Amparo on noise pollution and land use in a residential neighborhoodAmparo ambiental por contaminación sónica y uso de suelo en barrio residencial

**SALA CONSTITUCIONAL DE LA CORTE SUPREMA DE JUSTICIA.** San José, at nine hours twenty minutes on April twenty-first, two thousand twenty-six.

Amparo action processed in expediente number 26-004773-0007-CO, filed by Nombre01, identity card CED02 and Nombre02, identity card CED03, against the MINISTERIO DE SALUD and the MUNICIPALIDAD DE POCOCÍ.

**Resultando:** **1.-** By brief filed before this Chamber at 3:17 p.m. on February 10, 2026, the petitioners file an amparo action against the Ministerio de Salud and the Municipalidad de Pococí. They state that through this means they make a statement regarding the impact generated by two commercial-industrial activities carried out within Dirección01, due to their immediate proximity to homes and the direct consequences that have occurred in coexistence and the residential environment, in particular: noise pollution (ruido), vibrations, dust and odor emissions, deterioration of the public road, and road safety risks due to the entry, circulation, and maneuvering of heavy vehicles; as well as the alteration of the tranquility, privacy, and quality of life of the families, including elderly persons. The foregoing is raised in relation to the actions and omissions of control, verification, and oversight attributable to the respondent authorities. They allege that "Consolidated residential character of the neighborhood and location of the reported activities. Dirección02 (formerly Dirección03), in Cariari de Pococí, corresponds to a consolidated residential neighborhood, composed of approximately 26 homes, located on a dead-end street. For more than 35 years, it has maintained a predominantly family-oriented, quiet, low-density dynamic, in which the use of public space has been ordinary for community coexistence, including children and elderly persons. The sector is located approximately 200 meters west of the community hall and 150 meters north. Since 2023, two commercial operations have been installed within the same neighborhood: (i) sale and stockpiling of aggregates (piedra bola, quintilla, sand, and lastre), and (ii) an hojalatería (sheet metal) workshop, both immediately adjacent to homes. It is reported that the workshop shares a wall with neighboring houses; and, in the case of the aggregate operation, the maneuvering area for diesel machinery would operate at an approximate distance of three to five meters from residential properties, within an operational stretch close to thirteen meters in length according to the Ministerio de Salud. This proximity is atypical and reasonably incompatible with a consolidated residential environment due to its foreseeable effects on coexistence, rest, and community safety. It is expressly clarified that commercial activities compatible with residential zones are not being questioned (for example: convenience stores, offices, cafeterias, pharmacies, or other low-impact activities), nor a workshop that operates properly distanced and with effective technical measures for acoustic confinement and emission control. The complaint focuses on the nature of the aggregate sale/stockpiling activity and the immediate adjacency of the hojalatería workshop without solid walls, due to its effects on the tranquility and safety of the neighborhood, associated with noise, vibration, deterioration of the public road, and transit/maneuvering of heavy vehicles with risk to pedestrians and impact on the privacy and tranquility of adjacent families. Finally, it is placed on record that, according to the information gathered, the operating permits (permisos de funcionamiento) and municipal licenses (patentes) would have been granted after the filing of complaints, which raises reasonable doubts about the process followed and the technical criterion used to assess the compatibility of such activities with land use (uso de suelo) and the immediate residential environment, particularly considering the adjacency to homes and the historical dynamic of the neighborhood. SECOND: Reported activities and description of their operation. 2.1 Hojalatería workshop: Hojalatería Medina This is a workshop installed in immediate adjacency to homes in the sector, practically attached to a dividing wall/fence belonging to a neighbor (and not to the workshop). The structure appears to be of a light nature (perlines and metal sheets), without solid enclosures that allow for the damping of noise typical of the activity, nor visible elements that demonstrate sufficient safety and prevention conditions, including fire prevention, as well as reasonable viability to operate as a workshop due to its proximity to inhabited houses. At one of the adjacent ends is the home of Mrs. Nombre03, an elderly person, where the undersigned Nombre02 also resides with his common-law partner Nombre04 (who is pregnant). At the other residential end is the home of Mrs. Nombre05, also an elderly person, who since 2023 was caring for her mother (elderly, later deceased). Mrs. Salazar has stated that, on various occasions, she has asked the workshop staff to moderate their voices and noises due to the direct impact on the tranquility of the home, in addition to protecting her mother's rest during her final stage of agony; however, said requests have been ignored. (See testimony of Nombre05 video - 22 Taller Hojalatería Casa Sra Salazar - COMPRESOR DE PINTURA.) The reported facts relate to typical and repeated nuisances from the workshop's operation, including: banging on metal sheets, hammering, as well as the use of an angle grinder (esmeriladora), drill, and paint compressor, whose sounds are perceived and penetrate into the interior of adjacent homes. Likewise, the perception of odors associated with the activity is reported, which enter the home of Mrs. Salazar. Additionally, the workshop operates with light cargo vehicles for the transport of manufactured materials. Reversing signals/sounds are constantly heard, penetrating into the interior of the homes. There is also the entry of trucks that arrive to supply or provide materials to the workshop, increasing the noise load and the impact on the tranquility and coexistence of the environment, with a special impact on the closest adjacent home. Health permit (permiso sanitario) reported. According to information sent by the Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí–Guápiles, there is a current health permit associated with the workshop, identified as MS-DRRSHCDARSP-PSF-0616-2023, valid until June 8, 2028, for activities described as "Factory of canoas, gates, and downspouts" (CAECR 4651.0). Likewise, it is placed on record that official Miguel Salazar provided a brief explanation of the workshop's typical tasks (including gates), which normally involve the use of an angle grinder, welding, paint compressor, and related tools, coinciding with those that have been the subject of complaint since 2023 (Den 049-2023 and 2025 (Den284-2025)). However, a discrepancy is noted between what was reported and the manner in which, in various actions or communications within the health permit procedure, the presence/use of such equipment would have been omitted or minimized. Evidence. As support, audiovisual evidence and audio recordings captured from adjacent properties (USB – Videos Titled Taller de Hojalatería) are provided in order to demonstrate the sound reality of the operation and its immediate impact on adjoining homes. Finally, it is brought to attention that the impact is not limited to the sound component: the proximity and configuration of the workshop also affect intimacy and family coexistence. Ordinary coexistence between neighbors is not equivalent to the daily presence of a workshop with staff, clientele, and continuous operation. From inside adjacent homes, voices and conversations from the workshop are perceived and, given the proximity, there is a reasonable concern of auditory reciprocity, insofar as conversations from the home could also be perceptible from the workshop area, affecting the privacy of the adjacent families, with support in the evidence indicated on the USB. (Videos 31, 32, and 33). 2.2 Sale and stockpiling of aggregates and stone materials: Constructora Nombre06 This is an operation that functions with machinery and vehicles such as a dump truck (vagoneta), backhoe (retroexcavadora), and cargo truck. It is reported that these units are parked and maneuvered at an approximate distance of 3 to 5 meters from homes. According to the cited inspection (official Alexandra Chavarría Corella, June 29, 2023, official communication MS DRRSHC-ARSP-3672-2023, p. 2), an approximate reference of 13 meters to the exit gate was recorded, considering the boundary line and the street between affected neighboring properties (including homes of elderly persons). The activities consist of the sale and handling of materials such as sand, lastre, piedra quintilla, and piedra bola for drainage, which implies the use of diesel-engine machinery and loading/unloading maneuvers. The following are reported, among other aspects: engine accelerations, vibrations, reversing signals/sounds, as well as impacts typical of metal/stone contact and metal material against the ground during loading, unloading, movement, and stacking operations using the backhoe. It is reported that the operation with the dump truck engine running and the backhoe generates considerable vibrations and perceptible noise invasion inside the nearby homes. Additionally, it is indicated that, after filling, not only is a cargo truck with an approximate capacity of 3 m³ used, but also the constant movement of the dump truck departing and returning to supply the stockpiling center, which increases the noise load due to the type of machinery both on the public road and within the land where maneuvers are executed. It is pointed out that one of the most relevant noise nuisances occurs during the unloading and loading of piedra bola, where the contact of larger volume stones with metal surfaces produces sudden loud noises that disrupt the calm of the environment, generating concern considering the nearby presence of elderly persons and, soon, infants/babies. (See audiovisual evidence – "Piedra Bola"). Regarding the measures implemented, it is pointed out that, in response to complaints since 2023, only a metal sheet wall was placed as a measure against dust toward a specific home; however, equivalent measures would not have been applied on the internal easement (servidumbre) road adjacent to the side of another affected home, whose rooms face the stockpiling area and material mounds. Furthermore, it is updated that the owners decided to move the piedra bola material, this time 10 meters behind the home of Mrs. Nombre07. (See video: 36. Reverse engine acceleration and piedra bola) Health permit reported. The existence of permit MS DRRSHC-DARSP-PSF-1523-2024 was indicated, valid until October 31, 2029, for the activity described as "sale of construction materials" (information sent by customer service – official Miguel Salazar). The foregoing raises reasonable doubts about the adequate technical assessment of compatibility in a consolidated residential neighborhood, as it is an operation involving diesel machinery and loading/unloading maneuvers that, due to their intensity and proximity to homes, impact the sound environment, vibrations, pedestrian safety, and deterioration of the public road, with the consequent generation of dust. Such effects are difficult to harmonize with an immediate residential environment. In that sense, it is maintained that this activity does not materially correspond to the category of "small business" (pequeño negocio), due to its operational dynamic and associated impacts. Additionally, it is noted that, as far as the neighborhood is aware, this would be the first case of a business of this nature inserted in a residential zone in the district of Cariari—and even, possibly, in the canton of Pococí—which reinforces the need for a more rigorous and reasoned review. If clear controls are not adopted, there is a risk of normalizing this type of activity in residential neighborhoods through administrative decisions without sufficient weighting of their impacts. THIRD: Sound measurements (mediciones sónicas) in 2023 and reasonable doubts about their representativeness; omissions in follow-up. On the occasion of complaint No. 049-2023, as affected persons we perceived a tendency to normalize the permanence of both activities (hojalatería workshop and aggregate sale/stockpiling) within the neighborhood, despite the fact that their location is questionable for a consolidated residential environment, especially when the family that owns the businesses has—according to what is known—a larger extension of land in areas more distant from the residential core. (See map in annexes). Within this framework, the Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí–Guápiles arranged for a sound measurement to be taken inside the home of Nombre03. The recorded data reflected approximate values between 42 dB and 51 dB, considered by the authority as levels below the parameter indicated in the Reglamento de Control de Ruido (reference of 65 dB as the limit and 40 dB as the minimum). However, a relevant circumstance is placed on record: on the day of the measurement, and acting as witnesses, Nombre07, Nombre05, and the undersigned Nombre02 perceived that the reported operations were not being carried out in their real and habitual manner. This is consistent with records below the threshold and generates reasonable doubts about the representativeness of the results with respect to the reported sources, particularly those associated with diesel engines, maneuvers, and tools typical of both activities. Additionally, it is recorded in official communication No. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-5338-2023 of September 12, 2023, that "daytime noise measurements were taken" and that, "finding the hojalatería activity and Nombre06 aggregate stockpiling in operation," a logarithmic average was determined based on 15 measurements. However, said statement ("finding... in operation") contradicts what was observed by those of us who live and are adjacent, which deepens the doubt about said methodology used. The inspection is indicated as having been carried out on August 17, 2023, with an end time of 11:03. Likewise, in the same document it was recorded that, on that day, Mrs. Nombre05 expressed nuisances due to noise and it was expressly indicated that steps would be taken to obtain a sound level meter (sonómetro) and carry out a measurement from her home (p. 4). However, to date (year 2026), said visit and measurement did not materialize, despite having been announced as a follow-up action. Finally, it must be indicated that, due to a lack of technical and legal knowledge at that time and in light of the perception of a lack of effective measures, the complaint in 2023 was not continued in the terms the situation warranted. FOURTH: Increase in operations 2024–2025; dust complaints; absence of follow-up; worsening of heavy traffic; municipal actions and doubts about land use (uso de suelo), municipal licenses (patentes), and inspections. Between 2024 and 2025, an increase in operations linked to the two businesses was perceived. In this context, Mrs. Nombre07 and Mrs. Nombre08, both elderly persons, filed complaint No. 074-2025 (filed without photographic or audiovisual support), related to dust emissions associated with the entry and circulation of vehicles linked to said activities. Ing. Jairo Araya Artavia, through Technical Report No. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP 2304-2025, indicated—among other points—that during the site visit "the reported problem could not be observed," noting that the yard stored crushed stone and that "no dust was observed at the time," as well as that "no process in which dust or particulate matter is generated was observed at the time of the visit." Without prejudice to the foregoing, in his conclusions he expressly established that "follow-up must be given to the complaints in order to protect public health and the environment." To date, said follow-up did not materialize. Subsequently, in light of growing community concern, complaint No. 284-2025 was filed on November 12, 2025, in which an increase in heavy vehicle traffic during 2024–2025 was described, including orders handled by dump trucks of greater tonnage (2 to 3 axles) traveling along the straight stretch of the neighborhood, even at night, on a residential-scale road that connects to the main road approximately 150 meters away. An increase in vibrations and noise was reported, as well as the permanence of diesel vehicles parked for longer periods and, on occasion, with engines running on the intermediate street between neighboring homes. Likewise, trailers with lowboys (cureñas) were observed performing reversing maneuvers over considerable distances (more than 150 meters) up to the main entrance. This situation raised community alarm and was associated with deterioration of the sound environment and the neighborhood's road infrastructure, prompting new actions before the Municipalidad de Pococí, the Concejo Municipal de Pococí, and the Ministerio de Salud de Costa Rica. Since the complaint in 2023, officials of the Ministerio de Salud were verbally alerted that these activities would not remain as "small" or low-impact operations. Complaint 284-2025 is the confirmation; it was also filed with the support of 42 signatures from neighborhood residents, who requested the undersigned to assume representation and written management before the authorities. Additionally, an information request was made before the Municipality (in person) on November 6, 2025, addressed to the Departamento de Licencias y Patentes (Department of Licenses and Permits), requesting certification of land use, licenses (patentes), and inspections. A telephone call was subsequently received from the Patentes Coordinator, Vera Jiménez, who indicated that said businesses only had a permit for an "administrative office" (oficina administrativa). As a result, a meeting was coordinated for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, which was attended accompanied by Nombre04 as a witness. At said visit, facts were presented, videos were shown, a USB with evidence was delivered, and the complaint was sent by email, for which the official provided acknowledgment of receipt; however, the activation of effective administrative mechanisms aimed at finding solutions was not evident. Likewise, a certification issued on November 10, 2025, was received, indicating that there was only a license (patente) for an "administrative office." Subsequently, upon inquiring about the status of the action, it was indicated that an investigation would be carried out within an approximate period of eight days. However, later, official communication OFICIO PAT-361-2025, dated December 3, 2025, was issued, in which two additional licenses are already recorded, namely: 1. Company 3102948124 S.R.L.: license for the sale of materials and aggregates. 2. Commercial hojalatería license in the name of Nombre09 (identity card CED01). 3. The previously indicated license for an "administrative office" is maintained. Then, on December 4, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., a brief was sent requesting explanations regarding the dates on which the new licenses were granted, as well as the technical land use report and access to the complete file of licenses linked to that address, in order to verify the legality and compatibility of the location given reasonable doubts (see annexes). A response was subsequently received that did not address what was requested in an explanatory manner, limiting itself to referring the matter to the Engineer in charge, and, on noise issues, to the Ministerio de Salud; furthermore, it was indicated that the two new licenses would have been granted on December 2, 2025. All of the foregoing reinforces reasonable doubts about: (i) the issuance and verification of land use, (ii) the carrying out of sufficient technical inspections, and (iii) the effective verification of the real location of these activities within a residential neighborhood, considering the proximity to adjacent homes and the dynamic inherent to the neighborhood. Additionally, a motion for reconsideration (recurso de revocatoria) was filed on Monday, December 15, 2025, and, to date, no response has been received. Finally, an opinion and information were also requested by email from the engineer in charge, without receiving a response within a 10-day period, despite the fact that land use is decisive for verifying the coincidence of the address, the applicable zoning, and the legality of the installation and operation of both businesses at that specific point (communications and documents are provided in annexes). Conclusions: From the perspective of the neighborhood of Dirección02, what has occurred since 2023 reflects a primarily formal response on the part of the authorities, but one that is insufficient to comprehensively protect the historical conditions of tranquility and safety of the neighborhood. The central concern is that, with the observed actions and omissions, the operation of impact activities (due to their noise, vibration, dust, and heavy vehicle traffic) is being normalized in immediate adjacency to homes, which the neighborhood rejects because it wishes to preserve a quiet and safe environment, as it has been for years. In the case of the Ministerio de Salud de Costa Rica, through the Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí–Guápiles, inspections, procedures, and a sound measurement have been carried out; however, the community maintains that said actions have not representatively captured the real and habitual dynamic of the reported operations (due to variability of schedules, operational behavior, and specific conditions of the visit). Furthermore, inconsistencies are perceived in reports and follow-ups announced that did not materialize, so—from the neighborhood's point of view—the approach has remained in conclusions based on momentary observations, without a preventive and verifiable analysis that adequately assesses the adjacency, the vulnerable population, and the combined effect of noise, vibration, odors, and particulate matter. Regarding the Municipalidad de Pococí, the neighborhood expresses concern about relevant variations in the information on licenses, internal referrals, and the absence of a substantive response on the determining factor: the compatibility of the location/land use, the technical verification of operating conditions in a consolidated residential neighborhood, and the preventive control measures. In practical terms, the community perceives that the focus has been oriented toward recording or granting permits, without sufficient technical reasoning focused on preventing and mitigating the impact on adjacent homes, despite the fact that the issue is also known to the Concejo Municipal de Pococí. Sesión Ordinaria n72-2025. Finally, the neighborhood emphasizes that the reported impact is not limited to the right to a healthy sound environment and rest. The acoustic component is directly related to integral health and, especially, to mental health, in that repeated exposure to intense noises, vibrations, and unexpected sounds in one's own home impacts tranquility, the feeling of safety, family coexistence, and the emotional well-being of the resident persons." Based on the situations described, they consider fundamental rights violated. They request that the action be granted." **2.-** By resolution issued at 2:30 p.m. on February 18, 2026, the Presidency of the Chamber ordered this constitutional proceeding to proceed and requested a report from the director of the Área de Salud de Pococí, as well as from the mayor and the president of the Concejo, both of Pococí, regarding the facts alleged by the petitioners.

**3.-** By brief incorporated into the digital file at 11:42 a.m. on February 27, 2026, Yamileth Hidalgo Arias and Juan Mauricio Mora Cruz, in their respective capacities as mayor and president of the Concejo, both of Pococí, report under oath the following:

“As part of the analysis of the case, the Unidad de Planificación y Control Constructivo (Planning and Construction Control Unit) was requested information regarding the background of similar cases concerning the USO DE SUELO (LAND USE) permits granted in the community of Barrio España, Cariari district, finding the following findings: -Already since 2023, a favorable USO DE SUELO had been granted for VENTA DE MATERIALES AGREGADOS Y HOJALATERÍA (SALE OF AGGREGATE MATERIALS AND SHEET METAL WORK), located on the property with real folio 7 103346-000, according to Administrative Resolution DPCC-RU-0291-2023 of June 7, 2023. - According to Administrative Resolution DPCC-RU-0275-2025 of May 27, 2025, a favorable USO DE SUELO was granted for HOJALATERÍA, located on the same property with real folio 7-103346-000. - According to Administrative Resolution DPCC-RU-0641-2025 of November 21, 2025, a favorable USO DE SUELO was granted for VENTA DE MATERIALES DE CONSTRUCCIÓN (SALE OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS), located on the same property with real folio 7-103346-000. - According to Administrative Resolution DPCC-RU-0492-2025 of October 1, 2025, a favorable USO DE SUELO was granted for ASERRADERO Y FABRICACIÓN DE BOLSAS (SAWMILL AND BAG MANUFACTURING), located on the same property with real folio 7-16117-000. This Honorable Court should take into consideration that all of the foregoing land use authorizations were given because they are outside the Plan Regulador, consequently, there is no legal basis whatsoever that allows denying the application requested by the taxpayer neighbors of Dirección03 in the district of Cariari, canton of Pococí. Subsequently, each applicant proceeded to process the permit before the Ministerio de Salud, to later be granted the respective municipal license (licencia) or patent (patente) for each case.” **4.-** By brief incorporated into the digital file at 11:53 a.m. on March 2, 2026, Karen Mayorga Quirós, in her capacity as director of the Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí, reports under oath the following:

“FIRST: That within our scope of competence, the environmental problem raised in this action is addressed in a timely and proper manner, related to the industrial activities carried out by “Agregados Nombre10” and Hojalatería Medina within Dirección04, due to their immediate proximity to homes and the direct conditions that have occurred in coexistence and the residential environment, in particular; noise pollution (ruido), vibrations, dust and odor emissions, heavy vehicle maneuvers, which apparently cause an impact on the petitioners who claim; alteration of the tranquility, privacy, and quality of life of the families. The foregoing is raised in relation to the actions and omissions of control, verification, and oversight attributable to the respondent authorities. SECOND: That in the activity carried out by Agregados “Nombre10”, where machinery movements occur, no bothersome noises or dust dispersal are generated during the time of inspection. As there is no operational continuity or noise-generating source at the site, we rely on the legal support of Decreto Ejecutivo 44486-S, “Reglamento para el Control de Ruido Ambiental”, CHAPTER XIII PROCEDURE FOR NOISE MEASUREMENT, Article 34 states in its steps “The following steps must be established for measurements: b. The unit time interval for measurement is fifteen minutes (15 min) per integrated measurement, which must be measured continuously, e. Prior to measurement, an analysis of the source under study must be carried out in order to establish the type of noise and define the weighting of the equipment to be used, in filter A. Considering that if the noise emitted by the source has a duration of less than 5 minutes, it is not subject to measurement. THIRD: That, on the same point, the rule of article 31 of the aforementioned Reglamento orders that when the noise sources are emitted by motor vehicles traveling on public roads, they are subject to regulation and control by the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT), being its total competence and legitimization: (Decreto Ejecutivo No. 38937-MOPT) ‘Article 31. – ‘Noise emitted by the exhaust of motor vehicles on public land roads must be regulated by the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, as established in article 17, and additionally, Table 8.1 indicates and maintains the maximum noise values for different categories of motor vehicles, this according to Decreto Ejecutivo N°38937-MOPT of February 23, 2015 ‘Reglamento para el control de ruido emitido por el escape de vehículos automotores’. FOURTH: That no dust dispersal is observed, it being a rainy day; however, as an additional precautionary measure for dry seasons, the legal representative of the activity installed sprinkler irrigation and, as a second contingency, a sarán mesh at considerable height, in the vicinity of neighboring homes, as an act of their own good faith.” Likewise, when the sand material entered the yard, the dump truck protected its load with a tarp, in compliance with regulations to mitigate the risk when transporting this type of material. FIFTH: That we must not omit to state that our Rector Health Area handled complaint No. 074-2025, with the same problem, which was recorded in the ocular inspection MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2061-2025, and endorsed in technical report MS-ARSP-2304-2025, where our authorities were unable to verify the truth of the facts, in response to the complaint. In another of the complaints filed, 284-2025 regarding problems with machinery movement, noise, and dust, the reported anomalies could not be verified. (ocular inspection record MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6395-2025, Technical Report MS-DRRSHC ARSP-7036-2025). SIXTH: That regarding the sheet metal workshop activity, there is one worker at the time of the visit, who is performing a manual process, generating no noise, vibrations, or bad odor. In this activity, it was observed that they use equipment such as a press, bending machines, and a work table; none of the aforementioned equipment uses motors, so there is no noise generation; at the time of the visit there is no hammering or banging, nor any electric tool in use. Among the observations and as part of the process, there is a drill press, an air compressor, and a welding machine, which were not in use at the time of the *in situ* inspection. It should be emphasized that there is a perimeter wall at the back of the sheet metal workshop, in order to maintain privacy and prevent the entry of weather conditions. SEVENTH: That it is necessary to comment that the Canton of Pococí does not have, for this district of Cariari, regulatory plans that condition industrial activities; instead, the figure of the land-use approval (visto bueno del uso de suelo) existed, which as of today has no legal effect to exercise adequate controls. EIGHTH: That the administrated parties fulfilled, at the appropriate procedural time, the standard requirements for the granting of the Sanitary Permits, which are established in Executive Decree 43432-S. NINTH: That regarding the obstruction of a culvert that crosses private property, technical report CARTA-MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-0338-2026 was sent to the local Municipality for due intervention, as it is within its competence in cadastral matters. (We attach for the better provision of the readers Technical Report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP 1143-2026 and its annexes in full context, submitted by Eng. Jairo Araya Artavia)." 5.- In the proceedings followed, the legal prescriptions have been observed.

