The 1994 constitutional reform establishing environmental protection as an individual right with universal standing. Every other conservation law derives from this provision.
La reforma constitucional de 1994 que establece la protección ambiental como derecho individual con legitimación universal. Toda ley de conservación deriva de esta disposición.
180 documents in this topic.
Res. 06425-2026 Sala Constitucional2026 · Sala Constitucional
Deber municipal de recuperar parque público invadido: omisión prolongada viola derecho a ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action against the Municipality of Vázquez de Coronado for failing to comprehensively and definitively resolve the illegal invasion of a public park in Urbanización Sinaí, a problem known since 2017. Despite some administrative actions, the Chamber held that the municipality's prolonged omission to address the…
Res. 01161-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Desafectación de parques municipales y donación al MEP sin compensación
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed a constitutional challenge against Law No. 10118, which declassifies two municipal properties designated as parks in Curridabat and authorizes their donation to the Ministry of Public Education to consolidate the José María Zeledón Brenes School. The claimant, the mayor of Curridabat, alleged violation of municipal…
Res. 02056-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inundaciones en Candelaria de Naranjo por mal manejo de aguas pluviales
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a resident of Candelaria de Naranjo, who denounces constant flooding in his community since 2018 due to improper stormwater and wastewater management. The petitioner alleges inaction by the Municipality of Naranjo, the Ministry of Health, and the National Road Council (CONAVI). The Chamber finds that,…
Res. 03553-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Ampliación de plazo para emitir nueva normativa del Plan GAM 2013-2030 tras declaratoria de inconstitucionalidad
The Constitutional Chamber addressed a request from the Minister of Housing and Human Settlements and Executive President of INVU to extend the deadline set in Judgment No. 2020-023743, which declared Executive Decree No. 38334-PLAN-MINAE-MIVAH-MOPT-S-MAG of March 10, 2014 (GAM 2013-2030 Plan) unconstitutional for violating the principle of singular…
Res. 05299-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de solución definitiva a denuncia por riesgo de gas GLP
The Constitutional Chamber examines an amparo action against the Ministry of Health for allegedly failing to respond and resolve a complaint regarding non-compliance with a sanitary order that suspended the storage and sale of LPG gas in a supermarket. The original complaint, filed in May 2024, warned of an imminent risk of explosion or leak for neighbors.…
Res. 06957-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe recolectar residuos en zona alta de Tilarán
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by residents of Tilarán against the Municipality of Tilarán for failing to collect ordinary solid waste in the communities of Monte Los Olivos, San Bosco, Las Nubes, and surrounding neighborhoods in the highlands of the canton. The municipality argued that since May 2024 it had provided collection of…
Res. 03649-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
INCOFER debe eliminar aguas residuales de asentamiento en derecho de vía férrea
The Constitutional Chamber partially granted an amparo action against the Costa Rican Railway Institute (INCOFER) and the Municipality of Paraíso. The petitioner denounced inadequate disposal of wastewater from an informal settlement located on the railway right-of-way in Paraíso de Cartago, and the failure to respond to information requests about sidewalk…
Res. 07950-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión municipal ante denuncia ambiental en parque comunitario
The Constitutional Chamber ruled on an amparo filed by a resident against the Municipality of San José for failing to address environmental complaints regarding a park in Colonia López Mateos, San Sebastián. Since April and December 2024, the petitioner reported noise disturbances, drug sales, homelessness, and disruption of peace affecting her right to a…
Res. 09525-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por manejo de lixiviados y lavado de camiones recolectores en Alajuelita
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by a resident and substitute councilor of Alajuelita against the Municipality of that canton. The petitioner alleged that since 2023, at a municipal yard shared by three departments, garbage collection trucks are washed without proper environmental measures, causing wastewater and leachate to…
Res. 09424-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Basureros en carretera de circunvalación no violan derecho a ambiente sano
The petitioner filed an amparo action against the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), the Municipality of San José, and the Ministry of Health, alleging violation of her right to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment due to trash accumulation along the Circunvalación highway, from Hatillo to San Sebastián. She claimed no institution…
Res. 09098-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad de Buenos Aires debe investigar y cesar contaminación sónica de bar
The Constitutional Chamber partially granted the amparo remedy filed by neighbors against the Municipality of Buenos Aires and the Ministry of Health regarding noise pollution from the Caliburguer bar and restaurant. The Chamber found that the municipality failed in its duty to monitor the establishment, despite being aware of complaints about excessive…
Res. 11975-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Contaminación sónica por bar y omisión municipal en resolver denuncia
The petitioner filed an amparo action against the Municipality of Cartago, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Public Security, alleging that the Bar-Restaurant La Casona de Mau generates noise pollution affecting his family's health and peace, and that the authorities have failed to resolve the problem despite multiple complaints. The Chamber…
Res. 16342-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de petición del diputado sobre contaminación del Estero de Puntarenas
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by a deputy against the Municipality of Puntarenas. The petitioner had requested detailed information about municipal actions regarding contamination of the Puntarenas Estuary by wastewater discharges from the Municipal Market, including immediate measures, health permits, fines, and application of the…
Res. 02108-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación sónica rechazado por cumplimiento de límites reglamentarios
An elderly woman filed an amparo action against the Health Area of Desamparados for failing to properly address her complaint about noise pollution from commercial exhaust fans next to her home. She claimed that 24-hour noise, especially at night, caused vibrations, sleep disruption, and health deterioration. The Constitutional Chamber verified that the…
Res. 17901-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión administrativa en zona de protección del río Barucito — Amparo parcialmente con lugar
The Constitutional Chamber examined an amparo filed by a citizen against the Municipality of Pérez Zeledón and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) for the unauthorized construction of tourist infrastructure (platforms and ramps) within the protection zone of the Barucito River and an unnamed stream. The petitioner alleged violations of the right…
Res. 09530-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho al ambiente sano frente a inundaciones y falta de mantenimiento de la Quebrada Chagüite
The Constitutional Chamber denies an amparo action filed by a resident against ICE and the Ministry of Health, alleging that stormwater discharges from ICE's Barranca facility in Puntarenas and lack of maintenance of Chagüite Creek cause flooding and health impacts on nearby communities. A RECOPE diesel spill is also reported. The Chamber finds…
Res. 19583-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Coordinación municipal frente a inundaciones en la microcuenca de la Quebrada Los Negritos
The Constitutional Chamber orders the Municipalities of Montes de Oca and San José to, within one year, articulate and define a definitive solution to the flooding problem affecting Barrio Dent and Barrio Escalante, and to carry out all necessary works for that purpose. Additionally, they must implement preventive and corrective maintenance plans for the…
Res. 22252-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Coordinación SENASA-MINSA en contaminación sónica por ladridos de perros y derecho a la salud de menor vulnerable
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a resident of San Juan de La Unión who claims that constant noise from several dogs in a neighboring house seriously affects the health of his minor son — who suffers from progressive cerebellar atrophy, epilepsy, and autism spectrum disorder — and the rest of his family, without the authorities having…
Res. 18816-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
No se acredita afectación ambiental por recolección de residuos en Escuela Sinaí
The Constitutional Chamber examined an amparo action filed by students of Sinaí School in Pérez Zeledón, alleging that the Municipality of Pérez Zeledón and the Road Safety Council (COSEVI) violated their fundamental rights. The students claimed that a perimeter fence installed by COSEVI as part of the 'Safe Pedestrian Mobility' project caused problems…
Res. 23174-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Traslado de estudiantes sordos por condiciones inadecuadas de aula improvisada
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by the mother of six deaf students at the Mario Quirós Sasso Vocational Technical High School in Tres Ríos, who had various complex diagnoses. The petitioner claimed the students were receiving classes in a storage room lacking windows, natural ventilation, sufficient lighting, or emergency exits,…
