New Legislative Measure Aims to End "De Facto" Privatization of Costa Rican Beaches

A new bill in Costa Rica proposes strict standards for public beach entry, including a mandatory registry and a minimum of three access points per beach location.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 9:03 AM EDT

Source: The Tico Times

Strengthening the Coastal Zone Act

The proposed legislation seeks to amend Article 23 of the existing Coastal Zone Act (Law No. 6043). Although the current law mandates that municipalities provide access to public zones, proponents of the new bill argue that a lack of specific technical standards has rendered these protections ineffective in many regions. Bill 24.413 introduces a mandatory requirement for each beach recognized by the National Geographic Institute to maintain at least three distinct public access points. In cases where the beach's geography or size makes this unfeasible, a minimum of one compliant entry point remains strictly required.

Technical Standards and Disability Rights

The bill moves beyond simple access by defining clear infrastructure requirements for every entryway. Each public access point must be connected via a road with a minimum 14-meter right of way, ensuring enough space for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Furthermore, the legislation integrates Costa Rica’s disability rights laws, requiring that all new and existing access routes be designed for safe use by individuals with disabilities. The text explicitly prohibits the placement of permanent objects or structures that could block these pathways, ensuring that transit to the maritime-terrestrial zone is never functionally restricted.

Creation of a National Beach Registry

A cornerstone of the reform is the creation of a comprehensive nationwide inventory. The National Geographic Institute (IGN) and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) would be granted a two-year window to survey the country’s entire coastline. This effort will result in an official public registry detailing every recognized beach and its authorized entry points. Following the completion of this registry, public institutions will have a maximum of four years to upgrade or construct the necessary infrastructure to meet the new standards, creating a clear timeline for national compliance.