Drafted by Magistrate Garro Vargas; and,

Considering:

I.- Object of the appeal. The appellants state that at Dirección02, in Cariari de Pococí, two commercial-industrial activities have been installed in immediate adjacency to homes, consisting of a sheet metal workshop and a sale and stockpiling operation of stone materials, which generate impacts such as noise, vibrations, dust, odors, heavy vehicle traffic, and deterioration of the public road. Likewise, they report that said activities are developed in a consolidated residential neighborhood, which, in their opinion, is incompatible with the coexistence, tranquility, and security of the environment, especially affecting older adults and adjacent family nuclei. Furthermore, they argue that, despite the complaints filed since 2023, the actions of the authorities have been insufficient, failing to capture the operational reality of the activities or execute effective control, follow-up, and mitigation measures, with doubts existing about the legality of the permits granted and the adequate assessment of the land use (uso de suelo). Finally, they maintain that the permanence of these activities has deteriorated their quality of life, affecting their health, rest, security, and family coexistence, for which they consider their fundamental rights violated and request the intervention of this Chamber.

II.- Preliminary issue. Before analyzing the merits of the matter—for the alleged violation of the right to a prompt and completed procedure—it must be clarified that, as of ruling No. 2008-02545 of 8:55 a.m. on February 22, 2008, this Chamber has referred to the contentious-administrative jurisdiction—with some exceptions—those matters in which it is disputed whether the public administration has complied or not with the deadlines, set by the General Law of Public Administration (articles 261 and 325) or by sectoral laws relating to special administrative procedures, both to resolve by final act an administrative procedure—initiated ex officio or at the request of a party—and to hear the applicable administrative appeals. Precisely, in this case, an exception scenario arises, as it involves a complaint for noise pollution, which, allegedly, has not been resolved within a reasonable time by the respondent ministry. Having clarified the point, we proceed to resolve the specific situation raised in this amparo.

III.- Proven facts. Of importance for the decision of this matter, the following facts are deemed duly demonstrated, either because they have been accredited or because the respondent party has omitted to refer to them as provided in the initial order:

• a)On March 21, 2023, the appellant Nombre02 together with other neighbors filed a complaint before the Rector Health Area of Pococí against "Constructora y taller hojalatería Hermanos Jiménez." In said complaint, they stated the following:

"By this means, we hereby respectfully request attention to our case of impact from noise, excessive dust, and industrial-type work by the Constructora y taller de hojalatería Nombre06 on our properties, located 250 meters west of the community hall and 50 meters north at Dirección03 in the district of Cariari.

Below, we record the following impact events:

Heavy machinery work such as dump trucks and a backhoe very close to our properties, generating impact from engine noise, added to the noise of contact or impact of materials such as large stones for drainage, three-quarter-inch stone, and sand on the dump trucks. In addition, excessive dust during the filling and movement of vehicles in front of and behind our properties. It should be noted that our homes are located 1 to 6 meters away from the announced activities.

Work in the sheet metal workshop, at a distance of half a meter from one of the properties, which represents a risk from sparks in welding and grinding work, noise and sparks, in addition to impact noises from hammers and metal odors.

In accordance with the above situations, we express our situation, which has been occurring since 1 month ago from the relocation and installation of said business near our properties, which are no longer generating a healthy environment for the mental and physical health of us inhabitants close to this situation. We therefore turn to you as health authorities, in search of a solution. We thank you in advance for all help provided" (see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital file).

• b)On September 12, 2023, the director of the Rector Health Area of Pococí, by official letter No. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-5338-2023 addressed to the complainants, stated the following:

"First: As part of the attention to complaint 049-2023 regarding the nuisances of neighbors near the establishment Hojalatería Nombre06 and acopio de Agregados Nombre06 located 200 m west of the community hall and 50 m north in the district of Cariari, due to the generation of noise coming from the activity, a noise measurement was carried out on site, of which I inform you:

Inspection Date: August 17, 2023 Inspection Start Time: 09:30 Hours Inspection End Time: 11:03 Hours Second: The noise measurements were made with the Sound Level Meter owned by the Ministry of Health, brand Cirrus model CR:171B with calibration certificate LCM 06590823 and LCM 06630823, which are attached to this report.

The noise measurements were made based on the procedure for noise measurement Decree No. 32692-S. No adverse weather conditions for the noise measurement occurred and they were carried out inside the home of Mrs. Nombre03 with prior coordination and at the time requested by the complainant.

Third: Present at the noise measurement were, on behalf of the complainants:

1. Mrs. Nombre03 ID CED04 2. Mrs. Nombre05 ID CED05 3. Mr. Nombre02 ID CED06 On behalf of the Ministry of Health:

1. Bach. Iván Carrillo Fernández ID CED07 2. Licda. Alexandra Chavarría Corella ID CED08.

Fourth: Daytime noise measurements were carried out in the home of the complaining neighbor, Mrs. Nombre03 and her son Nombre02. The first measurement taken corresponds to the noise with the sound source, with the sheet metal workshop and aggregate stockpiling activity Nombre06 being in operation, determining the following logarithmic average decibel level based on the 15 measurements taken:

Table 1. Noise measurement with sound source and logarithmic average [...]

*Source: own elaboration with the results of the noise measurement of 08/17/2023. *Note: Attached to this report is the list of the 15 measurements recorded by the Cirrus sound level meter.

Table 2. Ambient noise measurement and logarithmic average [...]

Result: 42.853538 *Source: own elaboration with the results of the noise measurement of 08/17/2023. *Note: Attached to this report is the list of the 15 measurements recorded by the Cirrus sound level meter.

Fifth: Regulation for the Control of Noise Pollution No. 39428-S.

Article 14.- Limits on noise levels. No person shall permit or cause the emission of noises that exceed the levels established in table No. 1 of this regulation, which represent the different noise levels permitted in each of the receiving zones indicated in said table, both for the daytime and nighttime periods, measured inside the affected properties.

SOUND LEVEL LIMITS IN A DECIBELS (dBA) [...]

Conclusion:

1. Regarding what is permitted in National Legislation based on the Regulation for the Control of Noise Pollution No. 39428-S, I inform you that the noise measurements taken do not exceed what is permitted in said Regulation, as it establishes that the limit is 65 decibels during the day for a Residential zone, with the measurement with the sound source averaging 53.56 decibels and the ambient noise at 42.85 decibels.

In follow-up to this case, I must not omit to state that on the day the noise measurement was taken, Mrs. Nombre05 indicated having noise nuisances with the establishment Hojalatería hermanos Jiménez, therefore, steps will be taken to request a sound level meter to be able to take a measurement from the home of Mrs. Nombre05" (see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital file).

• c)On an unspecified date, Mrs. Nombre07 and Nombre08 filed a complaint reporting excess dust from the activity of the company "Constructora y taller hojalatería Hermanos Jiménez." The complaint was processed under number 074-2025 (see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital file).
• d)On May 16, 2025, Eng. Jairo Daniel Araya Artavia, in his capacity as Civil Service 1A professional of the Rector Health Area of Pococí, signed technical report No. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2304-2025, in which he stated the following:

"SUBJECT: Complaint 074-2025 Constructora Hnos Jiménez.

Dear Doctor.

Best regards.

I inform you.

I received in the programming of May 7, 2025, the attention to the complaint cited in the heading, for an apparent problem of dust and particle generation, located in Pococí, Cariari, 200 west of the Community Hall.

AREA OR CONDITION ANALYZED:

We appeared at the indicated address as recorded in the ocular inspection record MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2061-2025. We were assisted by Guillermo Jiménez in his capacity as manager, to whom we explained the reported problem and who accompanied us on a tour.

First: During the tour, the reported problem could not be observed; crushed stone is stored in the yard, the yard is covered with crushed stone, no dust was observed at the time.

Second: No process generating dust or particulate matter was observed at the time of the visit.

NON-CONFORMITIES:

Not Observed PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD:

N/A.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Close the complaint.

CONCLUSION.

Complaints must be followed up on in order to protect public health and the environment" (see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital file).

• e)On May 21, 2025, the Rector Health Area of Pococí, by official letter No. CARTA-MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2392-2025 addressed to the complainant Nombre11, stated the following: "Best regards. Based on report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2304-2025, signed by Eng. Jairo Araya Artavia, official of the Health Regulation Process, it is reported that on the day of the visit, no activity generating dust could be observed. Therefore, the complaint is considered addressed" (see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital file).
• f)On December 19, 2025, a series of neighbors from Dirección02, in Cariari de Pococí, filed another complaint against Hojalatería y Constructora Nombre06 for noise pollution and dust emission (see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital file).
• g)On December 24, 2025, Eng. Jairo Daniel Araya Artavia, in his capacity as Civil Service 1A professional of the Rector Health Area of Pococí, signed technical report No. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-7036-2025, in which the following was stated:

"AREA OR CONDITION ANALYZED:

I appeared at the indicated address, at the Construction Company, and was assisted by Nombre12, who indicated that it is a family business of which he is a part; I explained the reported problem, which was recorded in the ocular inspection record MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6395-2025.

At the time of the visit, a small yard with stock of materials, sand, and crushed stone was observed; no dust was observed, it is a sunny and slightly windy day. The amount of material stored is small (see images).

There is no machinery in movement; I was told they have a backhoe, a dump truck, and a mini dump truck.

They do not produce concrete materials; they only sell sand and crushed stone.

The sheet metal workshop is not in operation at the time of the visit; according to what was indicated, they work on demand. No type of noise is perceived; it was observed that the sheet metal molding process is manual, and the equipment does not have motors, so this source is eliminated as a noise generator. (see images).

At the time of the visit, the reported problem could not be verified. Both activities have their PSF.

NON-CONFORMITIES: Does not have a PSF.

PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD:

[...]

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Reschedule a follow-up visit, given that the complainant persists in indicating that they suffer impact.

CONCLUSION.

The purpose of this act is to protect public health, property, and the environment" (see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital file).

• h)On January 6, 2026, the director of the Rector Health Area of Pococí, through official letter No. CARTA-MS-ARSP-0072-2026, answered the complainant Nombre02 as follows:

"First: A visit was made to the reported place, being assisted by Mrs. Nombre12, who indicated that it is a family business of which she is a part. During the visit, she explained the reported problem.

Second: At the time of the visit, a small yard with stocks of materials (sand and crushed stone) was observed. No dust presence was perceived, as it was a sunny day with little wind. The amount of material stored was reduced.

Third: No machinery in operation was verified. It was indicated that they have a backhoe, a dump truck, and a mini dump truck. They do not produce concrete materials; they only sell sand and crushed stone.

Fourth: The sheet metal workshop was not in operation at the time of the visit. According to what was stated, they only work on demand. No type of noise was perceived, and it was observed that the sheet metal molding process is manual. The equipment does not have motors, so this activity is ruled out as a noise-generating source.

In conclusion, at the time of the visit, the reported problem could not be verified. Therefore, the case is closed" (see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital file).

• i)On February 26, 2026, Eng. Jairo Daniel Araya Artavia, in his capacity as Civil Service 1A professional of the Rector Health Area of Pococí, issued technical report No. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-1143-2026, in which the following was recorded:

"Inspection visit to Agregados Nombre10 and Hojalatería Medina to respond to the Amparo Appeal Exp. 26-004773 0007-CO. INTRODUCTION. I received in the programming of February 25, 2026, the inspection visit cited in the heading, with the intention of identifying whether or not the problem alleged in the aforementioned appeal is evident due to the development of commercial-industrial activities within the Dirección04, due to their immediate adjacency to homes and the direct conditions that have occurred in the coexistence and the residential environment, in particular; noise pollution (noise), vibrations, dust emissions and odors, heavy vehicle maneuvering, which apparently causes impact on the appellants who allege; alteration of the tranquility, privacy, and quality of life of the families. The foregoing is raised in relation to the actions and omissions of control, verification, and supervision attributable to the respondent authorities. I inform you that I appeared in Pococí, Cariari, Dirección04, at the establishment where the indicated activities are developed. I was assisted by Nombre12 in his capacity as manager, who was willing to assist us and accompany us during the tour, which was recorded in the ocular inspection record MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-1142-2026. DEVELOPMENT. 1. Regarding the operation of the aggregate activity, I must inform you; • That it is developed in a small physical space called a materials yard, where machinery is used and it consists of a large dump truck, a small one, and a backhoe. During our stay on site from 10:05 hours to 11:10 hours, only for a scant approximately 5 minutes was there machinery movement, specifically the large dump truck and the small dump truck, whose noise level generated did not prevent the fluid conversation that was taking place; the rest of my stay, no machinery movement or other work occurred in the materials yard, so no noise was generated, and at no time was dust dispersion observed. • That for one hour there was no operational continuity nor a noise-generating source, including the regulation by Executive Decree No. 44486-S Regulation for the control of environmental noise, in its CHAPTER XIII PROCEDURE FOR NOISE MEASUREMENT, Article 34 reads in its steps "The following steps must be established for measurements: b. The unitary time interval of measurement is fifteen minutes (15 min) per integrated measurement, which must be measured continuously, e. Before the measurement, an analysis of the source under study must be performed to establish the type of noise and define the weighting of the equipment to use, in filter A. Considering that if the noise emitted by the source lasts less than 5 minutes, it is not subject to measurement." Therefore, we found no objective reason to perform the noise measurement. And when the noise sources are emitted by motor vehicles traveling on public roads, they shall be subject to regulation by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, according to D E No. 44486-S Regulation for the control of environmental noise "Article 31.- 'The noise emitted by the exhausts of motor vehicles on public land roads must be regulated by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, as established in article 17, and the maximum noise values for different categories of motor vehicles are also indicated and maintained in Table 8.1, this according to Executive Decree No. 38937-MOPT of February 23, 2015, "Regulation for the control of noise emitted from the exhaust of motor vehicles.'" • In said yard, two piles of sand, three of crushed stone, and one of flagstone were observed stockpiled; the river rock is stored outside the yard in a strategic position away from neighboring homes to avoid discomfort at the time of unloading, emphasizing that it is a small operation, with suspension of the operation during long periods of the operating day from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Observe images No. 1, No. 2 of the photographic record. • The day is rainy and no dust dispersion is observed; additionally, as a precautionary measure for dry seasons, the legal representative of the activity installed sprinkler irrigation and, as a second contingency, a shade netting at a considerable height, in the vicinity of neighboring homes, as an act of good faith. See Image No. 4. • At the time of the sand material entering the yard, the dump truck protected its load with a tarp, in compliance with regulations to mitigate the risk when transporting this type of material. See Image No. 6. • During our stay, no semi-trailers entered the materials yard. • No clients appeared, so there is no emission of human voices. In previous visits, such as the one carried out on May 7, 2025, in response to complaint 074-2025 where a dust problem was reported, it was recorded in the ocular inspection record MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2061-2025 and its subsequent technical report MS DRRSHC-ARSP-2304-2025, that the reported problem could not be verified. On November 19, 2025, in response to complaint 284-2025, for an apparent problem of machinery movement, noise, and dust, it was recorded in the ocular inspection record MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6395-2025 and its subsequent technical report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP 7036-2025, which even indicates it was a sunny day and it was again emphasized that the reported problem could not be observed. In said visits, our action focused on the search for material truth, supported by the public faith of my position, which is based on observation. What was mentioned as a problem was not observed, and for this reason, no special measures were dictated against the legal representatives of said activities. Said visits are also evidence that there is no lack of attention or omission by this ministry regarding the case at hand. 2. Regarding the operation of the sheet metal workshop activity: • There is only one worker at the time of the visit, who is performing a manual process, generating no noise, vibrations, or bad odor. • In this activity, it was observed that they use equipment such as a press, bending machines, and a work table; none of the aforementioned equipment uses motors, so there is no noise generation; at the time of the visit there is no hammering or banging, nor any electric tool in use. • A drill press was observed, which was in use, without generating noise; additionally, a small air compressor and a welding machine, which were not in use. As observed, I emphasize that the operational process of the sheet metal workshop is very manual and without noise sources. In report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-7036-2025 dated December 24, 2025, I state the following: 'The sheet metal workshop is not in operation at the time of the visit; according to what was indicated, they work on demand. No type of noise is perceived; it was observed that the sheet metal molding process is manual, and the equipment does not have motors, so this source is eliminated as a noise generator,' emphasizing once again that the sheet metal workshop operation is not continuous and without risk of generating continuous noises as it has no motors. At the back of the sheet metal workshop, a wall was continued as a measure for privacy and as a contingency against the risk of adverse weather conditions, such as winds. See images No. 4 and No. 5. That according to what is alleged, the developed activities consist of selling materials and this entails the movement of machinery such as a dump truck and a backhoe. It should be emphasized that during our stay from 10:05 hours to 11:10 hours, operational movement occurred for only approximately 5 minutes; the other remaining hour the operation was stopped. As observed, there is no constant operation, as the appealing party alleges. On the other hand, the Canton of Pococí does not have a regulatory plan for the development of human activities that includes the district of Cariari; said project is under Management by the Local Municipality, so this ministry holds no impediment whatsoever in granting the Sanitary Operating Permit to the sheet metal workshop and aggregate activities, in Cariari, Dirección04, once the administrated party submits the application and complies with the request requirements, in accordance with Executive Decree 43432-S, a decree that deals with the matter of granting sanitary operating permits. Observe image No. 1 Location of the sheet metal workshop and Aggregate activities, within the context described as residential Dirección04, where there is only one neighboring boundary object to observe as risky; the other adjacent areas are unbuilt areas, green space, or belong to the representatives of the activities. Regarding the allegation about the obstruction of a culvert through which rainwater from Dirección04 is disposed of, which is located at the entrance of the property where the Aggregate and sheet metal workshop activities are developed, on December 17, 2025, in response to complaint 298-2025, an inspection was carried out by Eng. Fernando Monge Solís, an authority of this ministry, which was recorded in the ocular inspection record MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6818-2025 and its subsequent technical report DRRSHC-ARSP-0153-2026, in which it was indicated that 'the agreement for the water from the culvert to pass through the private property is of an informal nature.' For this reason, Eng. Monge requested the case be forwarded to the local municipality for its due intervention, notification made according to official letter CARTA-MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-0338-2026 dated January 16, 2026, signed by the Director of the Rector Health Area of Pococí, addressed to the mayor of Pococí. As of the date of this document, no response has been received regarding the actions taken by the municipality of Pococí. In summary, No dust emission could be observed, no bad odors were perceived, no continuous or impact noises were generated, no machinery maneuvering that produces vibrations was observed, no busy and continuous operation was observed. In technical report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-7036-2025, it was indicated that the sheet metal workshop only works on demand, so it only operates when required. For the purposes of the visit on February 25 of the current year, only one collaborator was performing a manual process without generating any noise, the same observations that have been recorded in previous visits, cited above. In none of the visits has material truth been evident regarding the facts alleged as direct impact on the neighboring population, supported by the public faith of my position, which consists of observation. Additionally, photographs are taken as backup, which are included in the Photographic record section of this report. Therefore, with the evidence recorded in the visits carried out in situ, in response by this ministry to the reported problem, which are contained in the duly ordered, paginated, and certified file made available to the Noble Chamber, I urge you to request said Chamber, not to accept the appeal filed against the respondent health authority. For the reason that in the visits carried out, no material truth of what was alleged is evident, which could cause alteration of the tranquility, privacy, and quality of life of the neighboring families of Dirección04. NON-CONFORMITIES. Not observed during the inspection visit. CONCLUSION and RECOMMENDATIONS. I recommend to your office, to request the Noble Constitutional Chamber, not to accept said appeal. PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD. [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...]" (see the report of the respondent authority and the evidence provided to the digital file).

IV.- On the specific case.

The appellant maintains that, since 2023, a tinsmithing workshop (taller de hojalatería) and an aggregates sales and stockpiling activity have been installed on Dirección02, in Cariari de Pococí, within a consolidated residential neighborhood, which has generated impacts on community coexistence and the residential environment, such as noise, vibrations, dust, odors, heavy vehicle traffic, and deterioration of the public road, affecting the tranquility, security, privacy, and quality of life of neighboring families, including older adults; they note that the workshop operates in immediate adjacency to homes without adequate conditions to mitigate noise, while the aggregates activity uses heavy machinery just a few meters from houses, generating constant sound and physical impacts; furthermore, they question the representativeness of sonic measurements taken, the lack of follow-up on complaints, the increase in operations in the years 2024 and 2025, and the lack of effective measures by the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Pococí, as well as irregularities in the granting of permits and licenses, which may even have been issued after the complaints were filed, and therefore they consider that the actions and omissions of the authorities have allowed the permanence of activities incompatible with the residential use of the sector, violating their fundamental rights.

First, it should be noted that this Court has resolved that noise pollution produced by sound has an impact on people's fundamental rights. Regarding this matter, in judgment No. 2025-009098 of 9:50 a.m. on March 25, 2025, the following was stated:

"IV.- On the specific case. From the relationship of Article 24 with Article 28 of our Political Constitution, the principle of freedom that governs individuals has as one of its limits not harming third parties, and therefore the protection of their sphere of intimacy and, consequently, the tranquility inherent to that sphere. Noise disturbs tranquility, especially if it concerns the place where one resides. Additionally, in consideration of other constitutional norms such as Article 50, which enshrines the right to the environment, and Article 21, from which the right to health has been derived, it is the State's responsibility to guarantee an environment free from noise pollution. For these reasons, with respect to karaoke activities, live music, and the like, this Court's jurisprudence has been clear in emphasizing the need to respect the rights of neighboring persons." Observe from the partially cited precedent that the Constitutional Chamber has indicated that noise pollution constitutes a form of environmental aggression that directly affects the health and tranquility of people, such that when the permitted threshold is exceeded, the State is obligated to deploy effective and verifiable action to prevent, correct, and, where applicable, cease the source of pollution.

In the present matter, this Chamber does not verify a violation of the fundamental rights of the protected party, since, from the comprehensive examination of the file, it is evident that the disagreement raised is essentially aimed at questioning the content, scope, and results of the technical actions deployed by the Ministry of Health, rather than demonstrating an omission or arbitrary action that directly compromises the scope of constitutional protection.

Indeed, it should be noted that, since 2023, the health authority has intervened repeatedly in response to complaints filed by the neighbors, conducting on-site inspections, sonic measurements, as well as issuing various technical reports and response letters, in which the conditions observed during each visit are recorded. Thus, it is noted that a noise measurement was carried out inside an adjacent dwelling, in accordance with the applicable regulatory parameters, determining levels that did not exceed the limits established for residential zones, while also ordering the eventual conduct of new measurements given the persistence of the alleged nuisances. Similarly, new complaints related to dust, noise, and machinery operation were subsequently addressed, in which context technical officials conducted visual inspections on different dates, expressly recording that, at the time of the visits, the problem reported could not be evidenced, whether due to the absence of active operation, the non-existence of relevant noise generation, or the lack of particulate material dispersion, without prejudice to the fact that, in some cases, it was recommended to follow up on the situation to safeguard public health.

Likewise, it is relevant that, even on the occasion of this constitutional proceeding, a new inspection visit was carried out, in which it was reiterated that the observed activities did not present continuous operation nor generate levels of noise, vibrations, or emissions that would allow corroborating the alleged impact, also highlighting the adoption of certain preventive measures by the administered parties, such as irrigation systems for dust control and strategic placement of materials.

Now, based on this factual context, it must be specified that what is sought by the appellant actually implies that this jurisdiction substitute the technical criteria of the health authority and conduct a direct verification of compliance with the parameters established in the infra-constitutional regulations on noise control and environmental conditions, which exceeds the proper scope of the amparo appeal. In this line, it is necessary to reiterate that the Chamber does not act as a reviewing instance of ordinary legality nor as a supervisory body over the Administration's technical activity, so it is not its responsibility to determine whether the measurements taken are methodologically suitable or whether additional measures should have been adopted in accordance with specific regulations, unless an arbitrary, unreasonable, or completely unfounded action is demonstrated, a scenario which is not present in the specific case.

Consequently, since it is evidenced that the respondent authority has addressed the complaints filed, has conducted multiple inspections, has issued technical criteria supported by the applicable regulations, and has provided responses to the actions filed, it is not possible to assert the existence of an injury to fundamental rights, but rather, at most, a disagreement by the petitioners with the conclusions reached by the Administration, which must be addressed through the corresponding ordinary channels and not through this constitutional proceeding.

V.- With respect to the Municipality of Pococí, a violation of fundamental rights is also not verified, since the matter raised is limited to questioning the legality and the technical criteria that supported the granting of land uses (usos de suelo) and commercial licenses, as well as the assessment of the compatibility of said activities with the environment.

Indeed, it is observed that the municipal entity issued formal resolutions through which it granted the respective land uses, under the consideration that the zone lacks a regulatory plan, which affects the possibility of denying such procedures, and, subsequently, the corresponding licenses were processed and granted, thus evidencing concrete actions within its scope of competence.

In this sense, what is alleged does not demonstrate an omission or an arbitrary action, but rather a disagreement with the content of the administrative acts issued, which constitutes a matter of ordinary legality, whose review corresponds to the contentious-administrative jurisdiction and not to this constitutional venue.