Res. 23506-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Tala de árboles en riesgo por razones técnicas en Sabanilla de Montes de Oca
The Constitutional Chamber decided an amparo action brought by neighbors of the Málaga and Emanuel residential complexes in Sabanilla, Montes de Oca, who alleged that the Municipality of Montes de Oca illegally authorized the felling of three large trees on an adjacent private property, lacking legal competence and without ordering recovery or compensation…
Res. 23963-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional ordena corrección definitiva de contaminación por abandono del Relleno Sanitario Los Pinos en Cartago
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo claim against the Municipality of Cartago and the Cartago Health Authority due to the lack of maintenance and abandonment of the Los Pinos Landfill, which generated serious environmental and public health risks. Although the Municipality argued that responsibility lay with the private companies with which it had…
Res. 24083-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión municipal en la recolección de basura en Upala
The Constitutional Chamber grants an amparo action against the Municipality of Upala for failing to provide garbage collection service at the petitioner's home. Despite the petitioner's request in March 2025, the Municipality excluded his property from coverage, arguing it was outside the service area and that neighboring residents did not wish to pay. The…
Res. 23112-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Botadero clandestino en San Ramón y derecho a la salud
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by residents of San Ramón against the Municipality of San Ramón and the Ministry of Health regarding a clandestine dump generating odors, rats, and cockroaches, endangering public health. The petitioners reported the issue in September 2024 but received no timely response. The Chamber finds that although the…
Res. 23202-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Alcantarillado obstruido y deber municipal de atender servicios locales
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action filed by a resident of Alajuelita against the Municipality of Alajuelita for failing to clean and repair a clogged sewer, which caused a proliferation of mosquitoes and larvae, endangering the public health of the community, including elderly residents and children. The municipality reported that the…
Res. 23234-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental por taller clandestino — Municipalidad de Goicoechea
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action filed by a resident of the Ipis residential area, who alleges that a clandestine workshop was installed next to her home in 2016 and was granted an irregular municipal license. The petitioner previously obtained a contentious‑administrative ruling ordering the municipality to resolve a review appeal. The…
Res. 24842-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Aumento de cupos en Corcovado sin fundamento técnico-científico
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action against SINAC for modifying the reservation policies of Corcovado National Park via resolution SINAC-ACOSA-D-R-0048-2023, increasing daily entry and overnight caps without underpinning the change with a scientific methodology. The majority found that, although the administration invoked a "visitor flow…
Res. 24898-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho a comedor seguro y ambiente sano en centro educativo
The Constitutional Chamber grants an amparo action filed on behalf of the students of the Ricardo Castro Beer Professional Technical School in Orotina, finding that the conditions of the school cafeteria violate the fundamental rights to health, a healthy and ecologically balanced environment, and education. The court verifies that since 2021 the Ministry…
Res. 26579-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Parque San Antonio en abandono y riesgos sanitarios
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo appeal against the Municipality of Desamparados regarding the abandonment of San Antonio Park, which featured overgrown grass, homeless individuals, and health risks such as water accumulation and pests. The appellant argued that the municipality failed to maintain the park following the expiration of a contract…
Res. 26513-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe resolver problema de aguas pluviales que afecta vivienda y salud de vecinos
The Constitutional Chamber grants an amparo action filed by a resident of Loma Larga, Cartago, against the Municipality of Cartago for failing to definitively resolve a stormwater problem affecting his home and that of other neighbors. The petitioner argued that a previous municipal intervention redirected water flow onto his property, causing flooding,…
Res. 26586-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación sónica y omisión del Ministerio de Salud
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by residents of Talamanca against the Ministry of Health for failing to resolve complaints of noise pollution, lights, and cameras directed at their home since 2022. The Chamber reiterated its case law that noise pollution violates the rights to health, a healthy environment, and privacy, emphasizing the…
Res. 23995-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho al agua ante suspensión por deudas municipales
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo appeal filed by residents of the Paraíso canton against the Municipality of Paraíso and the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA) over the threat of drinking water service suspension. The conflict arises because the ICAA seeks to charge the municipality substantial retroactive sums since 2017 for…
Res. 30070-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Chatarrera contigua a centro educativo genera contaminación e inacción estatal
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by representatives of a language academy against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Atenas, regarding a neighboring scrapyard that generated excessive noise, toxic odors, public road obstruction, scrap accumulation, and burning of polluting materials. Through photographic evidence, the Chamber…
Res. 30906-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Coordinación interinstitucional para ejecutar orden sanitaria de inmueble inhabitable
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by the daughter of an elderly person whose living conditions were affected by leaks, sewage discharges and the dilapidated state of an adjacent property owned by IMAS, allegedly used as an irregular boarding house. The petitioner claimed omissions by the Municipality of Santa Ana, the Ministry of Health and…
Res. 31964-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión inconstitucional por alcantarillado deficiente y aguas estancadas en ruta nacional 118
The Costa Rican Constitutional Chamber addressed a writ of amparo filed by a resident of El Poró, Grecia, against the Ministry of Health and CONAVI (later joined by AyA) due to their failure to resolve a sewer overflow on National Route 118, causing stagnant water, foul odors, dengue risks, respiratory issues, and traffic hazards. The petitioner claimed…
Res. 31140-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Filtración de aguas negras y derecho a la salud
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo appeal filed by a citizen who reported a sewage leak from the neighboring property, affecting his home with moisture, foul odors, and health issues. The appellant claimed inaction by the Ministry of Health, to which he filed a sanitary complaint in June 2025 without receiving a timely response. The Chamber…
Res. 33901-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inacción municipal ante invasión de zona de protección del río Purral
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the Municipality of Goicoechea for failing to address illegal constructions in the Río Purral protection zone, first reported in 2022. Although the municipality verified the buildings in October 2022, it delayed requesting SINAC’s inspection by two years; the inspection occurred in February 2025…
Res. 34789-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Contaminación por alcantarillado sanitario en Puntarenas y obligación estatal de saneamiento
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA) for pollution from the Puntarenas sanitary sewer, which discharges untreated wastewater into the estuary, harming public health and the environment. The Chamber found that ICAA breached its constitutional duty to protect the right to health (art. 21)…
Res. 33001-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Orden sanitaria e inspección de aguas residuales en precario
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Ministry of Health over inadequate disposal of wastewater from neighboring houses that seeped onto the petitioner's property, causing foul odors, flies, mosquitoes, and disease. The Ministry of Health conducted inspections confirming the contamination, but uncertainty about land ownership…
Res. 35753-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe resolver botadero ilegal de basura en vía pública pese a falta de presupuesto
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo brought by a resident of Alajuelita against the Municipality of Alajuelita, alleging that for months an illegal and disproportionate garbage dump had persisted on the public road in front of her house, despite multiple complaints. The petitioner at least requested the installation of a prohibition sign. The…
Res. 92528-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Acción de inconstitucionalidad contra el régimen de excepción del Proyecto Turístico Golfo de Papagayo
The Constitutional Chamber admits for study an unconstitutionality action filed by a lawyer in defense of the diffuse interest in a healthy environment. Multiple norms that create an exceptional regime for the Papagayo Gulf Tourism Project, administered by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), are challenged. The petitioner argues that these norms…
