garabito. The plaintiff reported that since October 2023, invasions, construction of a gate, opening of a road, earthworks, and uncontrolled burns were being carried out…
Res. 05358-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo por denuncia ambiental prematura contra municipalidad
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses an amparo filed by residents of Dulce Nombre de Naranjo against the Municipality of Naranjo for failure to respond to a complaint submitted on January 26, 2024, regarding noise from a mechanical workshop. The petitioners alleged harm to the health of an elderly adult with psychological disorders and epilepsy.…
Res. 01523-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia por contaminación del acuífero de Moín rechazada
The Constitutional Chamber rejects a noncompliance claim filed against several authorities (MINAE, AyA, SINAC, Municipality of Limón, Ministry of Health) regarding compliance with judgment No. 2022022070. That judgment ordered the creation of an inter-institutional commission and the design of a plan to address contamination of the Moín aquifer on…
Res. 05456-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de sentencia por estabilización de talud en parque municipal
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses a non-compliance motion filed by the petitioner against the Municipality of Moravia. The previous ruling (2023-17842) ordered the municipality to address a complaint about landslides and cracking on municipal land adjacent to the petitioner's property and to keep her informed. The petitioner alleged non-compliance, but…
Res. 05470-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Gestión de desobediencia sobre órdenes sanitarias en la Quebrada Barreal
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses a non-compliance claim filed by Moravia residents against the Ministry of Health and the municipalities of Moravia and Goicoechea. The applicants alleged failure to comply with judgment 2023-031791, which ordered the creation of an interinstitutional committee to address issues of noise pollution, environmental…
Res. 05499-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo contra viabilidad ambiental de SETENA
The Constitutional Court declares inadmissible the amparo action filed against the environmental feasibility granted by SETENA for the León Cortés Waste-to-Energy project. The petitioner claims violation of the right to water, health, and a healthy environment, citing inconsistencies in the project's location and risks of contamination to water sources in…
Res. 06032-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo inadmisible por litispendencia
The petitioner, a resident of Miramar de Montes de Oro, filed this amparo against the Municipality of Montes de Oro due to the threat of a construction permit being issued for a second landfill in the canton, backed by a SETENA environmental viability that is not yet final. The Constitutional Chamber rejects the petition outright as manifestly…
Res. 06188-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Cumplimiento de sentencia sobre aforo en Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
This ruling addresses a non-compliance claim filed by Luis Diego Marín Schumacher, alleging that SINAC and the administration of Manuel Antonio National Park (PNMA) violated Constitutional Court ruling 2023011233 of 2023. That ruling ordered the daily visitation to be reduced to the carrying capacity of 1120, calculated per the December 2022 flow model,…
Res. 06366-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra el Tribunal Ambiental Administrativo por mora en resolver denuncia
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by a citizen against the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA), alleging failure to resolve an environmental complaint lodged on January 19, 2023, regarding illegal occupation of the maritime-terrestrial zone in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The complainant cited commercial stalls (“chinamos”) blocking…
Res. 06259-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Vecinos de La Gacela contra Municipalidad de Tibás y AyA por inacción ante riesgo de deslizamientos en quebrada Rivera
Residents of La Gacela neighborhood in Llorente de Tibás filed an amparo against the Tibás Municipality, the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), the National Emergency Commission (CNE), and the Ministry of Health, alleging violation of the right to a prompt and effective administrative procedure, as well as to life and physical integrity,…
Res. 06306-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional deniega amparo sobre incorporación como parte en expediente de corta de árboles
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed an amparo action filed against SINAC. The plaintiff asked to suspend all tree-cutting permits on a property where a condominium was planned in an area previously classified as forest. He also claimed that SINAC denied him the right to be a party in the administrative file, violating his rights to public participation…
Res. 06353-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro por construcción sin permisos
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo petition filed against the Municipality of Carrillo for failing to inspect and shut down the “SeaScape” project, a condo tower in Playas del Coco, Guanacaste. The petitioner claimed the project lacked building permits and environmental viability, and that her requests from December 18, 2023, reiterated on…
Res. 06272-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo sobre felinos en el Zoológico La Marina
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses the amparo filed by individuals on behalf of four felines held at La Marina Zoo in San Carlos. The claimants argued that the enclosures violated the right to a healthy environment and sought relocation to a sanctuary. The Court found the zoo holds proper SINAC permits, is implementing an improvement plan, and that the…
Res. 07061-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por extracción de material en ríos sin evaluación de impacto ambiental bajo decreto de emergencia
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the Municipality of Santa Cruz and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport for the extraction and movement of material from the Diría and En medio rivers without environmental impact studies. The petitioner alleges violation of the right to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment,…
Res. 07066-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Denuncia por contaminación sónica sin formalizar no admite amparo
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by a resident of Pérez Zeledón against the Municipality and the Ministry of Health, alleging failure to address noise pollution complaints from the commercial establishment “El Rancho”. The complainant submitted writings to both entities on October 31, 2022, without using the official forms required…
Res. 07463-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro por falta de alcantarillado sanitario
The Constitutional Chamber declares inadmissible the amparo filed by residents of the Palo Campano urbanization in Alajuelita against AyA and the Municipality. The plaintiffs claim their homes lack sanitary and storm sewer systems, causing stagnation of blackwater, foul odors, pests, and pollution of streams, violating their right to a healthy environment.…
Res. 07523-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Denuncia ambiental contra lote abandonado en Hatillo
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects, as premature, an amparo filed by the president of the Condominio Oasis de San José neighborhood association against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of San José. The petitioner had reported an abandoned lot (former Cen-Cinai) in Hatillo, Sagrada Familia, which had become a shelter for homeless people…
Res. 07541-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad por prematuro de amparo ambiental por camino desplomado y contaminación de aguas negras en San Antonio de Barranca
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismissed an amparo petition filed by residents of San Antonio de Barranca de Naranjo against the Municipality of Naranjo and the Ministry of Health. The petitioners claimed failure to respond to a complaint about a collapsed public road, life-threatening risk, and contamination of the Barranca River by blackwater,…
Res. 07579-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Desbordamiento de alcantarilla con aguas servidas y plazo de respuesta municipal
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by a Desamparados resident who complained about a sewer overflow with untreated water in front of his house, causing foul odors and endangering his health and right to a healthy environment. The petitioner claimed he filed the complaint with the Municipality of Desamparados on January 24, 2024, and…
Res. 07827-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Suspensión de amparo ambiental por pendencia de acción de inconstitucionalidad sobre canon de agua
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed against AyA, MAG, MINAE, MIDEPLAN, and SENARA regarding the PAACUME megaproject. The petitioner challenges the project’s financial viability, the alteration of the water regime, the impact on Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve (a Ramsar site), and the discriminatory water-use royalty set by Executive…
Res. 08016-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho a respuesta pronta en denuncias ambientales ante la Municipalidad de Moravia
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action for violation of the right to prompt administrative justice. The petitioner filed a complaint with the Municipality of Moravia requesting information on whether constructions near the Ipís River respected the protection zone under Article 33 of the Forestry Law. The municipality did not respond until more…
Res. 07828-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de construcción del Parque Metropolitano de Los Diques en Cartago
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a Cartago resident on behalf of the community against several state institutions (MIVAH, MOPT, MINAE, CNE, INVU, National Museum, and the Municipality of Cartago) for the alleged violation of fundamental rights due to a budget amendment that reduced the funds originally allocated for the first stage of…
Res. 08317-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Prórroga de plazo para cumplimiento de sentencia sobre vertedero de Turrialba
The Constitutional Chamber grants a new twelve-month extension to the mayor of Turrialba to comply with judgment 2018-004801, which ordered the resolution of the environmental and sanitation problems at the municipal landfill through the construction of a solid waste transfer station. The ruling evaluates the progress reported in the last period, including…
Res. 07905-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Prórroga para tala de árbol de mango en Ciudad Colón
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a request from the Mayor of Mora for an extension to comply with judgment No. 2024005628, which ordered the definitive resolution of the issue concerning a mango tree located 600 meters west and 100 meters south of the Ciudad Colón clinic. The original judgment, issued on March 1, 2024, granted 15 days for compliance.…
Res. 08187-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de plano por falta de firma en amparo ambiental por ruido de gallos
The petitioner filed an amparo action against the Ministry of Health, alleging failure to enforce a sanitary order regarding noise pollution from a neighbor's roosters in Siquirres. She claimed that despite multiple complaints, the order issued on February 20, 2023 —requiring removal of the animal and submission of a noise-containment plan— remained…
Res. 08500-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo sobre suministro ilegal de agua en Rancho Cartagena
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by representatives of several companies owning properties in the Rancho Cartagena project, Guanacaste. They claim that CHIPCOM S.A. illegally supplies drinking water without well-drilling permits, water concessions, SETENA approval, or authorization from ICAA or ARESEP, charging for untreated water and…
Res. 08788-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de amparo para exigir cierre de cantinas en Boruca
The Constitutional Chamber denies and partially dismisses the amparo filed by a resident of the Boruca indigenous community against the Municipality of Buenos Aires. The petitioner claimed non-compliance with a previous judgment allegedly ordering bar closures, disregard of his complaints, and noise pollution and lack of business licenses. The Chamber…
Res. 08891-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Deber de traslado de gestión municipal: respuesta insuficiente lesiona derecho de petición
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo appeal against the Municipality of Grecia for failing to fully respond to a request for information regarding construction permits for property no. 537962. The petitioner alleged that on February 19, 2024, he filed a request with the Municipal Council seeking data on land use, environmental verifications, INVU…
Res. 09175-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Juego de pólvora en Dota no es amparable
The Constitutional Chamber summarily rejects an amparo action filed by a resident challenging the municipal and Health Ministry permits for a fireworks display during the patron saint festivities in Santa María de Dota. The claimant alleged a violation of the right to a healthy environment (Article 50 of the Constitution), noise pollution, and harm to…
Res. 09410-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de ampliación de plazo para obras en Río Ocloro por retraso de ocho años
The Constitutional Chamber denies a subsequent motion filed by San José Mayor Johnny Araya Monge, who requested a further extension of the deadline to implement hydraulic works ordered in the 2016 judgment n.° 2016007570 to prevent flooding in Ciudadela Calderón Muñoz. Almost eight years have passed since the original ruling, and an extension was already…
Res. 09451-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Denuncia ambiental ante municipalidad sin resolver no es amparable si está en plazo
The petitioner filed an amparo against the Municipality of Barva claiming that his complaint about an irregular construction on the banks of the Río Segundo had not been addressed. The construction lacked municipal permits, did not respect the river setback, generated noise pollution, and deposited waste into the riverbed. The Constitutional Chamber…
Res. 10062-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Demora en resolver denuncia ambiental sobre tala en Cóbano por SETENA y ACT
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by a Cóbano resident against SETENA and the Tempisque Conservation Area (ACT). The petitioner claimed that since August 18, 2023, she had filed an expanded environmental complaint concerning alleged unauthorized logging and land-use change at the Residencias Lati project (file D1-0092-2022-SETENA),…
Res. 12481-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Justicia pronta en denuncia ambiental por construcción en quebrada La Granada
The Constitutional Court issued a ruling in favor of an amparo petition against the Administrative Environmental Tribunal (TAA) for violating the right to prompt and timely justice. The Court found that an environmental complaint filed in 2004 regarding illegal works —landfill, piping, and construction of a wall within the protection zone of the La Granada…
Res. 13166-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Constitucionalidad condicionada del artículo 2 del Reglamento de Zonificación de Belén
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed a challenge to Article 2 of the Zoning and Road Plan Regulation of the Belén Regulatory Plan, which allows extending the regulations of one zone up to 100 meters onto a lot divided by a zone boundary. Plaintiffs claimed the provision degrades protection of green areas and protection zones, violating environmental…
Res. 04424-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Granja porcina Los Corrales no genera contaminación ambiental probada
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo filed by a neighbor of the Solaris Condominium in Santa Ana, who claimed that the Los Corrales pig farm caused serious environmental damage and odor nuisances, and that the authorities (Municipality of Santa Ana, Ministry of Health, and SENASA) had failed to address his complaints. Based on the reports…
Res. 05140-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Inercia administrativa en denuncia por contaminación hídrica
Neighbors of Palmares complained that the business 'Pinchos de la Plata' discharged untreated wastewater into the Quebrada Azul. The Municipality declared lack of jurisdiction and forwarded the case to the Ministry of Health, action that the Chamber deemed lawful. As for the Ministry of Health, the complaint was filed in September 2023, but the inspection…
Res. 04425-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia reiterada por no resolver expediente TAA
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a subsequent claim of non-compliance with judgment 2020-017177, which had ordered the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) to resolve case 410-09-02-TAA within two months, and the Ministry of Health to follow up on sanitary resolution 001252-F-S1-2020. After two prior findings of disobedience, the petitioner…
Res. 15681-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra SINAC por denuncia ambiental no resuelta sobre humedal y manglar en Playa Sámara
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a resident of Playa Sámara who complained about the destruction of wetlands and mangroves, as well as landfill, in the Lagarto River estuary —an area of high environmental fragility and state natural heritage— and the granting of concessions in the Maritime Terrestrial Zone by the Municipality of Nicoya.…
Res. 17289-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso vehicular a inmueble en zona de riesgo ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Municipality of Santa Ana, which placed debris and a flex-beam barrier preventing the petitioner's vehicular access to his possessed property. Although the property is located in an area affected by the 'Rancho Tico' landslide, where the petitioner conducted unauthorized waste recovery and…
Res. 17568-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental por tala de árbol de Copey en San Antonio de Belén
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo against the Costa Rican Railroad Institute (INCOFER) for authorizing the felling of a 70-year-old Copey tree in San Antonio de Belén, Heredia, without following the correct legal procedure. The Chamber held that when a tree is claimed to pose a danger to persons or property, the authorization for felling or…
Res. 18755-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe atender denuncia por árbol peligroso
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo against the Municipality of Curridabat for failing to respond to a complaint about an exogenous tree on a sidewalk that posed a danger to passersby and property. The Chamber verified that the complainant filed the complaint in July 2023, that the municipality's Road Management department confirmed the facts in…
Res. 20432-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Suspensión de bonos de vivienda indígena por derogatoria de reglamento forestal
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by the president of an Indigenous Development Association against Banhvi and MINAE. The petitioner claims that Banhvi, by memo dated May 9, 2024, suspended the construction of indigenous housing using timber from indigenous territories, based on the fact that Executive Decree 27800-MINAE (Forest Resource Use…
Res. 01836-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental contra condominio vertical La Esperanza en Naranjo
The Constitutional Chamber denies an amparo filed by a neighbor against the Municipality of Naranjo and SETENA, challenging the authorization of the 'La Esperanza Vertical Condominium' project. The petitioner alleged threats to springs, streams, and biodiversity, insufficient road access and drinking water, and lack of an environmental impact study. The…
Res. 01838-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
El MINAE debe responder solicitudes de información ambiental en un plazo razonable
In this ruling, the Constitutional Chamber reviews a writ of amparo filed by a group of citizens against the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), claiming that the institution had failed to respond to an environmental information request submitted in September 2023. The detailed and extensive request concerned progress in various climate action…
Res. 01854-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Denuncia ambiental sin identificación de responsables no obliga a investigación de oficio
The Constitutional Court reviewed an amparo action against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Santa Ana for their alleged failure to address a complaint of water contamination in the Quebrada Rodríguez. The plaintiffs argued that the authorities refused to investigate because the specific polluting properties were not identified. The Court…
Res. 01874-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Proyecto Acosta Activa no destruye cancha ni vulnera derecho al deporte
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by residents of Acosta against the Municipality, arguing that the "Acosta Activa" project would destroy the soccer field on a public domain property designated as a sports plaza, violating their right to sport and recreation. The municipal authority reports that the project does not destroy the field but…
Res. 01938-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad del amparo por mora administrativa en revisión de anchos viales
The Constitutional Chamber flatly dismisses an amparo filed by a citizen who complained of delay by the National Roads Council and the MOPT's Road Inspection Department in resolving a request to review road widths in central La Fortuna. The petitioner alleged violations of Articles 27, 39 and 41 of the Constitution and vaguely mentioned harm to the…
Res. 02044-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Recurso de amparo por tala sin permiso y reclamo de daños rechazado de plano
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismissed an amparo action filed by the owner of a farm in Limón, who alleged that employees of the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) entered her property without permission in 2019 and 2020 and cut down approximately 186 timber trees. The petitioner sought compensation for ecological, environmental, and economic…