VI.- Note from Judge Castillo Víquez, regarding prompt and complete administrative justice. I have supported the thesis of this Court that when a claimant alleges a violation of the right to prompt and complete justice in administrative proceedings, it is the Contentious-Administrative Courts that must hear the legal dispute, and not this Chamber. However, with the recent enactment of Law No. 9097, Law Regulating the Right of Petition, it has been established that this right is subject to judicial protection through the amparo appeal established by Article 32 of the Law of Constitutional Jurisdiction, in relation to Article 27 of the Political Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica, in those cases where the petitioner considers that the material actions of the Administration, its administrative acts, or its response are affecting their fundamental rights. In my view, the recently enacted regulation does not imply that this Court must modify its jurisprudential line, since, based on numeral 7 of its Law, it is its exclusive responsibility to define its own competence. Therefore, except for those legal-constitutional disputes that have been recognized by this same Chamber as exceptional cases, which are admissible to be heard in this jurisdiction through the constitutional process of amparo, in all other cases, and for the reasons given by this Court (judgment No. 2008-02545 of 8:55 a.m. on February 22, 2008), the competent judges are those of the contentious-administrative jurisdiction, all of which is in accordance with numeral 25 of the American Convention on Human Rights, the Law of the Constitution (values, principles, and norms), and the corresponding legal norms based on a logical, systemic, and teleological interpretation of the legal order.

VII.- Documentation submitted to the file. The parties are warned that if they have submitted any paper document, as well as objects or evidence contained in any additional electronic, computer, magnetic, optical, telematic device or one produced by new technologies, these must be removed from the office within a maximum period of thirty business days from the notification of this judgment. Otherwise, any material not removed within this period will be destroyed, pursuant to the provisions of the "Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial," approved by the Full Court in Session No. 27-11 of August 22, 2011, Article XXVI, and published in the Judicial Bulletin No. 19 of January 26, 2012, as well as the agreement approved by the Superior Council of the Judiciary, in Session No. 43-12 held on May 3, 2012, Article LXXXI.

Por tanto:

Se declara sin lugar el recurso. El magistrado Castillo Víquez consigna nota.

The inspection is indicated as having been carried out on August 17, 2023, with a completion time of 11:03. Likewise, in the same document it was recorded that, on that day, Mrs. Nombre05 expressed complaints about noise and it was expressly indicated that steps would be taken to obtain a sound level meter and perform a measurement from her home (p. 4). However, to date (year 2026), said visit and measurement did not materialize, despite having been announced as a follow-up action. Finally, it must be noted that, due to a lack of technical and legal knowledge at that time and given the perception of a lack of effective measures, the complaint was not continued in 2023 in the terms the situation warranted. FOURTH: Increase in operations 2024–2025; complaints about dust; lack of follow-up; worsening of heavy traffic; municipal actions and doubts about land use (uso de suelo), licenses, and inspections. Between 2024 and 2025, an increase in operations linked to the two businesses was perceived. In this context, Mrs. Nombre07 and Mrs. Nombre08, both elderly persons, filed complaint No. 074-2025 (submitted without photographic or audiovisual support), related to dust emissions associated with the entry and circulation of vehicles linked to said activities. Eng. Jairo Araya Artavia, through Technical Report No. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP 2304-2025, indicated —among other points— that during the site visit "the reported problem could not be observed," noting that the yard stored crushed stone and that "no dust was observed at the time," as well as that "no process generating dust or particulate matter was observed at the time of the visit." Notwithstanding the foregoing, in his conclusions he expressly established that "follow-up must be given to the complaints in order to protect public health and the environment." To date, said follow-up has not materialized. Subsequently, due to growing neighborhood concern, complaint No. 284-2025 was filed on November 12, 2025, describing an increase in heavy vehicle traffic during 2024–2025, including orders fulfilled with higher-tonnage dump trucks (2 to 3 axles) circulating along the neighborhood's straight road, even at night, on a residential-scale road that connects to the main road approximately 150 meters away. An increase in vibrations and noise was reported, as well as diesel vehicles parked for longer periods and, on occasion, left running on the intermediate street between neighboring homes. Likewise, tractor-trailers with flatbeds were observed performing reversing maneuvers for considerable distances (over 150 meters) to the main entrance. This situation heightened community alarm and was associated with a deterioration of the sound environment and the neighborhood's road infrastructure, prompting new actions before the Municipality of Pococí, the Municipal Council of Pococí, and the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica. Since the complaint in 2023, Ministry of Health officials were verbally alerted that these activities would not remain "small" or low-impact operations. Complaint 284-2025 is the confirmation; in addition, it was submitted with the backing of 42 signatures from neighborhood residents, who requested the undersigned to assume representation and written action before the authorities. Additionally, an information request was made to the Municipality (at the counter) on November 6, 2025, addressed to the Department of Licenses and Patents, requesting certification of land use (uso de suelo), licenses, and inspections. A telephone call was later received from the Patent Coordinator, Vera Jiménez, who indicated that said businesses only had a permit for an "administrative office." As a result, a meeting was coordinated for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, which was attended with Nombre04 accompanying as a witness. At this meeting, facts were presented, videos were shown, a USB drive containing evidence was delivered, and the complaint was sent by email, for which the official provided acknowledgment of receipt; however, the activation of effective administrative mechanisms aimed at finding solutions was not evident. Likewise, a certification issued on November 10, 2025, was received, indicating that only one license existed for an "administrative office." Subsequently, upon inquiring about the status of the action, it was indicated that an investigation would be carried out within an approximate period of eight days. However, later, Official Letter PAT-361-2025, dated December 3, 2025, was issued, in which two additional licenses are now recorded, namely: 1. Company 3102948124 S.R.L.: license for the sale of materials and aggregates. 2. Commercial sheet metal work license in the name of Nombre09 (ID CED01). 3. The previously indicated license for an "administrative office" remains. Then, on December 4, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., a document was sent requesting explanations regarding the dates of granting of the new licenses, as well as the technical land-use report (informe técnico de uso de suelo) and access to the complete file of licenses linked to that address, in order to verify the legality and compatibility of the location given reasonable doubts (see annexes). A response was subsequently received that did not address what was requested in an explanatory manner, merely referring the matter to the Engineer in charge, and, regarding noise issues, to the Ministry of Health; in addition, it was indicated that the two new licenses had been granted as of December 2, 2025. All of the foregoing reinforces reasonable doubts about: (i) the issuance and verification of land use (uso de suelo), (ii) the performance of sufficient technical inspections, and (iii) the effective verification of the actual location of these activities within a residential neighborhood, considering the proximity to adjoining homes and the neighborhood's own dynamics. Additionally, a motion to revoke was filed on Monday, December 15, 2025, and to date, no response has been received. Finally, an opinion and information were also requested via email from the engineer in charge, with no response obtained within a 10-day period, despite the fact that land use (uso de suelo) is decisive for verifying the address match, the applicable zoning, and the legality of the installation and operation of both businesses at that specific point (communications and documents are provided in annexes). Conclusions: From the perspective of the neighborhood of Dirección02, what has occurred since 2023 reflects a primarily formal response by the authorities, but one insufficient to comprehensively protect the historical conditions of tranquility and safety of the neighborhood. The central concern is that, with the observed actions and omissions, the operation of high-impact activities (due to their noise, vibration, dust, and heavy vehicle traffic) is becoming normalized in immediate adjacency to homes, which the neighborhood rejects because it wishes to preserve a quiet and safe environment, as it has been for years. In the case of the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica, through the Governing Health Area of Pococí–Guápiles, inspections, procedures, and a sound measurement have been carried out; however, the community maintains that said actions have not representatively captured the real and usual dynamics of the reported operations (due to variability of schedules, operational behavior, and specific visit conditions). Furthermore, inconsistencies are perceived in reports and announced follow-ups that did not materialize, for which reason —from the neighborhood perspective— the approach has remained in conclusions based on momentary observations, without a preventive and verifiable analysis that adequately assesses the adjacency, the vulnerable population, and the combined effect of noise, vibration, odors, and particulate matter. Regarding the Municipality of Pococí, the neighborhood expresses concern over relevant variations in the information about licenses, internal referrals, and the lack of a substantive response on the decisive issue: the compatibility of the location/land use (uso de suelo), the technical verification of operating conditions in a consolidated residential neighborhood, and preventive control measures. In practical terms, the community perceives that the focus has been directed towards recording or granting procedures, without sufficient technical justification focused on preventing and mitigating the impact on neighboring homes, despite the fact that the matter is also within the knowledge of the Municipal Council of Pococí. Ordinary Session n72-2025. Finally, the neighborhood emphasizes that the reported impact is not limited to the right to a healthy sound environment and rest. The acoustic component has a direct relationship with comprehensive health and, especially, with mental health, as repeated exposure to intense noises, vibrations, and unexpected sounds in one's own home impacts the tranquility, sense of security, family coexistence, and emotional well-being of the resident persons. Based on the situations described, they consider fundamental rights to have been violated. They request that the appeal be granted.

2.- By ruling at 2:30 p.m. on February 18, 2026, the Presidency of the Chamber admitted this constitutional process and requested a report from the director of the Health Area of Pococí, as well as from the mayor and the president of the Council, both of Pococí, regarding the facts alleged by the appellant party.

3.- By document incorporated into the digital case file at 11:42 a.m. on February 27, 2026, Yamileth Hidalgo Arias and Juan Mauricio Mora Cruz, in their respective capacities as mayor and president of the Council, both of Pococí, report under oath the following: "As part of the case analysis, the Construction Control and Planning Unit was asked for background information on similar cases regarding the LAND USE permits (USO DE SUELO) granted in the community of Barrio España, Cariari district, finding the following findings: -As early as 2023, a favorable LAND USE permit was granted for the SALE OF AGGREGATE MATERIALS AND SHEET METAL WORK, located on the property with folio real 7 103346-000, according to Administrative Resolution DPCC-RU-0291-2023 of June 7, 2023. - According to Administrative Resolution DPCC-RU-0275-2025 of May 27, 2025, a favorable LAND USE permit was granted for SHEET METAL WORK, located on the same property with folio real 7-103346-000. - According to Administrative Resolution DPCC-RU-0641-2025 of November 21, 2025, a favorable LAND USE permit was granted for the SALE OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, located on the same property with folio real 7-103346-000. -According to Administrative Resolution DPCC-RU-0492-2025 of October 1, 2025, a favorable LAND USE permit was granted for a SAWMILL AND BAG MANUFACTURING, located on the same property with folio real 7-16117-000. This Honorable Court should take into consideration that all the previous land-use authorizations were granted because they are outside the Regulatory Plan, and consequently, there is no legal basis whatsoever to deny the action requested by the taxpayer neighbors of Dirección03 of the Cariari district, Pococí canton. Subsequently, each applicant proceeded to process the permit before the Ministry of Health, in order to later grant the respective municipal license or patent for each case." 4.- By document incorporated into the digital case file at 11:53 a.m. on March 2, 2026, Karen Mayorga Quirós, in her capacity as director of the Governing Health Area of Pococí, reports under oath the following: "FIRST: That within our scope of competence, the environmental problem raised in this appeal, related to the industrial activities carried out by 'Agregados Nombre10 and Hojalatería Medina' within Dirección04, is addressed in a timely manner, due to its immediate proximity to homes and the direct conditions that have arisen in the coexistence and residential environment, in particular; noise pollution (contaminación sónica) (noise), vibrations, dust and odor emissions, heavy vehicle maneuvers, which apparently cause an impact on the appellants who allege; alteration of tranquility, privacy, and quality of life of the families. The foregoing arises in relation to the actions and omissions of control, verification, and oversight attributable to the respondent authorities. SECOND: That in the activity carried out by Agregados 'Nombre10', where machinery movements occur, no annoying noise or dust dispersion is generated during the time of the inspection. As there is no operational continuity or source generating noise at the site, we adhere to the legal basis of Executive Decree 44486-S, 'Regulation for Environmental Noise Control' (Reglamento para el Control de Ruido Ambiental), CHAPTER XIII PROCEDURE FOR NOISE MEASUREMENT, Article 34 states in its steps: 'The following steps must be established for measurements: b. The unitary measurement time interval is fifteen minutes (15 min) per integrated measurement, which must be measured continuously, e. Prior to measurement, an analysis of the source under study must be carried out in order to establish the type of noise and define the weighting of the equipment to be used, in A-weighting. Considering that if the noise emitted by the source has a duration of less than 5 minutes, it is not subject to measurement.' THIRD: That, on the same matter, the rule of Article 31 of the aforementioned Regulation orders that when noise sources are emitted by motor vehicles traveling on public roads, they are subject to regulation and control by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, MOPT), being of its total competence and legitimacy: (Executive Decree No. 38937-MOPT) 'Article 31. – The noise emitted by the exhaust of motor vehicles on public land roads must be regulated by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, as established by Article 17, and the maximum noise values for different categories of motor vehicles are also indicated and maintained in Table 8.1, according to Executive Decree No. 38937-MOPT of February 23, 2015, "Regulation for the control of noise emitted by the exhaust of motor vehicles".' FOURTH: That no dust dispersion is observed, it being a rainy day; however, as an additional precautionary measure for dry seasons, the legal representative of the activity installed sprinkler irrigation and, as a second contingency measure, a saran mesh cover at a considerable height, near the neighboring homes, as an act of his own good faith. Similarly, upon the entry of sand material to the yard, the dump truck protected its load with a tarp, in compliance with regulations to mitigate the risk when transporting this type of material. FIFTH: That we do not omit to state that our Governing Health Area addressed complaint No. 074-2025, with an identical problem, which was recorded in on-site inspection MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2061-2025, and endorsed in technical report MS-ARSP-2304-2025, where our authorities could not demonstrate the veracity of the facts, in response to the complaint. In another of the complaints filed, 284-2025, regarding problems with machinery movement, noise, dust, the reported anomalies could not be demonstrated (on-site inspection record MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6395-2025, Technical Report MS-DRRSHC ARSP-7036-2025). SIXTH: That regarding the sheet metal work activity, there is one worker at the time of the visit, who is performing a manual process, generating no noise, vibrations, or bad odor. In this activity, it was observed that they use equipment such as; a press, bending machines, a work table; none of the previous equipment uses motors, so there is no noise generation; at the time of the visit, there are no hammer blows or impacts, nor electric tools in use. Within the observations and as part of the process, there is a drill press, an air compressor, and a welding machine, which were not being used at the time of the 'in situ' inspection. It must be emphasized that there is a perimeter wall at the back of the sheet metal workshop, in order to maintain privacy and prevent the entry of weather conditions. SEVENTH: That it is necessary to comment that the Canton of Pococí does not have, for the Cariari district, regulatory plans that condition industrial activities; in its place, the figure of the approval of land use (visto bueno del uso de suelo) was used, which to date has no legal effect for exercising adequate controls. EIGHTH: That the administrated parties complied, at the appropriate procedural moment, with the regulatory requirements established for the granting of Health Permits, as stipulated in Executive Decree 43432-S. NINTH: That regarding the obstruction of a culvert that crosses private property, technical report CARTA-MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-0338-2026 was sent to the local Municipality for the appropriate intervention, as it falls within its competence in cadastral matters. (We attach, for the better provision of the readers, Technical Report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP 1143-2026 and its annexes in full context, submitted by Eng. Jairo Araya Artavia)." 5.- In the proceedings followed, the legal prescriptions have been observed.

Drafted by Magistrate Garro Vargas; and,

Considering:

I.- Object of the appeal. The appellants state that in Dirección02, in Cariari de Pococí, two commercial-industrial activities have been installed in immediate adjacency to homes, consisting of a sheet metal workshop and a stone material sales and stockpiling operation, which generate impacts such as noise, vibrations, dust, odors, heavy vehicle traffic, and deterioration of the public road. Likewise, they state that these activities are carried out in a consolidated residential neighborhood, which, in their opinion, is incompatible with the coexistence, tranquility, and safety of the environment, especially affecting elderly persons and neighboring family units. Furthermore, they argue that, despite the complaints filed since 2023, the actions of the authorities have been insufficient, failing to capture the operational reality of the activities or execute effective control, follow-up, and mitigation measures, there being doubts about the legality of the permits granted and the adequate assessment of land use (uso de suelo). Finally, they maintain that the permanence of these activities has deteriorated their quality of life, affecting their health, rest, safety, and family coexistence, for which reason they consider their fundamental rights violated and request the intervention of this Chamber.

II.- Preliminary matter. Prior to analyzing the merits of the case —for the alleged violation of the right to a prompt and completed procedure— it must be clarified that, as of judgment No. 2008-02545 at 8:55 a.m. on February 22, 2008, this Chamber has referred to the administrative litigation jurisdiction —with some exceptions— those matters in which it is debated whether the public administration has or has not complied with the deadlines established by the General Law of Public Administration (articles 261 and 325) or by the sectoral laws relating to special administrative procedures, either to resolve, by final act, an administrative procedure —initiated ex officio or at the request of a party— or to hear the appropriate administrative appeals. Precisely, in this case an exception is presented, as it is a complaint for noise pollution (contaminación sónica), which, allegedly, has not been resolved within a reasonable period by the respondent ministry. Having clarified the point, we proceed to resolve the specific situation raised in this amparo.

III.- Proven facts. Deemed important for the decision of this matter, the following facts are considered duly demonstrated, either because they have been proven or because the respondent party has omitted to refer to them as provided in the initial order:

• a)On March 21, 2023, the appellant Nombre02 along with other neighbors filed a complaint before the Governing Health Area of Pococí against "Constructora y taller hojalatería Hermanos Jiménez." In said complaint, they stated the following: "By this means, we most respectfully request attention to our case of impact from noise, excessive dust, and industrial-type work by the Constructora and sheet metal workshop Nombre06 on our properties, located 250 meters west of the community hall and 50 meters north in Dirección03 of the Cariari district. Below, we record the following impact events: Work with heavy machinery such as dump trucks and backhoes very close to our properties, generating impact from engine noise, added to the noise of contact or impact of materials such as large drainage stones, crusher run stone, and sand in the dump trucks. Additionally, excessive dust during the loading and movement of vehicles in front of and behind our properties. It should be noted that our homes are located between 1 and 6 meters from the announced activities. Sheet metal works, at a distance of half a meter from one of the properties, which represent a risk from sparks during welding and grinding work due to noise and sparks, as well as impact noise from hammers and metal odors. According to the foregoing situations, we express our situation, which has been recorded for 1 month since the transfer and installation of said business near our properties, which are no longer generating a healthy environment for the mental and physical health of us as inhabitants close to this situation. In this way, we turn to you as health authorities, in search of a solution. We thank you in advance for all the help provided" (see the filing document and the evidence provided in the digital case file).