Res. 30562-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra tajo Hacienda San Rafael y puente cantonal en La Unión
The Constitutional Chamber denies an amparo action filed by a neighbor of La Unión against several public authorities, alleging a violation of the right to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment due to the operation of the Hacienda San Rafael quarry. The plaintiff complained of landslide risk on the Chiquito River, overweight on the cantonal…
Res. 39396-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Recolección de basura en comunidad rural El Salto Viejo
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by residents of El Salto Viejo, a community on the border between Liberia and Bagaces. The claimants argued that poor road conditions prevented access to public transport, garbage collection, and emergency vehicles. The Chamber dismissed the road infrastructure claim after confirming that both…
Res. 41105-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Inundaciones en márgenes de quebrada por omisión municipal
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by residents of Santa Cecilia de Paquera, who reported that recurrent flooding from the overflow of the Santa Cecilia creek and the saturation of the storm drainage system endangered their lives, homes, and property, and that local authorities had failed to take concrete action to resolve the problem.…
Res. 25588-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Adhesión al Protocolo de Londres 1996 sobre contaminación del mar
The Constitutional Chamber reviews a mandatory legislative consultation regarding the bill for Costa Rica's accession to the 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972 (London Protocol). The Chamber finds no procedural flaws in the legislative process. On the merits, it analyzes the…
Res. 41927-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho a ambiente sano en centro educativo por inundaciones de cancha colindante
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by the president of the School Board of Escuela El Campo in San Carlos against the Municipality of San Carlos and the Integral Development Association of Rancho Grande and Betel. The petitioner argued that the roofed sports field—multipurpose hall—administered by the Association under a municipal concession…
Res. 41946-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión en verificación de emisiones para importación de vehículos usados
The Constitutional Chamber upholds an amparo action filed by the Asociación Preserve Planet against the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) and the Road Safety Council (COSEVI). The claim concerns the failure to implement the requirement set forth in Article 8, paragraph 7 of Executive Decree No. 39724-MOPT-MINAE-S, in force since 2016, which…
Res. 41905-2025 Sala Constitucional2025 · Sala Constitucional
Infraestructura en áreas de protección: obras turísticas sin sustento técnico
The Constitutional Chamber examines the constitutionality of Articles 33 bis and 33 ter of the Forestry Law, added by Law 10210 of 2022, which authorize civil and tourism infrastructure in protection areas. Unanimously, the first paragraph of Article 33 bis (works necessary for public services) is declared constitutional. By majority, the second paragraph…
Res. 01101-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Malos olores de planta de tratamiento y deber municipal de garantizar un ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by a resident of Paraíso de Cartago against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Paraíso, concerning foul odors from the Llanos de Santa Lucía wastewater treatment plant. The petitioner claimed that, despite complaints filed since March 2023, the authorities had failed to take effective…
Res. 01229-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión reglamentaria de la Ley N°10152 sobre la cuenca del Río Sarapiquí
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Presidency and the Ministry of Environment and Energy for failing to issue the regulation of Law No. 10152, 'Law for the Sustainable Development of the Sarapiquí River Basin and Protection of its Main Channel,' published on April 28, 2022. The law establishes an environmental safeguard along…
Res. 02523-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional ordena a Municipalidad y Ministerio de Salud resolver vertido de aguas residuales en acequia
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by residents of San Juan de San Ramón district who reported the improper discharge of wastewater—soapy and black—into a ditch along Route 702, causing foul odors and health risks. The Municipality of San Ramón and the Ministry of Health conducted inspections confirming the contamination, but after…
Res. 07847-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Inundaciones crónicas en urbanización Palo Verde por deficiente alcantarillado pluvial
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by residents of the Palo Verde urbanization in Pitahaya, Cartago, who reported recurrent flooding for nearly 20 years due to a deficient stormwater drainage system. The Court found that both the Municipality of Cartago and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport were aware of the problem and failed to…
Res. 08722-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión ministerial en medición de contaminación sónica en Turrialba
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by Turrialba neighbors against the Bar and Restaurant La Garza, alleging noise pollution and behaviors that disturb their right to health, privacy and a healthy environment. The claimants reported late-night disturbances, live music, brawls and indecent acts in front of their homes, as well as the failure of…
Res. 08751-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Contaminación por aguas negras en Quebrada Chiquita de Moravia y omisión en reparación de muro
The Constitutional Chamber partially grants an amparo filed by a resident of Moravia against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA), the Ministry of Health, and the Municipality of Moravia. The petitioner claimed that works under the metropolitan sanitary sewer project diverted raw sewage into the Quebrada Chiquita, causing contamination,…
Res. 10760-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Decreto 43368-MINAE que amplía Parque Nacional Isla del Coco es constitucional
The Constitutional Chamber rejected the unconstitutionality action filed by fishing industry associations against Executive Decree No. 43368-MINAE, which expanded the limits of Isla del Coco National Park and created the Bicentennial Marine Managed Area. The plaintiffs alleged violation of consultation rights, of the principles of reasonableness,…
Res. 10951-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de humedales en certificación de PNE en Talamanca y principio precautorio
The Constitutional Chamber resolved an amparo action against the La Amistad Caribe Conservation Area (ACLAC) for failing to update the certification of State Natural Heritage (PNE) in the maritime-terrestrial zone of the Talamanca canton. The petitioner argued that the 2017 certification omitted wetlands identified in a 2021 technical report, violating the…
Res. 11071-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Carboneras ilegales sin acción oportuna no vulneran derechos fundamentales si las autoridades actuaron diligentemente
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action filed by a resident of San Cristóbal Sur, Desamparados, against the Municipality of Desamparados and the Desamparados Health Area, alleging failure to address complaints about illegal charcoal kilns operating without permits since January 2022, causing smoke pollution and health impacts. The authorities…
Res. 10848-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Suspensión del servicio de recolección de residuos por conflicto presupuestario entre concejo distrital y municipalidad
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action against the Colorado District Municipal Council and the Municipality of Abangares for the suspension of waste collection services in the district. The petitioner, a company generating approximately 600 kg of solid waste weekly, claimed the district council announced the cessation of service as of October…
Res. 11793-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Planta de tratamiento en desuso lesiona derecho a ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo petition filed by a resident of Residencial La Giralda (Desamparados, Alajuela) against the Municipality of Alajuela. The petitioner claimed that the residential wastewater treatment plant, transferred to the municipality in 1999, is in a state of complete disrepair, causing foul odors and pollution, and that…
Res. 15774-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra Municipalidad por quemas y polvo en plantel municipal
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a neighbor of the Heredia municipal yard, who claims the yard generates dust clouds, stores waste, and conducts periodic burns affecting his family's health, including a child with cerebral palsy. After being notified of the amparo, the Municipality takes corrective measures: covering materials, paving…
Res. 17126-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Muro de protección fluvial y deber municipal de prevenir inundaciones
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a resident of the Villa Fuente neighborhood in San Juan de Dios de Desamparados, who alleged that the Municipality of Desamparados had failed to build a flood wall to prevent recurrent flooding caused by the Cañas River overflowing its banks since 2022, affecting over 150 people, including elderly,…