Res. 00363-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Denegatoria de ampliación de plazo por desobediencia grave en ruta 304
The Constitutional Chamber denies CONAVI’s request for a further extension to comply with ruling 2020-002416, which ordered the construction of sidewalks, road alignment, and stormwater drainage on Route 304 between EBAIS El Llano and Bar Que Toque. Despite a previous extension and a finding of noncompliance, the respondent authorities (MOPT, CONAVI, and…
Res. 00364-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia reiterada de la Municipalidad de Garabito por construcciones irregulares y tala en Cerro Fresco
The Constitutional Chamber hears a second disobedience proceeding against the Municipality of Garabito for failing to comply with an order to address a complaint about irregular constructions, logging, and illegal well exploitation in Hermosa Hills, Cerro Fresco. The Municipality reported conducting inspections, filing criminal complaints with the Agrarian…
Res. 00409-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Cierre técnico de vertedero municipal no es revisable en amparo
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed an amparo action filed by the owner of a property used as a municipal dump in Pérez Zeledón for 25 years. The plaintiff claimed the municipality had abandoned the land, failed to complete the ordered technical closure, and hollowed out her property rights, seeking compensation and environmental measures. The Court…
Res. 00737-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad por incumplimiento de prevención sobre oficio distinto
The Constitutional Chamber summarily rejected this amparo appeal for failure to comply with a court order. The appellant claimed a lack of response to an official communication (AEL-00156-2023) whereby he requested information on the composition of the Regional Environmental Council of the Caribbean Environmental Conservation Area (ACLAC). The Chamber…
Res. 01084-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de amparo sobre el río Barranca
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a non-compliance filing regarding amparo 23-014766-0007-CO, which had ordered the Municipality of Puntarenas and the Directorate of Geology and Mines of MINAE to form an interinstitutional commission and design a plan to address erosion on the banks of the Barranca River, specifically at Terrón del Colorado or Vuelta…
Res. 01114-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Recolección de basura en precario y derecho a un ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by residents of an informal settlement (Martina Bustos, Liberia) against the Municipality of Liberia for lack of garbage collection, waste accumulation, clandestine dumps, and pollution. Petitioners claim violation of the right to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment. The municipality defends…
Res. 01115-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición y pronta respuesta en denuncias ambientales
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by a resident of Mata de Plátano, Goicoechea, against the Municipality of Goicoechea and SINAC. The petitioner claims that the Municipality responded incompletely or failed to answer various requests for information regarding permits, land use, coverage, and regulatory compliance of a plastic bag…
Res. 01139-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Recurrente contra Municipalidad de Talamanca por inundaciones de aguas pluviales y residuales en hotel
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo filed by the owner of Hotel Puerto Viejo against the Municipality of Talamanca. The claimant alleges that for seven years his property has flooded with stormwater and sewage every time it rains, due to the illegal closure of a drain by a neighbor and municipal inaction. The Chamber finds that the Ministry of…
Res. 01160-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Sala rechaza amparo por contaminación sónica de bar en Alajuela
The petitioners, affected by excessive noise from a neighboring bar in San Rafael de Alajuela, filed an amparo against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Alajuela for alleged inaction on their noise-pollution complaint. The Constitutional Chamber verified that both authorities had acted: the Ministry had taken measurements since 2018, issued…
Res. 01531-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Cumplimiento parcial de medidas ambientales en Isla Chira
The Constitutional Chamber rules on a second non-compliance claim regarding Judgment No. 2023019610, which ordered the Municipality of Puntarenas to take immediate measures to mitigate pollution on Isla Chira, educate the community about waste management, and guarantee a regular waste collection service. The petitioner claims that points 1 (immediate…
Res. 21461-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Operación de escombrera sin permisos ambientales y sanitarios
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by a resident of Santo Domingo de Heredia against the Municipality and the local Health Governing Area. The plaintiff claimed that since 2021, the Montano Pit—a MOPT-owned property adjacent to the Virilla River—had been used as a rubble dump for the North Circunvalación project without the required…
Res. 21401-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso a audiencia pública y publicación del plan regulador de Pérez Zeledón
The Constitutional Chamber denied an amparo action against the Municipality of Pérez Zeledón, which alleged violations of the principles of publicity and citizen participation in the regulatory plan implementation process. The petitioner, a resident of the canton, argued that information about the plan was only available electronically, excluding those…
Res. 19565-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra el AYA y Aresep por desabastecimiento de agua en Alajuelita
The Constitutional Chamber partially granted an amparo filed by a resident on behalf of the inhabitants of Alajuelita against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA/AYA) and the Regulatory Authority for Public Services (ARESEP) due to frequent, prolonged, and unannounced drinking water service interruptions. Although the Chamber had…
Res. 22417-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia parcial por plan de control y protección en áreas silvestres protegidas
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a non-compliance claim filed by Mauricio Álvarez Mora (FECON) regarding judgment 2017-14907, which ordered several authorities to develop and implement a control and protection plan for protected wild areas. The claimant asserts that environmental issues persist, citing budget cuts and the deterioration of Corcovado…
Res. 23257-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Orden de responder solicitudes de información sobre lesividad y protección del Refugio Gandoca-Manzanillo
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a citizen alleging failure by the Presidency, INDER, SINAC, and MINAE to respond to a request for information about compliance with Judgment 2019-012745. That judgment partially annulled Law 9223 and ordered SINAC to delimit the forested area within the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge (REGAMA)…
Res. 20070-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
No tutela del derecho de petición sobre solicitud de valoración de daño ambiental en zona de recarga acuífera
The Constitutional Chamber denied the amparo filed by a citizen who requested the Amistad Caribe Conservation Area (SINAC) to conduct a comprehensive environmental damage assessment in the Moín aquifer recharge zone (Zone 6), affected by land-use change, indiscriminate logging, and illegal settlements. SINAC denied the request, arguing that criminal…
Res. 17779-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Privacidad de la denuncia ambiental en investigación penal
The Constitutional Chamber denied the amparo filed by Marco Levy Virgo against SINAC for refusing access to a copy of the complaint report regarding the draining and filling of the Yolillo wetland for a housing project. The petitioner requested the report from the Amistad Caribe Conservation Area, but SINAC refused, arguing that the case is under judicial…
Res. 03954-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por explosiones en construcción no procede por existir permisos y vía penal abierta
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed an amparo action filed by residents of Las Palomas neighborhood against the Municipality of Carrillo and later against SETENA. The claimants argued that the construction of a house on lot 21 of the Bahía Cocos Horizontal Condominium involved the use of explosives without permits, causing material damage to nearby homes…
Res. 28024-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por demora del TAA en resolver denuncia por desvío de quebrada
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo brought by a property owner in Tarrazú, who since 2018 filed a complaint with the Ministry of Environment and Energy over a neighbor’s diversion of a stream, which damaged her property. The complaint was transferred to the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) in 2019, but after nearly four years no final…
Res. 29778-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de jueces del TAA paraliza expediente ambiental y vulnera justicia pronta
The Constitutional Court granted an amparo action against the National Environmental Council for its delay in appointing regular and substitute judges to the Administrative Environmental Tribunal (TAA). The petitioner argued that case file No. 174-09-03-TAA, an environmental complaint against the RIU hotel complex for destruction of a wetland, beach, and…
Res. 30786-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra la Municipalidad de Curridabat por omisión en notificar respuesta a denuncia sobre desbordamiento de aguas residuales
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a resident of La Troja neighborhood, Curridabat canton, who claimed the Municipality had failed to properly address her request for cleaning and maintenance of stormwater and wastewater infrastructure. She argued that recurrent overflows posed a public health risk and restricted her freedom of movement.…
Res. 08794-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por atraso en disponibilidad de agua para adulto mayor
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by an older adult against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA) for failing to respond to a water availability request submitted on December 21, 2023. The petitioner claims violation of fundamental rights due to his vulnerable condition. During the proceedings, the ICAA issued a response…
Res. 08851-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo municipal por nacientes y solicitud de información prematura
The Constitutional Chamber analyzes an amparo filed by a citizen against the Municipality of Sarchí for the alleged failure to respond to a request dated January 26, 2024, concerning springs and construction permits. The Chamber finds that the petitioner’s submission contains two types of requests: a complaint regarding possible infractions in spring…
Res. 31515-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Ejecución de cancelación de concesión en zona marítimo terrestre y portones que obstruyen vía pública
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo appeal against the Cóbano District Municipal Council for failing to enforce a 2019 agreement that cancelled the concession of Colemu S.A. and ordered the demolition of illegal structures, including gates that allegedly block public access in Santa Teresa beach. The appellant argues that despite a firm…
Res. 05142-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia en amparo sobre botadero ilegal en La Cuesta, Santa Cruz
The Constitutional Chamber resolves a non-compliance claim filed by the petitioner regarding ruling 2021017825, which ordered municipal and health authorities to address the illegal dumping of waste at 'La Cuesta a Santa Bárbara'. The petitioner alleges partial non-compliance and that the problem persists, with new contamination affecting a water spring…
Res. 33516-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo sobre instalación de antena 5G en barrio residencial
The Constitutional Chamber rejects on the merits an amparo action filed by a resident against the Municipality of San José for granting a permit to install a 5G antenna near his home. The petitioner argued that the antenna threatens the health of residents and requested its relocation. The Chamber reiterates its well-established case law that there is no…
Res. 34762-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación sónica y obra ilegal en quebrada
The Constitutional Chamber denies an amparo filed by a Quepos resident against MINAE and the Ministry of Health for alleged inaction regarding noise and diesel spills from a Palma Tica S.A. pumping station on the Escandalosa Creek. After requesting reports, the Court found that the petitioner had not filed a formal complaint with the Water Directorate or…
Res. 04023-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de respuesta del MINAE sobre acciones para proteger el tiburón martillo
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) for failing to respond to two information requests filed by a citizen on August 15 and October 20, 2023. The requests sought details on actions taken by MINAE to comply with a Sala Primera ruling that declared the hammerhead shark endangered and…
Res. 04041-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Obligación municipal de responder peticiones ambientales pese a fallas de forma
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo against the Municipality of Sarapiquí for failing to respond to an information request regarding the canton's solid waste management. The petitioner, an elderly person representing an ecological association, sent the request by email and received an acknowledgment, but the municipality argued this was not an…
Res. 04004-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de acceso a información sobre plan regulador en trámite y respuesta tardía de la administración
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by a citizen against the Municipality of Moravia, alleging a violation of the right to petition and access to information. The petitioner requested copies of the cantonal development plan, the municipal strategic plan, technical criteria for a land-use change, information on a public hearing, and…
Res. 04768-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
AyA debe responder formalmente denuncia de aguas servidas
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by an elderly person who reported to the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) sewage contamination in front of his home, caused by an open manhole cover left after repairs. The complainant sent his report by email on January 5 and 8, 2024, and received no formal response. AyA stated it…
Res. 07746-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Reiteración de cumplimiento inmediato de sentencia por desobediencia municipal en manejo de aguas y construcciones ilegales
The Constitutional Chamber addresses a new claim of disobedience regarding ruling 2022003192, which ordered the Municipality of Alajuela to resolve, within three months, illegal commercial activities and constructions on the affected properties, as well as the management of stormwater and sewage causing public health issues and environmental harm. Despite…
Res. 26300-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de la sentencia 2019-12745 sobre delimitación del Refugio Gandoca-Manzanillo
The Constitutional Chamber finds that Judgment 2019-012745, which partially annulled Law No. 9223 and ordered SINAC to demarcate the forested area excluded from the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge and to take legal actions to protect public property, has not been complied with. Despite technical studies, an official delimitation has not been…
Res. 37925-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por botadero de basura y chatarrería contaminante en zona residencial de Alajuelita
Residents of Alajuelita filed an amparo action against the Municipality of Alajuelita and the Ministry of Health for the illegal operation of a garbage dump and scrapyard without proper permits, located near the Tiribí River. They reported environmental contamination, pest proliferation, foul odors, and public health risks. Although the authorities closed…
Res. 07872-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental contra SENASA por omisión en clausura de gallinero ilegal
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by neighbors affected by the ongoing operation of an illegal chicken coop on an adjacent property. The petitioners claimed that the unpermitted activity—without a Veterinary Operation Certificate and less than 5 meters from their home—worsened their daughters' respiratory conditions and attracted vultures…
Res. 09420-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Negativa de conexión de agua potable por existencia de naciente
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by the owner of a property in San José de la Montaña, Barva, against the ASADA of Porrosati for denying him connection to the potable water service. The ASADA based its denial on the existence of a water spring in front of the property. The claimant argued that he meets the requirements of Article 68…
Res. 00136-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra viabilidad ambiental del Parque Logístico Coyol
The Constitutional Chamber flatly rejects an amparo petition filed against MINAE, SETENA, and the Municipality of Alajuela regarding the environmental viability granted to the Coyol Logistics Park project. The petitioner argued that viability was granted without adequate environmental and traffic impact studies, and that her objections were dismissed as…
Res. 00498-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de amparo: solicitud de medida cautelar en zona de protección del Río Agres
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a citizen against the Municipality of Escazú, MINAE, OIJ, and the Prosecutor's Office. The petitioner sought to halt commercial use and construction within the Río Agres protection zone, alleging environmental harm and a lack of precautionary measures in a criminal investigation. The Chamber dismissed the…
Res. 00445-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación de humo de fogón y horno de leña
The Constitutional Court reviews a writ of amparo filed by an elderly woman against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Escazú for failing to resolve her complaint about smoke pollution from her neighbor's wood-burning stove and oven. The petitioner claims the authorities have not prevented the use of these devices, which harm her health and…
Res. 00449-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por obstrucción del río María Aguilar y falta de respuesta municipal
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by residents of Curridabat against the Municipality of Curridabat regarding obstruction of the María Aguilar riverbed by a bamboo clump, mesh, sediment, and other materials. The plaintiffs alleged that despite filing a complaint on May 5, 2022 (case No. 8494-2022), the municipality had neither resolved the…
Res. 00560-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo por incumplimiento de prevención sobre copia de denuncia ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo action filed against the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) for allegedly failing to resolve an environmental complaint concerning the illegal diversion of a river channel. The petitioner argued that the right to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment was violated by the TAA's inaction for…
Res. 00660-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Mora del Tribunal Ambiental Administrativo en denuncia ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo against the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) for delay in resolving an environmental complaint filed in 2017 against Hotel Pacuare Lodge. The petitioner alleges violation of the right to a prompt and completed procedure and to a healthy environment. The Chamber finds that despite inspections and…
Res. 00609-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso al agua potable y plazo para resolver recurso de apelación
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo against the AyA for delay in resolving potable water availability for a property in Curubandé, Liberia. The petitioner applied in August 2022; AyA denied availability because there were no networks in front of the property and required building an easement, extending piping, and submitting plans. The petitioner…
Res. 01069-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Orden de coordinar plan para solucionar inundaciones en Urbanización El Porvenir
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by residents of Urbanización El Porvenir in San Ramón, who report recurrent flooding caused by the overflow of the Quebrada Estero, exacerbated by sediments, mud, garbage, and illegal wastewater connections. The petitioners point to omissions by the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA), the…
Res. 01058-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Postura sobre altura de chimeneas excede el amparo ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber rejects a motion to supplement and clarify a ruling that denied an amparo filed by a resident of Escazú. The plaintiff alleged inaction by the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Escazú regarding an environmental complaint about wood smoke pollution lodged in 2021. The Chamber confirmed that both agencies processed the…
Res. 01174-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición de información pública sindical sobre recurso hídrico incumplido parcialmente por AyA
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by the General Secretary of the Union of Workers of the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (SITRAA) against the Institute (AyA), claiming lack of response to a detailed 11-point public information request covering access to potable water, institutional finances, infrastructure projects,…
Res. 01228-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo sobre derecho de petición y acceso a información del proyecto Agua para la Bajura
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by the Asociación Confraternidad Guanacasteca against the Presidency of the Republic for lack of response to a request submitted on November 14, 2022, seeking detailed information about the “Agua para la Bajura” project. The petitioner alleged violation of the right to petition and access to public…
Res. 01738-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de sentencia sobre prohibición del Fipronil