</span></p><div style="margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'2'; -aw-list-padding-sml:5.55pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold">b)</span><span style="width:5.55pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">On September 12, 2023, the director of the Pococí Health Area (Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí), via official letter No. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-5338-2023 addressed to the complainants, stated the following: </span></p></div><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">“First: As part of the response to complaint 049-2023 regarding the nuisances of neighbors near the Hojalatería Nombre06 and Agregados Nombre06 stockpile establishment, located 200 m west of the community hall and 50 m north in the district of Cariari, due to the generation of noise from the activity, a sonic measurement was conducted on site, of which I inform you:</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Date of Inspection: August 17, 2023</span><br /><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Inspection Start Time: 09:30 Hours</span><br /><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Inspection End Time: 11:03 Hours</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Second: The noise measurements were taken with the sound level meter (Sonómetro) owned by the Ministry of Health, Cirrus brand model CR:171B with calibration certificate LCM 06590823 and LCM 06630823, which are attached to this report.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">The sonic measurements were conducted based on the procedure for noise measurement Decreto N° 32692-S. No adverse weather conditions for the sonic measurement were present and they were conducted inside the residence of Mrs. Nombre03, with prior coordination and at the time requested by the complainant.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Third: Present during the sonic measurement on behalf of the complainants were:</span></p><div style="margin-left:53.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0.'; -aw-list-number-styles:'decimal'; -aw-list-number-values:'1'; -aw-list-padding-sml:9pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">1.</span><span style="width:9pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Mrs. Nombre03 ID CED04 </span></p></div><div style="margin-left:53.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0.'; -aw-list-number-styles:'decimal'; -aw-list-number-values:'2'; -aw-list-padding-sml:9pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">2.</span><span style="width:9pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic"> Mrs. Nombre05 ID CED05 </span></p></div><div style="margin-left:53.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0.'; -aw-list-number-styles:'decimal'; -aw-list-number-values:'3'; -aw-list-padding-sml:9pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">3.</span><span style="width:9pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Mr. Nombre02 ID CED06 </span></p></div><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">On behalf of the Ministry of Health:</span></p><div style="margin-left:53.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0.'; -aw-list-number-styles:'decimal'; -aw-list-number-values:'1'; -aw-list-padding-sml:9pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">1.</span><span style="width:9pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Bach. Iván Carrillo Fernández ID CED07 </span></p></div><div style="margin-left:53.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0.'; -aw-list-number-styles:'decimal'; -aw-list-number-values:'2'; -aw-list-padding-sml:9pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">2.</span><span style="width:9pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Licda. Alexandra Chavarría Corella ID CED08. </span></p></div><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Fourth: Daytime noise measurements were taken in the house of the complaining neighbor Mrs. Nombre03 and her son Nombre02. The first measurement taken is the one corresponding to noise with the sound source, with the tinsmithing (hojalatería) and aggregate stockpile activity of Nombre06 in operation, determining the following logarithmic average of decibels based on the 15 measurements taken:</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Table 1. Sonic measurement with sound source and logarithmic average</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">[…]</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">*Source: own elaboration with the results of the sonic measurement from 08/17/2023.</span><br /><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">*Note: Attached to this report is the list of the 15 measurements recorded by the Cirrus sound level meter (Sonómetro).</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Table 2. Sonic measurement Ambient noise and logarithmic average</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">[…]</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Result: 42.853538</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">*Source: own elaboration with the results of the sonic measurement from 08/17/2023.</span><br /><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">*Note: Attached to this report is the list of the 15 measurements recorded by the Cirrus sound level meter (Sonómetro).</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Fifth: Regulation for the Control of Noise Pollution (Reglamento para el Control de la Contaminación por Ruido) No. 39428-S.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Article 14.-Noise level limits. No person shall permit or cause the emission of noise exceeding the levels established in table No. 1 of this regulation, which represent the different noise levels permitted in each of the receiving zones indicated in said table, for both the daytime and nighttime periods, measured inside the affected properties.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">SOUND LEVEL LIMITS IN DECIBELS A (dBA)</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">[…] </span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Conclusion:</span></p><div style="margin-left:70.8pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0.'; -aw-list-number-styles:'decimal'; -aw-list-number-values:'1'; -aw-list-padding-sml:9pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">1.</span><span style="width:9pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Regarding what is permitted under National Legislation based on the Regulation for the Control of Noise Pollution (Reglamento para el Control de Contaminación por Ruido) No. 39428-S, I inform you that the sonic measurements taken do not exceed what is permitted in said Regulation, as it establishes that the limit is 65 decibels during the day for a Residential zone, whereas the measurement with a sound source averages 53.56 decibels and the ambient noise measurement is 42.85 decibels. </span></p></div><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">In follow-up to this case, I must also state that on the day the sonic measurement was taken, Mrs. Nombre05 indicated having noise nuisances with the Hojalatería hermanos Jiménez establishment. Therefore, arrangements will be made to request a sound level meter (Sonómetro) and conduct a measurement from Mrs. Nombre05's residence”</span><span style="line-height:150%; font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic"> </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">(see the filing brief and the evidence provided in the digital file). </span></p><div style="margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'3'; -aw-list-padding-sml:7.12pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic">c)</span><span style="width:7.12pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">On an unspecified date, Mrs. Nombre07 and Mrs. Nombre08 filed a complaint reporting excess dust, resulting from the activity of the company “Constructora y taller hojalatería Hermanos Jiménez”. The complaint was processed under number 074-2025 (see the filing brief and the evidence provided in the digital file).</span></p></div><div style="margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'4'; -aw-list-padding-sml:6.34pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic">d)</span><span style="width:6.34pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">On May 16, 2025, Ing. Jairo Daniel Araya Artavia, in his capacity as Civil Service 1A professional of the Pococí Health Area (Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí), signed the technical report No. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2304-2025, in which he stated the following: </span></p></div><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">“SUBJECT: Complaint 074-2025 Constructora Hnos Jiménez.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Dear Doctor.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Cordial greetings.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">I inform you.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">I received in the scheduling of May 7, 2025, the handling of the complaint cited in the heading, regarding an apparent problem of dust and particle generation, located in Pococí, Cariari, 200 west of the Community Hall.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">ANALYZED AREA OR CONDITION:</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">We arrived at the indicated address as recorded in the ocular inspection record (acta de inspección ocular) MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2061-2025. We were attended by Guillermo Jiménez in his capacity as manager, to whom we explained the reported problem and who accompanied us on a tour.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">First: During the tour, the reported problem could not be observed; crushed stone is stored in the yard, the yard is covered with crushed stone, no dust was observed at the time.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Second: No process generating dust or particulate matter was observed at the time of the visit.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">NON-CONFORMITIES:</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Not Observed</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD:</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">N/A.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">RECOMMENDATIONS:</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Closure of the complaint.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">CONCLUSION.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">The complaints must be followed up on in order to protect public health and the environment” </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">(see the filing brief and the evidence provided in the digital file).</span></p><div style="margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'5'; -aw-list-padding-sml:7.12pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic">e)</span><span style="width:7.12pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">On May 21, 2025, the Pococí Health Area (Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí), via official letter No. CARTA-MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2392-2025 addressed to the complainant Nombre11, stated the following: </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">“Cordial greetings. Based on report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2304-2025, signed by Ing. Jairo Araya Artavia, an official of the Health Regulation Process, we inform you that on the day of the visit, no activity generating dust could be observed. Therefore, the complaint is considered resolved” </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">(see the filing brief and the evidence provided in the digital file).</span></p></div><div style="margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'6'; -aw-list-padding-sml:8.68pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic">f)</span><span style="width:8.68pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">On December 19, 2025, a group of neighbors from Dirección02, in Cariari de Pococí, filed another complaint against Hojalatería y Constructora Nombre06 for noise pollution (contaminación sónica) and dust emission (see the filing brief and the evidence provided in the digital file). </span></p></div><div style="margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'7'; -aw-list-padding-sml:6.34pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic">g)</span><span style="width:6.34pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">On December 24, 2025, Ing. Jairo Daniel Araya Artavia, in his capacity as Civil Service 1A professional of the Pococí Health Area (Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí), signed the technical report No. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-7036-2025, in which the following was stated: </span></p></div><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">“ANALYZED AREA OR CONDITION:</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">I arrived at the indicated address, at the Constructora, and was attended by Nombre12, who indicated that it is a family business of which they are a part. I explained the reported problem, which is recorded in the ocular inspection record (acta de inspección ocular) MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6395-2025.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">At the time of the visit, a small yard with material stock, sand (área), and crushed stone (piedra picada) was observed; no dust is observed, it is a sunny and slightly windy day. The amount of stored material is small (see images).</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">There is no machinery in motion; I was told they have a backhoe (bajook), a wagon, and a mini-wagon.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">No concrete materials are produced; they only sell sand (área) and crushed stone (piedra picada).</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">The tinsmithing shop (hojalatería) is not in operation at the time of the visit; as indicated, work is done on order. No type of noise is perceived; it was observed that the tin molding process is manual, the equipment does not have motors, thus eliminating this source as a noise generator (see images). </span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">At the time of the visit, the reported problem could not be evidenced.</span></p> Both activities have their PSF.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">NON-CONFORMITIES:</span><br /><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">It does not have a PSF.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD: </span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">[…] </span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">RECOMMENDATIONS:</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Reschedule a follow-up visit, given that the complainant persists in indicating that they suffer impacts.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">CONCLUSION.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">The purpose of this act is to protect public health, property, and the environment” </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">(see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital case file).</span></p><div style="margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'8'; -aw-list-padding-sml:5.55pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic">h)</span><span style="width:5.55pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">On January 6, 2026, the director of the Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí, through official letter No. CARTA-MS-ARSP-0072-2026, replied to the complainant Nombre02, as follows: </span></p></div><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">“First: A visit was conducted to the reported location, where we were attended by Ms. Nombre12, who indicated that it is a family business of which she is a part. During the meeting, she explained the reported issue.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Second: At the time of the visit, a small yard was observed with stockpiles of materials (sand and crushed stone). No dust was perceived, as it was a sunny day with little wind. The amount of stored material was small.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Third: No machinery in operation was verified. It was indicated that they own a backhoe, a dump truck, and a mini dump truck. Materials are not produced on-site; only sand and crushed stone are sold.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Fourth: The sheet metal workshop was not in operation at the time of the visit. According to what was stated, work is only done to order. No type of noise was perceived, and it was observed that the sheet metal forming process is manual. The equipment does not have motors, therefore this activity is ruled out as a source of noise generation.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="line-height:150%; font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic">In conclusion, at the time of the visit, the reported issue could not be evidenced. Therefore, the case is hereby closed” </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">(see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital case file).</span></p><div style="margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'9'; -aw-list-padding-sml:9.45pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic">i)</span><span style="width:9.45pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">On February 26, 2026, Ing. Jairo Daniel Araya Artavia, in his capacity as a Civil Service 1A professional of the Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí, issued technical report No. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-1143-2026, which recorded the following: </span></p></div><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">“Inspection visit to Agregados Nombre10 and Hojalatería Medina to respond to the Amparo Appeal Exp. 26-004773 0007-CO. INTRODUCTION. I received in the programming for February 25, 2026, the inspection visit cited in the heading, with the intention of identifying whether or not the issue alleged in the aforementioned appeal is evident, due to the development of commercial-industrial activities within Dirección04, due to its immediate proximity to homes and the direct conditions that have arisen in coexistence and the residential environment, particularly; noise pollution (ruido), vibrations, dust emissions and odors, heavy vehicle maneuvering, which apparently causes impacts on the appellants who claim; alteration of tranquility, privacy, and quality of life of the families. The foregoing is raised in relation to the actions and omissions of control, verification, and oversight attributable to the respondent authorities. I inform you that I appeared in Pococí, Cariari, Dirección04, at the establishment where the indicated activities are carried out. I was attended by Nombre12 in his capacity as manager, who proceeded to assist us and accompany us during the tour, with a record being made in the ocular inspection report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-1142-2026. DEVELOPMENT. 1. Regarding the operation of the aggregates activity, I must inform you; • That it is carried out in a small physical space called a materials yard, where machinery is used, consisting of a large dump truck, a small one, and a backhoe. During our stay on site from 10:05 a.m. to 11:10 a.m., machinery movement occurred only for barely 5 minutes, specifically of the large dump truck and the small dump truck, whose level of generated noise did not prevent maintaining the fluid conversation that was taking place. For the rest of my stay, there was no movement of machinery or other work in the materials yard, so no noise was generated; at no time was dust dispersion observed. • That for one hour there was no operational continuity or source generating noise, including the regulation by Decreto Ejecutivo Nº 44486-S Reglamento para el control del ruido ambiental, in its CHAPTER XIII PROCEDURE FOR NOISE MEASUREMENT, Article 34 states in its steps “The following steps must be established for measurements: b. The unitary measurement time interval is fifteen minutes (15 min) per integrated measurement, which must be measured continuously, e. Prior to the measurement, an analysis of the source under study must be conducted to establish the type of noise and define the weighting of the equipment to be used, in A-filter. Considering that if the noise emitted by the source has a duration of less than 5 minutes, it is not subject to measurement.” Therefore, we find no objective reason to perform the noise measurement. And when the noise sources are emitted by motor vehicles traveling on public roads, they shall be subject to regulation by the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, according to D E Nº 44486-S Reglamento para el control del ruido ambiental “Article 31. – “Noise emitted by the exhaust of motor vehicles on public land roads must be regulated by the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, as established in article 17, and the maximum noise values for different categories of motor vehicles are also indicated and maintained in Table 8.1, this according to Decreto Ejecutivo N°38937-MOPT of February 23, 2015 \"Reglamento para el control de ruido emitido el escape de vehículos automotores\". • In said yard, two piles of sand were observed stockpiled, three of crushed stone, one of flagstone; river stone is stored outside the yard in a strategic position away from neighboring homes to avoid discomfort at the time of unloading, emphasizing that this is a small operation, with suspension of operation during long periods of the operational day, which runs from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See images No.1, No.2 of the photographic record. • The day is rainy and no dust dispersion is observed; additionally, as a precautionary measure for dry seasons, the legal representative of the activity installed sprinkler irrigation and, as a second contingency, a saran mesh at a considerable height, in the vicinity of neighboring homes, as an act of their own good faith. See Image No. 4. • At the time of sand material entering the yard, the dump truck protected its load with a tarp, in compliance with regulations to mitigate risk when transporting this type of material. See image No.6. • During our stay, no semi-trailers entered the materials yard. • No customers appeared, so there is no emission of human voices.</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0; </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">In previous visits, such as the one carried out on May 7, 2025, in response to complaint 074-2025, where dust issues were reported, a record was made in ocular inspection report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2061-2025 and its subsequent technical report MS DRRSHC-ARSP-2304-2025, that the reported issue could not be evidenced. On November 19, 2025, in response to complaint 284-2025, for apparent issues of machinery movement, noise, dust, a record was made in ocular inspection report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6395-2025 and its subsequent technical report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP 7036-2025, even indicating that it is a sunny day, and it was again emphasized that the reported issue could not be observed. In said visits, our action focused on the search for material truth, supported by the public faith of my position which is based on observation; what was mentioned as a problem was not observed, for this reason no special measures were issued against the legal representatives of said activities. Said visits are also evidence that there is no neglect or omission whatsoever by this ministry regarding the case at hand. 2. Regarding the operation of the sheet metal workshop activity: • There is only one worker at the time of the visit, who is performing a manual process; it does not generate noise, vibrations, or bad odors. • In this activity, it was observed that they use equipment such as; a press, folders, a work table, none of the aforementioned equipment uses motors, so there is no noise generation. At the time of the visit, there is no hammering or banging, nor power tools in use. • A drill press was observed, which was in use, without generating noise; additionally, a small air compressor and a welding machine, which were not in use. According to what I observed, I emphasize that the operational process of the sheet metal workshop is highly manual and without noise sources. In report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-7036-2025 dated December 24, 2025, I indicated the following: “The sheet metal workshop is not in operation at the time of the visit; according to what was indicated, work is done to order; no type of noise is perceived; it was possible to observe that the process of shaping sheet metal is manual; the equipment does not have motors, so this source is eliminated as a generator of noise”, emphasizing once again that the operation of the sheet metal workshop is not continuous and without risk of generating continuous noises as it has no motors. At the back of the sheet metal workshop, a wall was continued as a measure for privacy and as a contingency against the risk of adverse weather situations, such as winds. See images No.4 and No.5 That, according to what is alleged, the activities developed consist of the sale of materials and this entails the movement of machinery such as a dump truck and backhoe. It should be emphasized that during our stay from 10:05 a.m. to 11:10 a.m., operational movement occurred for only approximately 5 minutes; for the remaining hour, the operation stopped. According to what was observed, there is no constant operation, as alleged by the appellant party. On the other hand, the Canton of Pococí does not have a regulatory plan for the development of human activities that includes the district of Cariari; said project is under management by the Local Municipality. Therefore, this ministry maintains no impediment whatsoever in granting the Sanitary Operating Permit (Permiso sanitario de Funcionamiento) to the sheet metal workshop and aggregates activities, in Cariari, Dirección04, once the administered party submits the application and meets the requirements of the request, in accordance with Decreto Ejecutivo 43432-S, a decree that deals with the matter of granting sanitary operating permits. See image No.1 Location of the sheet metal workshop and Aggregates activities, within the context described as residential Dirección04, where there is only one neighboring boundary that could be observed as risky; the other adjoining areas are unbuilt areas, green space, or belong to the representatives of the activities. Regarding what is alleged about the obstruction of a sewer where rainwater from Dirección04 is disposed of, which is located at the entrance to the property where the Aggregates and sheet metal workshop activities are carried out, on December 17, 2025, in response to complaint 298-2025, an inspection was carried out by Ing. Fernando Monge Solís, an authority of this ministry, with a record made in ocular inspection report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6818- 2025 and its subsequent technical report DRRSHC-ARSP-0153-2026, in which it was indicated that “the agreement for the water from the sewer to pass through the privately owned property that belongs to him is informal.” For this reason, Ing. Monge requested that the case be transferred to the local municipality for its due intervention, a notification made according to official letter CARTA-MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-0338-2026 of January 16, 2026, signed by the Director of the Area Rectora de Salud Pococí, addressed to the mayor</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0; </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">of Pococí. To date, no response has been received regarding the actions taken by the municipality of Pococí. In summary, dust emission could not be observed, no bad odors were perceived, no continuous or impact noises were generated, no machinery maneuvers producing vibrations occurred, no busy and continuous operation was observed. In technical report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-7036-2025, it was indicated that the sheet metal workshop only works to order, so it only functions when required. For the purposes of the visit of February 25 of the current year, only one collaborator was performing a manual process without generating any noise, the same observations that have been recorded in previous visits, cited above. In none of the visits has it been possible to evidence material truth regarding the facts alleged as a direct impact on the neighboring population, based on the public faith of my position, which consists of observation. Additionally, photographs are taken as support, which are included in the Photographic Record section of this report. Thus, with the evidence recorded in the visits carried out in situ, in response by this ministry to the reported issue, which are contained in the duly organized, paginated, and certified case file placed at the disposal of the Noble Chamber, I urge you to request said Chamber not to grant the appeal filed against the respondent health authority. On the grounds that in the visits carried out, no material truth of what is alleged is evidenced that could cause alteration of the tranquility, privacy, and quality of life of the neighboring families of Dirección04. NON-CONFORMITIES. Not observed during the inspection visit. CONCLUSION and RECOMMENDATIONS. I recommend to your office to request the Noble Constitutional Chamber not to grant said appeal. PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD. […] […] […] […] […] […] […] […] […]” </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">(see the report of the respondent authority and the evidence provided to the digital case file). </span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:35.4pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="line-height:150%; font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; font-weight:bold; vertical-align:sub">IV.- Regarding the specific case. </span><span style="line-height:150%; font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; vertical-align:sub">The appellant party maintains that at Dirección02, in Cariari de Pococí, a sheet metal workshop and an aggregates sales and stockpiling activity have been established since 2023 within a consolidated residential neighborhood, which has generated impacts on coexistence and the residential environment, such as noise, vibrations, dust, odors, heavy vehicle traffic, and deterioration of the public road, affecting the tranquility, security, privacy, and quality of life of adjoining families, including older adults; they point out that the workshop operates in immediate adjacency to homes without adequate conditions to mitigate noise, while the aggregates activity uses heavy machinery a few meters from homes, generating constant noise and physical impacts. Furthermore, they question the representativeness of noise measurements taken, the lack of follow-up on complaints, the increase in operations in the years 2024 and 2025, and the lack of effective measures by the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Pococí, as well as irregularities in the granting of permits and licenses (patentes), which would even have been issued after the complaints were filed. Therefore, they believe that the actions and omissions of the authorities have allowed the permanence of activities incompatible with the residential use of the sector, violating their fundamental rights. </span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:35.4pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">In the first place, it should be noted that this Court has resolved that noise pollution (contaminación sónica) produced by noise has an impact on the fundamental rights of individuals. Regarding this subject, in ruling No. 2025-009098 at 09:50 a.m. on March 25, 2025, the following was indicated: </span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:35.4pt; margin-bottom:12pt; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; color:#404040">“IV.- Regarding the specific case</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic; color:#404040">.</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic; color:#404040">&#xa0;</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic; color:#404040">From the relationship between Article 24 and Article 28 of our Political Constitution, the principle of freedom that governs individuals has as one of its limits not harming third parties, and therefore the protection of their sphere of intimacy and consequently the tranquility inherent to that sphere. Noise disturbs tranquility, especially if it is in the place where one resides. Furthermore, in light of other constitutional norms such as Article 50, which enshrines the right to the environment, and Article 21, from which the right to health has been derived, it is incumbent upon the State to guarantee an environment free from noise pollution (contaminación sónica). For these reasons, regarding karaoke activities, live music, and the like, the jurisprudence of this Court has been clear in emphasizing the need to respect the rights of neighboring individuals.”</span></p><p style="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:35.4pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">Observe from the partially cited precedent that the Constitutional Chamber has indicated that noise pollution (contaminación sónica) constitutes a form of environmental aggression that directly affects the health and tranquility of individuals, such that, when the permitted threshold is exceeded, the State is obligated to deploy effective and verifiable action to prevent, correct, and, where appropriate, cause the source of pollution to cease.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:35.4pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">In the present matter, this Chamber does not verify a violation of the fundamental rights of the protected party, since, from the comprehensive examination of the case file, it appears that the disagreement raised is directed, in essence, at questioning the content, scope, and results of the technical actions deployed by the Ministry of Health, rather than at evidencing an omission or arbitrary action that directly compromises the scope of constitutional protection.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:35.4pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">Indeed, it should be noted that, since 2023, the health authority has intervened repeatedly in response to the complaints filed by the neighbors, carrying out on-site inspections (inspecciones in situ), noise measurements, as well as the issuance of various technical reports and response letters, in which the conditions observed during each visit are recorded. Thus, it is noted that a noise measurement was taken inside an adjoining home, in accordance with the applicable regulatory parameters, determining levels that did not exceed the established limits for residential zones, while the eventual performance of new measurements was ordered given the persistence of alleged nuisances. Similarly, new complaints related to dust, noise, and machinery operation were subsequently addressed, in which context the technical officials carried out ocular inspections on different dates, expressly recording that, at the time of the visits, the reported issue could not be evidenced, whether due to the absence of active operation, the lack of relevant noise generation, or the lack of dispersion of particulate matter, without prejudice to the fact that, in some cases, it was recommended to follow up on the situation to safeguard public health.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:35.4pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">Likewise, it is relevant that, even on the occasion of this constitutional process, a new inspection visit was carried out, in which it was reiterated that the observed activities did not present continuous operation nor generate levels of noise, vibrations, or emissions that would allow corroborating the alleged impact, further highlighting the adoption of certain preventive measures by the administered parties, such as irrigation systems for dust control and strategic location of materials.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:35.4pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">Now, based on this factual context, it must be specified that what is sought by the appellant party implies, in reality, that this jurisdiction substitute the technical judgment of the health authority and carry out a direct verification of compliance with the parameters established in the infra-constitutional regulations regarding noise control and environmental conditions, which goes beyond the proper scope of the amparo appeal.</span></p> Along those lines, it bears reiterating that this Chamber does not act as a reviewing body of ordinary legality nor as a supervisory organ over the Administration’s technical activity; thus, it is not within its purview to determine whether the measurements taken are methodologically sound or whether additional measures should have been adopted pursuant to specific regulations, unless arbitrary, unreasonable, or wholly unfounded conduct is demonstrated—a circumstance not present in this specific case.

Consequently, since it is evident that the appealed authority has addressed the complaints filed, conducted multiple inspections, issued technical opinions grounded in the applicable regulations, and responded to the submissions made, it is not possible to assert the existence of a violation of fundamental rights, but, at most, a disagreement by the petitioners with the conclusions reached by the Administration, which must be aired through the corresponding ordinary channels and not through this constitutional proceeding.

V.- With regard to the Municipalidad de Pococí, no violation of fundamental rights is verified either, since the arguments raised merely question the legality and the technical opinion that supported the granting of land uses (usos de suelo) and commercial licenses, as well as the assessment of the compatibility of those activities with the surroundings.

Indeed, it is noted that the municipal entity issued formal resolutions granting the respective land uses (usos de suelo), under the consideration that the area lacks a regulatory plan, which affects the ability to deny such requests, and, subsequently, the corresponding licenses were processed and granted, thus demonstrating concrete actions within its scope of authority.

In that regard, the allegations do not evidence an omission or arbitrary action, but rather a disagreement with the content of the administrative acts issued, which constitutes a matter of ordinary legality, the review of which falls to the administrative litigation jurisdiction (jurisdicción contencioso-administrativa) and not to this constitutional venue.

VI.- Note by Judge Castillo Víquez, regarding prompt and complete administrative justice. I have supported the thesis of this Court that when a litigant alleges a violation of the right to prompt and complete justice in the administrative sphere, the bodies that must hear the legal dispute are the Administrative Litigation Courts (Tribunales de lo Contencioso-Administrativo) and not this Chamber. That said, with the recent enactment of Law No. 9097, the Law Regulating the Right of Petition (Ley de Regulación del Derecho de Petición), it has been established that this right is susceptible to judicial protection through the amparo remedy (recurso de amparo) established by Article 32 of the Law of Constitutional Jurisdiction (Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional), in relation to Article 27 of the Political Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica (Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica), in cases where the petitioner considers that the Administration’s material actions, its administrative acts, or its response are affecting their fundamental rights. In my view, the newly enacted legislation does not imply that this Court must modify its jurisprudential line, since, based on numeral 7 of its Law, it is solely responsible for defining its own jurisdiction. Therefore, except for those legal-constitutional disputes that this very Chamber has recognized as exceptional cases, which may appropriately be heard in this jurisdiction through the constitutional amparo protection proceeding, in all other cases, and for the reasons this Court has given (Judgment No. 2008-02545 of 8:55 a.m. on February 22, 2008), the competent judges are those of the administrative litigation jurisdiction (jurisdicción de lo contencioso-administrativo), all of which conforms to numeral 25 of the American Convention on Human Rights, Constitutional Law (values, principles, and norms), and the corresponding legal norms based on a logical, systemic, and teleological interpretation of the legal system.

VII.- Documentation contributed to the case file. The parties are warned that, if they have provided any physical document, as well as objects or evidence contained on any additional electronic, computer, magnetic, optical, telematic, or new-technology device, these must be withdrawn from the office within a maximum period of thirty business days from the notification of this judgment. Otherwise, any material not removed within this period shall be destroyed, pursuant to the provisions of the "Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial", approved by the Corte Plena in Session No. 27-11 of August 22, 2011, Article XXVI, and published in Boletín Judicial No. 19 of January 26, 2012, as well as the agreement approved by the Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial in Session No. 43-12 held on May 3, 2012, Article LXXXI.

Por tanto:

The appeal is declared without merit. Judge Castillo Víquez records a note.

Prosecutor: Fabiola Anchía Angulo. District Attorney (Fiscalía): Trámite de Fraccionamiento y Uso del Suelo del Área de Conservación Osa (Prosecutor’s Office for Subdivision and Land Use of the Osa Conservation Area).

And an appeal having been filed against RESOLUTION: 2018-2149 I-ACOSA FIVE FORTY IN THE AFTERNOON (2018-2149 I-ACOSA CINCO CUARENTA P.M.) of July 19, 2018, the appellant being TRANSINTRA SOCIEDAD ANÓNIMA, the appeal is dismissed and the appealed resolution is upheld, as it is rightly based on the technical legal considerations listed below.

Prosecutor’s Office (Fiscalía): The appeal was filed in a timely manner, and this Prosecutor’s Office (Fiscalía) is competent to hear it. Regarding the grievances, the appellant argues that the application of Articles 31, 33, and 34 of the Forest Law (Ley Forestal) to the case is incorrect, claiming that records show the property is completely devoid of forest cover (cobertura boscosa) and has an approved land-use change (cambio de uso del suelo), as established in Resolution 1594-2007 I-ACOSA.

This Prosecutor’s Office (Fiscalía) considers it important to recall that the records for file: PA-CO-052-2018, according to the inspection report of June 4, 2018, clearly state: "said property lacks forest cover (cobertura boscosa) and is being developed, meaning earthworks (movimientos de tierra) have already been carried out, and a site map was submitted...".

Additionally, the records for file PA-CO-052-2018 show: (i) that on February 15, 2005, ACO-126-2005 was issued, which dismissed the prior consultation for residency and denied the land-use change (cambio de uso del suelo) because forest cover (cobertura boscosa) existed on the property, requiring a forest inventory; (ii) on March 25, 2005, ACO-D-302-2005 was issued by the Subdirector of the Osa Conservation Area (Área de Conservación Osa), ACOSA, dismissing the appeal against ACO-126-2005 for being time-barred. Processing continued, and on February 16, 2006, Resolution 2006-154 I-ACOSA 14:00 (2006-154 I-ACOSA CATORCE HORAS) was issued, which granted the land-use change (cambio de uso del suelo). Appeal dismissed, it was upheld by 209-2006 I-ACOSA on March 20, 2006. Subsequently, on May 22, 2007, a request to relocate the building platform was made, resulting in Resolution 1594-2007 I-ACOSA on June 6, 2007, which authorized the requested relocation.

There are no appeals against the aforementioned resolutions (2006-154 I-ACOSA, 209-2006 I-ACOSA, and 1594-2007 I-ACOSA) in the records, meaning they are final.

**Analysis of the Case** Inspection report of June 4, 2018: "*...the Geopositioners observed there were no forestry-related matters (presence of forest, individual trees, wetland, water source) and therefore proceeded to locate coordinates to measure the area of the property; as it lacked forest cover (cobertura boscosa) and is being developed...*." <p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:7pt; vertical-align:sub">Luis Fdo.</span></p> Salazar A.

&nbsp; Jorge Araya G.

&nbsp; Anamari Garro V.

&nbsp; Ingrid Hess H.

&nbsp; &nbsp; Digitally Signed Document -- Verification code --  &nbsp; Telephones: Telf01/ ALA-4TA (Telf02). Fax: Telf03 / Telf04. Electronic address: www.poder-judicial.go.cr/salaconstitucional. Address: (Dirección05, Dirección06, 100 mts. South of the Perpetuo Socorro church). &nbsp; &nbsp; At one of the adjoining ends is located the home of Mrs. Nombre03, an older adult, where the undersigned Nombre02 and his common-law partner Nombre04 (who is pregnant) also reside. At the other residential end is located the home of Mrs. Nombre05, also an older adult, who since 2023 had been caring for her mother (an older adult, subsequently deceased). Mrs. Salazar has stated that, on various occasions, she has requested the workshop staff to moderate voices and noises due to the direct impact on the tranquility of the home, in addition to protecting her mother's rest during her final stage of agony; however, such requests have been disregarded. (See testimony of Nombre05 video - 22 Taller Hojalatería Casa Sra Salazar - COMPRESOR DE PINTURA.) The reported facts are related to typical and repeated nuisances from the workshop's operation, including: banging on sheet metal, hammering, as well as the use of a grinder (esmeriladora), drill, and paint compressor, whose sounds are perceived and penetrate the interior of the adjoining homes. Likewise, the perception of odors associated with the activity is reported, which enter Mrs. Salazar's home.