Res. 19700-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe reparar tubería de aguas negras por vulnerar derecho a ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by an elderly person with a son with Down syndrome against the Municipality of Desamparados and the Ministry of Health. The petitioner alleges that since 2022 a sewage pipe adjacent to her home has caused foul odors, landslides, and mosquito breeding grounds, without resolution. After inspections, the…
Res. 21414-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Desalojo y reubicación en zona inhabitable de La Mandarina, Atenas
The Constitutional Chamber granted the amparo petition filed by a resident of La Mandarina, Atenas de Alajuela, for violation of her rights to health, physical integrity, and a healthy and ecologically balanced environment. The area was declared uninhabitable after a landslide in 2007 that caused several deaths. Although the Ministry of Health and the…
Res. 21942-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de plantas de tratamiento y alcantarillado en Quepos, Golfito y Garabito
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), the Ministry of Finance, and the municipalities of Golfito, Quepos, Garabito, and Palmares, for the lack of wastewater treatment plants and sanitary sewerage in those localities, despite their inclusion in the Priority Zones Sanitation Program…
Res. 19561-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho de acceso al agua potable en Hatillo 8
The Constitutional Chamber partially grants an amparo action filed by residents of Hatillo 8 against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA) and the Regulatory Authority for Public Services (ARESEP) for the suspension of drinking water service since March 14, 2024. The Chamber concludes that, although the specific mid-March interruptions…
Res. 19602-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho al agua potable y crisis de desabastecimiento en Alajuelita
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo petition against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (ICAA) for violating the fundamental right to potable water of residents in San Josecito de Alajuelita. The petitioner reported repeated non-compliance with supply schedules, prolonged cuts, and lack of response to his reports. The Chamber…
Res. 23336-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Municipio debe regular tránsito de vehículos pesados por ruido y deterioro vial
The Constitutional Court granted an amparo filed by a resident of Veracruz neighborhood in Higuito, Desamparados, who complained that constant heavy vehicle traffic from Shaan Construction Company caused road damage, excessive noise, and danger to neighbors, violating their rights to intimacy, health, and a healthy environment. Despite formally requesting…
Res. 23319-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación fábrica de harina y hueso en La Guácima
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a resident of La Guácima de Alajuela against the Ministry of Health for failing to definitely resolve complaints filed since 2022 regarding pollution and foul odors from a bone meal factory affecting people in several districts of that canton. Although the Ministry conducted inspections and issued a…
Res. 13696-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad de La Unión debe intervenir árbol en parque público que amenaza vivienda
The Constitutional Court upheld an amparo action against the Municipality of La Unión for failing to address a complaint about a eucalyptus tree in a municipal park that threatened to fall on the petitioner's home. Despite requests since October 2023, the municipality conditioned intervention on authorization from the neighboring owner, whose wall was in…
Res. 24813-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra Municipalidad de Santo Domingo por inundaciones por insuficiencia de alcantarillado pluvial
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by a resident against the Municipality of Santo Domingo de Heredia, alleging that inadequate storm drainage infrastructure on Calle Caballeros del Este (Calle Momo) causes recurrent flooding affecting her property and neighboring homes. The petitioner argues that despite repeated requests since 2022 and…
Res. 26532-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Fumigaciones con agroquímicos afectan derecho a un ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action filed by residents of La Rita, Pococí, against the local health authority and the Ministry of Agriculture, due to health impacts from pesticide spraying using the 'spray boom' method on a nearby plantation. Although complaints had been filed since June 2023 and inspections were carried out, the…
Res. 28068-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Demora en denuncias por contaminación sónica de un bar
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo appeal filed by a resident of Barrio Santa Marta, Corralillo de Cartago, against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Cartago, for failing to timely address complaints of noise and environmental pollution from an adjacent bar. The petitioner alleged that since 2019 he had filed complaints about excessive…
Res. 32406-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Limpieza de zona de protección de quebrada y derecho a la salubridad pública
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a resident of Villas Durango in Cartago against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Cartago. The claimant alleged that a municipal lot in the Quebrada Arenilla Protection Zone was abandoned, creating a security and health hazard for the community. Despite her complaints, the authorities…
Res. 35506-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Convivencia de instalaciones deportivas y área verde en parque no vulnera derecho a ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber denied the amparo filed by Eduardo Edwin Rímolo Castro against the Municipality of San José and the Ministry of Public Security. The petitioner claimed the authorities allowed a change of use of the park in Montealegre neighborhood, Zapote, by letting sports facilities coexist with green areas, allegedly violating the right to a…
Res. 37737-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Inundaciones por aguas pluviales y deber municipal de resolver
An elderly resident of Tarrazú filed an amparo against the Municipality of Tarrazú due to stormwater flowing through her property, causing water stagnation and flooding in her home. She claimed that the culverts, installed over 30 years ago, had not been properly maintained and that despite multiple complaints since 2017 and a municipal technical report…
Res. 14801-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Inconstitucionalidad de restricción a importación de GNL solo para sustituir búnker
The Constitutional Chamber grants an unconstitutionality action against phrases in Executive Decree 42747-MINAE that conditioned the import, transport, distribution and marketing of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exclusively to the substitution of bunker fuel in industrial and commercial use. The Chamber finds that this restriction violates the principles of…
Res. 36952-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Anulación del Decreto 42404-MINAE que reducía la Zona Protectora de Tivives
The Constitutional Chamber upholds an unconstitutionality action brought by the Office of the Attorney General against Executive Decree No. 42404-MINAE of April 6, 2020. The decree aimed to reduce the Tivives Protected Zone—an ecologically critical protected wildland in the Central Pacific—by approximately 81.9 hectares, transferring the land to the Costa…
Res. 35501-2024 Sala Constitucional2024 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación sónica y obstrucción vial de centro médico en residencial
Neighbors of the Las Brisas residential complex in Cartago filed an amparo action against the Municipality of Cartago, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) due to disturbances caused by the Las Brisas Medical Center. The clinic’s high patient influx from early morning hours led to obstruction of the public road—with…
Res. 01062-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional ordena plan de acción conjunto a Municipalidad y Ministerio de Salud por contaminación de aguas y residuos
The Constitutional Chamber grants an amparo against the Municipality of Naranjo and the Ministry of Health for persistent environmental contamination on the petitioner's property caused by wastewater and solid waste from an adjacent informal settlement. Despite a prior Chamber order in 2007 and repeated complaints since 2000, authorities failed to take…
Res. 01129-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Demora en resolver denuncia ambiental por aguas negras en precario
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo against the Municipality of Sarapiquí for disproportionate delay in resolving an environmental complaint. The petitioner, owner of a property in Horquetas de Sarapiquí, had filed a complaint on February 1, 2021, alleging that a group of people occupied an adjacent municipal road and built precarious structures…
Res. 25953-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Competencias concurrentes de SENASA y Ministerio de Salud en denuncias por ruido de animales
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a neighbor against the Ministry of Health and SENASA over unresolved complaints about excessive noise from a neighbor's dogs. The claimant asserts both agencies declined jurisdiction. The Chamber rules that under the General Health Law, the SENASA Law, and the Animal Welfare Law, SENASA and the Ministry…
Res. 26056-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión municipal en poda de árbol que amenaza seguridad comunal
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by an elderly person against the Municipality of Montes de Oca for failing to prune a tree whose branches encroached on the street, sidewalks, and power lines, posing a danger to residents and passersby. After months of unanswered requests, the municipality argued that the tree was on private property and…
Res. 28275-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
