D1 Permits for Telecommunications Towers in Costa Rica
Environmental permitting assistance for telecommunications towers before SETENA, integrating site assessment, georeferencing, technical studies and project documentation.
D1-Torres is the specific environmental procedure for installing telecommunications towers
The regulation establishes a dedicated process for these projects. The assessment starts with the D1 Form and incorporates specific requirements concerning tower location, site environmental conditions and impacts associated with construction.
Tower installation
The procedure focuses on the works needed to install new telecommunications tower infrastructure and its associated components.
Each location is assessed
The tower location must be assessed in relation to the property, the Project Area and the particular environmental conditions of the proposed installation site.
Specialized application
The D1-Torres application combines specific mapping, environmental, technical and social requirements before the corresponding decision is issued.
The exact location of each tower is central to the application
SETENA requires the proposed infrastructure to be spatially related to the property and the Project Area. The mapping information must be consistent with the studies, plans and other submitted documentation.
Property
We accurately delineate the boundaries shown in the cadastral plan and property registration records.
Project Area
We identify the specific portion of the property where construction works and associated components will be located.
Tower location
We georeference the precise position of each tower as an individual element in the application.
The assessment considers more than the tower: it also examines the conditions of its installation site
The environmental consultant must identify site vulnerability and constraints and relate them to the proposed works, potential impacts and required environmental measures.
D1-Torres brings together specific technical studies and documentation
Depending on site conditions and applicable technical justifications, the application must include different components prepared by qualified professionals.
Geotechnical Study
The regulation provides for submission of a geotechnical study or, where technically appropriate, a professional justification for not submitting one. Its scope must reflect applicable guidelines and the project's conditions.
Rapid Archaeological Report
The application includes an archaeological component or, where applicable, a technical justification for not submitting it. The assessment reviews archaeological conditions within the Project Area.
Georeferenced Photographic Record
We document existing conditions in the Project Area through photographs associated with location and date, keeping them consistent with the application's mapping information.
Site Design
The proposed infrastructure must be represented by a design identifying the tower, associated components, development areas and their spatial relationship within the Project Area.
The project must include a Communication Plan
D1-Torres provides for informing communities within the Direct Area of Influence about the project, its characteristics and associated impacts.
What information is needed to submit a D1-Torres application?
The application combines administrative, property registry, spatial, construction, environmental and professional information. Exact requirements should be reviewed in light of each project's specific conditions and the current version of the Digital Platform.
We integrate the different D1-Torres components into a single application
Our work goes beyond completing fields on the Digital Platform. We coordinate territorial, environmental and technical information so that all components consistently describe the same project.
From proposed location to environmental decision
We receive the proposed location
We review the property, proposed tower location, preliminary characteristics and available background information.
We characterize the site
We analyze relevant environmental, territorial and construction conditions.
We prepare the studies
We prepare or coordinate the technical components applicable to the project.
We compile the D1-Torres application
We organize mapping, environmental assessment, documents and forms into a consistent application.
SETENA reviews the application
The authority conducts its technical review and may request additional information where applicable.
Decision and follow-up
When the assessment concludes, SETENA issues its decision, and any applicable environmental monitoring conditions are implemented.
Environmental oversight may continue during project implementation
The regulation provides for follow-up through environmental responsibility reports and the Digital Environmental Logbook, subject to the environmental oversight obligations applicable to the project.
Environmental assessment of towers before SETENA
D1-Torres forms part of the Environmental Impact Assessment procedure administered by the National Environmental Technical Secretariat.
National Environmental Technical Secretariat
SETENA
Environmental approval depends on SETENA's assessment
SETENA reviews the form, project location, environmental assessment, technical studies and other applicable documents before issuing its decision.
Geo Costa Rica technically prepares and coordinates the application, but the final administrative decision rests exclusively with SETENA.
Regulation on Environmental Assessment, Control and Monitoring
D1-Torres is primarily governed by Executive Decree No. 43898-MINAE-S-MOPT-MAG-MEIC, especially Articles 28, 29, 30 and 31, together with applicable annexes and technical guidelines.
D1-Torres and environmental approval
Are telecommunications towers still processed through D6?
Not under the current regulation. Telecommunications towers are now processed through D1-Torres. The current D6 applies to Urban Block projects.
Must each tower be georeferenced?
Yes. The property location, Project Area and tower location are part of the required geospatial information and must be consistent with the other application documents.
Is a geotechnical study always required?
The regulation provides for a geotechnical study or, where technically justified, a professional justification for not submitting one.
Does D1-Torres require an archaeological review?
The procedure provides for an archaeological study or a technical justification for not submitting it, depending on site conditions and applicable guidelines.
Why is a Communication Plan required?
D1-Torres provides for informing communities within the Direct Area of Influence about the project, its characteristics and impacts through a documented communication strategy.
What do we need to get started?
Useful starting documents include the cadastral plan, proposed tower location, property information, available preliminary design, and general details about the project and its developer.
Are you planning to install a telecommunications tower?
We can review the proposed location, property, environmental conditions and available technical information to identify and prepare the components required for the D1-Torres application.
Let's review the proposed site
Send us the cadastral plan, proposed tower location, basic project information and any available designs or background documents to begin the review.