Additionally, the workshop operates with light cargo vehicles for transporting manufactured materials. Reverse signals/sounds are constantly heard, penetrating the interior of the homes. There is also the entry of trucks that come to supply or provide materials to the workshop, increasing the noise load and the impact on the tranquility and coexistence of the environment, with special impact on the nearest adjoining home. Sanitary permit reported. According to information sent by the Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí–Guápiles, there is a current sanitary permit associated with the workshop, identified as MS-DRRSHCDARSP-PSF-0616-2023, valid until June 8, 2028, for activities described as “Fábrica de canoas, portones y bajantes” (CAECR 4651.0). Likewise, it is recorded that official Miguel Salazar provided a brief explanation about typical workshop tasks (including gates), which normally involve the use of a grinder, welding, paint compressor, and related tools, coinciding with those that have been the subject of complaints since 2023 (Den 049-2023 and 2025 (Den284-2025)). However, a discrepancy is noted between what was reported and the manner in which, in various actions or communications within the sanitary process, the presence/use of such equipment would have been omitted or minimized. Means of proof. As support, audiovisual evidence and audio recordings captured from adjoining properties (USB – Videos Titulados Taller de Hojalatería) are provided to demonstrate the sound reality of the operation and its immediate impact on adjacent homes.

Finally, it is brought to attention that the impact is not limited to the sound component: the proximity and configuration of the workshop also affect privacy and family coexistence. Ordinary coexistence between neighbors is not equivalent to the daily presence of a workshop with personnel, clientele, and continuous operation. From inside adjoining homes, voices and conversations from the workshop are perceived and, given the proximity, there is a reasonable concern of auditory reciprocity, as household conversations could also be perceptible from the workshop area, affecting the privacy of the adjoining families, supported by the evidence indicated on the USB. (Videos 31, 32, and 33). 2.2 Sale and stockpiling of aggregates and stone materials: Constructora Nombre06 This is an operation that works with machinery and vehicles such as a dump truck (vagoneta), backhoe (retroexcavadora), and cargo truck. It is reported that these units are parked and maneuvered at an approximate distance of 3 to 5 meters from homes. According to the cited inspection (official Alexandra Chavarría Corella, June 29, 2023, memo MS DRRSHC-ARSP-3672-2023, p. 2), an approximate reference of 13 meters to the exit gate was recorded, considering the boundary line and the street between affected neighboring properties (including homes of older adults). The activities consist of the sale and handling of materials such as sand, ballast (lastre), fine crushed stone (piedra quintilla), and cobblestones for drainage (piedra bola), which implies the use of diesel engine machinery and loading/unloading maneuvers. Reported aspects include: engine accelerations, vibrations, reverse signals/sounds, as well as impacts typical of metal/stone contact and metallic material against the ground during loading, unloading, movement, and stacking operations using the backhoe. It is reported that the operation with the dump truck engine running and the backhoe generates considerable vibrations and perceptible sonic intrusion inside nearby homes.

Additionally, it is indicated that, after filling, not only is a cargo truck with an approximate capacity of 3 m³ used, but also the constant movement of the dump truck in exiting and returning to supply the stockpile center (centro de acopio), which increases the noise load due to the type of machinery both on the public road and within the property where maneuvers are carried out. It is noted that one of the most significant noise nuisances occurs during the unloading and loading of cobblestones (piedra bola), where the contact of larger volume stones with metallic surfaces produces sudden loud noises that disturb the calm of the environment, which generates concern considering the nearby presence of older adults and, soon, infants/babies. (See audiovisual evidence – “Piedra Bola”). Regarding the measures implemented, it is noted that, in response to complaints since 2023, only a sheet metal wall was placed as a dust mitigation measure facing a specific home; however, equivalent measures would not have been applied on the internal easement street (calle de servidumbre interna) that borders the side of another affected home, whose rooms face the stockpile area and material mounds. Furthermore, it is updated that the owners decided to move the cobblestone material, this time to 10 meters behind the home of Mrs. Nombre07. (See video: 36. Retroceso aceleración motor y piedra bola) Sanitary permit reported. The existence of permit MS DRRSHC-DARSP-PSF-1523-2024 was indicated, valid until October 31, 2029, for the activity described as “venta de materiales para construcción” (information sent by customer service – official Miguel Salazar). This raises reasonable doubts about the adequate technical assessment of compatibility in a consolidated residential neighborhood, as it is an operation involving diesel machinery and loading/unloading maneuvers that, due to their intensity and proximity to homes, impact the sound environment, vibrations, pedestrian safety, and the deterioration of the public road, with the consequent generation of dust. Such effects are difficult to harmonize with an immediate residential environment. In this sense, it is maintained that this activity does not materially correspond to the category of “small business” (pequeño negocio), due to its operational dynamics and associated impacts. Additionally, it is noted that, as far as neighborhood knowledge extends, this would be the first case of a business of this nature inserted into a residential zone in the district of Cariari—and even, possibly, in the canton of Pococí—which reinforces the need for a more rigorous and reasoned review. If clear controls are not adopted, there is a risk of normalizing these types of activities in residential neighborhoods through administrative decisions without sufficient weighting of their impacts. THIRD: Sound measurements in 2023 and reasonable doubts regarding their representativeness; follow-up omissions. On the occasion of complaint No. 049-2023, as administered parties we perceived a tendency to normalize the permanence of both activities (sheet metal workshop, sale/stockpiling of aggregates) within the neighborhood, despite the fact that their location is questionable for a consolidated residential environment, especially when the family that owns the businesses has—as is known—a larger extension of land in areas more distant from the residential core. (See map in annexes). In this context, the Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí–Guápiles managed the performance of a sound measurement inside the home of Nombre03. The recorded data reflected approximate values between 42 dB and 51 dB, considered by the authority to be levels below the parameter indicated in the Reglamento de Control de Ruido (reference of 65 dB as the limit and 40 dB as the minimum). However, a relevant circumstance is recorded: on the day of the measurement, and as witnesses, Nombre07, Nombre05, and the undersigned Nombre02 perceived that the reported operations were not being carried out in their real and usual form. This is consistent with records below the threshold and generates reasonable doubts about the representativeness of the results with respect to the reported sources, particularly those associated with diesel engines, maneuvers, and tools typical of both activities.

Additionally, it is recorded in the official communication of September 12, 2023, No. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-5338-2023, that “daytime noise measurements were taken” and that, “with the sheet metal workshop activity and Nombre06 aggregate stockpiling in operation,” a logarithmic average was determined based on 15 measurements. However, this statement (“in operation…”) is contradicted by what was observed by those of us who reside and adjoin, which deepens the doubt about said methodology used. The inspection is indicated as carried out on August 17, 2023, with a completion time of 11:03. Likewise, in the same document it was recorded that, on that day, Mrs. Nombre05 expressed disturbance due to noise and it was expressly indicated that efforts would be made to obtain a sound level meter (sonómetro) and perform a measurement from her home (p. 4). However, to date (year 2026), such visit and measurement did not materialize, despite having been announced as a follow-up action. Finally, it should be noted that, due to technical and legal ignorance at that time and given the perception of a lack of effective measures, the complaint was not continued in 2023 in the terms that the situation warranted. FOURTH: Increase in operations 2024–2025; complaints regarding dust; lack of follow-up; aggravation of heavy traffic; municipal measures and doubts regarding land use, licenses, and inspections. Between 2024 and 2025, an increase in operations linked to the two businesses was perceived. In this context, Mrs. Nombre07 and Mrs. Nombre08, both older adults, filed complaint No. 074-2025 (filed without photographic or audiovisual support), related to dust emissions associated with the entry and circulation of vehicles linked to these activities. Eng. Jairo Araya Artavia, through Technical Report No. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP 2304-2025, indicated—among other points—that during the inspection “the reported problem could not be observed,” noting that the yard stored crushed stone and that “no dust was observed at the time,” as well as that “no process generating dust or particulate material was observed at the time of the visit.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, in his conclusions he expressly established that “follow-up must be given to the complaints in order to protect public health and the environment.” To date, said follow-up has not materialized.

Subsequently, given the growing neighborhood concern, complaint No. 284-2025 was filed on November 12, 2025, in which an increase in heavy vehicle traffic during 2024–2025 was described, including orders handled with higher-tonnage dump trucks (2 to 3 axles) that circulate along the straight stretch of the neighborhood, even at night, on a residential-scale road that connects to the main road at approximately 150 meters. An increase in vibrations and noise was reported, as well as the permanence of diesel vehicles parked for longer periods and, on occasion, running on the intermediate street between neighboring homes. Likewise, trailers with fifth-wheel dollies (cureñas) were observed performing reverse maneuvers over considerable distances (more than 150 meters) to the main entrance. This situation raised community alarm and was associated with a deterioration of the sound environment and the neighborhood road infrastructure, prompting new steps before the Municipalidad de Pococí, the Concejo Municipal de Pococí, and the Ministerio de Salud de Costa Rica. Since the complaint in 2023, officials of the Ministerio de Salud were verbally warned that these activities would not remain as “small” or low-impact operations. Complaint 284-2025 is the confirmation; furthermore, it was filed with the support of 42 signatures from neighbors of the neighborhood, who requested the undersigned to assume representation and written management before the authorities.

Additionally, a request for information was made before the Municipality (at the counter) on November 6, 2025, directed to the Department of Licenses and Patents (Departamento de Licencias y Patentes), requesting certification of land use (uso de suelo), licenses (patentes), and inspections. Subsequently, a telephone call was received from the License Coordinator, Vera Jiménez, who indicated that said businesses only had an “administrative office” (oficina administrativa) permit. As a result, a meeting was coordinated for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, which was attended with the accompaniment of Nombre04 as a witness. At said meeting, facts were presented, videos were shown, a USB with evidence was delivered, and the complaint was sent by email, for which the official provided acknowledgment of receipt; however, the activation of effective administrative mechanisms aimed at finding solutions was not evidenced. Likewise, a certification was received, issued on November 10, 2025, in which it was indicated that only an “administrative office” license existed. Subsequently, when inquiring about the status of the procedure, it was indicated that an investigation would be carried out within an approximate period of eight days. However, later, official communication OFICIO PAT-361-2025 was issued, dated December 3, 2025, in which two additional licenses are now recorded, namely: 1. Empresa 3102948124 S.R.L.: license for the sale of materials and aggregates. 2. Commercial sheet metal workshop license in the name of Nombre09 (ID CED01). 3. The previously indicated “administrative office” license is maintained. Then, on December 4, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., a written request was sent asking for explanations regarding the dates of granting of the new licenses, as well as the technical land-use report and access to the complete file of licenses linked to that address, in order to verify the legality and compatibility of the location given reasonable doubts (see annexes). Subsequently, a response was received that did not address what was requested in an explanatory manner, limiting itself to referring the matter to the Engineer in charge, and, on noise issues, to the Ministerio de Salud; moreover, it was indicated that the two new licenses would have been granted on December 2, 2025. All of the foregoing reinforces reasonable doubts regarding: (i) the issuance and verification of land use, (ii) the performance of sufficient technical inspections, and (iii) the effective verification of the real location of these activities within a residential neighborhood, considering the proximity to adjoining homes and the neighborhood's own dynamics. Additionally, an appeal for revocation (recurso de revocatoria) was filed on Monday, December 15, 2025, and, to date, no response has been received. Finally, criteria and information were also requested by email from the engineer in charge, without obtaining a response within a 10-day period, despite land use being a determining factor to verify the address match, the applicable zoning, and the legality of the installation and operation of both businesses at that specific point (communications and documents are provided in annexes).

Conclusions: From the perspective of the neighborhood of Dirección02, what has occurred since 2023 reflects a response that is primarily formal on the part of the authorities, but insufficient to comprehensively protect the historical conditions of tranquility and safety of the neighborhood. The central concern is that, with the actions and omissions observed, the operation of high-impact activities (due to their noise, vibration, dust, and heavy vehicle traffic) is being normalized in immediate adjacency to homes, which the neighborhood rejects because it wishes to preserve a tranquil and safe environment, as it has been for years. In the case of the Ministerio de Salud de Costa Rica, through the Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí–Guápiles, inspections, procedures, and one sound measurement have been carried out; however, the community maintains that such actions have not representatively captured the real and usual dynamics of the reported operations (due to variability of schedules, operational behavior, and specific visit conditions). In addition, inconsistencies are perceived in reports and announced follow-ups that did not materialize, so that—from the neighborhood point of view—the approach has resulted in conclusions based on momentary observations, without a preventive and verifiable analysis that adequately values adjacency, the vulnerable population, and the combined effect of noise, vibration, odors, and particulate material. Regarding the Municipalidad de Pococí, the neighborhood expresses concern about relevant variations in information on licenses, internal referrals, and the absence of a material response on the decisive issue: the compatibility of location/land use, the technical verification of operating conditions in a consolidated residential neighborhood, and preventive control measures. In practical terms, the community perceives that the focus has been oriented towards recording or granting procedures, without sufficient technical reasoning focused on preventing and mitigating the impact on adjoining homes, despite the issue also being within the knowledge of the Concejo Municipal de Pococí. Ordinary Session n72-2025. Finally, the neighborhood emphasizes that the reported impact is not limited to the right to a healthy sound environment and rest. The acoustic component has a direct relationship with integral health and, especially, with mental health, insofar as repeated exposure to intense noises, vibrations, and unexpected sounds in one's own home impacts tranquility, the sense of safety, family coexistence, and the emotional well-being of resident persons." Based on the situations presented, they consider fundamental rights violated. They request the appeal be declared with merit.

2.- By resolution at 2:30 p.m. on February 18, 2026, the Presidency of the Chamber granted course to this constitutional process and a report was requested from the director of the Área de Salud de Pococí, as well as from the mayor and the president of the Council, both of Pococí, regarding the facts alleged by the appealing party.

3.- Through a brief incorporated into the digital file at 11:42 a.m. on February 27, 2026, Yamileth Hidalgo Arias and Juan Mauricio Mora Cruz, in their respective capacities as mayor and president of the Council, both of Pococí, report under oath the following:

“As part of the analysis of the case, the Unidad de Planificación y Control Constructivo was asked for information on the background of similar cases regarding LAND USE permits granted in the community of Barrio España, Cariari district, finding the following findings: -Already since 2023, a favorable LAND USE permit had been granted for the SALE OF AGGREGATE MATERIALS AND SHEET METAL WORKSHOP (VENTA DE MATERIALES AGREGADOS Y HOJALATERÍA), located on the property with real folio 7 103346-000, according to Administrative Resolution DPCC-RU-0291-2023 of June 7, 2023. - According to Administrative Resolution DPCC-RU-0275-2025 of May 27, 2025, a favorable LAND USE permit was granted for a SHEET METAL WORKSHOP (HOJALATERÍA), located on the same property with real folio 7-103346-000. - According to Administrative Resolution DPCC-RU-0641-2025 of November 21, 2025, a favorable LAND USE permit was granted for the SALE OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS (VENTA DE MATERIALES DE CONSTRUCCIÓN), located on the same property with real folio 7-103346-000. -According to Administrative Resolution DPCC-RU-0492-2025 of October 1, 2025, a favorable LAND USE permit was granted for a SAWMILL AND BAG MANUFACTURING (ASERRADERO Y FABRICACIÓN DE BOLSAS), located on the same property with real folio 7-16117-000. Consider, this Honorable Tribunal, that all the preceding land-use authorizations were given because they are outside the Regulador Plan (Plan Regulador), consequently, there is no legal basis whatsoever that allows denying the procedure requested by the taxpayer neighbors of Dirección03 in the district of Cariari, canton of Pococí. Subsequently, each applicant proceeded to process the permit before the Ministerio de Salud, in order to subsequently grant the respective municipal license (licencia o patente municipal) for each case.” 4.- Through a brief incorporated into the digital file at 11:53 a.m. on March 2, 2026, Karen Mayorga Quirós, in her capacity as director of the Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí, reports under oath the following:

“FIRST: That within our sphere of competence, the environmental problem raised in this appeal is addressed in a timely and proper manner, related to the industrial activities carried out by “Agregados Nombre10 and Hojalatería Medina within Dirección04, due to their immediate proximity to homes and due to the direct conditions that have arisen in coexistence and the residential environment, in particular; noise pollution (ruido), vibrations, dust and odor emissions, heavy vehicle maneuvers, which apparently cause an impact on the appellants who allege; alteration of tranquility, privacy, and quality of life of the families. The foregoing arises in relation to the actions and omissions of control, verification, and inspection attributable to the appealed authorities. SECOND: That in the activity carried out by Agregados “Nombre10”, where machinery movements occur, no annoying noises or dust dispersion are generated during the time of the inspection. In the absence of operational continuity or a noise-generating source on the site, we adhere to the legal basis of Decreto Ejecutivo 44486-S, “Reglamento para el Control de Ruid Ambiental”, CHAPTER XIII PROCEDURE FOR NOISE MEASUREMENT, Article 34 states in its steps “The following steps must be established for measurements: b. The unitary measurement time interval is fifteen minutes (15 min) per integrated measurement, which must be measured continuously, e. Prior to measurement, an analysis of the source under study must be conducted in order to establish the type of noise and define the weighting of the equipment to be used, on filter A. Considering that if the noise emitted by the source has a duration of less than 5 minutes, it is not subject to measurement. THIRD: That, on the same matter, the norm of Article 31 of the above-mentioned Regulation orders, when noise sources are emitted by automotive vehicles traveling on public roads, they are subject to regulation and control by the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, being of their total competence and legitimation: (Decreto Ejecutivo No. 38937-MOPT) “Article 31. – “Noise emitted by the exhausts of automotive vehicles on public land roads must be regulated by the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, as established in Article 17 and also indicated and maintained in Table 8.1 are the maximum noise values for different categories of automotive vehicles, this according to Decreto Ejecutivo N°38937-MOPT of February 23, 2015 'Reglamento para el control de ruido emitido por el escape de vehículos automotores'. FOURTH: That no dust dispersion is observed, it being a rainy day; however, as an additional precautionary measure for dry seasons, the legal representative of the activity installed sprinkler irrigation (riego por aspersión) and as a second contingency a saran mesh (maya en sarán) at considerable height, in the vicinity of neighboring homes, as an act of their own good faith. Similarly, upon the entry of sand material into the yard, the dump truck protected its load with a tarp (loma), in compliance with regulations to mitigate risk when transporting this type of material. FIFTH: That it is not omitted to state that our Área Rectora de Salud addressed complaint No. 074-2025, with the same problem, which was recorded in ocular inspection MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2061-2025, and endorsed in technical report MS-ARSP-2304-2025, where the truth of the facts was not evidenced by our authorities in response to the complaint. In another of the filed complaints, 284-2025, due to problems of machinery movement, noise, dust, the reported anomalies were not evidenced. (ocular inspection record MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6395-2025, Technical Report MS-DRRSHC ARSP-7036-2025). SIXTH: That regarding the sheet metal workshop activity, there is one worker at the time of the visit, who is performing a manual process, not generating noise, vibrations, or bad odor. In this activity, it was observed that they use equipment such as; a press, benders, work table, none of the above equipment uses motors, so there is no noise generation. At the time of the visit, there is no hammering or banging, nor power tools in use. Among the observations and as part of the process, there is a bench drill, air compressor, welding machine which were not being used at the time of the ‘in situ’ inspection. To emphasize that there is a perimeter wall (tapia perimetral) at the back of the Sheet Metal Workshop, in order to maintain privacy and block out weather conditions. SEVENTH: That it is necessary to comment that the Canton of Pococí does not have, for this district of Cariari, regulatory plans (planes reguladores) that condition industrial activities; instead, the figure of the approval (visto bueno) of land use was formerly used, being as of today without legal effect for exercising adequate controls. EIGHTH: That the administered parties complied, at their due procedural time, with the requirements regulated for the granting of the Sanitary Permits (Permisos Sanitarios), which are established in Decreto Ejecutivo 43432-S. NINTH: That regarding the obstruction of a sewer (alcantarilla) that crosses private property, technical report CARTA-MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-0338-2026 was sent to the local Municipality for the due intervention, as it falls within their competence in cadastral matters. (We attach for the better provision of the readers Technical Report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP 1143-2026 and its annexes in all context, sent by Eng.