The Constitutional Chamber rules on a non-compliance claim filed by an active coadjuvant regarding ruling 2021024807, which ordered several state authorities to complete technical studies on the effects of the pesticide Fipronil on bees and other pollinators, and to include adequate measures if serious harm was determined. The claimant argues that,…
Res. 01774-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe intervenir cauce del Río Cañas ante riesgo de inundaciones
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by residents of the Boca del Monte Phase 2 development and Concepción Arriba of Alajuelita, who claimed that erosion and flooding from the Cañas River were endangering their lives and homes since 2008, without the Municipality of Alajuelita or the National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency…
Res. 01797-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Solicitud de fundamento legal no constituye derecho de petición
The Constitutional Chamber denies an amparo filed by the president of an ecological association against the administrator of the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. The petitioner requested the legal basis for developing a zone of the refuge, referencing a communication from the Environmental Prosecutor's Office. The administration argued that the…
Res. 01800-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad de Nicoya omite atender denuncia ambiental sobre invasión de zona marítimo terrestre en Playa Sámara
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action against the Municipality of Nicoya for failing to process and resolve an environmental complaint filed on November 18, 2021, concerning illegal construction and occupation in the coastal zone (ZMT) of Playa Sámara, specifically at boundary markers M128 and M127 and an adjacent property. The Chamber…
Res. 01877-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Conexiones ilícitas de aguas pluviales en urbanización no constituyen daño probado a la salud o al ambiente
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by Mutual Sociedad de Fondos de Inversión S.A., the operator of a wastewater treatment plant in the Las Palmeras housing development, Heredia. The petitioner asserts that many property owners have built structures (some without permits) that connect rainwater into the sanitary sewer, disrupting the plant's…
Res. 01931-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Desestimación de amparo por inhabitabilidad de vivienda en Quitirrisí
The petitioner, owner of a home in the indigenous territory of Quitirrisí de Mora, filed an amparo against the Municipality of Mora and the Ministry of Health, claiming that the declaration of uninhabitability and the eviction order violated her fundamental rights. She argued that the Municipality granted the construction permit in 2015 without noticing…
Res. 07571-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de respuesta municipal y ministerial ante denuncia de contaminación de naciente en Abangares
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed and granted an amparo action filed by the representative of a rural water board (ASADA) against the Municipality of Abangares, the Health Area of the Ministry of Health, and SINAC, due to their failure to respond and insufficient action regarding an environmental complaint filed on September 29 and October 10, 2022. The…
Res. 17174-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Órdenes administrativas del SINAC en áreas de bosque como actos iniciales del procedimiento administrativo
The Constitutional Chamber ruled on an amparo appeal filed by the owner of a property in Buenos Aires, Puntarenas, who challenged an administrative order issued by SINAC officials. The order prohibited him from cutting trees, applying agrochemicals, allowing the entry of bovine or domestic animals, cutting undergrowth, planting crops, and required him to…
Res. 25235-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Demora municipal en demolición de construcción ilegal en bien demanial
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the Municipality of Grecia for failing to demolish an illegal construction built on municipal land designated as a children's park, despite the complaint filed in 2020. It was verified that the building lacks permits, encroaches on public roads, and affects water management. The Municipality…
Res. 92341-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Admisión de acción de inconstitucionalidad contra Manual de Planes Reguladores Costeros
The Constitutional Chamber admits an unconstitutionality action against several articles of the Manual for the Preparation of Coastal Regulatory Plans in the Maritime-Terrestrial Zone, published in 2021. The claimant argues that these norms eliminate environmental controls and create unjustified exceptions to the requirement of subjecting coastal…
Res. 26770-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de infraestructura pluvial en Cóbano
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by residents of the Cóbano district, Puntarenas, against the District Municipal Council and the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation. The petitioners alleged the failure to build a stormwater drainage system on the district route C6-01-001, at the Playa del Carmen-Quebrado del Carmen crossing, causing…
Res. 29835-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión del Ministerio de Salud en atender problemas de salud pública y ambientales en Home Creek
Residents of the Home Creek community in Talamanca filed an amparo against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA) and the Ministry of Health, alleging that ICAA denied them potable water service and that they were forced to drink water from contaminated artisanal wells, leading to vomiting and diarrhea, especially among children and the…
Res. 30549-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Inacción sanitaria frente a criaderos de zancudos en Inbioparque
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action filed by a SINAC employee against SINAC and the Ministry of Health, alleging deficient sanitary conditions at the Inbioparque Ecological Park —her workplace— leading to the proliferation of mosquito breeding sites, including dengue vectors. The employee claims that workers are constantly bitten and that…
Res. 31213-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Vecinos de Santa Paula I: contaminación por aguas servidas
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by residents of the Santa Paula I neighborhood in San Pablo de Barva, Heredia, who reported pollution from the discharge of wastewater and other liquid and solid waste originating from a development built on higher ground. The applicants argued that, despite having approached the Municipality of Barva and…
Res. 33313-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Desfogue de aguas negras en alcantarillado pluvial genera amparo
A resident of Heredia filed an amparo action against the Ministry of Health, the Municipality of Heredia, and CONAVI due to an ongoing discharge of untreated wastewater affecting her community. After ten months of complaints without resolution, the Constitutional Court granted the appeal. The court found that, although inspections ruled out a sanitary…
Res. 29457-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental por extracción de materiales del río Seco se declara sin lugar
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo action against the Municipal Council of Cóbano and MINAE regarding the extraction of materials from the Seco River for road repairs following Hurricane Eta. The majority holds that the claimant failed to file a prior complaint with the administrative authorities, a requirement established in case law for the…
Res. 00364-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo contra Decreto de pólvora sin acto de aplicación
The Constitutional Chamber declares inadmissible the amparo filed by Rafael Ángel Paniagua Sáenz against the Executive Branch, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Public Security. The petitioner challenged the constitutionality of Executive Decree No. 27502-S (Regulation on the Use and Manufacture of Pyrotechnic Materials), arguing that…
Res. 00001-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Ampliación de plazo para cierre de vertedero en Turrialba
The Constitutional Chamber addresses the request filed by the mayor of Turrialba for an additional twelve-month extension to comply with the action plan ordered in previous rulings, aimed at resolving the environmental problems caused by the municipal landfill. The Court acknowledges the complexity of handling new public projects, especially those…
Res. 00005-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia en amparo por manejo de residuos sólidos en Paquera
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses a contempt motion filed in an amparo concerning solid waste management in the Paquera district. The original judgment ordered the municipal authorities and the Ministry of Health to immediately restore waste collection services and provide a definitive solution within ten months. A previous contempt motion was denied,…
Res. 00059-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Contaminación sónica de local comercial no es competencia de amparo
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismissed an amparo filed by a resident of Tilarán against the commercial establishment Playa Tila for alleged noise and light pollution. The petitioner argued that the business was operating under irregularly obtained municipal licenses and that the Ministry of Health had not properly addressed neighbors' complaints,…
Res. 00180-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Participación pesquera en ampliación Isla del Coco
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo action brought by artisanal fishers against the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), claiming the absence of a mandatory prior consultation with coastal communities regarding the expansion of Isla del Coco National Park and the Montes Submarinos Marine Management Area. The majority holds that the…
Res. 00157-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo sobre cancelación de servicentro
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses an amparo action filed by an ecological development association against the General Directorate of Transportation and Fuel Marketing. The petitioner had requested the definitive cancellation of the public service concession for a gas station, alleging violations. The authority responded that its inaction was…
Res. 00439-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Desbordamiento de quebrada y omisión municipal en Paraíso de Cartago
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by residents of Barrio La Soledad, in Paraíso de Cartago, who for over twelve years have suffered recurrent flooding due to the overflow of the Pollo River stream, caused by inadequate underground piping that leads to blockages. The petitioners argue that the floods endanger their lives, the integrity…
Res. 00415-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Moscas y malos olores por granja avícola: falta de diligencia de autoridades
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by a neighbor against the Ministry of Health and the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) due to persistent flies and foul odors from the PECASA poultry farm, affecting his home and his family's health. The plaintiff had filed complaints since January 2021, but after multiple inspections and…
Res. 00567-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de acceso a información sobre denuncia ambiental por herbicidas
The petitioner, a forestry engineer and president of the Biodiversity Coordination Network, filed an environmental complaint with the Ministry of Health against the Municipality of Santa Bárbara for using prohibited herbicides in public spaces. After a sanitary order was issued, she requested the technical inspection report and the sanitary order from the…
Res. 00577-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de respuesta a denuncia sobre herbicidas
The Biodiversity Coordination Network Association filed an amparo action against the Ministry of Health, alleging lack of response to a complaint filed on August 24, 2021, against the Municipality of San Rafael de Heredia for violation of a health alert on herbicide use in human coexistence spaces, specifically the use of Bastar 14SL herbicide. The…
Res. 00580-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de respuesta a solicitud de información ambiental sobre herbicidas en Puriscal
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by the president of the Biodiversity Coordination Network against the Ministry of Health for failing to respond to an information request submitted on October 18, 2021, concerning a complaint about the use of herbicides by the Municipality of Puriscal. The evidence shows that the request was sent to…
Res. 00584-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de notificar resultado de inspección tras denuncia ambiental municipal
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by a Grecia resident against the Municipality of Grecia. The plaintiff alleged that since April 2021 she had filed a complaint about dirty, contaminated water being channeled from a cantonal road into her property, causing health and property damage. Although the municipality carried out an on-site…
Res. 00613-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra ARESEP por omisión de respuesta y denuncia ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber ruled on an amparo appeal filed against ARESEP for failure to respond to a request for information about a gas station's records. The petitioner also reported alleged fuel dispenser tampering and environmental damage, invoking the in dubio pro natura principle. The Chamber distinguished between the administrative complaint and…
Res. 00792-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Plazos de respuesta administrativa en permisos de zoológico
The Association La Galería del Arte Increíble Niños Salvando el Bosque filed, in August 2019, before the Quepos Subregional Office of the Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC-SINAC), the management plan and other documentation to obtain the operating permit for the Kids Saving the Rainforest zoo. After more than two years of processing without a final…
Res. 01173-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición y pronta respuesta sobre implementación de red 5G
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a citizen against the Ministry of Science, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT) for failing to respond to an information request about the 5G network project submitted on November 24, 2021. The authority claimed the delay was due to the complexity of the queries and year-end institutional…
Res. 00421-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Inhabitabilidad de vivienda en reserva nacional y deberes municipales de alcantarillado pluvial
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by two residents of Barrio Los Ángeles, Tejar de El Guarco, against the Municipality of El Guarco and the local Health Area Directorate. The petitioners allege that the ditch adjoining their home collapsed due to rains and lack of maintenance, causing foul odors, mosquito breeding, and structural…
Res. 00562-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de respuesta del AyA sobre capacidad hídrica
The Desamparados Ecologist Group filed an amparo action against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA) for failing to respond to their challenge of the water availability certificate granted to the La Arboleda housing project. The applicants noted that AyA's communication PRE-2021-2021 stated there was no water or sewage availability, yet…
Res. 01139-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Contaminación sónica por local comercial sin medidas sanitarias adecuadas
The petitioner alleged that the Mercado Gastronómico Skala generated noise pollution, crowds, and other nuisances that the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of San José had failed to address. The Chamber examined the reports and found that the authorities had responded to all complaints, conducting inspections, noise measurements, and notifying the…
Res. 01266-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de amparo por falta de denuncia previa ante autoridades administrativas
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses the amparo petition filed by a resident of San Francisco de Dos Ríos against several public entities. The petitioner alleged sonic and environmental contamination, drug sales, and public safety issues at Okayama Park, claiming violation of his fundamental rights. The Chamber reiterates that it is not a…
Res. 01410-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de gestión posterior sobre solución de aguas servidas
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses a post-judgment motion filed after an amparo ruling that ordered authorities to provide a comprehensive solution to sewage contamination in the Residencial Estancia Antigua. The petitioners challenged measures such as disconnecting the sewer pipe and building septic tanks, arguing they were inadequate. The Chamber…
Res. 01714-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Respuesta tardía a solicitud ambiental por correo electrónico
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by the president of the Biodiversity Coordination Network Association against the Ministry of Health. The petitioner had requested, via email to the environmental officer assigned to her complaint, information about the destruction process of a herbicide by a company. Although the Ministry provided…
Res. 01668-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Competencia para atender denuncias de ruido por ladridos de perros de establecimiento comercial
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed against the Ministry of Health, SENASA, and the Municipality of San José, brought by the representative of a residential condominium alleging noise pollution from dog barking originating from an adjacent commercial establishment. The petitioner claimed that none of the entities adequately addressed…
Res. 02222-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo prematuro contra SETENA por denuncia ambiental sobre Mina Bella Vista
The Constitutional Court dismisses an amparo appeal as premature. The petitioner, representing the Preserve Planet Association, claimed that the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA) failed to respond to a complaint filed on December 20, 2021, regarding alleged irregular mining at Mina Bella Vista, Miramar de Puntarenas. The Court finds…
Res. 02420-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Deber de atender denuncias ambientales no implica resultado favorable inmediato
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by a resident of San José de la Montaña against the Ministry of Health, claiming that his complaint about environmental and noise pollution, filed in September 2021, had not been addressed. The complainant alleged noise, dust, vibrations, and foul odors from heavy machinery stored on a neighboring…
Res. 02292-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Cumplimiento de orden para resolver contaminación por aguas residuales no constituye desobediencia
The Constitutional Chamber reviews a claim of disobedience filed by the petitioner, who alleged that the condemned authorities had failed to establish the ordered timeline of activities and communicate the definitive solution to the sewage contamination problem on their property, as ordered in judgment No. 2021-21905. The Chamber notes that, after the…
Res. 02410-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión ministerial y del CTAC ante denuncia ambiental por fumigación aérea
The Constitutional Chamber granted amparo to the petitioner, who complained that the Talamanca Health Directorate and the Technical Council of Civil Aviation (CTAC) failed to resolve or properly inform about environmental complaints filed since November 2019. The complaints concerned aerial fumigation with agrochemicals near homes in Talamanca, affecting…
Res. 02472-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Violación del derecho a respuesta formal en denuncia por herbicidas
The petitioner, president of the Biodiversity Coordination Network, filed an amparo against the Ministry of Health for failing to formally respond to her request to reopen an administrative complaint. The original complaint, filed on September 15, 2021, alleged that the Municipality of Nicoya was using herbicides in human coexistence spaces in violation of…
Res. 02340-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
SETENA debe resolver recurso de revocatoria en incidente de nulidad ambiental sin dilaciones indebidas
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA) for the alleged failure to definitively resolve an absolute nullity incident filed against the environmental viability of a project. The Chamber verifies that, although the incident was initially rejected, the interested party filed a motion…
Res. 02357-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de respuesta de ASADA a solicitudes sobre disponibilidad de agua
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the ASADA of Pablo Presbere for failing to respond to two requests filed by the petitioner on October 17 and 21, 2021, in which she sought information on how to obtain potable water service for a lot in Horquetas de Sarapiquí, after the ASADA issued a non-availability certificate. The petitioner…
Res. 02370-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición y acceso a información sobre Compañías de Activos Naturales
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) for failing to respond to an information request sent by email. The petitioner sought explanations on Natural Asset Companies (NACs), agreements with the Rockefeller Foundation and IEG within the COP26 framework, and their impact on private property…
Res. 02496-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Dilación en medida cautelar por amenaza a naciente
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Administrative Environmental Tribunal (TAA) for failing to resolve a request for a precautionary measure in an administrative proceeding regarding the invasion of the protection area of a permanent spring on Finca 3 of the University of Costa Rica (UCR). The petitioners filed a complaint in…
Res. 01676-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Orden de demolición en Loma Salitral por incumplimientos urbanos
The Constitutional Chamber denies an amparo action filed by an informal settlement dweller in Desamparados who sought to halt the demolition of her home. The Chamber verifies that the property lies within the Loma Salitral Special Forest Protection Zone, where the local land-use plan allows only one dwelling per estate. The Municipality of Desamparados had…
