Building permits by municipality: where to go in each of the five
Each municipality's urban development office (Desarrollo Urbano) issues land use, street alignment and building licenses under the state construction regulations and its own rules. The sequence is similar everywhere; requirements, fees and timelines vary.
Why it matters
Building without a license risks fines, stop-work orders and trouble recording the house later.
Who helps
Your architect and DRO prepare the plans; a gestor can follow the file at the office.
What to do: Find your municipality's urban development office and its building permit steps.
Documents
- Deed and the bank's power of attorney (step 4.3)
- Land use and alignment
- Plans signed by the architect and DRO
- Predial and water no-debt receipts
By municipality
- La Paz: municipal Desarrollo Urbano in La Paz city, which also handles Todos Santos and El Pescadero.
- Los Cabos: municipal Desarrollo Urbano, with offices in San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
- Comondú: Desarrollo Urbano in Ciudad Constitución.
- Loreto: Desarrollo Urbano in Loreto; check the local development plan for the coast.
- Mulegé: Desarrollo Urbano in Santa Rosalía; the El Vizcaíno biosphere and coastal areas may need environmental review.
Costs Estimate
- Building license: about 0.7%–0.9% of the construction value (La Paz formula: 7 per mille plus surcharges; estimate, confirm with the office).
- Gestor: flat or monthly fee (estimate).
Estimates only. Get written quotes.
Common mistakes
- Starting a wall or foundation 'while the permit comes'.
- Permits in the wrong name; they must match the trust.
Say it in Spanish
- ¿Qué documentos necesitan para la licencia de construcción de una casa unifamiliar?
What documents do you need for a building license for a single-family home?
Confirm the details for your case with your notario or attorney.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to build?
Yes: land use, street alignment and a building license from your municipality's Desarrollo Urbano, signed by a DRO.
Which municipalities does the app cover?
All five in BCS: La Paz, Los Cabos, Comondú, Loreto and Mulegé.