Jairo Araya Artavia)”.</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:21pt; widows:2; orphans:2; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"width:36pt; display:inline-block\">&#xa0;</span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; font-weight:bold; vertical-align:sub\">5.- </span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; vertical-align:sub\">The applicable legal requirements have been observed in the proceedings followed.</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:21pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; vertical-align:sub; -aw-import:ignore\">&#xa0;</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:21pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"width:36pt; display:inline-block\">&#xa0;</span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; vertical-align:sub\">Drafted by Magistrate </span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; font-weight:bold; vertical-align:sub\">Garro Vargas</span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; vertical-align:sub\">; and,</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center; line-height:21pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; vertical-align:sub; -aw-import:spaces\">&#xa0;</span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; font-weight:bold; vertical-align:sub\">Considering:</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:35.4pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"width:0.6pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block\">&#xa0;</span><span style=\"line-height:150%; font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; font-weight:bold; vertical-align:sub\">I.- Purpose of the appeal (objeto del recurso). </span><span style=\"line-height:150%; font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; vertical-align:sub\">The appellants state that in Dirección02, in Cariari de Pococí, two commercial-industrial activities have been established immediately adjacent to homes, consisting of a sheet metal workshop and a stone material sales and stockpiling operation, which generate impacts such as noise, vibrations, dust, odors, heavy vehicle traffic, and deterioration of the public road. They also report that these activities are carried out in a consolidated residential neighborhood, which, in their opinion, is incompatible with the coexistence, tranquility, and safety of the environment, especially affecting older adults and adjacent family units. Furthermore, they argue that, despite the complaints filed since 2023, the actions of the authorities have been insufficient, as they have failed to grasp the operational reality of the activities or execute effective measures for control, follow-up, and mitigation, with doubts existing about the legality of the granted permits and the adequate assessment of land use. Finally, they maintain that the permanence of these activities has deteriorated their quality of life, affecting their health, rest, safety, and family coexistence, for which they consider their fundamental rights violated and request the intervention of this Chamber.</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:35.4pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"line-height:150%; font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; font-weight:bold; vertical-align:sub\">II.- Preliminary matter. </span><span style=\"line-height:150%; font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; vertical-align:sub\">Before analyzing the merits of the matter—for the alleged violation of the right to a prompt and completed procedure—it must be clarified that, as of judgment No. 2008-02545 of 8:55 a.m. on February 22, 2008, this Chamber has referred to the administrative contentious jurisdiction—with some exceptions—those matters in which it is discussed whether the public administration has complied or not with the deadlines, set by the General Law on Public Administration (articles 261 and 325) or by sectoral laws relating to special administrative procedures, both to resolve an administrative procedure by final act—initiated ex officio or at the request of a party—and to hear the relevant administrative appeals. Precisely, in this case, an exception is raised, as we are faced with a noise pollution complaint, which, allegedly, has not been resolved within a reasonable time by the respondent ministry. Having clarified this point, we proceed to resolve the specific situation raised in this amparo.</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:35.4pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"line-height:150%; font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; font-weight:bold; vertical-align:sub\">III.- Proven facts. </span><span style=\"line-height:150%; font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:9.33pt; vertical-align:sub\">Of importance for the decision in this matter, the following facts are deemed duly proven, either because they have been accredited or because the respondent party failed to refer to them as provided for in the initial order:</span></p><div style=\"margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'1'; -aw-list-padding-sml:6.34pt\"><span style=\"-aw-import:ignore\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold\">a)</span><span style=\"width:6.34pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces\">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'\">On March 21, 2023, the appellant Nombre02 together with other neighbors filed a complaint before the Pococí Health Governing Area against “Constructora y taller hojalatería Hermanos Jiménez”. In said complaint, they stated the following: </span></p></div><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">“By this means, we most respectfully request attention to our case of impact from noise, excess dust, and industrial-type work by the Constructora y taller de hojalatería Nombre06 on our properties, located 250 meters west of the community hall and 50 meters north in Dirección03 of the Cariari district.</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Below, we record the following impact events:</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Heavy machinery work such as dump trucks and backhoes very close to our properties, generating impact from engine noise, added to the noise of contact or striking of materials such as large stones for drainage, one-and-a-half-inch stone, and sand in the dump trucks. Additionally, excess dust during the filling and movement of vehicles in front of and behind our properties. It should be noted that our homes are located 1 to 6 meters away from the reported activities. </span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Sheet metal work, at a distance of half a meter from one of the properties, which represents a risk from sparks during welding and grinder work due to noise and sparks, in addition to impact noise from hammers and metal odors. </span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">In accordance with the above situations, we express our situation, which has been occurring for 1 month since the move and installation of said business near our properties, which are no longer generating a healthy environment for mental and physical health for us as residents close to this situation. In this way, we turn to you as health authorities, to seek a solution. We thank you in advance for all help provided” </span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'\">(see the filing brief and the evidence provided in the digital case file). </span></p><div style=\"margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'2'; -aw-list-padding-sml:5.55pt\"><span style=\"-aw-import:ignore\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold\">b)</span><span style=\"width:5.55pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces\">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'\">On September 12, 2023, the director of the Pococí Health Governing Area, through official letter No. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-5338-2023 addressed to the complainants, stated the following: </span></p></div><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">“First: As part of the attention to complaint 049-2023 regarding the nuisances of neighbors near the establishment Hojalatería Nombre06 and aggregate stockpiling of Nombre06 located 200 m west of the community hall and 50 m north in the Cariari district, due to the generation of noise from the activity, a sound measurement was carried out on site, of which I inform you:</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Date of Inspection: August 17, 2023</span><br /><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Inspection Start Time: 09:30 Hours</span><br /><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Inspection End Time: 11:03 Hours</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Second: The noise measurements were taken with the Sound Level Meter owned by the Ministry of Health, brand Cirrus model CR:171B with calibration certificate LCM 06590823 and LCM 06630823, which are attached to this report.</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">The sound measurements were taken based on the procedure for noise measurement Decreto N° 32692-S. No adverse weather conditions for the sound measurement occurred and they were taken inside the home of Mrs. Nombre03 by prior coordination and at the time requested by the complainant.</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Third: Present at the sound measurement on behalf of the complainants were:</span></p><div style=\"margin-left:53.4pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0.'; -aw-list-number-styles:'decimal'; -aw-list-number-values:'1'; -aw-list-padding-sml:9pt\"><span style=\"-aw-import:ignore\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">1.</span><span style=\"width:9pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces\">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Mrs. Nombre03 ID CED04 </span></p></div><div style=\"margin-left:53.4pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0.'; -aw-list-number-styles:'decimal'; -aw-list-number-values:'2'; -aw-list-padding-sml:9pt\"><span style=\"-aw-import:ignore\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">2.</span><span style=\"width:9pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces\">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\"> Mrs. Nombre05 ID CED05 </span></p></div><div style=\"margin-left:53.4pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0.'; -aw-list-number-styles:'decimal'; -aw-list-number-values:'3'; -aw-list-padding-sml:9pt\"><span style=\"-aw-import:ignore\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">3.</span><span style=\"width:9pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces\">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Mr. Nombre02 ID CED06 </span></p></div><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">On behalf of the Ministry of Health:</span></p><div style=\"margin-left:53.4pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0.'; -aw-list-number-styles:'decimal'; -aw-list-number-values:'1'; -aw-list-padding-sml:9pt\"><span style=\"-aw-import:ignore\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">1.</span><span style=\"width:9pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces\">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Bach. Iván Carrillo Fernández ID CED07 </span></p></div><div style=\"margin-left:53.4pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0.'; -aw-list-number-styles:'decimal'; -aw-list-number-values:'2'; -aw-list-padding-sml:9pt\"><span style=\"-aw-import:ignore\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">2.</span><span style=\"width:9pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces\">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Licda. Alexandra Chavarría Corella ID CED08. </span></p></div><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Fourth: Daytime noise measurements were taken in the house of the complaining neighbor, Mrs. Nombre03 and her son Nombre02. The first measurement taken corresponds to the noise with the sound source, with the sheet metal and aggregate stockpiling activity of Nombre06 in operation, determining the following logarithmic average of decibels according to the 15 measurements taken:</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Table 1. Sound measurement with sound source and logarithmic average</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">[…]</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">*Source: own elaboration with the results of the sound measurement of 08/17/2023.</span><br /><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">*Note: The list of the 15 measurements recorded by the Cirrus sound level meter is attached to this report.</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Table 2. Sound measurement Ambient noise and logarithmic average</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic; -aw-import:spaces\">&#xa0;</span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">[…]</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Result: 42.853538</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">*Source: own elaboration with the results of the sound measurement of 08/17/2023.</span><br /><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">*Note: The list of the 15 measurements recorded by the Cirrus sound level meter is attached to this report.</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Fifth: Reglamento para el Control de la Contaminación por Ruido N° 39428-S.</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Article 14-Noise level limits. No person shall permit or cause the emission of noise that exceeds the levels established in Table No. 1 of this regulation, which represent the different noise levels permitted in each of the receiving zones indicated in said table, for both the daytime and nighttime periods, measured inside the affected properties</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">SOUND LEVEL LIMITS IN DECIBELS A (dBA)</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">[…] </span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Conclusion:</span></p><div style=\"margin-left:70.8pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0.'; -aw-list-number-styles:'decimal'; -aw-list-number-values:'1'; -aw-list-padding-sml:9pt\"><span style=\"-aw-import:ignore\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">1.</span><span style=\"width:9pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces\">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Regarding what is permitted in National Legislation based on the Reglamento para el Control de Contaminación por Ruido N° 39428-S, I inform you that the sound measurements taken do not exceed what is permitted in said Regulation, as it establishes that the limit is 65 decibels during the day for a Residential zone, with the measurement with the sound source being on average 53.56 decibels and with ambient noise being 42.85 decibels. </span></p></div><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:88.8pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic\">Following up on this case, I must not omit to state that on the day the sound measurement was taken, Mrs. Nombre05 indicated having noise nuisances from the Hojalatería hermanos Jiménez establishment. Therefore, steps will be taken to request a sound level meter and be able to take a measurement from Mrs. Nombre05's home”</span><span style=\"line-height:150%; font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic\"> </span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'\">(see the filing brief and the evidence provided in the digital case file). </span></p><div style=\"margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'3'; -aw-list-padding-sml:7.12pt\"><span style=\"-aw-import:ignore\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic\">c)</span><span style=\"width:7.12pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces\">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'\">On an undetermined date, Mrs. Nombre07 and Nombre08 filed a complaint reporting excess dust, a product of the activity of the company “Constructora y taller hojalatería Hermanos Jiménez”. The complaint was processed under number 074-2025 (see the filing brief and the evidence provided in the digital case file).</span></p></div><div style=\"margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'4'; -aw-list-padding-sml:6.34pt\"><span style=\"-aw-import:ignore\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic\">d)</span><span style=\"width:6.34pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces\">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'\">On May 16, 2025, the Ing.

Jairo Daniel Araya Artavia, in his capacity as Civil Service 1A professional of the Pococí Health Governing Area (Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí), signed technical report no. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2304-2025, in which he stated the following: </span></p></div><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">“SUBJECT: Complaint 074-2025 Constructora Hnos Jiménez.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Dear Doctor.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Warm greetings.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">I hereby inform you.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">I receive in the schedule of 07 May 2025, the handling of the complaint cited in the heading, for an apparent problem of dust and particle generation, located in Pococí, Cariari, 200 meters west of the Community Hall.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">AREA OR CONDITION ANALYZED:</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">We present ourselves at the indicated address as recorded in the ocular inspection report (acta de inspección ocular) MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2061-2025. We are attended by Guillermo Jiménez in his capacity as manager, to whom we explain the reported problem, and he accompanies us on the walkthrough.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">First: During the walkthrough, the reported problem could not be observed; crushed stone is stored in the yard, the yard is covered with crushed stone, no dust was observed at that moment.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Second: No process generating dust or particulate matter was observed at the time of the visit.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">NON-CONFORMITIES:</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Not Observed</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD:</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">N/A.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">RECOMMENDATIONS:</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Closure of the complaint.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">CONCLUSION.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Complaints must be followed up in order to protect public health and the environment” </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">(see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital case file).</span></p><div style="margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'5'; -aw-list-padding-sml:7.12pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic">e)</span><span style="width:7.12pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">On 21 May 2025, the Pococí Health Governing Area, through official letter no. CARTA-MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2392-2025 addressed to the complainant Nombre11, stated the following: </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">“Warm greetings. Based on report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2304-2025, signed by Engineer Jairo Araya Artavia, an official of the Health Regulation Process, it is reported that on the day of the visit no activity generating dust could be observed. Therefore, the complaint is considered addressed” </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">(see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital case file).</span></p></div><div style="margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'6'; -aw-list-padding-sml:8.68pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic">f)</span><span style="width:8.68pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">On 19 December 2025, a group of neighbors from Dirección02, in Cariari de Pococí, filed another complaint against Hojalatería y Constructora Nombre06 for noise pollution and dust emissions (see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital case file). </span></p></div><div style="margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'7'; -aw-list-padding-sml:6.34pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic">g)</span><span style="width:6.34pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">On 24 December 2025, Engineer Jairo Daniel Araya Artavia, in his capacity as Civil Service 1A professional of the Pococí Health Governing Area, signed technical report no. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-7036-2025, in which the following was stated: </span></p></div><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">“AREA OR CONDITION ANALYZED:</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">I present myself at the indicated address, at the Construction Company, I am attended by Nombre12, who tells me that it is a family business of which she is a part, I explain the reported problem, leaving a record in the ocular inspection report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6395-2025.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">At the time of the visit, a small yard with stock of materials, sand, and crushed stone was observed; no dust was observed, it is a sunny day with little wind. The amount of stored material is small (see images).</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">There is no machinery in motion; I was told they have a backhoe (bajook), a dump truck (vagoneta), and a mini dump truck (minivagoneta).</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">No concrete materials are produced; they only sell sand and crushed stone.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">The tin shop (hojalatería) is not in operation at the time of the visit; as stated, they work to order; no type of noise is perceived; it was observed that the sheet metal molding process is manual; the equipment does not have motors, thus eliminating this as a source of noise generation. (see images). </span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">At the time of the visit, the reported problem could not be evidenced. Both activities have their Potable Water Services (PSF).</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">NON-CONFORMITIES:</span><br /><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Does not have PSF.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD: </span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">[…] </span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">RECOMMENDATIONS:</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Reschedule a follow-up visit, given that the complainant persists in indicating that he suffers harm.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">CONCLUSION.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">The purpose of this act is to protect public health, property, and the environment” </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">(see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital case file).</span></p><div style="margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'8'; -aw-list-padding-sml:5.55pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic">h)</span><span style="width:5.55pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">On 06 January 2026, the director of the Pococí Health Governing Area, through official letter no. CARTA-MS-ARSP-0072-2026, replied to the complainant Nombre02, the following: </span></p></div><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">“First: A visit was conducted to the reported location, attended by Mrs. Nombre12, who stated that it is a family business of which she is a part. During the visit, she explained the reported problem.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Second: At the time of the visit, a small yard with material stocks (sand and crushed stone) was observed. The presence of dust was not perceived, given that it was a sunny day with little wind. The amount of stored material was minor.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Third: No machinery in operation was verified. It was stated that they have a backhoe, a dump truck, and a mini dump truck. They do not produce concrete materials; only sand and crushed stone are sold.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">Fourth: The tin shop was not in operation at the time of the visit. As stated, they work only to order. No type of noise was perceived, and it was observed that the sheet metal molding process is manual. The equipment does not have motors, therefore this activity is ruled out as a source of noise generation.</span></p><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="line-height:150%; font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic">In conclusion, at the time of the visit, the reported problem could not be evidenced. Therefore, the case is hereby closed” </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">(see the filing brief and the evidence provided to the digital case file).</span></p><div style="margin-left:35.4pt; background-color:#ffffff"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-18pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:14pt; -aw-import:list-item; -aw-list-level-number:0; -aw-list-number-format:'%0)'; -aw-list-number-styles:'lowerLetter'; -aw-list-number-values:'9'; -aw-list-padding-sml:9.45pt"><span style="-aw-import:ignore"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic">i)</span><span style="width:9.45pt; font:7pt 'Times New Roman'; display:inline-block; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0;&#xa0; </span></span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'">On 26 February 2026, Engineer Jairo Daniel Araya Artavia, in his capacity as Civil Service 1A professional of the Pococí Health Governing Area, issued technical report no. MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-1143-2026, in which the following was recorded: </span></p></div><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-left:53.4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:justify; line-height:150%; widows:2; orphans:2; font-size:12pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">“Inspection visit to Agregados Nombre10 and Hojalatería Medina to respond to the Amparo Appeal (Recurso de Amparo) File No. 26-004773 0007-CO. INTRODUCTION. I receive in the schedule of 25 February 2026 the inspection visit cited in the heading, with the intention of identifying whether or not the problem alleged in the aforementioned appeal is evidenced, due to the development of commercial-industrial activities within Dirección04, due to its immediate proximity to dwellings and the direct conditions that have arisen in coexistence and the residential environment, in particular; noise pollution (contaminación sónica) (noise), vibrations, dust and odor emissions, heavy vehicle maneuvering, which apparently causes harm to the appellants who allege; alteration of tranquility, privacy, and quality of life for families. The foregoing is raised in relation to the actions and omissions of control, verification, and oversight attributable to the respondent authorities. I inform you that I present myself in Pococí, Cariari, Dirección04, at the establishment where the indicated activities are carried out, I am attended by Nombre12 in his capacity as manager, who proceeds to attend to us and accompany us during the walkthrough, leaving a record in the ocular inspection report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-1142-2026. DEVELOPMENT. 1. Regarding the operation of the aggregates activity, I must inform you; • That it is carried out in a small physical space called materials yard, where machinery is used, which consists of a large dump truck, a small one, and a backhoe; during our stay on site from 10:05 a.m. to 11:10 a.m., only for a scant approximate 5 minutes was there machinery movement, specifically the large dump truck and the small dump truck, whose level of noise generated did not prevent maintaining the fluid conversation that was underway; the rest of the time of my stay, there was no machinery movement or other work in the materials yard, therefore no noise was generated, and at no time was dust dispersion observed. • That for one hour there was no operational continuity or noise-generating source; the regulation by Executive Decree (Decreto Ejecutivo) No. 44486-S Regulation for the Control of Environmental Noise, in its CHAPTER XIII PROCEDURE FOR NOISE MEASUREMENT, Article 34 states in its steps “The following steps must be established for measurements: b. The unitary time interval for measurement is fifteen minutes (15 min) per integrated measurement, which must be measured continuously, e. Prior to measurement, an analysis of the source under study must be carried out in order to establish the type of noise and define the weighting of the equipment to be used, in filter A. Considering that if the noise emitted by the source has a duration of less than 5 minutes, it is not subject to measurement.” Therefore, we find no objective reason to perform a noise measurement. And when noise sources are emitted by motor vehicles traveling on public roads, they shall be subject to regulation by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, MOPT), according to Executive Decree No. 44486-S Regulation for the Control of Environmental Noise “Article 31. – “The noise emitted by the exhausts of motor vehicles on public land roads must be regulated by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, as established in article 17, and the maximum noise values for different categories of motor vehicles are also indicated and maintained in Table 8.1, this according to Executive Decree No. 38937-MOPT of 23 February 2015 \"Regulation for the control of noise emitted from the exhaust of motor vehicles\".” • In said yard, two piles of sand, three of crushed stone, and one of flagstone were observed stockpiled; ballast stone is stored outside the yard in a strategic position away from neighboring dwellings to avoid discomfort at the time of unloading, emphasizing that it is a small operation, with suspension of operation during long periods of the operating day comprised of hours from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See images No.1, No.2 of the photographic record. • The day is rainy and no dust dispersion is observed; additionally, as a precautionary measure for dry seasons, the legal representative of the activity installed sprinkler irrigation and, as a second contingency, a saran mesh at considerable height, in the vicinity of neighboring dwellings, as an act of their own good faith. See Image No. 4. • At the time of the entry of sand material into the yard, the dump truck protected its load with a tarp, in compliance with regulations to mitigate the risk when transporting this type of material. See image No.6. • During our stay, there was no entry of tractor-trailers to the materials yard. • No clients appeared, therefore there is no emission of human voices.</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0; </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">In previous visits, such as the one carried out on 07 May 2025 in response to complaint 074-2025, where problems due to dust were reported, a record was left in the ocular inspection report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2061-2025 and its subsequent technical report MS DRRSHC-ARSP-2304-2025, that the reported problem could not be evidenced. On 19 November 2025, in response to complaint 284-2025, for an apparent problem of machinery movement, noise, dust, a record was left in the ocular inspection report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6395-2025 and its subsequent technical report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP 7036-2025, which even indicates that it was a sunny day and it was once again emphasized that the reported problem could not be observed. In said visits, our action focused on the search for material truth, supported by the public faith (fe pública) of my position, which is based on observation; what was mentioned as a problem was not observed; for this reason, no special measures were issued against the legal representatives of said activities. Said visits are also evidence that there is no inattention or omission whatsoever by this ministry regarding the case at hand. 2. Regarding the operation of the tin shop activity: • There is only one worker at the time of the visit, who is performing a manual process, which does not generate noise, vibrations, or bad odor. • In this activity, it was observed that they use equipment such as; a press, benders, a work table; none of the above equipment uses motors, so there is no noise generation; at the time of the visit, there are no hammer blows or impacts, nor electric tool in use. • A bench drill was observed, which was in use, without generating noise; additionally, a small air compressor and a welding machine, which were not in use. As observed, I emphasize that the operational process of the tin shop is very manual and without noise sources. In report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-7036-2025 dated 24 December 2025, I state the following, “The tin shop is not in operation at the time of the visit, as stated, they work to order; no type of noise is perceived; it was observed that the sheet metal molding process is manual; the equipment does not have motors, thus eliminating this as a source of noise generation,” emphasizing once again that the operation of the tin shop is not continuous and without risk of generating continuous noise, as there are no motors. At the back of the tin shop, a wall was continued as a measure for privacy and as a contingency against the risk of adverse weather situations, such as winds. See images No.4 and No.5. That, according to what is claimed, the activities developed consist of the sale of materials and this entails the movement of machinery such as a dump truck and backhoe; it should be emphasized that during our stay from 10:05 a.m. to 11:10 a.m., only approximately 5 minutes of operational movement occurred; the other remaining hour, the operation stopped. As observed, there is no constant operation, as the appellant alleges. On the other hand, the Canton of Pococí does not have a regulatory plan (plan regulador) for the development of human activities that includes the district of Cariari; said project is under Management by the Local Municipality, therefore this ministry does not have any impediment to granting the Sanitary Operating Permit (Permiso Sanitario de Funcionamiento) to the tin shop and aggregates activities, in Cariari, Dirección04, once the petitioner submits the application and complies with the requirements of the request, in accordance with Executive Decree 43432-S, a decree that addresses the matter of granting sanitary operating permits. See image No.1 Location of the tin shop and Aggregates activities, within the context described as residential Dirección04, where there is only one neighboring boundary to be observed as risky; the other adjacent areas are unbuilt areas, green space, or belong to the representatives of the activities. Regarding the claim of the obstruction of a culvert through which rainwater from Dirección04 is disposed, located at the entrance to the property where the Aggregate and tin shop activities are carried out, on 17 December 2025, in response to complaint 298-2025, an inspection was carried out by Engineer Fernando Monge Solís, an authority of this ministry, leaving a record in the ocular inspection report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6818- 2025 and its subsequent technical report DRRSHC-ARSP-0153-2026, in which it was stated that “the agreement for the water from the culvert to pass through the private property that belongs to him is of an informal nature”; for this reason, Engineer Monge requested that the case be transferred to the local municipality, for its due intervention, a notification made according to official letter CARTA-MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-0338-2026 of 16 January 2026, signed by the Director of the Pococí Health Governing Area, addressed to the mayor</span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic; -aw-import:spaces">&#xa0; </span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-style:italic">of Pococí. To date, no response has been received as to the actions taken by the municipality of Pococí. In summary, no dust emission could be observed, no bad odors were perceived, no continuous or impact noises were generated, no machinery maneuvers producing vibrations occurred, no busy and continuous operation was observed; in technical report MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-7036-2025, it was stated that the tin shop only works to order, therefore it only operates when required; for purposes of the visit of 25 February of the current year, only one collaborator was performing a manual process and without generating any noise, the same observations that have been recorded in the previous visits cited above. In none of the visits has material truth been evidenced regarding the facts alleged as direct harm to the neighboring population, supported by the public faith of my position, which consists of observation. Additionally, photographs are taken as backup, which are included in the Photographic record section of this report. Thus, with the evidence recorded in the visits carried out in situ, in response by this ministry to the reported problem, which are contained in the duly ordered, paginated, and certified case file, which is made available to the Honorable Court (Noble Sala), I urge you to request said Court not to grant the appeal filed against the respondent health authority.” Because during the visits carried out, no material truth of what was alleged was evidenced that could cause an alteration of the tranquility, privacy, and quality of life of the neighboring families of Dirección04. NONCONFORMITIES. Not observed during the inspection visit. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS. I recommend to your office to request that the esteemed Constitutional Chamber not grant this appeal. PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD. […] […] […] […] […] […] […] […] […]” (see the report of the appealed authority and the evidence provided to the digital case file).

**IV.- On the specific case.** The appellant maintains that in Dirección02, in Cariari de Pococí, since 2023, an autobody repair shop (taller de hojalatería) and an aggregate sales and stockpiling activity have been installed within a consolidated residential neighborhood, which has generated impacts on coexistence and the residential environment, such as noise, vibrations, dust, odors, heavy vehicle traffic, and deterioration of the public road, affecting the tranquility, security, privacy, and quality of life of the bordering families, including older adults; they note that the workshop operates in immediate adjacency to homes without adequate conditions to mitigate noise, while the aggregate activity uses heavy machinery within a few meters of houses, generating constant sound and physical impacts; furthermore, they question the representativeness of sound measurements taken, the lack of follow-up on complaints, the increase in operations in the years 2024 and 2025, and the lack of effective measures by the Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Pococí, as well as irregularities in the granting of permits and business licenses (patentes), which would have even been issued subsequent to the complaints; therefore, they consider that the actions and omissions of the authorities have allowed the permanence of activities incompatible with the residential use of the sector, violating their fundamental rights.

First of all, it should be noted that this Court has resolved that noise pollution (contaminación sónica) produced by noise has an impact on people's fundamental rights. Regarding this subject, in judgment No. 2025-009098 of 09:50 hours on March 25, 2025, the following was stated:

*“IV.- On the specific case. From the relationship of Article 24 with Article 28 of our Political Constitution, the principle of liberty that governs individuals has as one of its limits not harming third parties, and therefore the protection of their sphere of intimacy and consequently the tranquility inherent to that sphere. Noise disturbs tranquility, especially when it concerns the place where one resides. Furthermore, in accordance with other constitutional norms such as Article 50, which enshrines the right to the environment, and Article 21, from which the right to health has been derived, it is the State's responsibility to guarantee an environment free from noise pollution. For these reasons, regarding karaoke, live music, and similar activities, the jurisprudence of this Court has been clear in emphasizing the need to respect the rights of neighboring persons.”* Note from the partially cited precedent that the Constitutional Chamber has indicated that noise pollution constitutes a form of environmental aggression that directly affects people's health and tranquility, so that, when the permitted threshold is exceeded, the State is obligated to deploy effective and verifiable action to prevent, correct, and, where appropriate, cease the source of contamination.

In the present matter, this Chamber does not verify the violation of the fundamental rights of the protected party, since, from a comprehensive examination of the case file, it is evident that the nonconformity raised is essentially directed at questioning the content, scope, and results of the technical actions deployed by the Ministry of Health, rather than at evidencing an omission or arbitrary action that directly compromises the scope of constitutional protection.

Indeed, it should be noted that, since 2023, the health authority has repeatedly intervened in response to complaints filed by neighbors, performing on-site (in situ) inspections, sound measurements, as well as issuing various technical reports and official response letters, in which the conditions observed on each visit are recorded. Thus, it is noted that a noise measurement was conducted inside an adjacent dwelling, in accordance with the applicable regulatory parameters, determining levels that did not exceed the limits established for residential zones, while at the same time, the eventual performance of new measurements was ordered in light of the persistence of the alleged nuisances. Likewise, new complaints related to dust, noise, and machinery operation were subsequently addressed, in which context technical officials performed visual inspections on different dates, expressly recording that, at the time of the visits, the reported problems could not be evidenced, whether due to the absence of active operation, the non-existence of relevant noise generation, or the lack of dispersion of particulate matter, without prejudice to the fact that, in some cases, it was recommended to follow up on the situation to safeguard public health.

Furthermore, it is relevant that, even on the occasion of the present constitutional process, a new inspection visit was carried out, in which it was reiterated that the activities observed did not present continuous operation nor generate noise levels, vibrations, or emissions that would allow corroboration of the alleged impact, also highlighting the adoption of certain preventive measures by the administrated parties, such as irrigation systems for dust control and the strategic placement of materials.

Now then, based on this factual context, it must be specified that what is sought by the appellant implies, in reality, that this jurisdiction substitute the technical judgment of the health authority and conduct a direct verification of compliance with the parameters established in the infra-constitutional regulations on noise control and environmental conditions, which exceeds the proper scope of the amparo appeal (recurso de amparo). In this vein, it is appropriate to reiterate that the Chamber does not act as a reviewing instance of ordinary legality nor as a comptroller body of the Administration's technical activity, so it is not within its purview to determine whether the measurements taken are methodologically suitable or whether additional measures should have been adopted in accordance with specific regulations, unless an arbitrary, unreasonable, or entirely unfounded action is proven, a scenario that does not arise in the specific case.

Consequently, since it is evidenced that the appealed authority has addressed the complaints filed, has conducted multiple inspections, has issued technical opinions supported by the applicable regulations, and has provided responses to the formalities filed, it is not possible to affirm the existence of an injury to fundamental rights, but, at most, a disagreement on the part of the petitioners with the conclusions reached by the Administration, which must be ventilated through the corresponding ordinary channels and not through this constitutional process.