Res. 01625-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia de amparo sobre derechos de pozo y tanque de acueducto
The Constitutional Chamber examines a noncompliance claim filed by the petitioners in amparo case 18-005217-0007-CO, wherein AyA and the ASADA of Coyolito had been ordered to take measures to regularize the rights over a well and tank used for community water supply, or transfer the aqueduct administration to AyA. The court had granted several extensions…
Res. 01695-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso al expediente y respuesta a denuncia ambiental calificada
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a citizen who reported to the Municipality of Curridabat the construction of a private bridge over the Pruses River, apparently without the required environmental and municipal permits, potentially causing environmental harm. The complaint was filed on September 1, 2021, and the Municipal Council referred…
Res. 01784-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de SINAC en atender denuncia de ocupación ilegal en manglar
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by an individual against SINAC's Tempisque Conservation Area for failing to respond to an information request and complaint about illegal constructions in the Lagarto River estuary mangrove, Playa Sámara, on State Natural Heritage and Public Zone lands. The complaint was filed on October 8, 2021, with no…
Res. 01802-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe coordinar con Salud para resolver contaminación de Río Frío
The Constitutional Chamber grants an amparo against the Municipality of Los Chiles for failing to resolve an environmental complaint regarding pollution of the Río Frío and a private property. The petitioning company denounced in January 2020 and March 2021 that stormwater and untreated wastewater were draining onto its land and into the river, causing…
Res. 03168-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Cumplimiento del TAA al dictar acto final tras orden de amparo
The Constitutional Chamber resolves a second contempt proceeding brought by the petitioner against the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) for failing to issue the final act in the case concerning the reconstruction of Route 606 Guácima–Santa Elena, as ordered in judgment 2020-009220. Although in a previous proceeding (2021) the Chamber found gross…
Res. 03324-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión municipal de resolver denuncia sobre canasta de residuos comunales
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action against the Municipality of Goicoechea and the Ministry of Health regarding the installation of a communal waste basket on Alameda No. 9, Kurú Urbanization, one meter from the plaintiff's house. The plaintiff alleged adverse health effects from odors, gases, insects, and rodents, as well as obstruction of…
Res. 03172-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Denegatoria de prórroga de concesión minera en zona protectora no exige expropiación inmediata
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by two corporations owning land within the Cerros de La Carpintera Protective Zone, which had held a 1994 mining concession for 25 years. When renewal was sought, SINAC denied it because mining was incompatible with the Management Plan. The petitioners argued this restriction emptied their property right,…
Res. 03192-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión Municipal en Fiscalización de Construcciones y Actividades Ilegales en Zona de Protección Hídrica
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by a resident of La Giralda residential area, Alajuela, against the Municipality of Alajuela. The petitioner alleged that since 2009, unpermitted constructions and commercial activities have been taking place on the properties —specifically, a lot designated for building but used as a public road, and an…
Res. 03196-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra omisión de seguimiento a denuncia ambiental por carboneras clandestinas
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed the amparo filed by a resident of Patarrá de Desamparados against the Ministry of Health, alleging lack of response to a follow-up request on an environmental complaint and the ongoing pollution from clandestine charcoal furnaces and an illegal dump in the Cerros La Carpintera Protective Zone. The claimant asserted that…
Res. 03226-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Inadmisibilidad de amparo por no agotar vía administrativa en denuncia forestal
The Constitutional Chamber analyzed an amparo action filed against the Environmental Administrative Tribunal for an alleged failure to process a complaint regarding a violation of the Forestry Law. The plaintiff argued that the TAA had not resolved his complaint nor conducted necessary inspections within a reasonable time, violating his fundamental rights.…
Res. 03259-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Parámetros de ruido en salones comunales
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo appeal filed by a resident of Montes de Oca who, in August 2016, submitted a note to the Municipality and the Health Area requesting a limit on noise from community halls and dwellings in the canton after 9 p.m., alleging noise pollution and its health effects. The complainant claims he never received a response.…
Res. 03266-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión municipal en atender denuncias ambientales y respuesta tras amparo
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by a resident of Moravia against the Mayor, alleging failure to address complaints about overgrown vacant lots, trash, and obstructed sidewalks affecting health and free transit. The claimant argued that despite filing complaints in August and September 2021, she had received no written response or…
Res. 03746-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Inejecución rechazada por cumplimiento tardío del TAA
The Constitutional Chamber reviews a non-compliance motion filed by Mauricio Arias Ruiz regarding judgment No. 2020-008926 of May 15, 2020, which had granted an amparo action and ordered the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) to resolve an environmental complaint filed in October 2018 within two months. The petitioner alleges failure to comply.…
Res. 03850-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Excitativa al Presidente sobre fumigación aérea no genera obligación de respuesta
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses an amparo filed by Marco Levy Virgo, president of the Ecology Development Association, against the President of the Republic. The claimant alleged no response to his November 11, 2021, request asking the President, as head of the National Environmental Council, to order the Minister of Agriculture to seek…
Res. 03905-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Instalación de torre de telecomunicaciones en barrio residencial es asunto de legalidad ordinaria
The Constitutional Court rejects on the merits an amparo appeal filed by a neighbor in Alajuela against the installation of a 5G telecommunications tower in front of his home. The appellant claimed harm to his family's health, landscape, and right to information due to lack of prior consultation. The Court reiterates its settled case law: there is no…
Res. 03378-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Inactividad municipal frente a deslizamientos y aguas pluviales en Quitirrisí
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a property owner in the indigenous territory of Quitirrisí de Mora, whose home was affected by stormwater from neighboring properties and a nearby landslide. The claimant alleged that despite inspections by the Municipality of Mora and the Ministry of Health since 2018, the problem remained unsolved. The…
Res. 03409-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de respuesta en denuncia ambiental y aguas pluviales municipales
The Constitutional Chamber rules on an amparo filed by a resident of Grecia who reported to the Ministry of Health the invasion of stormwater runoff from the municipal road that affected her home and her elderly mother's health. The petitioner alleged lack of a timely response. The Chamber considers environmental complaints an exception to the general rule…
Res. 03940-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Rechazo de aclaración sobre órdenes de amparo ambiental
The Municipality of Alajuela sought clarification and amplification of Judgment No. 2021-024616, which granted an amparo action against SETENA, SENARA, and the municipality itself over alleged irregularities in the development of the Lankaster condominium project. The municipality argued it had complied with the recommendations of internal audit report…
Res. 03965-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión del TAA en resolver denuncia ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) for failing to resolve an environmental complaint filed by owners of a farm in Naranjo. The complainants alleged that municipal road-widening works caused erosion, landslides, and damage to their property. The TAA opened an investigation, requested…
Res. 03983-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Desobediencia de orden de resolver medida cautelar ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber hears a non-compliance motion against the president of the Environmental Administrative Tribunal regarding the failure to obey Judgment No. 2022002496. In that prior judgment, the Chamber ordered an on-site inspection and, within three days after its completion, resolution of the precautionary measure requested by the plaintiffs…
Res. 04265-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de orden de suministro de agua potable a comunidad Alto de la Perica
The Constitutional Chamber resolves a contempt proceeding filed by residents of the Alto de la Perica community against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) and the Institute of Rural Development (INDER). In the original ruling (2020-020336), the Chamber had ordered: 1) to prepare within three months a schedule for the execution of an…
Res. 04204-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Instalación de postes de telecomunicaciones y derechos fundamentales
The Constitutional Chamber rejects on the merits an amparo action filed by residents of Turrialba against the Municipality for authorizing Golden Comunicaciones to install telecommunications poles on public roads. The plaintiffs alleged harm to health, privacy, and a healthy environment due to noise, obstruction, and proximity to homes. The Chamber…
Res. 04269-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra construcción de planta recicladora de baterías en Pococí
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed the amparo filed by residents of Jiménez de Pococí against the Municipality of Pococí, the Ministry of Health, and MINAE regarding the construction of a battery recycling plant. The claimants argued that lead handling threatened the environment and health due to proximity to the Jiménez River and drinking water wells.…
Res. 04512-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por omisión de viabilidad ambiental en permiso sanitario
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the Ministry of Health and SETENA regarding the granting of a sanitary operating permit to Transportes Flores 053 S.A. for the treatment of hazardous hospital waste, allegedly without an environmental viability license. The petitioner claims violation of the precautionary and preventive principles,…
Res. 04571-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Respuesta tardía de municipalidad a denuncia sobre erosión por servidumbre pluvial
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by condominium owners in Escazú who claimed that a municipal stormwater easement directed water to the La Cruz River, causing erosion that undermined their homes and endangered their lives and property. They alleged the municipality failed to definitively solve the problem and build protective works. The…
Res. 04631-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de notificar respuesta municipal sobre torre de telecomunicaciones lesiona debido proceso
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a resident against the Cóbano District Council for failing to respond to a request to demolish a telecommunications structure built without permits near Hotel Selina Sur. The petitioner argued that the lack of response violated his right to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment. During the…
Res. 04640-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
El deber de resolver denuncias por aguas residuales en un plazo razonable
The Constitutional Chamber examines an amparo appeal filed by a resident of Goicoechea who alleges that the local Health Area has failed to adequately address a wastewater seepage problem from a neighboring property, affecting his family's health. The appellant recounts that since 2017 he has complained about the issue, obtaining at that time health orders…
Res. 05085-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por falta de resolución del TAA en denuncia de entubamiento de quebrada
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) for delay in resolving an environmental complaint regarding the piping of 70 meters of the Caída stream in Cartago, filed in 2010. After over eleven years of proceedings, including an oral hearing in October 2019, the TAA had not issued a final…
Res. 05094-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Denuncia ambiental no resuelta por municipalidad
The Constitutional Chamber rules on an amparo action filed by a resident of Esparza against the Municipality for failing to resolve an environmental and noise pollution complaint lodged on August 31, 2021. The complaint targeted a company operating a workshop and factory in a residential area, causing noise and traffic. The Chamber confirms that although…
Res. 05112-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por respuesta incompleta sobre Plan Regulador de Escazú
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by the president of the Trejos Montealegre Neighborhood Civic Association (ACUTREM) against the Municipality of Escazú. The petitioner claims that after submitting a note on December 22, 2021, to the Department of Urban Planning and Control, pointing out alleged nullities in the modification process of the…
Res. 05119-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Mora municipal en denuncia por lote abandonado insalubre
The Constitutional Court granted an amparo against the Municipality of Desamparados for failing to definitively resolve an environmental complaint about an abandoned, unsanitary lot, filed in July 2021. The complainant argued that the abandonment facilitated fires, drug use, trash accumulation, and threatened her health and life. The Court held that…
Res. 05122-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Respuesta tardía a solicitud de información ambiental y costas
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by Marco Levy Virgo against the Área de Conservación Amistad Caribe (ACLAC) for failing to respond to an environmental information request made on December 15, 2021. The petitioner sought certified coordinates and names of beneficiaries of use and construction permits issued by the Municipal Council…
Res. 05192-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Improcedencia de amparo por falta de respuesta a denuncia administrativa ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed an amparo filed by a citizen who had reported alleged environmental and urban planning violations to the Municipality of Garabito, including earthworks without environmental viability. The plaintiff claimed a violation of the right to petition and to prompt justice. The Chamber found that the request was not a simple…
Res. 05253-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Recurso de amparo inadmisible por falta de gestión previa ante la Municipalidad de La Unión por proyecto habitacional
The Constitutional Chamber declares inadmissible an amparo petition filed by neighbors against the Municipality of La Unión for authorizing a housing project by Urbanizadora La Laguna. The petitioners alleged that construction was affecting the aquifer of the 'Chiguite' spring and the 'El Violín' stream, causing water contamination. However, the Court…
Res. 05037-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Gestión de desobediencia sobre medida cautelar en expediente ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber hears a subsequent motion filed by petitioners Mechthild Bors de Barquero and Paulina Mata Monge, concerning judgment No. 2022002496 of January 28, 2022, which ordered the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) to conduct an on-site inspection and to rule within three days on a request for a precautionary measure to halt…
Res. 27086-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Ejecución de sentencia sobre contaminación por clorotalonil en Cipreses
The Constitutional Chamber resolves a post-judgment enforcement motion filed by the petitioner regarding ruling No. 2022-026065, which had ordered comprehensive remediation of chlorothalonil metabolite contamination in the Plantón and Carlos Calvo springs of the Cipreses de Oreamuno ASADA. The petitioner alleges new facts: the contamination has spread to…
Res. 07464-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de atender denuncia ambiental en Playas Higuito y Pilón
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action filed by the president of the Pavones Chamber of Tourism against the Ministry of Health, the Municipality of Golfito, the Osa Conservation Area (SINAC), and other authorities. The plaintiff argued that despite having reported the existence of informal constructions and shacks —discharging untreated…
Res. 13750-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Acceso a expediente de viabilidad ambiental de planta gasificadora
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed a habeas corpus (amparo) filed by an attorney who requested certified copies of the environmental viability administrative file for an Ordinary Waste Gasification Plant (D1-12116-2014) from SETENA, the Carrillo Health Governing Area, and Coopeguanacaste R.L. Regarding SETENA, the Court granted the appeal because it was…
Res. 17792-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Cierre del Parque Ambiental de Desechos de Garabito y acumulación de basura en vía pública
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by the Garabito Chamber of Sustainable Commerce and Tourism against the Ministry of Health, the Municipality of Garabito, and the Environmental Administrative Tribunal, due to the accumulation of trash on streets, sidewalks, and public spaces after the closure of the Garabito Environmental Waste Park.…
Res. 22767-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
ASADAS de Santa Rita, La Tabla y Santa Isabel vs. MINAE y otros sobre contaminación de fuentes de agua
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses a claim of non-compliance brought by representatives of the ASADAs of Santa Rita, Santa Isabel, and La Tabla, who argued that the respondent authorities had failed to comply with Judgment No. 2019-695, which ordered the start of cleanup and elimination of pesticide residues from the water sources supplying those…
Res. 21889-2019 Sala Constitucional2019 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por construcciones ilegales en zona protectora Cerro de la Carpintera
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by residents of La Unión canton against the Municipality of La Unión. The residents reported illegal housing construction in the Cerros de la Carpintera, a protected zone established by executive decree with an inter-institutional management plan. The constructions lacked municipal permits, did not meet…
Res. 02816-2017 Sala Constitucional2017 · Sala Constitucional
Clausura de gasolinera construida sin permisos ni viabilidad ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber ruled on an amparo action against the Municipality of Upala for granting a land-use permit for a private gas station and allowing its construction without municipal permits or SETENA environmental viability. The court found that the land-use certificate was not a construction permit, so no violation occurred there. However, it…
Res. 13347-2017 Sala Constitucional2017 · Sala Constitucional
Suspensión de combustible a pesquero por pesca ilegal en refugio de vida silvestre
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by the owner of the fishing vessel 'Monarca' against INCOPESCA after the agency temporarily suspended (for three months) the competitive-price fuel benefit. The suspension followed the vessel being caught conducting trawl fishing inside the Camaronal Wildlife Refuge, a protected area. The petitioner…
Res. 14907-2017 Sala Constitucional2017 · Sala Constitucional
Estado condenado por abandono y falta de vigilancia efectiva en áreas silvestres protegidas
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action filed by FECON, SITRAMINAE and others against MINAE, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health and the Comptroller General, due to the neglect and insufficient resources in the national parks and equivalent reserves system. The Court found a violation of the right to a healthy and ecologically…
Res. 09795-2013 Sala Constitucional2013 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por participación ciudadana y tipo de EIA en proyecto comercial de Desamparados
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by a neighbor against SETENA, alleging a violation of the principle of citizen participation and that the 'Centro Comercial San Rafael S.A.' (Plaza Viva) project, with an area of 15,495 m², required an Environmental Impact Study (EsIA) rather than an Environmental Management Plan Prognosis (P-PGA).…
Res. 08931-2012 Sala Constitucional2012 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental por contaminación sónica y riesgo de derrumbe en precario
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by neighbors in Barrio México against the Municipality of San José and the Ministry of Health. They reported stormwater drainage problems, noise pollution, a clandestine welding workshop, and the imminent collapse of a shack built near a cliff in the Gloria Bejarano squatter settlement (Los Cipreses…
Res. 12645-2012 Sala Constitucional2012 · Sala Constitucional
Audiencias públicas SETENA son facultativas, no obligatorias
The Constitutional Chamber rejects a constitutional challenge against Article 95 of the Biodiversity Law (Law 7788) and Article 56 of the EIA Procedures Regulation (Decree 31849). The plaintiff argued that leaving SETENA discretion to hold public hearings on environmental impact projects violated the right to a healthy environment (Article 50 Constitution)…
Res. 17940-2010 Sala Constitucional2010 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento y principio precautorio en contaminación por vertedero de Tilarán
