Designs should blend into the natural environment using local materials, native plants with minimal environmental impact.
Use durable materials (e.g., sealed wood, stone, concrete) suited for tropical climates.
Homes should incorporate natural light and ventilation to reduce mechanical needs.
2. ⛰Work with the land
Clean the lot: by-hand removal of strangling vines, coyol, african grass - this step prepares the land for a topo survey and soil test
Permissible to clear - by hand: coyol, cicropia, bushes and tiny trees if necessary. Tiny trees: less than 15cm (6 in) diameter or smaller @ 1.4 meters (4.26 inches) above the ground
Procure a professional topographical survey - official property lines must be marked. Your lot may have come with one -assess its accuracy.
Procure a professional soil test - required by the municipality and your building engineer. Your lot may have come with one, but erosion changes lots and soil stability over time.
Structures should be raised to avoid disrupting the land where possible - this is a requirement when building in forested lots to not disturb the forest floor
Do not feed or harm wildlife. Hunting is prohibited.
3. 🌳 Understand Tree Protections and Considerations
Any unauthorized tree removal is subject to significant fines and/or criminal liability.
Removing protected trees and trees with trunks larger than 5” at 1.2 meters above ground without specific permission from NEI is prohibited. Approval from a forestal engineer may be required.
Cutting trees within forested areas is strictly prohibited, unless within designated building envelopes.
Trees that are dead, diseased, or hazardous may be removed only with DRC approval.
If your lot has mature trees, a Tree Inventory must be completed by a certified Forest Engineer.
Existing trees within 30' of the Construction Area should be preserved where possible
Protective fencing must be installed at a radius of 1.5 feet per inch of tree trunk diameter.
Avoid cutting or trenching within the root zones of trees.
No more than 3" of well-draining topsoil may be added in the root zone.
In forested areas, design should factor in reduced sunlight, high humidity, and falling branches.
4. 🔌 Procure your electric meter from ICE
This process can take months
If your contractor wires into community power this will result in a daily fine
5. 🚽 Design for and procure an approved waste water system
See table for which septic systems are permitted for use in Alegria