La Sala Constitucional reitera que el flujo de visitación del PNMA debe basarse en herramientas técnicas
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed an amparo appeal challenging the decision of the Manuel Antonio National Park (PNMA) Intervention Committee to increase daily visitor capacity from 1120 to 1568. The appellant argued this violated prior Chamber rulings that had ordered reduced visitation to protect natural resources. The Chamber found those rulings did…
Res. 29786-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra Municipalidad de Cartago por contaminación de aguas residuales de asentamiento ilegal Los Diques
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a resident and his elderly mother against the Municipality of Cartago and other authorities. The petitioners claimed that the illegal settlement Los Diques, located in the Los Diques National Reserve, discharges untreated wastewater and stormwater onto their property, causing health, environmental, and…
Res. 30549-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Protección de la salud de funcionarios frente a criaderos de zancudos en Inbioparque
The petitioner, a SINAC official whose offices are located in the Inbioparque Ecological Park, files an amparo appeal alleging that lack of maintenance of the park causes proliferation of mosquito breeding sites, exposing employees to bites and diseases such as dengue. She argues that the Ministry of Health and SINAC have not taken sufficient measures to…
Res. 31224-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por inundaciones por falta de alcantarillado en Santo Domingo
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action filed by residents of San Miguel de Santo Domingo de Heredia against the Municipality of Santo Domingo and the Ministry of Health. The complainants argue that the lack of adequate stormwater drainage infrastructure in their community causes constant flooding during the rainy season, damaging homes and…
Res. 31213-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Contaminación por aguas servidas en Urbanización Santa Paula I
The Constitutional Court granted an amparo filed by residents of Santa Paula I Subdivision in Barva, Heredia, who reported ongoing contamination from sewage and other liquid and solid waste flowing from a subdivision built on higher ground. Although the health authority and the local government conducted inspections and issued sanitary orders starting in…
Res. 31774-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Orden de resolver disposición inadecuada de aguas residuales en Las Palmeras
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by a resident of the Las Palmeras residential complex, Heredia, against the Ministry of Health. The petitioner had reported to the Heredia Health Area that 26 homes were improperly disposing of wastewater and rainwater, with illegal cross-connections between the sanitary and stormwater systems, endangering…
Res. 32311-2023 Sala Constitucional2023 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental por malos olores del relleno sanitario La Carpio
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a resident of Belén against the Ministry of Health, the Municipality of San José, and the Municipality of Belén, due to pollution from foul odors emanating from the Uruka Environmental Technology Park (La Carpio landfill) and from burning at clandestine dumps. The Chamber found that the Ministry of Health…
Res. 00507-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Contaminación sónica por aires acondicionados de EBAIS
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed against the CCSS and the Ministry of Health for failing to timely address a noise pollution complaint. The claimant, owner of a hotel adjacent to the Río Claro EBAIS in Golfito, reported in January 2021 that noise from the health center's air conditioning condenser units was driving away guests. Ministry…
Res. 02454-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Solicitud de información sobre reciclaje en campo ferial
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action against the Municipality of Heredia for failing to respond to a request that included both complaints about parking lot improvements at the Campo Ferial La Perla and a request for access to information on recycling programs implemented at that site. The petitioner alleged environmental pollution and a…
Res. 01358-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Desechos de matadero en producción de abono orgánico no representan omisión estatal tutelable
The Constitutional Chamber rejects an amparo action filed by residents of Turrúcares, Alajuela, against various public authorities for alleged inaction regarding environmental pollution and nuisances caused by the transport and processing of slaughterhouse waste for organic fertilizer production. The claimants report unbearable odors, disturbance of peace,…
Res. 03203-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Contaminación sónica por actividades en Casa Calamar
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action filed by a resident of Puntarenas against the Ministry of Health for its failure to effectively address repeated complaints since 2018 about noise pollution from the property 'Casa Calamar,' where parties with loud music are held late into the night. The complainant argues that the noise harms her health,…
Res. 03950-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Coordinación interinstitucional para solucionar desbordamiento del río María Aguilar
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action by the Condominio Mallorca representative in Curridabat regarding constant flooding from the María Aguilar River overflow, especially at the National Route 02 bridge and the Cipreses access bridge. The claimants accuse the Municipality of Curridabat of insufficient corrective actions and lack of prevention,…
Res. 05123-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad ordenada a resolver denuncia y reparar alcantarillado que causa deslizamientos
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by the owner of a property in Puriscal, who claims that the replacement of a municipal culvert on a road adjacent to a creek caused landslides on his land, endangering his family. Despite multiple inspections and technical recommendations from the National Emergency Commission, MINAE, and the municipal…
Res. 26160-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación sónica de gimnasio
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a resident of Alajuela against the Ministry of Health, alleging delay and deficient handling of a noise pollution complaint from a gym. After a previous amparo was granted, the ministry closed the premises, but it reopened under a different name. The petitioner filed a new complaint, which was rejected…
Res. 26115-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Renovación de Disponibilidad Hídrica y Acceso a Información Ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by Alejandro García Valerio and Camilo Ureña Ureña against the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA). The claimants had requested information on the validity of the Water Capacity Certificate granted to the "La Arboleda" housing project, located in the buffer zone of the Loma de Salitral…
Res. 25834-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo declarado con lugar por manejo inadecuado de residuos sólidos en Cóbano
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by a resident of Santa Teresa de Cóbano against the Ministry of Health. The plaintiff alleged that, since April 20, 2022, he had filed a sanitary complaint about inadequate solid waste collection in the area, without receiving a response or solution. The Chamber found that the April situation was…
Res. 28654-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por ruido de bodega y salud de menores autistas
Neighbors in Pérez Zeledón filed an amparo against the Ministry of Health due to noise, vibrations, and dust from a hardware store warehouse adjacent to their home, which affected the health of their minor children—one with autism and one with attention deficit disorder. They claimed that health authorities failed to take effective measures to cease the…
Res. 25307-2022 Sala Constitucional2022 · Sala Constitucional
Constitucionalidad del proyecto de Ley de Hidrógeno Verde — protección ambiental y competencias de SETENA
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed a facultative legislative consultation on the bill for the Promotion and Implementation of a Green Hydrogen Economy in Costa Rica (legislative file 22.392). The majority held that the bill, overall, does not violate the principle of technical reasonableness, as the legislature has broad discretion to promote economic…
Res. 00313-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación sónica ante Ministerio de Salud
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a Heredia resident against the Health Ministry's regional office for failing to respond to an environmental complaint about noise and vibrations from neighboring logistics companies. The petitioner claimed violations of the rights to health, a healthy environment, and quality of life. The Chamber found…
Res. 00684-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión municipal y de salud ante botadero clandestino en San Ramón
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo action against the Municipality of San Ramón and the Area Rectora de Salud for their inaction concerning a clandestine dump on Calle La Paz. Petitioners reported accumulation of solid waste, dead animals and mosquito breeding risks, endangering public health and the environment. The Chamber finds that while the…
Res. 02741-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Delimitación de manglar y contaminación en asentamiento El Cocal, Quepos
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo against the Municipality of Quepos, SINAC, and other entities over pollution caused in the informal settlement of El Cocal, located on maritime-terrestrial zone and mangrove. The petitioners denounced lack of solid waste collection, absence of sanitary sewerage, and discharge of wastewater into the sea, estuary,…