**V.-** With respect to the Municipality of Pococí, a violation of fundamental rights is also not verified, since what is proposed is limited to questioning the legality and technical judgment that supported the granting of land uses (usos de suelo) and business licenses, as well as the assessment of the compatibility of said activities with the environment.

Indeed, it is noted that the municipal entity issued formal resolutions by which it granted the respective land uses, under the consideration that the zone lacks a regulatory plan (plan regulador), which affects the possibility of denying such requests, and, subsequently, the corresponding business licenses were processed and granted, thus demonstrating concrete actions within its scope of competence.

In that sense, what is alleged does not evidence an omission or an arbitrary action, but rather a disagreement with the content of the administrative acts issued, which constitutes a matter proper to ordinary legality, the review of which corresponds to the Contentious-Administrative jurisdiction (jurisdicción contencioso-administrativa) and not to this constitutional venue.

**VI.- Note by Magistrate Castillo Víquez, regarding prompt and complete administrative justice.** I have supported the thesis of this Court that when a litigant alleges a violation of the right to prompt and complete justice in administrative proceedings, those who must hear the legal controversy are the Contentious-Administrative Courts and not this Chamber. However, with the recent enactment of Law No. 9097, Law Regulating the Right of Petition, it has been established that this right is subject to judicial protection through the amparo appeal established by Article 32 of the Law of Constitutional Jurisdiction, in relation to Article 27 of the Political Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica, in those cases where the petitioner considers that the material actions of the Administration, its administrative acts, or its response are affecting their fundamental rights. In my view, the recently enacted normative does not imply that this Court must modify its jurisprudential line, as, based on numeral 7 of its Law, it is exclusively responsible for defining its own competence. Therefore, save for those legal-constitutional controversies that have been recognized by this same Chamber as cases of exception, which can properly be heard in this jurisdiction through the constitutional process of amparo protection, in all other cases, and for the reasons this Court has given (Judgment No. 2008-02545 of 8:55 hours on February 22, 2008), the competent authorities are the Judges of the Contentious-Administrative jurisdiction, all of which is in accordance with numeral 25 of the American Convention on Human Rights, Constitutional Law (values, principles, and norms), and the corresponding legal norms based on a logical, systemic, and teleological interpretation of the legal system.

**VII.- Documentation provided to the case file.** The parties are warned that, if they have provided any paper documents, as well as objects or evidence contained in any additional electronic, computer, magnetic, optical, telematic device or one produced by new technologies, these must be withdrawn from the office within a maximum period of thirty business days counted from the notification of this judgment. Otherwise, any material not withdrawn within this period will be destroyed, in accordance with the provisions of the *"Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial"*, approved by the Full Court in Session No. 27-11 on August 22, 2011, Article XXVI, and published in the Judicial Bulletin No. 19 on January 26, 2012, as well as in the agreement approved by the Superior Council of the Judiciary, in Session No. 43-12 held on May 3, 2012, Article LXXXI.

**Therefore:** The appeal is declared without merit (sin lugar). Magistrate Castillo Víquez takes note.

President Fernando Castillo V. President Fernando Cruz C.

<p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:7pt; vertical-align:sub">Luis Fdo.</span></p> Salazar A.</span></p></td><td style="padding-right:5.65pt; padding-left:5.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:7pt; vertical-align:sub; -aw-import:ignore">&#xa0;</span></p></td><td style="padding-right:5.65pt; padding-left:5.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff"><img 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width=\"164\" height=\"74\" alt=\"\" style=\"-aw-left-pos:0pt; -aw-rel-hpos:column; -aw-rel-vpos:paragraph; -aw-top-pos:0pt; -aw-wrap-type:inline\" /></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:7pt; vertical-align:sub\">Jorge Araya G.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style=\"padding-right:5.65pt; padding-left:5.65pt; vertical-align:top\"><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><img 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width=\"162\" height=\"74\" alt=\"\" style=\"-aw-left-pos:0pt; -aw-rel-hpos:column; -aw-rel-vpos:paragraph; -aw-top-pos:0pt; -aw-wrap-type:inline\" /></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:7pt; vertical-align:sub\">Anamari Garro V.</span></p></td><td style=\"padding-right:5.65pt; padding-left:5.65pt; vertical-align:top\"><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:7pt; vertical-align:sub; -aw-import:ignore\">&#xa0;</span></p></td><td style=\"padding-right:5.65pt; padding-left:5.65pt; vertical-align:top\"><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><img 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width=\"162\" height=\"74\" alt=\"\" style=\"-aw-left-pos:0pt; -aw-rel-hpos:column; -aw-rel-vpos:paragraph; -aw-top-pos:0pt; -aw-wrap-type:inline\" /></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:7pt; vertical-align:sub\">Ingrid Hess H.</span></p></td></tr></table><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"vertical-align:sub; -aw-import:ignore\">&#xa0;</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"vertical-align:sub; -aw-import:ignore\">&#xa0;</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:5.33pt; vertical-align:sub\">Digitally Signed Document</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:5.33pt; vertical-align:sub\">-- Verification Code --</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'WASP 39 L'; font-size:9.33pt; vertical-align:sub\"></span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; line-height:19.5pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:Tahoma; font-size:9.33pt; vertical-align:sub; -aw-import:spaces\">&#xa0;</span><span style=\"font-family:Tahoma; font-size:9.33pt; vertical-align:sub\">H4Z7MKBHYM061 </span></p><div style=\"-aw-headerfooter-type:footer-primary; clear:both\"><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:right; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:5.33pt; font-weight:bold; vertical-align:sub\">EXPEDIENTE N° 26-004773-0007-CO </span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:5.33pt; vertical-align:sub; -aw-import:ignore\">&#xa0;</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:1pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-align:center; background-color:#ffffff\"><span style=\"font-family:'Times New Roman'; font-size:5.33pt; vertical-align:sub\">Telephones: Telf01/ ALA-4TA (Telf02). Fax: Telf03 / Telf04. Email address: www.poder-judicial.go.cr/salaconstitucional. Address: (Dirección05, Dirección06, 100 mts. South of the Perpetuo Socorro church).</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt\"><span style=\"-aw-import:ignore\">&#xa0;</span></p><p style=\"margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt\"><span style=\"-aw-import:ignore\">&#xa0;</span></p></div></div></body></html>" } }

 Res. Nº 2026013350 SALA CONSTITUCIONAL DE LA CORTE SUPREMA DE JUSTICIA. San José, a las nueve horas veinte minutos del veintiuno de abril de dos mil veintiseis .

Recurso de amparo que se tramita en expediente número 26-004773-0007-CO, interpuesto por Nombre01, cédula de identidad CED02 y Nombre02, cédula de identidad CED03, contra el MINISTERIO DE SALUD y la MUNICIPALIDAD DE POCOCÍ.

Resultando:

1.- Por escrito presentado ante esta Sala a las 15:17 horas del 10 de febrero de 2026, la parte recurrente interpone recurso de amparo en contra del Ministerio de Salud y la Municipalidad de Pococí. Expone que por este medio se pronuncian acerca de la afectación generada por dos actividades comercial-industriales desarrolladas dentro de la Dirección01, por su cercanía inmediata con viviendas y por las consecuencias directas que se han producido en la convivencia y el entorno residencial, en particular: contaminación sónica (ruido), vibraciones, emisiones de polvo y olores, deterioro de la vía pública, y riesgos a la seguridad vial por el ingreso, circulación y maniobras de vehículos pesados; así como la alteración de la tranquilidad, privacidad y calidad de vida de las familias, incluyendo personas adultas mayores. Lo anterior se plantea en relación con las actuaciones y omisiones de control, verificación y fiscalización atribuibles a las autoridades recurridas. Alegan que "Carácter residencial consolidado del barrio y ubicación de las actividades denunciadas. La Dirección02 (antes Dirección03), en Cariari de Pococí, corresponde a un barrio residencial consolidado, compuesto aproximadamente por 26 viviendas, ubicado en una calle sin salida. Por más de 35 años ha mantenido una dinámica predominantemente familiar, tranquila y de baja densidad, en la que el uso del espacio público ha sido ordinario para la convivencia comunitaria, incluyendo niñas, niños y personas adultas mayores. El sector se ubica aproximadamente 200 metros al oeste del salón comunal y 150 metros al norte. Desde el año 2023 se instalaron dentro del mismo barrio dos operaciones comerciales: (i) venta y acopio de agregados (piedra bola, quintilla, arena y lastre), y (ii) un taller de hojalatería, ambas inmediatamente contiguas a viviendas. Se reporta que el taller colinda de una pared con casas vecinas; y, en el caso de la operación de agregados, el área de maniobras de maquinaria diésel funcionaría a una distancia aproximada de tres a cinco metros de inmuebles residenciales, dentro de un tramo operativo cercano a trece metros de longitud según Ministerio de Salud. Esta proximidad resulta atípica y razonablemente incompatible con un entorno residencial consolidado por sus previsibles efectos sobre la convivencia, el descanso y la seguridad comunitaria. Se aclara expresamente que no se cuestionan actividades comerciales compatibles con zonas residenciales (por ejemplo: tiendas de conveniencia, oficinas, cafeterías, farmacias u otras de bajo impacto), ni un taller que opere debidamente distanciado y con medidas técnicas efectivas de confinamiento acústico y control de emisiones. La denuncia se centra en la naturaleza de la actividad de venta/acopio de agregados y en la colindancia inmediata del taller de hojalatería sin paredes sólidas, por sus efectos en la tranquilidad y seguridad del vecindario, asociados a ruido, vibración, deterioro de la vía pública y tránsito/manipulación de vehículos pesados con riesgo para peatones y afectación a la privacidad y a la tranquilidad de las familias colindantes. Finalmente, se hace constar que, conforme a la información recabada, los permisos de funcionamiento y patentes se habrían otorgado con posterioridad a la interposición de denuncias, lo cual genera dudas razonables sobre el proceso seguido y el criterio técnico utilizado para valorar la compatibilidad de tales actividades con el uso de suelo y con el entorno habitacional inmediato, particularmente considerando la colindancia con viviendas y la dinámica histórica del barrio. SEGUNDO: Actividades denunciadas y descripción de su operación. 2.1 Taller de hojalatería: Hojalatería Medina Se trata de un taller instalado en colindancia inmediata con viviendas del sector, prácticamente pegado a una pared/tapia divisoria que pertenece a un vecino (y no al taller). La estructura aparenta ser de carácter liviano (perlines y láminas metálicas), sin cerramientos sólidos que permitan amortiguar el ruido propio de la actividad, ni elementos visibles que evidencien condiciones suficientes de seguridad y prevención, incluyendo prevención contra incendios, así como viabilidad razonable para operar como taller por su cercanía con casas habitadas. En uno de los extremos colindantes se ubica la vivienda de la señora Nombre03, persona adulta mayor, donde además reside el suscrito Nombre02 y su compañera de unión libre Nombre04 (en condición de embarazo). En el otro extremo habitacional se ubica el hogar de la señora Nombre05, también persona adulta mayor, quien desde 2023 cuidaba a su madre (adulta mayor, posteriormente fallecida). La señora Salazar ha manifestado que, en diversas ocasiones, ha solicitado al personal del taller moderar voces y ruidos por la afectación directa a la tranquilidad del hogar, además de la protección al descanso de su madre en plena etapa de agonía; sin embargo, dichas solicitudes han sido desatendidas. (Ver testimonio de Nombre05 video - 22 Taller Hojalatería Casa Sra Salazar - COMPRESOR DE PINTURA.) Los hechos denunciados se relacionan con molestias propias y reiteradas de la operación del taller, entre ellas: golpes en láminas, martillazos, así como el uso de esmeriladora, taladro y compresor de pintura, cuyos sonidos se perciben y penetran en el interior de las viviendas colindantes. Asimismo, se reporta la percepción de olores asociados a la actividad, los cuales ingresan a la vivienda de la señora Salazar.Adicionalmente, el taller opera con vehículos de carga liviana para el traslado de materiales elaborados. De forma constante se escuchan señales/sonidos de retroceso que penetran en el interior de los hogares. También se presenta el ingreso de camiones que llegan a abastecer o proveer materiales al taller, aumentando la carga sonora y la afectación a la tranquilidad y convivencia del entorno, con especial impacto en el hogar colindante más cercano. Permiso sanitario informado. Según información remitida por el Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí–Guápiles, existe un permiso sanitario vigente asociado al taller, identificado como MS-DRRSHCDARSP-PSF-0616-2023, con vigencia hasta el 8 de junio de 2028, para actividades descritas como “Fábrica de canoas, portones y bajantes” (CAECR 4651.0). Asimismo, se hace constar que el funcionario Miguel Salazar brindó una explicación breve sobre labores típicas del taller (incluyendo portones), que normalmente implican el uso de esmeril, soldadura, compresor de pintura y herramientas afines, coincidentes con las que han sido objeto de denuncia desde 2023(Den 049-2023 y 2025 (Den284-2025). No obstante, se advierte una discrepancia entre lo denunciado y la forma en que, en diversas actuaciones o comunicaciones dentro del trámite sanitario, se habría omitido o minimizado la presencia/uso de tales equipos. Medios de prueba. Como respaldo, se aportan pruebas audiovisuales y audios captados desde propiedades colindantes (USB – Videos Titulados Taller de Hojalatería) con el fin de evidenciar la realidad sonora del funcionamiento y su impacto inmediato en viviendas contiguas.Finalmente, se pone en conocimiento que la afectación no se limita al componente sonoro: la cercanía y configuración del taller también inciden en la intimidad y convivencia familiar. No es equivalente la convivencia ordinaria entre vecinos a la presencia diaria de un taller con personal, clientela y operación continua. Desde el interior de viviendas colindantes se perciben voces y conversaciones provenientes del taller y, dada la proximidad, existe una preocupación razonable de reciprocidad auditiva, en tanto conversaciones del hogar también podrían ser perceptibles desde el área del taller, afectando la privacidad de las familias colindantes, con respaldo en la evidencia indicada en el USB. ( Videos 31, 32 y 33). 2.2 Venta y acopio de agregados y materiales pétreos: Constructora Nombre06 Se trata de una operación que funciona con maquinaria y vehículos tales como vagoneta, retroexcavadora (backhoe) y camión de carga. Se reporta que estas unidades se estacionan y maniobran a una distancia aproximada de 3 a 5 metros de viviendas. Conforme a la inspección citada (funcionaria Alexandra Chavarría Corella, 29 de junio de 2023, oficio MS DRRSHC-ARSP-3672-2023, p. 2), se consignó una referencia aproximada de 13 metros hasta el portón de salida, considerando la línea de lindero y la calle entre propiedades vecinas afectadas (incluyendo viviendas de personas adultas mayores). Las actividades consisten en la venta y manejo de materiales como arena, lastre, piedra quintilla y piedra bola para drenaje, lo que implica el uso de maquinaria de motor diésel y maniobras de carga/descarga. Se denuncian, entre otros aspectos: aceleraciones de motor, vibraciones, señales/sonidos de retroceso, así como impactos propios del contacto metal/piedra y del material metálico contra el suelo durante las operaciones de carga, descarga, movimiento y apilamiento mediante retroexcavadora. Se reporta que la operación con vagoneta encendida y retroexcavadora genera vibraciones considerables e invasión sónica perceptible dentro de los hogares cercanos. Adicionalmente, se indica que, posterior al llenado, no solo se utiliza un camión de carga con capacidad aproximada de 3 m³, sino también el movimiento constante de la vagoneta en salida y regreso para abastecimiento del centro de acopio, lo que incrementa la carga sonora por el tipo de maquinaria tanto en la vía pública como dentro del terreno donde se ejecutan las maniobras. Se señala que una de las molestias sonoras más relevantes ocurre durante la descarga y carga de piedra bola, donde el contacto de piedras de mayor volumen con superficies metálicas produce estruendos repentinos que alteran la calma del entorno, lo que genera preocupación considerando la presencia cercana de personas adultas mayores y, próximamente, infantes/bebés. (Ver pruebas audiovisuales – “Piedra Bola”). Respecto a las medidas implementadas, se señala que, ante denuncias desde 2023, únicamente se colocó una pared de lámina metálica como medida contra polvo hacia una vivienda específica; sin embargo, no se habrían aplicado medidas equivalentes en la calle de servidumbre interna que colinda con el lateral de otra vivienda afectada, cuyas habitaciones se orientan hacia el área de acopio y montículos de material, Además se actualiza que los propietarios decidieron trasladar el material piedra bola, esta vez a 10 metros detrás del hogar de la señora Nombre07. (Ver video: 36. Retroceso aceleración motor y piedra bola) Permiso sanitario informado. Se indicó la existencia del permiso MS DRRSHC-DARSP-PSF-1523-2024, con vigencia hasta el 31 de octubre de 2029, para la actividad descrita como “venta de materiales para construcción” (información remitida por atención al cliente – funcionario Miguel Salazar). Lo anterior genera dudas razonables sobre la adecuada valoración técnica de compatibilidad en un barrio residencial consolidado, pues se trata de una operación que implica maquinaria diésel y maniobras de carga/descarga que, por su intensidad y proximidad a las viviendas, repercuten en el ambiente sonoro, las vibraciones, la seguridad peatonal y el deterioro de la vía pública, con la consecuente generación de polvo. Tales efectos resultan difícilmente armonizables con un entorno habitacional inmediato. En ese sentido, se sostiene que esta actividad no se corresponde materialmente con la categoría de “pequeño negocio”, por su dinámica operativa y por los impactos asociados. Adicionalmente, se advierte que, hasta donde es de conocimiento vecinal, sería el primer caso de un negocio de esta naturaleza insertado en una zona residencial en el distrito de Cariari —e incluso, posiblemente, en el cantón de Pococí—, lo cual refuerza la necesidad de una revisión más rigurosa y motivada. De no adoptarse controles claros, existe el riesgo de normalizar este tipo de actividades en barrios residenciales mediante decisiones administrativas sin una ponderación suficiente de sus impactos. TERCERO: Mediciones sónicas en 2023 y dudas razonables sobre su representatividad; omisiones de seguimiento. Con motivo de la denuncia N.° 049-2023, como personas administradas percibimos una tendencia a normalizar la permanencia de ambas actividades (taller de hojalatería venta/acopio de agregados) dentro del barrio, pese a que su ubicación resulta cuestionable para un entorno residencial consolidado, máxime cuando la familia propietaria de los negocios dispone —según se conoce— de mayor extensión de terreno en áreas más distantes del núcleo habitacional. (Ver mapa en anexos). En ese marco, el Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí–Guápiles gestionó la realización de una medición sónica dentro de la vivienda de Nombre03. Los datos consignados reflejaron valores aproximados entre 42 dB y 51 dB, considerados por la autoridad como niveles por debajo del parámetro señalado en el Reglamento de Control de Ruido (referencia de 65 dB como límite y 40 dB como mínimo). No obstante, se hace constar una circunstancia relevante: el día de la medición, y en calidad de testigos, Nombre07, Nombre05 y el suscrito Nombre02 percibimos que las operaciones denunciadas no se estaban desarrollando en su forma real y habitual. Esto resulta concordante con registros por debajo del umbral y genera dudas razonables sobre la representatividad de los resultados respecto de las fuentes denunciadas, particularmente las asociadas a motores diésel, maniobras y herramientas propias de ambas actividades. Adicionalmente, consta en el oficio de 12 de septiembre de 2023, N.° MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-5338-2023, que “se realizaron mediciones de ruido diurnas” y que, “encontrándose en funcionamiento la actividad de hojalatería y acopio de agregados Nombre06”, se determinó un promedio logarítmico con base en 15 mediciones. Sin embargo, dicha afirmación (“encontrándose en funcionamiento…”) se contrapone con lo observado por quienes habitamos y colindamos, lo que profundiza la duda sobre dicha metodología empleada. La inspección se indica realizada el 17 de agosto de 2023, con hora de finalización 11:03.Asimismo, en el mismo documento se consignó que, ese día, la señora Nombre05 manifestó molestias por ruido y se indicó expresamente que se realizarían gestiones para obtener un sonómetro y efectuar una medición desde su vivienda (pág. 4). Sin embargo, a la fecha (año 2026), dicha visita y medición no se materializó, pese a haber quedado anunciada como acción de seguimiento. Finalmente, debe indicarse que, por desconocimiento técnico y jurídico en ese momento y ante la percepción de falta de medidas eficaces, no se continuó con la denuncia en 2023 en los términos que la situación ameritaba. CUARTO: Incremento de operaciones 2024–2025; denuncias por polvo; ausencia de seguimiento; agravamiento del tránsito pesado; gestiones municipales y dudas sobre uso de suelo, patentes e inspecciones.Entre los años 2024 y 2025 se percibió un incremento de las operaciones vinculadas a los dos negocios. En ese contexto, las señoras Nombre07 y Nombre08, ambas personas adultas mayores, interpusieron la denuncia N.° 074-2025 (presentada sin respaldo fotográfico ni audiovisual), relacionada con emisiones de polvo asociadas al ingreso y circulación de vehículos vinculados a dichas actividades. El Ing. Jairo Araya Artavia, mediante Informe Técnico N.° MS-DRRSHC-ARSP 2304-2025, indicó —entre otros extremos— que durante el recorrido “no se logró observar la problemática denunciada”, señalando que el patio almacenaba piedra picada y que “no se observó polvo al momento”, así como que “no se observó ningún proceso en el cual se genere polvo o material particulado al momento de la visita”. Sin perjuicio de lo anterior, en sus conclusiones estableció expresamente que “se debe dar seguimiento a las denuncias con el fin de proteger la salud pública y el medio ambiente”. A la fecha, dicho seguimiento no se materializó. Posteriormente, ante la creciente preocupación vecinal, se presentó la denuncia N.° 284-2025 el 12 de noviembre de 2025, en la cual se describió un aumento del tránsito de vehículos pesados durante 2024–2025, incluyendo pedidos atendidos con vagonetas de mayor tonelaje (2 a 3 ejes) que circulan por la recta del vecindario, incluso en horas nocturnas, en una vía de escala residencial que conecta a aproximadamente 150 metros con la vía principal. Se reportó incremento de vibraciones y ruido, así como la permanencia de vehículos diésel estacionados por lapsos mayores y, en ocasiones, encendidos en la calle intermedia entre viviendas vecinas. Asimismo, se observaron tráileres con cureñas realizando maniobras de reversa por distancias considerables (más de 150 metros) hasta la entrada principal. Esta situación elevó la alarma comunitaria y se asoció con un deterioro del ambiente sonoro y de la infraestructura vial del vecindario, motivando nuevas gestiones ante la Municipalidad de Pococí, el Concejo Municipal de Pococí y el Ministerio de Salud de Costa Rica. Desde la denuncia en 2023 se alertó verbalmente a los funcionarios del Ministerio de Salud que estas actividades no se mantendrían como operaciones “pequeñas” o de baja incidencia. La denuncia 284-2025 es la confirmación, además se presentó con el respaldo de 42 firmas de vecinos del vecindario, quienes solicitaron al suscrito asumir la representación y gestión escrita ante las autoridades. Adicionalmente, se efectuó una solicitud de información ante la Municipalidad (en ventanilla) el 6 de noviembre de 2025, dirigida al Departamento de Licencias y Patentes, requiriendo constancia de uso de suelo, patentes e inspecciones. Luego se recibió una llamada telefónica de la Coordinadora de Patentes, Vera Jiménez, quien indicó que dichos negocios solo contaban con permiso de “oficina administrativa”. A raíz de ello se coordinó una reunión para el martes 11 de noviembre de 2025, a la cual se asistió con acompañamiento de Nombre04 como testigo. En dicha visita se expusieron hechos, se mostraron videos, se entregó un USB con pruebas y se remitió por correo la denuncia, respecto de la cual la funcionaria brindó acuse de recibido; sin embargo, no se evidenció la activación de mecanismos administrativos eficaces orientados a la búsqueda de soluciones. Asimismo, se recibió una constancia emitida el 10 de noviembre de 2025, en la que se indicó que únicamente existía una patente de “oficina administrativa”. Posteriormente, al consultar el estado de la gestión, se indicó que se realizaría una investigación en un plazo aproximado de ocho días. No obstante, más adelante se emitió el OFICIO PAT-361-2025, de fecha 3 de diciembre de 2025, en el cual ya se consignan dos patentes adicionales, a saber: 1. Empresa 3102948124 S.R.L.: patente para venta de materiales y agregados. 2. Patente comercial de hojalatería a nombre de Nombre09 (cédula CED01). 3. Se mantiene la patente previamente indicada de “oficina administrativa”. Luego, el 4 de diciembre de 2025, a las 8:00 a.m., se remitió un escrito solicitando explicaciones sobre fechas de otorgación de las nuevas patentes, así como el informe técnico de uso de suelo y el acceso al expediente completo de patentes vinculadas a esa dirección, a fin de verificar la legalidad y compatibilidad de la ubicación ante dudas razonables (ver anexos). Posteriormente se recibió una respuesta que no atendió de forma explicativa lo requerido, limitándose a remitir el asunto al Ingeniero a cargo, y, en temas de ruido, al Ministerio de Salud; además, se indicó que las dos patentes nuevas habrían sido otorgadas con fecha 2 de diciembre de 2025. Todo lo anterior refuerza dudas razonables sobre: (i) la emisión y verificación del uso de suelo, (ii) la realización de inspecciones técnicas suficientes, y (iii) la constatación efectiva de la ubicación real de estas actividades dentro de un barrio residencial, considerando la cercanía con viviendas colindantes y la dinámica propia del vecindario. Adicionalmente, se interpuso un recurso de revocatoria el lunes 15 de diciembre de 2025 y, a la fecha, no se ha recibido respuesta. Finalmente, también se solicitó criterio e información por correo al ingeniero a cargo, sin obtener respuesta 10 días plazo, pese a que el uso de suelo es determinante para verificar la coincidencia de dirección, la zonificación aplicable y la legalidad de la instalación y operación de ambos negocios en ese punto específico (comunicaciones y documentos se aportan en anexos).Conclusiones: Desde la perspectiva del vecindario de Dirección02, lo ocurrido desde 2023 refleja una respuesta principalmente formal por parte de las autoridades, pero insuficiente para proteger de manera integral las condiciones históricas de tranquilidad y seguridad del barrio. La preocupación central es que, con las actuaciones y omisiones observadas, se esté normalizando la operación de actividades de impacto (por su ruido, vibración, polvo y tránsito de vehículos pesados) en colindancia inmediata con viviendas, lo cual el vecindario rechaza porque desea conservar un entorno tranquilo y seguro, como lo ha sido por años.En el caso del Ministerio de Salud de Costa Rica, a través del Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí–Guápiles, se han realizado inspecciones, trámites y una medición sónica; sin embargo, la comunidad sostiene que dichas actuaciones no han captado de forma representativa la dinámica real y habitual de las operaciones denunciadas (por variabilidad de horarios, comportamiento operativo y condiciones puntuales de visita). Además, se perciben inconsistencias en informes y seguimientos anunciados que no se materializaron, por lo que — desde el punto de vista vecinal— el abordaje ha quedado en conclusiones basadas en observaciones momentáneas, sin un análisis preventivo y verificable que valore adecuadamente la colindancia, la población vulnerable y el efecto combinado de ruido, vibración, olores y material particulado. Respecto de la Municipalidad de Pococí, el vecindario manifiesta preocupación por variaciones relevantes en la información sobre patentes, remisiones internas y ausencia de respuesta material sobre lo determinante: la compatibilidad de ubicación/uso de suelo, la verificación técnica de condiciones de operación en un barrio residencial consolidado y las medidas preventivas de control. En términos prácticos, la comunidad percibe que el foco se ha orientado a consignar u otorgar trámites, sin una motivación técnica suficiente centrada en prevenir y mitigar el impacto sobre las viviendas colindantes, pese a que el tema es también de conocimiento del Concejo Municipal de Pococí. Sesión Ordinaria n72-2025. Finalmente, el vecindario recalca que la afectación denunciada no se limita al derecho a un ambiente sonoro sano y al descanso. El componente acústico tiene relación directa con la salud integral y, en especial, con la salud mental, en tanto la exposición reiterada a ruidos intensos, vibraciones y sonidos inesperados en el propio hogar impacta la tranquilidad, la sensación de seguridad, la convivencia familiar y el bienestar emocional de las personas residentes". Con base en las situaciones expuestas, estiman vulnerados derechos fundamentales. Piden se declare con lugar el recurso.