The Constitutional Chamber hears a second non-compliance proceeding regarding orders issued in decisions 2008-06568 and 2009-09627, which required the mayor of Tilarán and the director of the local health area to comprehensively address the environmental pollution caused by the municipal landfill. Reports from the authorities contradicted those of AyA and…
Res. 08770-2008 Sala Constitucional2008 · Sala Constitucional
Demora en expropiación en Parque Nacional Las Baulas y justicia pronta
The Constitutional Chamber grants an amparo action filed by the owner of a private property located within the Las Baulas National Marine Park. The court finds that the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) incurred an excessive and unjustified delay —nearly 10 years from the park's creation law and over 18 months since the public interest…
Res. 14873-2005 Sala Constitucional2005 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición por denuncia ambiental de matanza de tortugas baulas
The Constitutional Chamber hears a writ of amparo filed by the conservationist association YISKI against the Minister of Environment and Energy and the Director General of SINAC. The petitioner claims a violation of the right to petition and prompt resolution (Article 27 of the Constitution) because, since June 23, 2005, it filed a complaint about the…
Res. 01923-2004 Sala Constitucional2004 · Sala Constitucional
Aguas subterráneas, acuífero de Poás y principio precautorio en proyecto urbanístico
The Constitutional Chamber reviews the environmental clearance granted to the 'Linda Vista' high-density residential project, which relies on individual septic tanks and is situated on the recharge zone of the Poás aquifer. The Chamber finds the aquifer to be highly vulnerable to contamination, notes that existing hydrogeological studies are contradictory,…
Res. 14603-2003 Sala Constitucional2003 · Sala Constitucional
Desalojo en zona pública de la Zona Marítimo Terrestre sin derecho de ocupación
The Constitutional Chamber dismisses an amparo appeal against the Municipality of Osa concerning the eviction and demolition of structures located within the public zone of the Maritime Terrestrial Zone. The appellant, who ran a restaurant and residence in Dominicalito, claimed her rights were violated because the eviction was carried out while an appeal…
Res. 04407-2002 Sala Constitucional2002 · Sala Constitucional
Resolver gestión de ocupantes en reserva forestal
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by three occupants of the Los Planes Settlement, located in the former Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve. The petitioners allege that the Agrarian Development Institute (IDA) has not decided the petition they submitted on October 9, 2001, seeking a solution to the legal uncertainty caused by the annulment of…
Res. 01092-2001 Sala Constitucional2001 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento de sentencia previa sobre Zona Protectora Tivives
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed the amparo action against the Municipality of Esparza, IDA, the Ministry of Health, and MINAE regarding alleged illegal occupations and constructions in the Tivives Protective Zone. On the issue of illegal land tenure, the Chamber held that the matter had already been decided in ruling 1763‑94, which annulled…
Res. 01669-2000 Sala Constitucional2000 · Sala Constitucional
Responsabilidad solidaria del titular de empresa por daño ambiental no requiere procedimiento separado
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Administrative Environmental Tribunal (TAA) for imposing joint civil liability on the legal representative of a construction company without a prior individual procedure. The claimant alleged a due process violation. The Chamber held that Article 101 of the Organic Environmental Law…
Res. 00005-2026 Sala Primera de la Corte2026 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Deber de motivación del acto administrativo que deniega disponibilidad de agua potable
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice rejects the cassation appeal filed by an individual against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), which denied water and sewer availability for a single-family home project. The appellant argued that the denial lacked sufficient reasoning. The Chamber upholds the lower court’s dismissal…
Res. 00069-2026 Sala Tercera de la Corte2026 · Sala Tercera de la Corte
Inadmisibilidad de casación por reenvío en delito forestal
The Criminal Cassation Chamber of the Supreme Court declares inadmissible the cassation appeal filed by the Attorney General's Office against the ruling of the Specialized Appeals Tribunal for Organized Crime. The appellate court had upheld the criminal and civil conviction for violation of the Forestry Law but partially annulled the amount of…
Res. 00242-2026 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2026 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Desistimiento en proceso ambiental anula viabilidad de SETENA
Ruling No. 00242-2026 of the Administrative Appeals Court (January 13, 2026) grants the plaintiff's voluntary dismissal of his lawsuit, which had sought nullification of a SETENA environmental viability permit (Res. 1739-2017-SETENA), annulment of related SINAC acts, and restoration of forest on a property in Quepos. The plaintiff asserted a supervening…
Res. 00419-2026 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2026 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Inadmisibilidad de apelación contra acto preparatorio en reforma de plan regulador
The Administrative and Civil Hacienda Court confirms the inadmissibility of the appeal against inadmissibility filed by 3-101-648120 S.A. against Agreement 11 of ordinary session 132 of the Municipal Council of Santa Ana. The appellant challenged the Council's decision that had declared inadmissible a motion for reconsideration with subsidiary appeal…
Res. 00545-2026 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2026 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Inadmisibilidad de tercería estatal y falta de legitimación en plan regulador de Zona Protectora Tivives
The Sixth Section of the Contentious Administrative Court decided two accumulated actions. Regarding the State's third-party intervention, which sought to exclude municipal planning from the Tivives Protective Zone, the Court on its own motion found res judicata based on a prior final judgment (N° 2024000606) that had already granted that claim, thus…
Res. 00024-2026 Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda2026 · Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda
Revocatoria de inadmisión de coadyuvancia en proceso ambiental contra municipalidad
The Contentious-Administrative Appeals Court reverses a lower ruling that had excluded several coadjuvant parties from a proceeding brought by the Asociación de Protección Ambiental Valle Verde against the Municipality of Goicoechea. The appealed decision, issued by the Fifth Section of the Contentious-Administrative Court, had denied the joinder of the…
Res. 01006-2026 Sala Segunda de la Corte2026 · Sala Segunda de la Corte
Regencia interna ambiental y cobro del 25% adicional según Ley 8412
The Second Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice reverses a labor judgment that had denied an ICE chemical engineer the 25% additional payment for serving as internal environmental regent for several power generation projects. The court interprets Article 126 of the Regulation to Law 8412 (College of Chemical Engineers) and holds that the internal regent…
Res. 00009-2025 Sala Primera de la Corte2025 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Responsabilidad patrimonial del Estado por conducta lícita al anular viabilidad ambiental
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court hears a cassation appeal by Marina and Resort Moín S.A. against two rulings from the Administrative and Tax Court that dismissed its lawsuit seeking annulment of administrative acts and damages. The company had obtained an environmental feasibility permit from SETENA in 2008 for a real estate and marina project in…
Res. 00139-2025 Sala Primera de la Corte2025 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Casación y reenvío por falta de motivación en incumplimientos contractuales
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court hears a cassation appeal filed by Grupo Orosi S.A. against the Administrative Court’s ruling that had partially annulled the CETAC's contract termination but confirmed the existence of breaches by the consortium. The Chamber analyzes three procedural grounds: lack of clear and precise determination of proven facts,…
Res. 00239-2025 Sala Primera de la Corte2025 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Ejecución de sentencia constitucional por daño ambiental — responsabilidad del Estado por omisión en hacer cumplir orden sanitaria
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court resolves a cassation appeal filed by the State against a judgment enforcing a Constitutional Chamber ruling. The case originated from an environmental pollution complaint: a housing development was discharging wastewater onto the plaintiff's property, prompting a sanitary order from the Ministry of Health to the…
Res. 00266-2025 Sala Primera de la Corte2025 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Denegatoria de regularización de torre de telecomunicaciones construida sin permisos
The First Chamber reviews the cassation appeal filed by Continental Towers against the judgment that dismissed its claim for annulment of municipal acts and request for a construction permit for a self-supporting telecom tower. The company built the tower without a construction license or prior environmental viability. Subsequently, SETENA granted an…
Res. 00389-2025 Sala Primera de la Corte2025 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Competencia para cobro de indemnización ambiental del TAA
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court resolves a conflict of jurisdiction between the Specialized Collection Court of the Second Judicial Circuit of San José and the administrative litigation courts regarding a monetary order proceeding filed by the State to collect a compensatory indemnity imposed by the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) under…
Res. 00553-2025 Sala Primera de la Corte2025 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Denegatoria de prórroga de viabilidad ambiental en el Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas
The First Chamber upheld the denial of an environmental viability extension to build a home on private property within the boundaries of Las Baulas National Marine Park. The court held that private ownership does not prevent the State from protecting the area through environmental impact assessment, applying the precautionary principle. The location in an…
Res. 00886-2025 Sala Primera de la Corte2025 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Responsabilidad solidaria y deber de fundamentación en contratación administrativa
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice sets aside a lower court ruling that had held the State and the Administrative Board of a public school jointly liable for breach of a construction contract. The trial court failed to address a defense raised by the Board asserting that the contractor companies should share responsibility because they had a…
Res. 01438-2025 Sala Primera de la Corte2025 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Solicitudes de adición y aclaración rechazadas en caso de tajo y licencia municipal
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice rules on requests for addition and clarification filed by the Neighbors Association of Sierras de La Unión and the company Hacienda San Rafael H.R.S S.A., regarding prior judgment No. 001235-F-S1-2025. That judgment had partially upheld appeals, annulled municipal license No. 04-0717 for quarrying…
Res. 01599-2025 Sala Primera de la Corte2025 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Medida cautelar suspensión concesión minera Río Naranjo
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice addresses a request for modification of a precautionary measure filed by the plaintiff in an ordinary proceeding against the State and the company Los Manantiales del Pacífico NYS S.A. The main case had already been decided at first instance by the Administrative and Civil Tax Court, which granted the…
Res. 01690-2025 Sala Primera de la Corte2025 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Rechazo de revisión por investigación municipal ordenada en sentencia
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice flatly dismisses the review claim filed by the Mayor of Cartago against an earlier ruling by the same Chamber. That previous ruling upheld the trial court's order to investigate alleged irregularities in the approval of cadastral plans and construction permits issued in a sector of the canton since the…
Res. 00006-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Levantamiento de medida cautelar en refugio de vida silvestre por falta de permiso de uso
The Contentious-Administrative Court denies the precautionary measure requested by company 3-101-530680 S.A., which sought to suspend SINAC resolutions that had denied the removal of exotic vegetation (Jaragua grass and hicaco shrubs) on land located within the Preciosa-Platanares National Wildlife Refuge, and to authorize such cleanup with heavy machinery…
Res. 00036-2025 Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda2025 · Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda
Anulación de caducidad declarada en proceso ambiental por resolución consentida
The Contentious-Administrative and Civil Tax Appeals Court annuls two decisions of the lower court in a declaratory proceeding brought by Manizales J Cinco S.A. against the Municipality of Garabito, INVU, the State, SETENA, and Soluciones Integrales en Seguridad SIS S.A. The first decision had declared the contentious-administrative proceeding expired; the…
Res. 00053-2025 Tribunal Agrario2025 · Tribunal Agrario
Competencia agraria en derribo de árboles en zona de protección municipal
The Agrarian Tribunal, by majority vote, overrules the lower Agrarian Court of Cartago's decision to decline jurisdiction because the land belongs to the municipality. The plaintiff seeks removal of ten trees in the Norberta creek protection zone, alleging danger. The Tribunal holds that trees are natural resources governed by the Biodiversity Law. Article…
Res. 00088-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Incumplimiento de medida cautelar sobre Concesión Minera N° 7-2016
The resolution addresses a request to declare non-compliance with a precautionary measure ordered by the Contentious-Administrative Appeals Court in case 21-007586-1027-CA. The measure required the Directorate of Geology and Mines to conduct inter-institutional inspections every four months at Mining Concession No. 7-2016 and submit reports. The plaintiff,…
Res. 00094-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Improcedencia de indemnización por suspensión cautelar basada en principio in dubio pro natura
The Administrative Appeals Court denies the damages claim brought by a real estate developer against the Municipality of Escazú. The plaintiff alleged that the municipality unlawfully halted his subdivision permit process by pointing to the possible existence of a water spring on his property and applying the precautionary principle in dubio pro natura,…
Res. 00160-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Medida cautelar de relleno y aseguramiento en zona de protección del río Barranca
Jungle Park Investments sought a precautionary measure against CONAVI and Puentes y Calzadas to carry out fill and securing works on its property, claiming that bridge rehabilitation works over the Barranca River caused damage. The property sits in the river's protection zone, lacked a construction permit, and had prior erosion. The court assessed the…
Res. 00080-2025 Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda2025 · Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda
Litisconsorcio pasivo necesario en proceso ambiental
The Appellate Court for Administrative and Treasury Matters, First Section, hears an appeal by the plaintiff, Asociación de la Protección Ambiental Valle Verde, against a first-instance ruling that ordered the joinder of ASOMINAE as a necessary passive co-party. The court revokes the joinder, finding that ASOMINAE's presence is not essential to resolve the…
Res. 00979-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de permiso de construcción por fraccionamiento de proyecto ambiental
The Administrative Litigation Tribunal, acting as a non-hierarchical legality reviewer, hears the appeal filed by Fonseca Holdings S.A. against the Osa Municipal Mayor's resolution confirming the denial of a construction permit. The Municipality denied the permit on the grounds that the requested construction was part of a single project that had been…
Res. 01590-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Análisis de procedibilidad de actos de trámite en procedimientos administrativos ambientales en curso
The Administrative Contentious Court declares inadmissible in its entirety the lawsuit filed by WPP Continental de Costa Rica S.A. against the State, concerning the challenge of procedural acts within administrative files FEAP-037-2002-SETENA and 132-18-03-TAA, related to the Los Pinos landfill. The company sought the annulment of resolutions…
Res. 01982-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Falta de interés actual en medida cautelar contra viabilidad ambiental
The Administrative Court denied a preliminary injunction requested by the Municipality of Montes de Oro against Berthier EBI de Costa Rica S.A. The municipality sought to suspend a land-use certificate and the environmental viability license granted by SETENA (Resolution 02031-2023-SETENA, upheld by R-570-2024-MINAE). The court found that, although a prima…
Res. 00122-2025 Tribunal Agrario2025 · Tribunal Agrario
Requisitos y carga probatoria del sumario de derribo de árboles en zona de protección hídrica
The Agrarian Court annuls a ruling from the Guápiles Agrarian Court that had summarily dismissed a tree-felling summary action brought by a neighbor alleging imminent danger of trees falling onto dwellings. The lower court had refused to hear the case on the grounds that a logging permit had already been issued by SINAC. The Agrarian Court holds that the…
Res. 00126-2025 Tribunal Agrario2025 · Tribunal Agrario
Confirmación de medida cautelar por omisión de valoración integral de prueba en conflicto de agua
The Agrarian Tribunal confirmed a precautionary measure issued by the Cartago Agrarian Court in favor of the ASADA of Alto San Juan de Tarrazú, ordering the defendants to allow access to the water spring and infrastructure, provide keys to padlocks, and prohibiting tree-cutting or works within the spring protection zone. However, the Tribunal found that…
Res. 02115-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Suspensión de desalojo y demolición de vivienda en zona de protección
This ruling by the Contentious-Administrative Tribunal decides a precautionary measure requested by homeowners against the Municipality of Heredia, the State (MINAE), and SINAC. The Municipality ordered the eviction and partial demolition (50.42 m²) of the house for encroachment on public domain land in a water protection zone, per resolution…
Res. 02240-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Cancelación de concesión minera sobre el Río Naranjo por incumplimientos ambientales reiterados
The court upholds the claim brought by a private attorney against Los Manantiales del Pacífico N Y S S.A. and the State for breaches of the conditions governing the exploitation concession on the Río Naranjo bed, granted under resolution R-097-2018-MINAE. The Tribunal identified numerous irregularities: encroachment on protection zones of intermittent…
Res. 02428-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Denegatoria de medida cautelar por falta de instrumentalidad y daño no acreditado en concesión de extracción de material en río Barbilla
The Administrative Court denied the injunction sought by Martha Cecilia Muñoz Hernández, who requested the immediate suspension of material extraction activities by Desarrollos Henalfa, S.A. in the Barbilla River, claiming environmental damage and economic harm to her property. The Court found that the injunction lacked instrumentality, as the requested…
Res. 02958-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Improcedencia de nulidad de resoluciones de SETENA por archivo de viabilidad ambiental por incumplimientos reiterados
The Administrative-Contentious Tribunal denies the lawsuit filed by two trout-farming corporations against the State, seeking annulment of three SETENA and MINAE resolutions that refused to lift a precautionary suspension of environmental feasibility and ordered archiving of administrative file D1-1241-2006. The tribunal finds that Truchas San Gerardo S.A.…
Res. 03007-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Responsabilidad por inundaciones en San Pancracio y omisiones administrativas
The Administrative Court resolved a lawsuit by residents of the San Pancracio Settlement in Siquirres against two banana companies, the State, the Municipality of Siquirres and the CNE, for recurrent flooding. Claimants sought damages and mitigation works, arguing that unpermitted dikes and earthworks worsened flooding and that public entities failed to…
Res. 00347-2025 Tribunal Agrario2025 · Tribunal Agrario
Cosa juzgada impide reabrir discusión posesoria sobre franja de terreno
The Agrarian Tribunal upholds a ruling that partially granted a possessory injunction filed by PETER K DOS RÍOS S.A. against Ademar Varela Castro. The plaintiff claimed the defendant brought machinery onto its land and opened a road, causing material, moral, and environmental damages. The Tribunal finds res judicata based on a prior ordinary proceeding…
Res. 00116-2025 Tribunal de Apelación Civil y Trabajo Cartago Sede Cartago Materia Civil2025 · Tribunal de Apelación Civil y Trabajo Cartago Sede Cartago Materia Civil
Caducidad del interdicto: el plazo corre desde el inicio de los hechos perturbatorios, no desde que la parte afectada los descubre
The Civil and Labor Appeals Court of Cartago upheld the dismissal of an interdict action filed by Proyecto Esquipulas S.A. against Luis Ángel Jiménez Mora. The plaintiff alleged invasion, removal of boundary markers, and illegal logging on a 54.9-hectare property, mostly forest and scrubland. The trial court ordered the plaintiff to specify the exact date…
Res. 04386-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Suspensión del Reglamento a la Ley de Conservación de la Vida Silvestre
The Association of Wildlife Management Sites VITA EX SITU requested a precautionary measure to suspend entirely Executive Decree No. 40548 (Regulation to the Wildlife Conservation Law No. 7317), claiming it was absolutely null and caused serious harm to its members, who would lose their income by not being able to renew permits under the new rules. The…