Res. 03337-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por omisión en entrega de información ambiental solicitada a la Municipalidad de San Ramón
The Constitutional Chamber addresses an amparo filed by a citizen against the Municipality of San Ramón. The claimant had filed an environmental complaint and a request for documentary information regarding roadworks in Bajo La Paz, tree removal in the protection zone of the La Paz River, and actions of a road committee. The municipality carried out an…
Res. 04481-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Humo de beneficio de café no configura lesión a derechos al no acreditarse incumplimiento de parámetros técnicos
The Constitutional Chamber denies the amparo brought by neighbors of a coffee processing plant and the Naranjo Health Area. Petitioners alleged that a furnace change in 2019 caused excessive smoke emissions harming their health and quality of life, and accused the Ministry of Health of negligence. The Court finds that the Ministry conducted inspections,…
Res. 04505-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Construcción de cementerio no viola resolución SETENA previa
The petitioner filed an amparo action against the Municipality of Pérez Zeledón, claiming that the construction of a municipal cemetery violated a 2012 SETENA resolution that prohibited building in an area with springs and lagoons, risking water contamination and health impacts. The Constitutional Chamber found that the 2012 restriction pertained to a…
Res. 04826-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
No ha lugar a gestión de desobediencia sobre cumplimiento de plan en Corcovado
The Constitutional Chamber dismissed the third disobedience claim filed by Andrés Boza Loría against the Ministries of Finance, Environment and Energy, and Public Security, alleging non-compliance with ruling 2017-00641, which ordered a permanent surveillance plan for Corcovado National Park and Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve. The claimant argued that 37…
Res. 05042-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe resolver alcantarillado y contaminación en Desamparados
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by a resident of Calle Mora, Los Ángeles neighborhood in San Rafael Abajo, Desamparados. Since 2019, the petitioner had reported problems of sewage overflow due to poor drainage, flooding, and contamination from an irregularly operating rooming house that dumped waste onto the public road. The Chamber…
Res. 07464-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión de atender denuncias sobre construcciones y ranchos en playas afecta el derecho a un ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo action filed by the president of the Pavones Tourism Chamber Association against the Osa Conservation Area (SINAC), the Municipality of Golfito, and the Ministry of Health. The petitioner argued that these institutions failed to properly address a complaint filed in March 2020 regarding constructions and…
Res. 09168-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión del Ministerio de Salud en atender filtración de aguas residuales lesiona salud y ambiente
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo against the Health Ministry for failing to effectively resolve a complaint filed in 2015 regarding the leakage of black and gray water onto a property in Alajuelita, causing pests, foul odors, and health risks to the petitioner’s family, including her 64-year-old mother. The Chamber finds that although a sanitary…
Res. 09688-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Alarma sonora en centro penitenciario — omisión de autoridades
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by individuals deprived of liberty at the Reinaldo Villalobos Zúñiga Comprehensive Care Unit. The petitioners claim that an alarm at the adjacent Terrazas complex, built by the Ministry of Justice and Peace, remained activated 24 hours a day for 8 days, causing noise pollution they describe as mental and…
Res. 09638-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho a recolección de basura en comunidades excluidas del servicio
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action filed by residents of several communities in the district of Lepanto against the Municipal District Council of Lepanto. The plaintiffs complained that the municipality had never provided a regular, continuous, and efficient solid waste collection service in the towns of Balsa, Dominicas, Camaronal, San…
Res. 09674-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión municipal en limpieza de quebrada vulnera derecho a ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a resident of Alto de San Rafael, Oreamuno, Cartago, who alleged that flooding and landslides caused by an unmaintained creek had been affecting her home and health for over 14 years, despite a prior successful amparo in 2006. The petitioner showed that on June 2 and November 26, 2020, she submitted…
Res. 12292-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Recolección de residuos sólidos en comunidad rural
Residents of Campo Dos y Medio in the canton of Corredores file a writ of amparo against the Municipality of Corredores for never having received solid‑waste collection service, forcing them to burn or bury garbage, causing environmental harm and health risks. The Constitutional Chamber denies the amparo because the petitioners did not submit a formal,…
Res. 12741-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental contra el Ministerio de Salud por malos olores
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by Francisco Santos Méndez on behalf of Giselle Patricia Méndez Durán against the Ministry of Health. The protected party reported in 2019 sewage leaks and foul odors coming from a neighboring property in Pavas. The Ministry of Health carried out multiple inspections and dye tests that yielded negative…
Res. 08564-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad obligada a servicio de recolección de basura en Paquera
The Constitutional Chamber partially granted an amparo filed by a resident of Paquera against the District Municipal Council of Paquera due to the lack of a regular and continuous solid waste collection service. It was confirmed that a serious waste-management problem had existed since 2019 without an integral, permanent solution, despite prior rulings…
Res. 13176-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Recolección de basura en Isla Venado y gestión integral de residuos
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by the Isla Venado Integral Development Association against the Lepanto District Municipal Council. The petitioner claims the municipality has never provided periodic, continuous, selective, accessible, and efficient solid waste collection in Isla Venado, nor promoted integrated waste management. The Chamber…
Res. 13187-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por contaminación de aguas en Playa Hermosa
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a resident against the Municipality of Garabito and the Garabito Health Area over persistent water stagnation in a stormwater manhole in Playa Hermosa, Jacó. The petitioner reported that since 2020, stagnant water generates foul odors and possible health risks, and that the Municipality has taken no…
Res. 08664-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra el Ministerio de Salud por vertido de aguas negras
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a resident of La Leila neighborhood, Ciudad Quesada, who claims that since September 2019 he filed a complaint with the Health Area office about the discharge of sewage and soapy waters into the storm drain by other residents, causing pollution, foul odors, and health impacts. The respondent authority…
Res. 08588-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Condiciones insalubres en escuela y derecho a ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo against the Ministry of Public Education regarding the structural and sanitary conditions of the San Jorge de Yolillal de Upala school. The school is alleged to have bat infestations, faulty electrical systems, inadequate sanitary facilities, and structural damage, leading the Ministry of Health to declare it…
Res. 14301-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo sobre prolongación del relleno sanitario La Carpio
The Constitutional Court dismisses an amparo filed by a resident of Ciudad Cariari against the Ministry of Health and SETENA for the continuous approval of increases in the maximum elevation of the La Carpio landfill (Parque de Tecnología Ambiental La Uruka), extending its useful life beyond the originally planned period. The plaintiff alleged a violation…
Res. 14989-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Inercia estatal en denuncia ambiental sobre humedal
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed against SETENA and SINAC regarding the lack of response to an environmental complaint submitted on February 12, 2021. The complaint alleged irregularities in the approval of an environmental registry for a large tourism project adjacent to a declared wetland. Although SETENA made some requests and asked…
Res. 15487-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión municipal en limpieza de lote enmontado y su impacto ambiental
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a neighbor against the Municipality of Flores, alleging inaction in clearing an adjacent lot that had become overgrown and filled with debris, leading to venomous snakes and impacting health and quality of life. The Chamber finds that despite repeated efforts by the petitioner since February 2021, the…
Res. 16644-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Instalación de torre de telecomunicaciones sin amenaza a la salud o ambiente
The Constitutional Chamber summarily dismisses an amparo action filed by residents of San Francisco de Dos Ríos against the Municipality of San José for approving a permit to install a telecommunications tower at the site known as “El Lagar.” The petitioners claimed violation of their rights to property and to a healthy and ecologically balanced…
Res. 16549-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional ordena completar inspección de quebrador de piedra en El Coyol
The Constitutional Chamber granted the amparo filed by a resident of Residencial El Coyol in Turrialba against the Ministry of Health for failing to definitively resolve an environmental complaint regarding a stone crusher that generated dust, noise, and possible odors. The Chamber found that, although the local health authority conducted inspections and…
Res. 18440-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Construcción de escuela en condiciones peligrosas viola derecho a ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action filed on behalf of students and staff of the Escuela Líder Flor de Bahía against the Ministry of Public Education. It was alleged that since 2016 the school has had deplorable structural conditions (overcrowding, risk of collapse, sanitary problems), despite efforts, complaints and health orders issued by…
Res. 18448-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe mitigar y resolver contaminación por aguas residuales en La Unión
The Constitutional Chamber grants an amparo against the Municipality of La Unión for its delay in solving wastewater pollution, first reported in 2016. The Chamber finds that, despite administrative actions and the development of a Master Plan, the problem persists, violating the right to a healthy environment. It orders municipal authorities to…
Res. 20726-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho a un ambiente sano y deber municipal de drenaje pluvial
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by a resident against the Municipality of San Rafael de Heredia and the San Rafael-Barva Health Area. The petitioner complained that the lack of stormwater drainage infrastructure on Calle El Común, along with improper discharge of wastewater by neighbors, caused ponding, foul odors, and vector breeding,…
Res. 21244-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Falta de resolución de denuncia ambiental sobre humedal en Punta Uva
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by Marco Levy Virgo against the Municipality of Talamanca for failing to resolve an environmental complaint regarding the drainage of a wetland in Punta Uva. The petitioner claims that, despite filing the complaint in March 2021, the municipality has taken no effective action nor resolved the matter. The…
Res. 21328-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo contra omisión municipal de proteger zona pública de la ZMT en playa Sámara
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo for violation of the right to a healthy environment, due to the Municipality of Nicoya's failure to respond to and act upon an environmental complaint filed on April 22, 2021. The complainant reported illegal occupations and constructions in the public zone of the Maritime Terrestrial Zone (ZMT) at Sámara beach,…
Res. 21919-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad y Ministerio de Salud obligados a limpiar lote baldío contaminado
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action against the Municipality of Alajuela and the Health Area of Alajuela 2 for violating the right to health and a healthy environment of a resident and the community. The petitioner had denounced since 2014 the accumulation of garbage, foul odors, rodents, and homeless encampments on a private vacant lot in…
Res. 21915-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por condiciones físico-sanitarias en escuela declarada edificación enferma
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo petition on behalf of students and staff of the Pavones School in Pérez Zeledón. The court found that the Ministry of Public Education and the Ministry of Health had violated the fundamental rights to health, education, and a healthy and ecologically balanced environment (Article 50 of the Constitution). Since…
Res. 22447-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Inacción estatal ante contaminación por aguas residuales en residencial
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by residents of Residencial Estancia Antigua, who allege that ICAA, the Municipality of La Unión, and the Ministry of Health have failed to solve environmental contamination caused by improper disposal of black and gray water. Since 1999, the development has a sanitary sewer network built but not in use;…
Res. 22993-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Inundaciones por aguas residuales en Barrio Cementerio
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by a resident of Barrio Cementerio, Palmar Norte, Osa, Puntarenas, against the National Road Council (CONAVI) and the Municipality of Osa. The Chamber found that for years, neighbors had suffered recurrent flooding from an overflowing rainwater channel along National Route 2, carrying sewage, garbage, and…
Res. 23025-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional ordena a Municipalidad de Santa Bárbara resolver inundaciones de la acequia San Pedro
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by an elderly neighbor of San Pedro de Santa Bárbara de Heredia, who reported chronic flooding and overflow of the San Pedro ditch affecting his home and health. The Chamber found the Municipality had been aware of the situation since 2020, when SENARA issued a technical report with specific…
Res. 24291-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Incumplimiento municipal del deber de mantener parques públicos
The Constitutional Chamber reviews a new amparo filed by a resident against the Municipality of Alajuelita, alleging failure to maintain and improve the Las Bellotas neighborhood playground and failure to respond to an information request. The Chamber had already ordered the municipality in 2019 to carry out improvement and ongoing maintenance work in that…
Res. 24866-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Deber de la municipalidad de resolver formalmente denuncia ambiental
The petitioner and other neighbors of the Tejarcillos urbanization in Alajuelita filed a complaint with the municipality regarding stormwater issues, flooding, and structural damage to their homes. Although the municipality carried out works to channel the water, it did not issue a formal resolution explaining the reasons for not granting all requested…
Res. 26545-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Inundaciones y alcantarillado en Gravilias
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by residents of Las Gravilias district, Desamparados, who allege violation of their right to a healthy environment due to constant flooding and sewage overflows caused by deficiencies in the stormwater and sanitary drainage system, especially near the Gravilias High School, where the Chilamate stream is…
Res. 26547-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Inundaciones y derecho a un ambiente sano en asentamiento San Francisco
The petitioner filed an amparo against the Municipality of Carrillo for severe flooding affecting her and other residents of the San Francisco de Belén neighborhood every rainy season, caused by lack of stormwater drainage and sewerage. The flooding damaged homes, saturated soils, caused environmental pollution from septic tank overflow, foul odors, and…
Res. 28063-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo por obstrucción de alcantarillado pluvial y derecho a un ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber heard a petition for amparo filed by a resident of Pacuare Nuevo, Limón, against the Municipality of Limón and the Ministry of Health. The complainant reported that since September 2021 she had complained about a blocked storm drainage system in front of her home, causing foul odors, stagnant wastewater, and environmental…
Res. 28076-2021 Sala Constitucional2021 · Sala Constitucional
Taller de ebanistería sin licencia en zona residencial no acredita actividad comercial ni ruido prohibido
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a Curridabat resident against the Municipality of Curridabat regarding the alleged operation of a clandestine carpentry workshop in an adjacent house, generating noise and dust that disturb her family’s quality of life. The petitioner claims that despite her complaints since 2018, the municipality has…
Res. 20356-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Amparo ambiental por malos olores de granja porcina en Concasa
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a resident of the Bosque Real condominium in the Concasa housing complex, San Rafael de Alajuela, who since 2017 has reported to the Ministry of Health foul odors from a nearby pig farm that cause headaches and migraines. Despite several inspections, sanitary orders and communications, the problem…
Res. 21369-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Ruido de camiones repartidores y deber del Ministerio de Salud
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by a resident of Santo Domingo de Heredia against the Ministry of Health for failing to definitively resolve a 2018 complaint about noise pollution from the Super Compro supermarket. The plaintiff alleged noise and vibrations from delivery trucks. The Ministry reported that actions had been taken to mitigate…
Res. 22302-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Funcionamiento de carbonera y derecho a un ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo filed by neighbors of La Rita de Tarbaca against the Municipality of Aserrí and the Health Area Directorate of Aserrí, alleging that a nearby charcoal kiln produces smoke affecting their health and the environment. The Chamber partially grants the amparo solely against the Health Authority, finding that since…
Res. 22801-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe solucionar inundaciones y contaminación por aguas negras en Gravilias
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo filed by a resident of Gravilias, Desamparados, against the municipality. The petitioner, an elderly and disabled person, had long complained that seasonal rains caused flooding in her home and neighboring houses with blackwater, mud, and fecal waste, due to an undersized sewer system and overflow of the…