Res. 04402-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de medida cautelar sobre traslado de residuos sólidos por la Ruta 32
The Administrative Contentious Court denied the interim injunction requested by the Municipality of Limón against Empresas Berthier Ebi de Costa Rica, S.A. and the State. The municipality sought to suspend the transport of solid waste from the Greater Metropolitan Area to the "El Tomatal" environmental treatment park in Limón, arguing that the transport…
Res. 04613-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección IV2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección IV
Deber de fiscalización municipal de construcciones y responsabilidad por daños continuados
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court fully overturned the lower court's judgment and remanded the case to the Contentious Administrative Tribunal (Section IV) to rule on the damages claimed by the three plaintiffs —Shon Shai Tsafrir, Olga Shutaleva, and the minor Lian Tsafrir Shutaleva— against the State (Ministry of Health), the Municipality of Escazú,…
Res. 03991-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Caducidad de medida cautelar ambiental por inactividad del actor
The Administrative and Civil Tax Court declares, sua sponte, the lapse of a precautionary measure filed by Alex Gustavo Campos Rojas against the Municipality of Garabito. The plaintiff sought an order for the municipality to take provisional measures to minimize environmental impact but failed to comply with the requirement to submit copies for notifying…
Res. 05188-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Inundaciones por entubamiento de quebrada no atribuibles a negligencia municipal
The Administrative-Contentious Tribunal denies a property owner's claim against the Municipality of Garabito for flooding on his property in Herradura. The plaintiff alleged that the Municipality negligently authorized construction of the Arenas Condominium without providing for the increased stormwater and sewage flows this development would cause,…
Res. 05320-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de medida cautelar por falta de fumus boni iuris y periculum in mora en construcción en Hacienda Miraflores
The Administrative Court denies the injunctive relief sought by Roberto Iglesias Mora on behalf of the diffuse interests of the Hacienda Miraflores Owners Association against the National Power and Light Company (CNFL) and José Luis Madrigal Villalobos. The petitioner sought to prevent CNFL from connecting electricity service and to bar Madrigal Villalobos…
Res. 05724-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de suspensión cautelar de orden sanitaria por relleno sanitario Los Pinos
The Administrative Contentious Court denied the precautionary measure requested by the Municipality of Cartago to suspend the sanitary order issued by the Ministry of Health, which required it to carry out maintenance works at the Los Pinos landfill. The Municipality argued that the technical and legal responsibility for the landfill belonged to WPP…
Res. 06518-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Orden sanitaria a operador de relleno sanitario es válida pese a conflicto contractual
The Contentious-Administrative and Civil Treasury Court dismisses the lawsuit filed by WPP Continental against the State and the Director of the Cartago Health Area. The company sought annulment of a sanitary order that prohibited it from receiving further waste in the Municipal-owned section of the Los Pinos landfill and ordered technical closure,…
Res. 07292-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de medida cautelar para evitar demolición de muro en cauce de quebrada
The company Wabe Carrocería y Pintura S.A. filed an urgent and very provisional atypical interim measure to prevent the State, through the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), from executing the demolition order of a retaining wall built in the Poró stream channel. The Administrative Litigation Tribunal denied the request, finding that the…
Res. 08646-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de medida cautelar por falta de apariencia de buen derecho en supervisión de zona de recarga acuífera
The Administrative Contentious Court denies in full the precautionary measure requested by the Costa Rican Federation for Environmental Conservation (FECON) and other co-plaintiffs against the Municipality of Belén, the State, AyA, SINAC, and private companies. The request sought the suspension of activities and new construction in the high-vulnerability…
Res. 08773-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de medida cautelar contra Decreto 44710-MINAE
The Administrative Court denied a precautionary measure sought by a geologist to suspend the effects of Executive Decree No. 44710-MINAE, which reforms environmental zoning provisions in land-use plans. The plaintiff argued deficiencies including elimination of the Environmental Fragility Index, introduction of untested alternative methodologies, SETENA's…
Res. 08952-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Ejecución de permiso de construcción para Parque de Tecnología Ambiental Galagarza
EMPRESAS BERTHIER EBI DE COSTA RICA S.A. sought enforcement of a final and favorable administrative act, Resolution No. 2232-2025 of the Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo (acting as improper hierarchical authority in municipal matters), which ordered the Municipality of Montes de Oro to issue a construction permit for the 'Parque de Tecnología Ambiental…
Res. 09328-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Cumplimiento parcial de medida cautelar en Playa Zapotillal
The Administrative Court, in enforcement proceedings, finds partial compliance with the interim injunction issued in November 2023 against the Municipality of Santa Cruz. The injunction aimed to protect the maritime-terrestrial zone of Playa Zapotillal and sea turtles, ordering the installation of physical barriers to block vehicles and constant police…
Res. 00869-2025 Tribunal Agrario2025 · Tribunal Agrario
Nulidad por preterición de prueba en mejor derecho de posesión
The Agrarian Court of San José annuls the ruling of the Agrarian Court of Upala that had upheld Marta Montano Hernández's claim for better right of possession over a 2-hectare plot. The court identifies multiple procedural defects: omission of evidence, as the appealed ruling neither assessed the defendants' testimonial evidence (generically labeling it as…
Res. 09551-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de defensa de cosa juzgada material sobre medida cautelar ambiental
The Administrative and Civil Tax Court, in Resolution No. 09551-2025, decides a preliminary defense of res judicata raised by Hacienda Guacalillo S.A. in a case filed by the National Power and Light Company (CNFL). CNFL sought a precautionary measure to allow access to a property for maintenance of transmission lines and a buffer slope. The defendant…
Res. 09593-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de defensa previa por agotamiento de la vía en proceso contencioso sobre permisos de uso en refugio de vida silvestre
The Contentious Administrative Tribunal resolves a preliminary objection of failure to exhaust administrative remedies filed by SINAC officials in a proceeding brought by two corporations. The plaintiffs seek nullification of administrative acts that disregarded use permits granted in the Maritime Terrestrial Zone of the Preciosa-Platanares Wildlife…
Res. 09643-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Cumplimiento parcial de condena municipal por vertido de aguas residuales
This ruling by the Administrative Litigation Court resolves the execution phase of judgment 67-2021-V, which ordered the Municipality of San Rafael de Heredia to carry out infrastructure works to address untreated stormwater and wastewater discharges affecting a property owned by Vera Garita Araya, and to pay material and moral damages. During execution,…
Res. 09977-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Medida cautelar para suspender exportación de tiburón sedoso y zorro rechazada
The Administrative Contentious Court rejects a precautionary measure filed by a private individual acting under popular environmental action to immediately suspend the export of silky shark and three thresher shark species, listed as threatened or endangered in resolution R-SINAC-CONAC-008-2021. Although the court acknowledges prima facie good right based…
Res. 10055-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de incompetencia para ejecutar sentencia ambiental
The Enforcement Judge of the Contentious Administrative Court rejects the jurisdictional challenge raised by Industrias Infinito S.A. to enforce judgment 4933-2010. The company argued that a parallel process before the Constitutional Chamber (file 19-0011277-007-CO) had a similar judgment and that joint enforcement would ensure adequate environmental…
Res. 10063-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Medida cautelar contra plan reparador penal y visitas del SINAC
The Administrative Litigation Court denies an injunction requested by Cristobal Matías Murasso Schellhorn against the State, SINAC, and an ASADA. The plaintiff owns a 46.12-hectare avocado farm in El Guarco, Cartago, and sought to suspend administrative acts by SINAC and MINAE, as well as items 2 and 3 of a reparatory plan approved in criminal proceedings…
Res. 00996-2025 Tribunal Agrario2025 · Tribunal Agrario
Inhibitoria por materia: conflicto de vecindad no corresponde a sede agraria
The Agrarian Court addresses the competence challenge raised by the Agrarian Court of Guanacaste (Liberia) in a summary condominium dispute brought by Ladera del Mar Homeowners Association against Ladera du Pacifique S.R.L. The plaintiff alleges construction of a fence without approval from the Architectural Review Committee and breach of the Ecological…
Res. 00135-2025 Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda2025 · Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda
Improcedencia de apelación contra rechazo de coadyuvancia ambiental
The Appeals Court of Contentious Administrative and Civil Matters of the Treasury flatly dismisses an appeal filed against an order that denied an active intervention (coadyuvancia) sought by an individual in an ordinary proceeding initiated by an environmental association against the Municipality of Goicoechea. The underlying claim involved the…
Res. 01089-2025 Tribunal Agrario2025 · Tribunal Agrario
Competencia agraria incluye fincas con naturaleza de montaña y bosque
The Agrarian Tribunal resolved a conflict of jurisdiction between civil and agrarian courts, arising from a lawsuit seeking nullity of property transfer deeds for two rural properties in Volcán de Buenos Aires, Puntarenas. The lower court had declined jurisdiction, reasoning that no agricultural activities were pleaded and the properties — mountainous and…
Res. 00452-2025 Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda2025 · Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda
Competencia sobre medidas cautelares en fase de casación — remisión al tribunal de primera instancia
The Court of Appeals for Administrative and Tax Matters reviewed an application to expand interim measures filed by the plaintiff in an environmental lawsuit against the State and Los Manantiales del Pacífico NYS S.A., concerning a public watercourse concession on the Naranjo River. After the trial court issued a condemnatory judgment and cassation appeals…
Res. 00576-2025 Tribunal de Apelación de Sentencia Penal de Cartago2025 · Tribunal de Apelación de Sentencia Penal de Cartago
Anulación de restitución ambiental por falta de fundamentación probatoria
The Criminal Appeals Tribunal of Cartago, by majority vote, annulled a lower court ruling that had ordered the restitution of a property to its original state for invasion of water body protection areas. The majority held that the trial court's reasoning was insufficient, as it failed to comprehensively analyze the evidence submitted by the interested…
Res. 10918-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Improcedencia de extender responsabilidad solidaria por daño ambiental en proceso contencioso
The Administrative and Civil Treasury Court fully denies the claim of Empresa de Servicios Públicos de Heredia S.A., which sought to extend joint civil liability from final criminal judgments against a gas station to a group of companies, individuals, and a fiduciary bank. The plaintiff grounded its suit on an alleged joint liability for environmental…
Res. 01200-2025 Tribunal de Apelación de Sentencia Penal III Circuito Judicial de Alajuela San Ramón2025 · Tribunal de Apelación de Sentencia Penal III Circuito Judicial de Alajuela San Ramón
Apelación contra suspensión de debate por nueva personería jurídica
The Sentencing Appeals Court of San Ramón reviewed an appeal by the Attorney General's Office against the Trial Court of Quepos' decision to suspend the oral and public trial and send the case back for further investigation of a new legal representative of a company linked to the crime of usurpation of public domain property with environmental impact. The…
Res. 11281-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Incumplimiento de medida cautelar sobre eliminación de pasto jaragua en Refugio de Vida Silvestre
The ruling addresses a claim of noncompliance with a precautionary measure ordered by the Contentious-Administrative Appeals Court, requiring SINAC to remove jaragua grass from lots 4 and 5 in the Preciosa Platanares Mixed Wildlife Refuge. The plaintiff alleged total noncompliance, but the enforcement judge analyzed the evidence and found that SINAC acted…
Res. 11295-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Suspensión de desalojo administrativo en Parque Nacional por incertidumbre catastral
The Administrative and Civil Treasury Tribunal grants a pre-action interim measure in favor of ELICAM DEL CERRO S.A., ELADIO ELIZONDO BLANCO, and CAFETERÍAS DEL CERRO S.A., ordering the immediate suspension of administrative eviction order SINAC-ACC-BTMM-PNTMM-60-2025 issued by SINAC. The plaintiffs claim that the order is based on an administrative act…
Res. 11442-2025 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2025 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Improcedencia del litisconsorcio pasivo necesario contra tercero cuando las pretensiones indemnizatorias se dirigen exclusivamente contra la Municipalidad de Cartago
The plaintiffs, Blasar Soluciones S.A. and Eliecer Marín Brenes, sued the Municipality of Cartago to comply with an order from the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (resolution 1077-13-TAA of October 23, 2023), restore the Caídas Creek bed, reopen a public road, and pay damages for material and moral harm. The municipality raised a preliminary…
Res. 01179-2025 Tribunal Agrario2025 · Tribunal Agrario
Corta de árboles de mango que representan riesgo para vivienda colindante
The Agrarian Tribunal resolves an appeal against a judgment ordering the felling of two mango trees in a summary proceeding for tree removal. The plaintiff sought removal due to the risk branches posed to her home. The first instance granted the claim, ordering felling within 15 working days and imposing costs on the defendant. On appeal, the defendant…
Res. 00267-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Falta de legitimación activa de usuarios para impugnar judicialmente contrato de concesión de obra pública
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice reviews a cassation appeal filed by a conservationist association and two individuals against a ruling of the Contentious-Administrative Court that declared their lawsuit inadmissible. The plaintiffs sought the annulment of acts related to the San José-Caldera highway concession (Route 27) and claimed…
Res. 00391-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Denegatoria de responsabilidad por deslizamiento en Río Pirro
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice dismisses the cassation appeal filed by four residents of Urbanización San Fernando, Heredia, against the judgment that had rejected their claim for damages resulting from a landslide that occurred on October 14, 2011, on the left bank of the Pirro River. The plaintiffs attributed liability to the…
Res. 00624-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Improcedencia de litisconsorcio necesario y rechazo de casación contra orden de demolición municipal
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice rejected the cassation appeal filed by Little Dream S.A. against a judgment that dismissed its lawsuit to compel the Municipality of Carrillo to grant construction permits for an apartment project that had been built illegally. The Chamber found no incomplete necessary joinder for failing to notify the…
Res. 00858-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Improcedencia de indemnización por afectación de fincas a humedal
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice rejects the cassation appeal filed by two companies seeking compensation for material damages and the expropriation of their lands, claiming that their property rights were voided due to the designation of their properties as within the Laguna Bonilla Wetland and its protection zone. The Chamber finds that…
Res. 01182-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Competencia agraria sobre bienes con presunta demanialidad forestal
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court resolves a jurisdictional conflict between agrarian and administrative courts in a case seeking nullity of deeds, surveys, and registry entries for two overlapping properties, one allegedly with 97% forest cover. The State, as counterclaimant, argued the lands form part of the National Natural Heritage (Patrimonio…
Res. 01187-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Agotamiento de la vía administrativa y caducidad de concesión de aguas
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court dismisses an appeal against a lower court ruling that denied the claim seeking to annul the expiration of a water concession from the Veracruz River granted to SUDAGUA. The Chamber holds that the plaintiff had exhausted administrative remedies by filing an untimely appeal, which made the administrative act final. It…
Res. 01337-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Caducidad del procedimiento ambiental iniciado de oficio
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court examined whether an environmental sanctioning procedure initiated ex officio by the Environmental Administrative Tribunal against Químicos Holanda —for damages caused by a 2006 fire at its Moín plant— had lapsed due to inactivity. The majority dismissed the cassation appeal, upholding the denial of lapse by the lower…
Res. 01339-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Sala Primera confirma que ordenar la expropiación es potestad discrecional del AyA y debe tramitarse en vía expropiatoria, no en proceso de conocimiento
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court rejects the cassation appeal filed by Río Segundo de las Fuentes S.A. against the ruling of the Contentious-Administrative Court that dismissed its lawsuit. The company, owner of a property where the Gutiérrez and Lankaster springs are located —which are tapped by AyA for public water supply—, requested the court to…
Res. 01139-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Rechazo de casación contra homologación de transacción parcial en caso de PNE
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court flatly rejects the cassation appeal filed by INDER against the approval of a partial settlement by the Administrative Court. The approved agreement determined that the property described in cadastral map 6-2200582-2020 does not encompass State Natural Heritage (PNE) areas, based on SINAC reports. INDER raised fifteen…
Res. 01563-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Cesación de inactividad municipal y exoneración de costas en defensa de intereses difusos ambientales
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice hears a cassation appeal against a ruling by the Administrative Court that dismissed a lawsuit alleging inaction by the Municipality of Garabito regarding solid waste pollution at Playa Azul. The plaintiff sought to compel the municipality to eliminate pollution sources and restore environmental damage. The…
Res. 01755-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Anulación por falta de claridad fáctica en responsabilidad de empresa bananera
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court annuls the judgment of the Administrative Contentious Court that partially upheld a claim for damages caused by flooding in the San Pancracio settlement of Siquirres. The plaintiffs, residents of the settlement, accused the banana companies Bandeco and Chiquita Brands, along with the State, the Municipality of…
Res. 01788-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Vicios de incongruencia y falta de motivación en rechazo de prórroga de concesión minera
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice overturned a trial court judgment that had dismissed a suit seeking nullity of a decision by the Mining and Geology Directorate (DGM) that denied renewal and declared the expiration of a concession to extract materials from the Banano River bed. In its complaint, the concessionaire had argued that the DGM…
Res. 01871-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Casación por omisión de valoración de pericia judicial en impugnación de sanción ambiental municipal
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice heard a cassation appeal filed by the Municipality of Mora against a judgment of the Administrative Litigation Court that dismissed its nullity claim against acts of the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA). The TAA had sanctioned the municipality with a compensation of ₡9,604,000 for environmental…
Res. 01857-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Viabilidad ambiental condicionada a certificación de propiedad
The First Chamber upholds the ruling dismissing the lawsuit filed by Eco Proyecciones del Nuevo Milenio S.A. against the State, rejecting the nullity of administrative acts that had revoked the environmental viability and mining concession for the Tajo Asunción project. The lower court found that the environmental viability granted by SETENA through…
Res. 01863-2024 Sala Primera de la Corte2024 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Indemnización por cierre de negocio tras resolución de jerarca impropio
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice dismissed the cassation appeal filed by Comerializadora de Concreto y Asfalto COMCOAS S.A. against the State, seeking damages arising from Resolution No. 410-2011 issued by the Third Section of the Contentious Administrative Court acting as improper hierarchy, which ordered the closure of additional works…
Res. 00347-2024 Sala Tercera de la Corte2024 · Sala Tercera de la Corte
Inadmisibilidad del recurso de casación contra reenvío penal por falta de impugnabilidad objetiva
The Third Chamber of the Supreme Court declares inadmissible the cassation appeal filed by the defense of a defendant charged with environmental crimes (wetland drainage, destruction of vegetation in protected areas, construction in public maritime-terrestrial zone, invasion of conservation area, timber harvesting, and usurpation of public domain…
Res. 00266-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Ejecución de sentencia sobre daños y perjuicios por rescisión del Proyecto Hidroeléctrico Parismina
This resolution by the Administrative Contentious Court addresses the execution of Judgment No. 13-2019, which ordered the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) to pay damages for terminating the Parismina Hydroelectric Project, limited to pre-investment expenses between October 24, 2012, and October 31, 2013. The plaintiff, Desarrollo Hidroeléctrico…
Res. 00456-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Clausura de obra sin licencia por posible afectación de naciente en Puriscal
The Administrative Court confirms the Puriscal Mayor's resolution upholding the closure of an unlicensed housing extension on a property where a spring is allegedly present. The owner claimed defenselessness because the Municipality postponed a final decision pending the Water Directorate's technical opinion on the spring's nature. Acting as a…
Res. 00615-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Solicitud de paralización de proyecto urbanístico por posible afectación a zona protegida
The Association Salvemos Las Lomas requested a precautionary measure to suspend construction permits and environmental viability for the 'La Arboleda' project, alleging it lies within the Buffer Zone of Loma Salitral, a protected area under Desamparados' POT. It claimed serious and irreparable environmental damage. The Administrative Court denied the…
Res. 00848-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Apelación rechazada por falta de agravios de ilegalidad y frente mínimo en Cartago
The Costa Rican Administrative Appeals Tribunal ruled on an appeal against the Municipality of Cartago, which had denied a compliant land-use certificate for the subdivision of a property in the San Francisco district. The applicant sought to split a remainder of a farm into two lots with a 7-meter frontage onto a public road. The Municipality found the…
Res. 01005-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Integración de litis consorcio pasivo en medida cautelar por falta de estudios ambientales
The Contentious-Administrative and Civil Treasury Tribunal ex officio orders the joinder of Gocesa del Molino S.A. as a necessary co-defendant in a precautionary measure brought by an individual against the Municipality of Coto Brus. The petitioner seeks the immediate suspension of the administrative act awarding a public tender for the design and…
Res. 02134-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Falta de legitimación en recurso ambiental contra clausura de botadero de tierra
The Administrative Court hears an appeal against the inadmissibility ruling issued by the Mayor's Office of the Municipality of Naranjo, which rejected the ordinary appeal filed by Constructora Gonzalo Delgado S.A. The appellant challenged an official communication from the Municipal Environmental Technical Unit that ordered the immediate closure of a…
Res. 00316-2024 Tribunal Agrario2024 · Tribunal Agrario
Excepción de incompetencia en servidumbre sobre finca cafetalera
The Agrarian Court of the Second Judicial Circuit of San José resolves a subject-matter jurisdiction challenge raised by the defendant in an ordinary proceeding seeking the forced establishment of an agricultural easement. The defendant argued that the complaint failed to specify the agricultural activities carried out on the properties, thus the matter…
Res. 00331-2024 Tribunal Agrario2024 · Tribunal Agrario
Competencia agraria para conflictos sobre inmuebles con posible carácter demanial
The Agrarian Tribunal denies a motion to dismiss for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction filed by the State, in a case involving the alleged overlap of two plots with private title, one obtained under a law later declared unconstitutional. The State counterclaimed that the land has 97% forest cover and thus forms part of the State's Natural Heritage —…
Res. 00334-2024 Tribunal Agrario2024 · Tribunal Agrario
Ingreso a terreno entre poseedores se define en proceso posesorio no interdictal
The Agrarian Court annuls the first-instance ruling that dismissed an interdictal action for protection of possession, due to lack of proper reasoning by omitting proven facts. The appellate court points out that the trial judge failed to structure the judgment in accordance with Article 61 of the Civil Procedure Code, by not dedicating any section to…
Res. 00340-2024 Tribunal Agrario2024 · Tribunal Agrario
Aprovechamiento de madera en sumario de derribo
The Agrarian Court confirms the ruling that authorized the felling of a ceiba tree on private property due to imminent danger, but referred the plaintiff to seek timber utilization permits from MINAE. The plaintiff appealed, arguing the court should also decide on timber use. The court clarifies that the summary tree-felling proceeding aims solely to…
Res. 02681-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Solicitud de suspensión de demolición por densidad de vivienda en zona de protección
The Administrative Appeals Court denies an intra-procedural injunction requested by property owners against the Municipality of San Rafael de Heredia. They sought to suspend the effects of Resolutions IU-119-2022 and IU-010-2024, which ordered them within 30 days to make modifications or demolitions to adjust the construction to the permitted density of a…
Res. 02981-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Denegatoria de medida cautelar contra desalojo SINAC en Parque Nacional Chirripó
The Contentious-Administrative Tribunal denied the precautionary measure requested by Rigoberto Arias Fonseca, who sought to suspend an eviction order issued by SINAC for ecotourism and agricultural activities within Chirripó National Park. The claimant argued that the order endangered crops, livestock, and the livelihoods of several families. The tribunal…
Res. 03077-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Denegatoria de medida cautelar contra planta recicladora de baterías
The Administrative Court denied an interim measure sought by a community development association to halt the operation of a battery recycling plant in Pocosí pending the outcome of an action to annul administrative permits. The court found that the petition did present a prima facie case, but failed to demonstrate danger in delay. The petitioner provided…
Res. 00266-2024 Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda2024 · Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda
Rechazo de medida cautelar contra desarrollo La Arboleda en Lomas de Salitral
The Contentious Administrative and Civil Treasury Appeals Court upheld the denial of the precautionary measure requested by the association Salvemos las Lomas Salitral. The association sought to suspend the La Arboleda urban development, located in the Lomas de Salitral buffer zone, arguing potential environmental harm. The court dismissed the nullity…
Res. 00563-2024 Tribunal Agrario2024 · Tribunal Agrario
Caducidad de acción interdictal por perturbación en área de protección forestal
The Agrarian Tribunal heard a summary interdictal proceeding filed by Corporación de Desarrollo Agrícola del Monte S.A. against Luis Ángel Fuentes Chacón. The plaintiff claimed disturbances to its possession of a property designated for forest protection and regeneration near the General River, including tree felling, construction, and occupation by the…
Res. 00619-2024 Tribunal Agrario2024 · Tribunal Agrario
Competencia agraria para sumario de derribo de árboles en zona marítimo terrestre
The Agrarian Court reviews a recusal by the Agrarian Court of Puntarenas, Jicaral venue, in a summary tree felling proceeding filed by Evigreys Montiel Araya. The plaintiff seeks authorization to cut or prune three trees located in Playa Pájaros, Paquera, alleging danger and possession of the land. The lower court recused itself considering that the trees…
Res. 04086-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Suspensión de proceso sobre anulación de título por litispendencia con lesividad ambiental
The Administrative Court stays the proceedings brought by Karen González Mayorga against INDER seeking to annul a decision that revoked an agrarian land award and canceled the title, due to the existence of a later lesividad action filed by INDER against the same parties, which seeks to invalidate the original award, annul the titles, and return the…
Res. 04135-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Denegatoria de suspensión cautelar de reforma al Art. 112 del Reglamento de Protección Fitosanitaria
The Administrative Contentious Court denied the precautionary measure requested by the Biodiversity Coordination Network Association, which sought to immediately suspend the amendment to Article 112 of the Phytosanitary Protection Regulation (Executive Decree No. 44020-MAG). The amendment changed the composition of the National Technical Commission on…
Res. 04250-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de medida cautelar contra proyecto de boulevard en San Vito
The Administrative Court denied a pre-trial interim measure requested by a resident of San Vito, Coto Brus, to halt the construction of a municipal "Boulevard" project on Mottola Street. The plaintiff argued that the project lacked environmental impact studies, hydrology studies, and public consultation, and that it would restrict free transit, parking,…
Res. 04265-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de medida cautelar suspensiva contra órdenes de paralización del SINAC en auxilio de Fiscalía Ambiental
The Contentious-Administrative Court denies the precautionary measure requested by the developers of the Acquarello Escaleras Dominical project, which sought to suspend the effects of two SINAC administrative orders that halted construction. The orders were issued by SINAC acting as judicial police under the functional direction of the Environmental…
Res. 04395-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Municipalidad de Talamanca solicita suspender clausura de centro de residuos valorizables
The Administrative Contentious Court denied the precautionary measure requested by the Municipality of Talamanca, which sought to suspend the effects of sanitary orders and the closure of the Volio Transfer and Recyclable Waste Center, imposed by the Ministry of Health. The Municipality argued that the closure severely affected the public waste collection…
Res. 04780-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Apelación por postes eléctricos en Zona Marítimo Terrestre rechazada por falta de agravios técnicos
The Administrative Court, acting as improper municipal hierarch, heard an appeal by the Costa Rican Federation for Environmental Conservation against a Santa Cruz Municipal Council decision that denied an extraordinary review appeal. The review sought to nullify a permit for electric poles in the maritime zone of Playa El Coco de Marbella, alleging light…
Res. 00350-2024 Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda2024 · Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda
Suspensión de obra y medidas de mitigación por daño ambiental en zona boscosa
The Appeals Court for Administrative and Civil Tax Matters, First Section, decided an appeal in a precautionary measure proceeding for environmental damage in a forested area. The plaintiff, Walter Brenes Soto, sought the suspension of works and the imposition of precautionary measures against the company Vista Paradise Ma SRL, the Municipality of Quepos,…
Res. 00348-2024 Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda2024 · Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda
Denegatoria de medida cautelar por daño ambiental en proyecto inmobiliario
The Appeals Court of Administrative and Civil Treasury Litigation confirmed the denial of a precautionary measure requested by Acquarello Escaleras Dominical S.A. against the State and SINAC. The company sought enforcement of a criminal act for alleged environmental damage, seeking to suspend administrative actions or impose urgent measures. In a unanimous…
Res. 00556-2024 Tribunal de Apelación Civil y Trabajo Heredia Sede Heredia Materia Civil2024 · Tribunal de Apelación Civil y Trabajo Heredia Sede Heredia Materia Civil
Determinación de competencia para cobro ejecutivo de indemnización ambiental del TAA
This ruling by the Civil and Labor Appeals Court of Heredia resolves a conflict of jurisdiction between the Heredia Collection Court and the Heredia Civil Court. The State filed a monetary payment order to collect an environmental damage award imposed on the defendants by the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) in an administrative proceeding. The…
Res. 00916-2024 Tribunal Agrario2024 · Tribunal Agrario
Competencia agraria en sumario de derribo de árbol en zona urbana
The Agrarian Tribunal of the Second Judicial Circuit of San José reviews a declination of jurisdiction by the Agrarian Court of Cartago in a summary proceeding for the felling of a "higuerón" tree located in a predominantly urban area. The lower court had declined jurisdiction, finding no agrarian activities on the plaintiff's property, where the tree…
Res. 00922-2024 Tribunal Agrario2024 · Tribunal Agrario
Derribo de árbol en Parque Nacional y carga probatoria
The Agrarian Court reviews an appeal against a judgment that denied summary proceedings for the felling of a cenízaro tree located inside Barra Honda National Park, on land registered in the plaintiff's name. The lower court relied on a technical report from MINAE that recommended against cutting, arguing there were no nearby houses and no unauthorized…
Res. 05898-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Medida cautelar rechazada contra operación del Relleno Sanitario Los Pinos
The Administrative Litigation Tribunal denies the precautionary measure requested by an individual against the State, the municipalities of Cartago, El Guarco and Cervantes, and operators of the Los Pinos Sanitary Landfill. The measure sought an immediate halt to solid waste transfer and disposal at an adjacent dump, cleanup of exposed waste, and monthly…
Res. 06293-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Falta de nexo causal entre omisión de EIA y daños por obras pluviales municipales
Ruling No. 06293-2024 of the Contentious-Administrative Tribunal dismissed the claim of a company seeking damages for harm allegedly caused by stormwater drainage works carried out by the Municipality of San Mateo without SETENA environmental viability. The Court held that the proceedings concerned liability for damages, not the legality of the omitted…
Res. 01239-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Improcedencia de impugnación de la Zona Protectora Tivives por caducidad y falta de legitimación
The Administrative Appeals Court dismisses a lawsuit filed by the Salina Dos Producers Association against INDER and the State, seeking the annulment of Decree 17023-MAG (which established the Tivives Protected Zone in 1986), a 2011 IDA board resolution transferring land to MINAE, and the transfer deed. The Court upholds the statute of limitations defense…
Res. 05331-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Medida cautelar para suspender actividades agrícolas en manglar
The Administrative Court grants the State's request for an injunction against Unión Distribuidora Ferarosse S.A., ordering the immediate suspension of all productive, agricultural, or livestock activities within the mangrove area delimited by report SINAC-ACOPAC-CH-00034-2023. The decision rests on established fumus boni iuris and periculum in mora. The…
Res. 05378-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Improcedencia de anular orden sanitaria por cumplimiento del fin público de fiscalización
The Administrative Court dismisses the lawsuit filed by Fabián Bonilla Murillo against the State and the bus company Rutas Cincuenta y Uno y Cincuenta y Tres S.A. The plaintiff sought annulment of Sanitary Order 067-2018, revocation of the operating permit, and closure of the bus terminal, alleging omission by the Health Authority of Montes de Oca…
Res. 05402-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Improcedencia de indemnización por proyecto habitacional no viable
The Administrative Litigation Tribunal denies in full the claim filed by Ana Yensy Monge Vargas against the Municipality of Desamparados. The plaintiff alleged having made payments to the 'Asociación Pro Vivienda Proyecto de Dios' for a lot in a housing project that was never built. She sought economic, moral, and consequential damages, blaming the…
Res. 06919-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Denegatoria de medida cautelar para zoocriadero de cebra
The Administrative Court (Second Judicial Circuit, San José) denies the precautionary measure requested by FINCA ROSITA S.R.L. against the State and SINAC. The plaintiff sought to suspend the effects of resolution SINAC-ACAHN-SCH-099-2024, which denied the operating permit for a commercial captive breeding facility, and to maintain custody of a male zebra…
Res. 06980-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Viabilidad ambiental como acto de trámite impugnable en nulidad de permisos de construcción
This ruling by the Contentious Administrative Tribunal (Res. No. 06980-2024) addresses a preliminary defense of non-challengeable act raised by the State in an ordinary proceeding. The plaintiff, a development association, sought annulment of several administrative acts, including construction permits granted by a municipality and the environmental…
Res. 07294-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Falta de acreditación de agravios ambientales en instalación de postes eléctricos en Zona Marítimo Terrestre
The Costa Rican Federation for Environmental Conservation appealed an agreement of the Municipal Council of Santa Cruz that denied an extraordinary review against a prior authorization for the installation of two electric poles in the Maritime Terrestrial Zone of Playa Frijolar, Santa Cruz. The appellant argued that the installation lacked an environmental…
Res. 07422-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección III2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección III
Improcedencia del silencio positivo en contrato administrativo viciado de ilegalidad
The Contentious-Administrative and Civil Treasury Tribunal dismisses the claim of an architect seeking payment for professional services related to educational infrastructure design. The plaintiff argued that positive silence applied because the Dirección de Infraestructura y Equipamiento Educativo (DIEE) never responded to her request for invoice…
Res. 08740-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Medida cautelar denegada en disputa territorial indígena
The Administrative Court denies a precautionary measure filed by an individual claiming possession in good faith over a property located in Palmital de Salitre, Buenos Aires, Puntarenas. The plaintiff sought an order compelling the defendants—the Asociación de Desarrollo Integral de la Reserva Indígena de Salitre, INDER, CONAI, and the State—to refrain…
Res. 01046-2024 Tribunal Agrario2024 · Tribunal Agrario
Competencia en interdicto de derribo de árboles en calle pública
The Agrarian Court resolves a jurisdictional conflict regarding a summary tree-felling injunction filed by Sandra Rivas Carrillo against the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The plaintiff sought the removal of several Guanacaste and Guácimo trees located on National Route 917, alleging danger to passersby and schoolchildren due to their poor…
Res. 01047-2024 Tribunal Agrario2024 · Tribunal Agrario
Anulación de sentencia por preterición probatoria sobre daños a lindero y talud en colindancia
The Agrarian Tribunal reviewed an appeal against a judgment dismissing a claim filed by Jeanina García Ureña against Bladimir Arroyo Rojas and Inmobiliaria Arroyo y Blanco S.A. The plaintiff sought restoration of the northern boundary of her property and compensation for damages caused by earthworks that allegedly removed a slope, affecting land stability,…
Res. 01056-2024 Tribunal Agrario2024 · Tribunal Agrario
Incompetencia agraria para suspender orden de SINAC en Parque Nacional Tortuguero
The Agrarian Court of the Second Judicial Circuit of San José, in a majority vote within an early evidence proceeding, declares its lack of subject-matter jurisdiction to hear the appeal against a lower court's denial of a preliminary injunction. The applicant, who claims long-standing possession of land within Tortuguero National Park, sought to suspend…
Res. 00494-2024 Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda2024 · Tribunal de Apelación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda
Prevalencia del interés ambiental confirma denegatoria de medida cautelar
The Contentious Administrative Appeals Court, in a unanimous ruling, confirms the denial of an interim measure requested by FINCA ROSITA S.R.L. against the State and SINAC. The request sought to suspend allegedly environmentally harmful administrative actions. The court bases its decision on the prevalence of the public environmental interest over the…
Res. 03471-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Denegatoria de permiso de construcción para torre de telecomunicaciones por falta de viabilidad ambiental
The Administrative Litigation Court dismisses the nullity claim filed by Continental Towers Costa Rica S.R.L. against the Municipality of Desamparados. The company sought a construction permit for an already-built telecom tower, citing Article 93 of the Construction Law, which allows regularization of unlicensed construction. The Municipality denied the…
Res. 08259-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de medida cautelar contra decreto de registro de plaguicidas
The Administrative Court denies the provisional remedy requested by several agrochemical companies against executive decrees reforming the registration and renewal procedure for formulated synthetic pesticides for agricultural use. The plaintiffs alleged defects in the exercise of regulatory power, violation of the principle of normative hierarchy and…
Res. 08290-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de permiso para estación de bombeo en zona pública de Playa Blanca
The Costa Rican Administrative and Civil Treasury Court hears the non-hierarchical appeal filed by the Altos de Leonamar Neighborhood Association against the Municipality of Garabito, which denied approval for the construction of a water pumping station in the public zone of Playa Blanca, within the maritime-terrestrial zone. The plaintiff argued that the…