Res. 18213-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Constitucionalidad de excepción de pesca de atún con red de cerco en polígono oceánico
The Constitutional Chamber examines a constitutional challenge to Articles 13 and 14 of Executive Decree 38681-MAG-MINAE, which exceptionally allow tuna purse seine fishing in the oceanic polygon to supply the national tuna industry during shortages. The majority declares the action without merit, conditioning this on a conforming interpretation: the…
Res. 21602-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Casa de la Cultura en área de parque municipal
The Constitutional Chamber reviews an amparo action against the Municipality of Tibás for establishing a Culture House on a 5,731 m² lot originally dedicated for park and communal facilities. The petitioner claims violation of a prior judgment (2000-4332) that ordered the land be used for its original purpose, as well as violation of the right to a healthy…
Res. 04513-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Coordinación interinstitucional para resolver aguas servidas en Barrio San Rafael
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by a resident of San Rafael neighborhood in Turrialba, who since 2016 had reported to the Municipality and MINAE a problem of sewage and stormwater discharging without adequate infrastructure, causing foul odors and mosquito breeding. The Municipality and MINAE conducted inspections but failed to…
Res. 03982-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Adición del derecho humano al agua al artículo 50 constitucional — trámite sin vicios
The Constitutional Chamber rules on the mandatory legislative consultation regarding a partial constitutional amendment bill (file 21.382), which adds a paragraph to Article 50 to recognize the human right to access to potable water and declare water as a national asset. The Chamber finds no procedural defects: the bill was read three times, and exceeding…
Res. 06692-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Orden para construir planta de tratamiento en Residencial Caribe, Limón
The Constitutional Chamber partially granted an amparo petition filed by a resident of Residencial Caribe in Limón regarding untreated sewage causing odors and pollution. The Chamber found that despite two prior rulings (files 08-006699-0007-CO and 14-004560-0007-CO), the Municipality of Limón had failed to build the required treatment plant, having only…
Res. 06699-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Sala Constitucional ordena resolver definitivamente el problema de alcantarillado pluvial en Puerto Viejo
The petitioner filed an amparo action against the Mayor of Talamanca and the Director of the Talamanca Health Area due to a deficient stormwater drainage system in Puerto Viejo, causing flooding and health risks. Despite sanitary orders from the Ministry of Health since 2017, the Municipality failed to implement a preventive maintenance plan or carry out…
Res. 09735-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión municipal en mantenimiento de vías y aceras lesiona derecho a ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber grants an amparo action filed by a resident of Calle La Antigua Amistad, Desamparados, San José. The Court finds that the Municipality of Desamparados has failed to address road obstruction, lack of sidewalks, and missing curbs, despite numerous neighborhood complaints since 2018. The situation is exacerbated by a child care…
Res. 11748-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe mitigar riesgo de inundación por aguas residuales
The petitioner, an elderly woman, filed an amparo against the Municipality of Los Chiles for failing to address recurrent flooding from wastewater and stormwater affecting her property. She claimed that since January 2019 she made multiple requests to the municipality and the Cantonal Road Board without receiving a response or action. The Constitutional…
Res. 12400-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Municipalidad debe coordinar solución para falta de alcantarillado sanitario en Cuesta Grande
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo filed by residents of the Cuesta Grande area, Escazú, against the Municipality of Escazú and the Health Area for failing to resolve contamination from sewage and blackwater, causing foul odors and health risks. Despite multiple complaints, inspections, and correspondence between the authorities, no definitive…
Res. 14678-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Omisión del Ministerio de Salud y Municipalidad ante contaminación por fábrica ilegal
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by a neighbor in San Rafael de Poás, Alajuela, who claims that a prefabricated concrete factory called “Concretos Modernos Prefablock S.A.” is operating illegally on the adjacent property. She alleges sonic pollution (excessive noise, even at dawn), environmental pollution from dust, and damage to a…
Res. 18289-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Orden para coordinar solución definitiva a contaminación por desechos sólidos en el centro de San José
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed an amparo filed by the head of investigations of the OIJ against the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of San José for waste accumulation on the boulevard of the First Judicial Circuit. The petitioner complained that since 2018 nearby shops had deposited waste on the sidewalk, creating an informal dump, insect…
Res. 13836-2020 Sala Constitucional2020 · Sala Constitucional
Desafectación de la Reserva Biológica Lomas de Barbudal
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed a constitutional challenge against Law No. 9610, which modified the boundaries of the Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve to allow the development of the Water Supply Project for the Middle Tempisque River Basin and Coastal Communities (PAACUME). The majority of the Chamber dismissed the claim regarding the alleged…
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. 11545-2016 Sala Constitucional2016 · Sala Constitucional
Moratoria municipal para la producción de piña viola reserva de ley
The Constitutional Chamber annuls the five-year moratorium imposed by the Municipality of Los Chiles on granting permits for pineapple farms. The majority holds that the measure violates the principle of legal reserve, as local governments lack authority to prohibit a lawful economic activity through a simple municipal agreement. It emphasizes that…
Res. 18836-2014 Sala Constitucional2014 · Sala Constitucional
Desafectación zona fronteriza sur inconstitucional por falta de estudios técnicos
The Constitutional Chamber declared unconstitutional the Bill 'Declassification and Titling of the Border Zone between the Republic of Costa Rica and the Republic of Panama', legislative file 16657, for violating Article 50 of the Constitution and the principles of precaution, non-regression, objectivation, reasonableness and proportionality. The bill…
Res. 01594-2013 Sala Constitucional2013 · Sala Constitucional
Prohibición de minería metálica a cielo abierto no viola la Constitución
The Constitutional Chamber resolved a constitutional challenge brought by an association against several articles of the Mining Code, as amended by Law No. 8904 of 2010, which prohibit granting new permits or concessions for open-pit metal mining in Costa Rica and bar renewal or extension of existing ones. The Chamber held that the challenged provisions do…
Res. 18065-2006 Sala Constitucional2006 · Sala Constitucional
Construcción en zona de riesgo sin permisos vulnera derecho a la vida y ambiente sano
The Constitutional Chamber granted an amparo action against the Bosques de Santa Rosa housing project in Limón, developed by JS & AT Home Depot with financing from the Costa Rica‑Canada Foundation. It found that construction began without municipal building permits or environmental viability, and that the site is crossed by an active geological fault and…
Res. 04947-2002 Sala Constitucional2002 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho al ambiente sano, salud y quema de cañales — principio de prudencia y coordinación interinstitucional
The Constitutional Chamber hears an amparo filed by residents of Paso Tempisque, Palmira, Los Jocotes, and the Filadelfia de Carrillo area against the Ministry of Health, MAG, MINAE, and Central Azucarera Tempisque S.A. (CATSA). The claimants argue that foul odors from a sedimentation lagoon and the burning of 5,000 hectares of sugarcane by CATSA violate…
Res. 01220-2002 Sala Constitucional2002 · Sala Constitucional
Exclusión genérica de EIA para proyectos urbanísticos bajo plan regulador es inconstitucional
The Constitutional Chamber struck down, on unconstitutionality grounds, the amendment to the SETENA Procedures Regulation (Executive Decree 26,228‑MINAE) that exempted from the obligation to submit a Preliminary Environmental Assessment Form (FEAP) —and thus from any environmental impact assessment— urban projects and housing developments located in…
Res. 06240-1993 Sala Constitucional1993 · Sala Constitucional
Derecho a un ambiente sano y obligatoriedad de estudios de impacto ambiental previos a concesiones de hidrocarburos
The Constitutional Chamber reviewed the Hydrocarbons Bill (Legislative File No. 9573) following optional legislative consultations. Multiple provisions were declared unconstitutional, including those granting the General Directorate of Hydrocarbons —a mere deconcentrated body of MIRENEM— near-full legal personality, encroaching on the powers of the…
Res. 03705-1993 Sala Constitucional1993 · Sala Constitucional
Definición del derecho al ambiente y cierre de botadero en quebrada La Caraña
The Constitutional Chamber heard an amparo action filed by a minor against the Municipality of Santa Ana and the Ministry of Health for using the La Uruca creek as a garbage dump, polluting the environment and affecting the community's health. In its ruling, the Chamber developed an extensive constitutional framework for the right to a healthy environment,…