Res. 08381-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Orden de integrar SINAC y Estado en medida cautelar por desalojo en zona de protección
The Contentious-Administrative Tribunal hears a request for a suspensory precautionary measure filed by Geovanni Espinoza Cubillo and Jenny Cordero Varela against the Municipality of Heredia. The petitioners seek to halt an administrative eviction and demolition ordered by the municipality over 50.42 square meters it considers public domain, part of a…
Res. 08829-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Denegatoria de medida cautelar por prevalencia del interés público ambiental
The Administrative Litigation Court denies the precautionary measure requested by Parque Industrial Jateo S.A. against the Municipality of Mora, which sought to suspend the effects of the Municipal Regulation on Solid Waste Management and to obtain a stormwater drainage permit for a landfill project. The Court finds the measure lacks instrumentality and…
Res. 09639-2024 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2024 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Homologación de cierre vehicular en Playa Conchal
The Administrative Appeals Court homologates the extrajudicial settlement between Desarrollos Hoteleros Guanacaste S.A. and the Municipality of Santa Cruz, with approval of the State, SINAC, ICT, and the Road Safety Council. The plaintiff sued over vehicle traffic on Conchal and Puerto Viejo beaches, alleging risk to life, environmental damage to the…
Res. 00121-2024 Tribunal de Casación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda2024 · Tribunal de Casación Contencioso Administrativo y Civil de Hacienda
Improcedencia de apelación contra rechazo de medida cautelar ambiental
The Contentious-Administrative Court of Cassation summarily dismisses the appeal filed by Asociación Salvemos las Lomas Salitral against a ruling that denied a request for interim measures aimed at halting actions by the Municipality of Desamparados, MINAE, INVU, SETENA, and Urbanizadora La Laguna S.A. The court bases its decision on the fact that rulings…
Res. 00085-2023 Sala Primera de la Corte2023 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Conflicto de competencia: cobro de daño ambiental es monitorio, no agrario
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court resolves a jurisdictional conflict between the Collection Court of Puntarenas and the Agrarian Court of Puntarenas in a monetary proceeding filed by the State against RALSTON PACIFIC S.A. The collection stemmed from a compensatory indemnity imposed by the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) through resolution…
Res. 00724-2023 Sala Primera de la Corte2023 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Extensión de cláusula arbitral a tercero no signatario en fumigación de cultivos
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice resolved a conflict of jurisdiction between agrarian courts and arbitration. A yam farmer sued two banana companies for damages to his crop caused by aerial fumigation with agrochemicals, alleging extracontractual civil liability. The defendant companies had a fumigation contract that included an…
Res. 02214-2023 Sala Primera de la Corte2023 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Viabilidad ambiental SETENA — inadmisibilidad de impugnación directa por ser acto sin efecto propio
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court hears a cassation appeal against a contencioso-administrative court ruling that declared the plaintiff's lawsuit inadmissible. The plaintiff sought the absolute nullity of the environmental viability permits issued by SETENA for the 'Limón Container Terminal' project, arguing it was developed on wetland and public…
Res. 02271-2023 Sala Primera de la Corte2023 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Competencia en litigios posesorios con bienes demaniales costeros
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court resolves a jurisdictional conflict between the agrarian and the administrative-contentious courts. The underlying case is an ordinary proceeding concerning possession of a property that, according to the National Geographic Institute and the parties’ statements, lies partly within the Maritime-Terrestrial Zone. The…
Res. 02368-2023 Sala Primera de la Corte2023 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Ejecución de sentencia de amparo por falta de solución a problema sanitario
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice hears a cassation appeal filed by the petitioners against the judgment of the Contentious-Administrative and Civil Treasury Court, which partially granted the enforcement of a constitutional judgment. The petitioners, who had obtained an amparo for the failure to resolve complaints about black water and…
Res. 00021-2023 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2023 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Tercería de dominio excluye fincas del proyecto Crucitas de ejecución
The Administrative Appeals Court grants a domain third-party claim (tercería de dominio) filed by Reforestación Industrial Los Nacientes S.A., which acquired five properties formerly owned by Industrias Infinito S.A.—the company behind the Crucitas mining project. The claimant asserted ownership of the properties on which a notice of pending litigation…
Res. 00121-2023 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2023 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Amparo de legalidad por omisión de respuesta del TAA resuelto por cumplimiento tardío
The University of Costa Rica filed a writ of legality against the State, specifically against the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA), alleging failure to resolve a substantive request submitted on February 28, 2022, and an appeal for reversal and motion to lift a precautionary measure filed on April 1, 2022. The Contentious-Administrative Tribunal…
Res. 00034-2023 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2023 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Denegatoria de medida cautelar contra suspensión de permiso de vertido
Berthier Ebi de Costa Rica S.A., operator of the Limón Environmental Technology Park, sought urgent injunctive relief to suspend MINAE's indefinite suspension of its treated wastewater discharge permit. The Water Directorate of MINAE based the suspension on its finding that the receiving water body (a creek) lacked permanent flow—a sine qua non condition…
Res. 02770-2023 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2023 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Anulación de audiencia preliminar virtual por formalismo excesivo
The Contentious-Administrative Court annuls ex officio the third virtual preliminary hearing held on May 25, 2022, in an environmental lesividad proceeding initiated by INDER against an individual and a corporation. The court found that the procedural judge refused to send the connection link to the parties who had agreed to participate virtually, arguing…
Res. 04296-2023 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2023 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Reglamento de Construcción en Zona de Amortiguamiento del Refugio Ostional
The Administrative Contentious Tribunal denied the nullity claim filed by JBR Capital Ventures S.R.L. against the Construction Permit Regulation for the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge Buffer Zone, issued by the Municipality of Nicoya. The plaintiff, owner of properties within the regulated area, argued the regulation violated the Refuge Creation Law…
Res. 04303-2023 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2023 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Anulación de denegatoria de uso de suelo por falta de motivación y violación al debido proceso
The Administrative Appeals Court annuls the Quepos Municipality's decision denying a land-use permit to Joshua Tree Limitada. The Municipality refused the certificate on grounds that the property should be included in a lesividad action concerning the Lomas del Cruce development and that there was overlap with the site design, but it failed to provide…
Res. 04470-2023 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2023 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Integración del SINAC como litisconsorte activo necesario en proceso sobre Patrimonio Natural del Estado
The Contentious-Administrative Tribunal orders, on its own motion, the joinder of the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) as a necessary active co-plaintiff in a proceeding brought by the State against private parties. The lawsuit seeks a declaration that certain real estate forms part of the State’s Natural Heritage because it lies within the…
Res. 04877-2023 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2023 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de medida cautelar sobre movimientos de tierra en Osa
The Administrative Litigation Court denied an interim measure sought by an individual against the Municipality of Osa to suspend earthworks permits granted for agricultural plots in a subdivision. The claimant argued the permits were part of a larger project purposefully split to avoid SETENA environmental viability review. The Municipality contended each…
Res. 05602-2023 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2023 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Caducidad de la acción para impugnar la Matriz Genérica de Protección de Acuíferos del SENARA
The Administrative Contentious Tribunal dismissed the lawsuit brought by Corporación de Supermercados Unidos S.R.L. (CSU) to directly challenge SENARA's "Generic Aquifer Protection Matrix: urban, condominium, tourism, and commercial activities," due to expiration of the action. The Matrix was published on October 12, 2017, but the complaint was filed on…
Res. 05208-2023 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2023 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Denegatoria de medida cautelar contra clausura sanitaria por contaminación ambiental
The Administrative Court denied the interim measure sought by Concreto Asfáltico Nacional S.A. against the State, which aimed to suspend the closure of its commercial establishment ordered by the Ministry of Health for failure to comply with corrective measures related to environmental pollution. The judge found the existence of fumus boni iuris…
Res. 05608-2023 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2023 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Protección cautelar de tortugas marinas en Playa Zapotillal
The Administrative Contentious Court grants a precautionary measure in favor of Punta Sabana Developments Ltda. against the Municipality of Santa Cruz. The plaintiff argues that municipal inaction in preventing vehicle ingress and transit on the public zone of Playa Zapotillal, along with uncontrolled camping and bonfires, is causing serious harm to sea…
Res. 05938-2023 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2023 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Improcedencia de medida cautelar por falta de peligro en la demora y protección del interés público ambiental
The Administrative Litigation Court denies the precautionary measure requested by Tajo Comag de Pavas S.A. against the Municipality of San José. The plaintiff sought to suspend the effects of a municipal administrative act concerning environmental and security conditions at an illegal dump. After analyzing the requirements, the judge found a fumus boni…
Res. 01050-2023 Tribunal Agrario2023 · Tribunal Agrario
Competencia agraria sobre derribo de árbol de cenízaro en condominio habitacional
The Agrarian Court resolves a jurisdictional conflict after the Agrarian Court of Santa Cruz declined to hear a petition for the removal of a cenízaro tree located in a residential condominium, whose risk of falling threatened a common access way. The majority opinion rejects the recusal and finds that the Agrarian Jurisdiction has subject-matter…
Res. 00138-2022 Sala Primera de la Corte2022 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Rechazo de casación contra órdenes sanitarias de desalojo
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice hears a cassation appeal filed by a group of individuals against the judgment of the Administrative and Civil Treasury Court that dismissed their lawsuit. The appellants challenged the legality of health eviction orders issued by health authorities, arguing they violated fundamental rights and that there…
Res. 00191-2022 Sala Primera de la Corte2022 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Integración del Estado y SINAC en proceso de lesividad por humedal
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court reviews an appeal in a lesividad action brought by the Municipality of Belén seeking to annul construction permits granted to Quintaelena S.A. for the 'Prados de Belén' project, allegedly affecting a wetland in La Ribera. The lower court had dismissed the claim without hearing the State or the National System of…
Res. 02288-2022 Sala Primera de la Corte2022 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Competencia para suspensión de obra en vía pública
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court resolves a jurisdictional conflict between the Civil and Labor Court of Nicoya and the Contentious-Administrative and Civil Treasury Court, in a summary proceeding for suspension of new construction filed by Mina Clavero S.A. against Nest Design S.A. The plaintiff claims that the defendant carried out earthmoving and…
Res. 00002-2022 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI2022 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI
Validez de permiso sanitario y patente para reconversión de vertedero Los Laureles sin viabilidad ambiental
Ruling by the Administrative Court, Section VI, that denies the absolute nullity claim against sanitary operating permit HC-ARSP-10703-2017 and commercial license No. 11831 granted to Corporación Tecnológica Magallanes S.A. for the conversion of the Los Laureles landfill in Pococí. Plaintiffs argued the project lacked SETENA environmental viability and…
Res. 00001-2022 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección IV2022 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección IV
Anulación de patente municipal de cantera por violación del Plan Regulador
The Fourth Section of the Contentious-Administrative Tribunal reviews a challenge by a neighborhood association against the Municipality of La Unión, the State, and a quarry company. The plaintiffs sought to annul the municipal commercial license for a quarry (tajo) located in a forest protection zone under the cantonal Zoning Plan, which allows only…
Res. 00013-2022 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección II2022 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección II
Nulidad de actos del SINAC por interpretación extensiva del artículo 5 del Decreto 25902 en zona protectora Río Grande
The Second Section of the Contentious Administrative Tribunal adjudicates a claim by Rosario Development Corporation S.A. against SINAC and the State following the denial of cadastral approval for 27 survey plans covering land within the Río Grande Protected Zone in Naranjo. SINAC rejected the applications based on Article 5 of Executive Decree No.…
Res. 00128-2018 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI2018 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI
Validez de disposiciones de la CGR sobre viabilidad ambiental del Plan de Manejo del RNVS Gandoca-Manzanillo
The Administrative Court rejects a lawsuit by private landowners in the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge against the Comptroller General (CGR), the State, and SINAC. The plaintiffs challenged CGR reports that suspended environmental clearances and construction permits until the Management Plan and Zoning Regulation were adjusted, and sought…
Res. 00411-2017 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo2017 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo
Rechazo de medida cautelar anticipada contra sanción ambiental del TAA
This ruling by the Contentious-Administrative Court denies the request for an interim injunction filed by Agroindustrial Tico Verde S.A., which sought to suspend enforcement of the Environmental Administrative Tribunal's resolution 892-14-TAA. That resolution ordered the company and its legal representative to pay compensatory damages of approximately 116…
Res. 00250-2017 Sala Primera de la Corte2017 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Competencia jurisdiccional en predios dentro de Refugio de Vida Silvestre
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court resolves a jurisdictional conflict between agrarian and administrative courts. The plaintiff seeks a declaration of ownership by adverse possession over roughly 300 hectares in Sarapiquí. SINAC determined that part of the claimed land lies entirely within the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge, an area of…
Res. 00575-2017 Sala Primera de la Corte2017 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Competencia para conocer nulidad de reglamento de área silvestre protegida
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court confirms that the contentious-administrative jurisdiction is competent to hear a claim seeking the annulment of the Public Use Regulation for Las Baulas de Guanacaste Marine National Park. The plaintiff argued the decree was void and, alternatively, that it did not apply to its properties because they were not part of…
Res. 01557-2017 Sala Primera de la Corte2017 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Improcedencia de indemnización por daño material y ambiental en ejecución de amparo por contaminación de aguas
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court reviews a cassation appeal filed in the enforcement stage of a constitutional amparo ruling that ordered the Municipalities of Barva and San Rafael de Heredia to stop the discharge of wastewater onto the claimant's property. The claimant had sought compensation for material, environmental, and moral damages. The First…
Res. 00046-2013 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI2013 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI
Responsabilidad del SINAC por omisión en protección del Patrimonio Natural del Estado
The Administrative Contentious Court, Section Six, partially grants a lawsuit against the State and SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas) for failing to exercise their oversight and guardianship powers over a strip of land in the maritime-terrestrial zone of Sámara beach, which is State Natural Heritage. The ruling declares that the land, located…
Res. 00512-2013 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección III2013 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección III
Improcedencia del silencio positivo en materia urbano-ambiental
The Administrative Court annuls a municipal resolution of Naranjo that denied endorsements and land-use certificates for an agricultural subdivision, after recognizing that the Municipality had previously granted those acts. It reiterates that positive silence does not apply in urban or environmental matters, because control of urban development and…
Res. 00017-2012 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI2012 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI
Reafirmación de la naturaleza de acto preparatorio de la viabilidad ambiental y su inimpugnabilidad directa
The Administrative Court, Section VI, dismisses the claim of Name Calling Disease Ltda. against resolution 1342-2010-SETENA, which ordered the developer to reformulate the Environmental Management Plan based on an integrated study of Las Baulas National Marine Park. The court reiterates its own and the Court of Cassation's case law: environmental viability…
Res. 00090-2011 Sala Primera de la Corte2011 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Medidas cautelares y principio precautorio frente a explotación minera que afecta manto acuífero
The Supreme Court's First Chamber rejects the appeal filed by Grupo Pedregal companies, upholding the precautionary measures issued by the Directorate of Geology and Mines (DGM) that suspended mining operations and later revoked the concession due to the emergence and risk of damage to the Colima Superior aquifer. The Court endorses the application of the…
Res. 00035-2009 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI2009 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección VI
Viabilidad ambiental no es impugnable directamente en sede contenciosa
The Administrative Court (Section VI) dismissed a lawsuit challenging SETENA environmental viability resolutions for real estate projects in Tamarindo. It held that environmental viability (or environmental license) is not a final act or an interlocutory act with independent effect, but rather a preparatory or instrumental act within the main authorization…
Res. 00675-2007 Sala Primera de la Corte2007 · Sala Primera de la Corte
Legitimación para reclamar daño ambiental colectivo en ejecución de amparo
The First Chamber of the Supreme Court partially overturns the Administrative Court's decision that had granted two environmental associations (ACORACI and ASAMARS) standing to enforce an abstract condemnation issued by the Constitutional Chamber in an amparo for pollution of the Siquiares River. The Chamber distinguishes between the broad standing to file…
Res. 00066-2006 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección IV2006 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección IV
Confirmación de cancelación de concesión por desvío del cauce del río Virilla
The Fourth Section of the Contentious-Administrative Tribunal resolves the appeal against a judgment that upheld sanctions imposed by the Environmental Administrative Tribunal (TAA) on Constructora Zurquí S.A. and its representative. The case originated from a complaint about the unauthorized diversion of the Virilla River's course during quarry…
Res. 00379-2006 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección III2006 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección III
Legitimación de asociaciones para reclamar indemnización por daño ambiental colectivo
The Administrative Appeals Court, Section III, resolved the enforcement of a Constitutional Court ruling that had granted an amparo for contamination of the Siquiares River. The Constitutional Court had jointly and severally ordered Dos Pinos Cooperative and the State to pay damages. The Court held that the plaintiff associations (ACORACI and ASAMARS) have…
Res. 00643-2004 Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección II2004 · Tribunal Contencioso Administrativo Sección II
Interés público ambiental prevalece sobre daños económicos en cierre cautelar de marina
This ruling by the Second Section of the Administrative Contentious Tribunal overturns the precautionary suspension of the closure of operations of Marina y Club de Yates Playa Flamingo S.A., ordered by the Administrative Environmental Tribunal. The closure was based on serious non-compliance: pollution from fuel spills, operation of a fuel station without…