2.- Por resolución de las 14:30 horas del 18 de febrero de 2026, la Presidencia de la Sala dio curso a este proceso constitucional y se le solicitó informe al director del Área de Salud de Pococí, así como al alcalde y al presidente del Concejo, ambos de Pococí, sobre los hechos alegados por la parte recurrente.

3.- Mediante escrito incorporado al expediente digital a las 11:42 horas del 27 de febrero de 2026, informan bajo juramento Yamileth Hidalgo Arias y Juan Mauricio Mora Cruz, en sus respectivas condiciones de alcaldesa y presidente del Concejo, ambos de Pococí, lo siguiente:

“Como parte del análisis del caso, se le solicitó a la Unidad de Planificación y Control Constructivo, información sobre antecedentes de casos similares respecto a los permisos de USO DE SUELO otorgados en la comunidad de Barrio España, distrito Cariari, encontrándonos con los siguientes hallazgos: -Ya desde el año 2023, había otorgado un USO DE SUELO favorable para VENTA DE MATERIALES AGREGADOS Y HOJALATERÍA, ubicado en la finca con folio real 7 103346-000, según Resolución administrativa DPCC-RU-0291-2023 del 7 junio 2023. - Según Resolución administrativa DPCC-RU-0275-2025 del 27 de mayo de 2025, se otorgó un USO DE SUELO favorable para HOJALATERÍA, ubicado en la misma finca con folio real 7-103346-000. - Según Resolución administrativa DPCC-RU-0641-2025 del 21 de noviembre de 2025, se otorgó un USO DE SUELO favorable para VENTA DE MATERIALES DE CONSTRUCCIÓN, ubicado en la misma finca con folio real 7-103346-000. -Según Resolución administrativa DPCC-RU-0492-2025 del 01 de octubre de 2025, se otorgó un USO DE SUELO favorable para ASERRADERO Y FABRICACIÓN DE BOLSAS, ubicado en la misma finca con folio real 7-16117-000. Tomen en consideración, este Honorable Tribunal, que todas las anteriores autorizaciones de uso de suelo fueron dadas por estar fuera del Plan Regulador, en consecuencia, no existe fundamento legal alguno, que permita denegar la gestión solicitada por los contribuyentes vecinos del Dirección03 del distrito de Cariari, cantón Pococí. Posteriormente, cada gestionante procedió a tramitar el permiso ante el Ministerio de Salud, para luego otorgarse la licencia o patente municipal respectiva para cada caso”.

4.- Mediante escrito incorporado al expediente digital a las 11:53 horas del 02 de marzo de 2026, informa bajo juramento Karen Mayorga Quirós, en su condición de directora del Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí, lo siguiente:

“PRIMERO: Que en nuestro ámbito de competencias se atiende en tiempo y forma la problemática ambiental planteada en el presente recurso, relacionada a las actividades industriales desarrolladas por “Agregados Nombre10 y Hojalatería Medina dentro de la Dirección04, por su cercanía inmediata con viviendas y por la condiciones directas que se han producido en la convivencia y el entorno residencial, en particular; contaminación sónica (ruido), vibraciones, emisiones de polvo y olores, maniobra de vehículos pesados, que aparentemente causa afectación sobre los recurrentes que alegan; alteración de la tranquilidad, privacidad y calidad de vida de las familias. Lo anterior plantea en relación con las actuaciones y omisiones de control, verificación y fiscalización atribuibles a las autoridades recurridas. SEGUNDO: Que en la actividad que ejecuta Agregados “Nombre10”, donde se da movimientos de maquinaria, no se genera ruidos molestos, o dispersión de polvo, durante el momento de la inspección. Al no haber continuidad operativa ni fuente generado de ruido en el sitio, nos apegamos al sustento legal del Decreto Ejecutivo 44486-S, “Reglamento para el Control de Ruid Ambiental”,CAPÍTULO XIII PROCEDIMIENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE RUIDO, Artículo 34 reza en sus pasos “Se debe establecer para las mediciones los siguientes pasos: b. El intervalo unitario de tiempo de medición es de quince minutos (15 min) por medición integrada, la cual debe ser medida en forma continua, e. Previo a la medición, se debe hacer un análisis de la fuente objeto de estudio con el fin de establecer el tipo de ruido y definir la ponderación del equipo a utilizar, en filtro A. Considerando que si el ruido emitido por la fuente tiene una duración inferior a los 5 minutos esta no es sujeta de medición. TERCERO: Que, sobre la misma tesitura, la norma del artículo 31 del supra Reglamento indicado ordena, cuando las fuentes de ruido sean emitidas por vehículos automotores que transitan por vía pública son objeto de regulación y control por parte del Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, siendo de su total competencia y legitimación: (Decreto Ejecutivo No. 38937-MOPT ) “Artículo 31. – “El ruido emitido por los escapes de vehículos automotores en vías públicas terrestres, debe ser regulado por el Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, según lo establece el artículo 17 y además se indica y mantiene en la Tabla 8.1 los valores máximos de ruido para diferentes categorías de vehículos automotores, esto según el Decreto Ejecutivo N°38937-MOPT del 23 de febrero del 2015 "Reglamento para el control de ruido emitido por el escape de vehículos automotores". CUARTO: Que no se observa dispersión de polvo, siendo un día lluvioso sin embargo como medida adicional precautoria para épocas secas, el representante legal de la actividad, instaló riego por aspersión y como segunda contingencia una maya en sarán a considerable altura, en las cercanías a las viviendas vecinas, como acto de buena fe propia. De igual forma al ingreso del material arena al patio, la vagoneta protegía su carga con loma, en cumplimiento de lo normado para mitigar el riesgo al trasegar este tipo de material. QUINTO: Que no se omite manifestar que nuestra Área Rectora de Salud, atendió la denuncia No. 074-2025, con idem problemática, lo que se consignó en la inspección ocular MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2061-2025, y refrendada en informe técnico MS-ARSP-2304-2025, donde no se logra evidenciar por nuestras autoridades la veracidad de los hechos, en atención de la denuncia. En otra de las denuncias interpuestas 284-2025 por problemática de movimiento de maquinaria, ruido, polvo, no se logra evidenciar las anomalías denunciadas. (acta inspección ocular MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6395-2025, Informe Técnico MS-DRRSHC ARSP-7036-2025). SEXTO: Que en lo que respecta a la actividad de hojalatería hay un trabajador al momento de la visita, el cual se encuentra realizando un proceso manual, no genera ruido, vibraciones, ni mal olor. En esta actividad se observó que utilizan equipos como; una prensa, dobladoras, meza de trabajo, ninguno de los equipos anteriores utiliza motores por lo que no hay generación de ruido, al momento de la visita no hay martillazos ni golpes, ni herramienta eléctrica en uso. Dentro de las observaciones y como parte del proceso, se encuentra un taladro de mesa, compresor de aire, máquina e soldar las cuales no se estaban usando al momento de la inspección “in situ. Recalcar que existe tapia perimetral en la parte de atrás de la Hojalatería, con el fin de mantener la privacidad y el ingreso de situaciones climáticas. SÉTIMO: Que es menester comentar que el Canton de Pococí no cuenta para este el distrito de Cariari, con planes reguladores, que condicionen actividades industriales, en su lugar se daba la figura del visto bueno del uso de suelo, quedando a la fecha sin efecto legal para ejercer controles adecuados. OCTAVO: Que los administrados cumplieron en su momento procesal oportuno, con los requerimientos normados para el otorgamiento de los Permisos Sanitarios, que se estatuyen en el Decreto Ejecutivo 43432-S. NOVENO: Que en lo tocante a obstrucción de alcantarilla que atraviesa propiedad privada, se le remitió el informe técnico CARTA-MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-0338-2026 a la Municipalidad local para la debida intervención, por ser de su competencia en la materia de catastro. (Adjuntamos para mejor proveer a los lectores en Informe Técnico MS-DRRSHC-ARSP 1143-2026 y sus anexos en todo el contexto, remitido por el Ing. Jairo Araya Artavia)”.

5.- En los procedimientos seguidos se ha observado las prescripciones legales.

Redacta la Magistrada Garro Vargas; y,

Considerando:

I.- Objeto del recurso. Los recurrentes señalan que en la Dirección02, en Cariari de Pococí, se han instalado dos actividades comercial-industriales en colindancia inmediata con viviendas, consistentes en un taller de hojalatería y una operación de venta y acopio de materiales pétreos, las cuales generan afectaciones como ruido, vibraciones, polvo, olores, tránsito de vehículos pesados y deterioro de la vía pública. Asimismo, refieren que dichas actividades se desarrollan en un barrio residencial consolidado, lo que, a su criterio, resulta incompatible con la convivencia, tranquilidad y seguridad del entorno, afectando especialmente a personas adultas mayores y núcleos familiares colindantes. Además, aducen que, pese a las denuncias presentadas desde el año 2023, las actuaciones de las autoridades han sido insuficientes, al no captar la realidad operativa de las actividades ni ejecutar medidas efectivas de control, seguimiento y mitigación, existiendo dudas sobre la legalidad de los permisos otorgados y la adecuada valoración del uso de suelo. Finalmente, sostienen que la permanencia de estas actividades ha deteriorado su calidad de vida, afectando su salud, descanso, seguridad y convivencia familiar, por lo que estiman vulnerados sus derechos fundamentales y solicitan la intervención de esta Sala.

II.- Cuestión preliminar. De previo a analizar el fondo del asunto –por la presunta violación del derecho a un procedimiento pronto y cumplido– debe aclararse que, a partir de la sentencia No. 2008-02545 de las 8:55 horas del 22 de febrero de 2008, esta Sala ha remitido a la jurisdicción contencioso administrativa –con algunas excepciones– aquellos asuntos en los que se discute si la administración pública ha cumplido o no los plazos, pautados por la Ley General de la Administración Pública (artículos 261 y 325) o por las leyes sectoriales relativas a los procedimientos administrativos especiales, tanto para resolver por acto final un procedimiento administrativo –instruido de oficio o a instancia de parte– como para conocer de los recursos administrativos procedentes. Precisamente, en este caso se plantea un supuesto de excepción, pues se está ante una denuncia por contaminación sónica, la cual, presuntamente, no ha sido resuelta dentro de un plazo razonable por parte del ministerio recurrido. Aclarado el punto, se entra a resolver la situación concreta planteada en este amparo.

III.- Hechos probados. De importancia para la decisión de este asunto, se estiman como debidamente demostrados los siguientes hechos, sea porque así han sido acreditados o bien porque la parte recurrida haya omitido referirse a ellos según lo prevenido en el auto inicial:

• a)El 21 de marzo de 2023, el recurrente Nombre02 junto con otros vecinos presentaron una denuncia ante el Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí en contra de la “Constructora y taller hojalatería Hermanos Jiménez”. En dicha denuncia, indicaron lo siguiente:

“Por este medio de la presente realizamos de la manera más respetuosa la solicitud de atención de nuestro caso de afectación por ruido, exceso de polvo y trabajos de índole industrial por parte de la Constructora y taller de hojalatería Nombre06 en nuestras propiedades, ubicadas 250 metros oeste del salón comunal y 50 metros norte en Dirección03 del distrito de Cariari.

A continuación, registramos los siguientes eventos de afectación:

Trabajos en maquinaria pesada tales como vagonetas y retroexcavadora muy cerca de nuestras propiedades, generando la afectación por ruido de motores, sumado el ruido de contacto o golpe de materiales tales como piedras grandes para drenajes, piedra cuarta y arena en las vagonetas. Además, exceso de polvo durante el llenado y movimiento de los vehículos frente y detrás de nuestras propiedades. Cabe destacar que nuestros hogares se encuentran de 1 a 6 metros de distancia de las actividades anunciadas.

Trabajos en hojalatería, con una distancia de medio metro en una de las propiedades, las cuales representan un riesgo por chispa en trabajos de soldadura y esmeriladora por ruido y chispa, además de ruidos de impacto por martillos y olores del metal.

De acuerdo con las anteriores situaciones, expresamos nuestra situación, las cuales se registran hace 1 mes del traslado e instalación de dicho negocio cerca de nuestras propiedades, las cuales ya no están generando un ambiente sano para la salud mental y física como habitantes cercanos a esta situación. De esta forma acudimos a ustedes como autoridades en materia de salud, para la búsqueda de una solución. Agradecemos de antemano toda ayuda brindada” (véase el escrito de interposición y la prueba aportada al expediente digital).

• b)El 12 de setiembre de 2023, la directora del Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí, mediante el oficio n.°MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-5338-2023 dirigido a los denunciantes, señaló lo siguiente:

“Primero: Como parte de la atención a la denuncia 049-2023 referente a las molestias de vecinos cercanos a establecimiento Hojalatería Nombre06 y acopio de Agregados Nombre06 ubicado 200 m oeste del salón comunal y 50 m norte en el distrito de Cariari, por la generación de ruido provenientes de la actividad, se procedió a realizar una medición sónica en el sitio, de lo cual le informo:

Fecha de la Inspección: 17 de agosto del 2023 Hora de Inicio de la Inspección 09:30 Horas Hora de Finalización de la Inspección: 11:03 Horas Segundo: Las mediciones de ruido se realizaron con el Sonómetro propiedad del Ministerio de Salud, marca Cirrus modelo CR:171B con certificado de calibración LCM 06590823 y LCM 06630823, los cuales se adjuntan a este informe.

Las mediciones sónicas se realizaron con base al procedimiento para la medición de ruido Decreto N° 32692-S. No se presentaron condiciones climatológicas adversas para la medición sónica y se realizaron dentro de la vivienda de la señora Nombre03 previa coordinación y en horario solicitado por denunciante.

Tercero: En la medición sónica estuvieron presentes por parte de denunciantes:

1. Sra. Nombre03 cedula CED04 2. Sra. Nombre05 cedula CED05 3. Sr. Nombre02 cedula CED06 Por parte del Ministerio de Salud:

1. Bach. Iván Carrillo Fernández cedula CED07 2. Licda. Alexandra Chavarría Corella cedula CED08.

Cuarto: Se realizaron mediciones de ruido diurnas en la casa de vecina denunciante la señora Nombre03 y su hijo Nombre02. La primera medición que se realizó es la correspondiente al ruido con la fuente sonora, encontrándose en funcionamiento la actividad de hojalatería y acopio de agregados Nombre06 determinándose el siguiente promedio logarítmico de decibeles según las 15 mediciones realizadas:

Cuadro 1. Medición sónica con fuente sonora y promedio logarítmico […]

*Fuente: elaboración propia con los resultados de la medición sónica del día 17/08/2023. *Nota: Se adjunta a este informe el listado de las 15 mediciones registradas por el sonómetro Cirrus.

Cuadro 2. Medición sónica Ruido ambiente y promedio logarítmico […]

Resultado: 42,853538 *Fuente: elaboración propia con los resultados de la medición sónica del día 17/08/2023. *Nota: Se adjunta a este informe el listado de las 15 mediciones registradas por el sonómetro Cirrus.

Quinto: Reglamento para el Control de la Contaminación por Ruido N° 39428-S.

Artículo 14.-Límites de niveles de ruido. Ninguna persona permitirá u ocasionará la emisión de ruidos, que excedan los niveles establecidos en la tabla N° 1 del presente reglamento, las cuales representan los diferentes niveles de ruido permitidos en cada una de las zonas receptoras señaladas en dicha tabla, tanto para el periodo diurno como para el nocturno, medidas en el interior de los inmuebles afectados LIMITES DE NIVELES DE SONIDO EN DECIBELES A (dBA) […]

Conclusión:

1. Respecto de lo permitido en la Legislación Nacional con base al Reglamento para el Control de Contaminación por Ruido N° 39428-S le informo que las mediciones sónicas realizadas no sobrepasan lo permitido en dicho Reglamento ya que el mismo establece que el límite es de 65 decibeles durante el día para una zona Residencial siendo que la medición con fuente sonora se encuentra en promedio de 53,56 decibeles y con ruido ambiente se encuentra en 42,85 decibeles.

En seguimiento a este caso no omito manifestar que el día que se realizó la medición sónica la señora Nombre05, indicó tener molestias de ruido con el establecimiento Hojalatería hermanos Jiménez., por lo tanto, se realizarán gestiones para solicitar un sonómetro y poder realizar una medición desde la vivienda de la señora Nombre05” (véase el escrito de interposición y la prueba aportada al expediente digital).

• c)En fecha indeterminada, las señoras Nombre07 y Nombre08, presentaron una denuncia reportando exceso de polvo, producto la actividad de la empresa “Constructora y taller hojalatería Hermanos Jiménez”. La denuncia se tramitó bajo el número 074-2025 (véase el escrito de interposición y la prueba aportada al expediente digital).
• d)El 16 de mayo de 2025, el Ing. Jairo Daniel Araya Artavia, en su condición de profesional del Servicio Civil 1A del Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí, suscribió el informe técnico n.°MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2304-2025, en el cual indicó lo siguiente:

“ASUNTO: Denuncia 074-2025 Constructora Hnos Jiménez.

Estimado Doctor.

Un cordial saludo.

Le informo.

Recibo en la programación del 07 mayo 2025, la atención a la denuncia citada en el epígrafe, por aparente problemática de generación de polvo y partículas, sita en Pococí, Cariari, 200 oeste del Salón Comunal.

ÁREA O CONDICIÓN ANALIZADA:

Nos presentamos en la dirección indicada según consta en el acta de inspección ocular MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2061-2025, Nos atiende Guillermo Jiménez en su condición de encargado a quien le explicamos sobre la problemática denunciada y nos acompaña en recorrido.

Primera: Durante el recorrido no se logró observar la problemática denunciada, en el patio se almacena piedra picada, el patio esta cubierto por piedra picada, no se observó polvo al momento.

Segunda: No se observó ningún proceso en el cual se genere polvo o material particulado al momento de la visita.

NO CONFORMIDADES:

No Observadas REGISTRO FOTOGRAFICO:

N/A.

RECOMENDACIONES:

Cierre de la denuncia.

CONCLUSIÓN.

Se debe dar seguimiento a las denuncias con el fin de proteger la salud pública y el medio ambiente” (véase el escrito de interposición y la prueba aportada al expediente digital).

• e)El 21 de mayo de 2025, el Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí, mediante el oficio n.°CARTA-MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2392-2025 dirigido a la denunciante Nombre11, en la cual señaló lo siguiente: “Un cordial saludo. Con base en el informe MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2304-2025, suscrito por el Ing. Jairo Araya Artavia, funcionario del Proceso de Regulación de la Salud, se informa que el día de la visita no se logró observar ninguna actividad que genere polvo. Por lo anterior, se da por atendida la denuncia” (véase el escrito de interposición y la prueba aportada al expediente digital).
• f)El 19 de diciembre de 2025, una serie de vecinos de Dirección02, en Cariari de Pococí, incoaron otra denuncia en contra de Hojalatería y Constructora Nombre06 por contaminación sónica y emanación de polvo (véase el escrito de interposición y la prueba aportada al expediente digital).
• g)El 24 de diciembre de 2025, el Ing. Jairo Daniel Araya Artavia, en su condición de profesional del Servicio Civil 1A del Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí, suscribió el informe técnico n.°MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-7036-2025, en la cual se sostuvo lo siguiente:

“ÁREA O CONDICIÓN ANALIZADA:

Me presento en la dirección indicada, en la Constructora, soy atendido por Nombre12, quien me indica que se trata de un negocio familiar del cual forma parte, explico sobre la problemática denunciada, quedando constancia en el acta de inspección ocular MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6395-2025.

Al momento de la visita se observo un pequeño patio con stock de materiales, área y piedra picada, no se observan polvo, es un día soleado y poco ventoso. La cantidad de material almacenado es poco, (ver imágenes).

No hay maquinaria en movimiento, se me indicó que poseen una bajook, una vagoneta, y una minivagoneta.

No se producen materiales en concreto, únicamente venden área y piedra picada.

La hojalatería no está en operación al momento de la visita, según lo indicado se trabaja contra pedido, no se percibe ningún tipo de ruido, se logro observar que el proceso del moldeado de lata es manual, los equipos no cuentan con motores, por lo que se elimina esta fuente como generadora de ruido. (ver images).

Al momento de la visita no se logró evidenciar la problemática denunciada. Ambas actividades cuentan con su PSF.

NO CONFORMIDADES: No cuenta con PSF.

REGISTRO FOTOGRAFICO:

[…]

RECOMENDACIONES:

Reprogramar una visita de seguimiento, a razón de que el denunciante persiste en indicar que sufre afectación.

CONCLUSIÓN.

El fin del presente acto es proteger la salud pública, la propiedad y el medio ambiente” (véase el escrito de interposición y la prueba aportada al expediente digital).

• h)El 06 de enero de 2026, la directora del Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí, a través del oficio n.°CARTA-MS-ARSP-0072-2026, le contestó al denunciante Nombre02, lo siguiente:

“Primero: Se realizó visita al lugar denunciado, siendo atendida por la señora Nombre12, quien indicó que se trata de un negocio familiar del cual forma parte. Durante la atención explicó la problemática denunciada.

Segundo: En el momento de la visita se observó un pequeño patio con existencias de materiales (arena y piedra picada). No se percibió presencia de polvo, dado que era un día soleado y con poco viento. La cantidad de material almacenado era reducida.

Tercero: No se constató maquinaria en funcionamiento. Se indicó que poseen una bajook, una vagoneta y una mini vagoneta. No se producen materiales en concreto, únicamente se comercializan arena y piedra picada.

Cuarto: La hojalatería no se encontraba en operación al momento de la visita. Según lo manifestado, se trabaja únicamente contra pedido. No se percibió ningún tipo de ruido y se observó que el proceso de moldeado de lámina es manual. Los equipos no cuentan con motores, por lo que se descarta esta actividad como fuente generadora de ruido.

En conclusión, al momento de la visita no se logró evidenciar la problemática denunciada. Por lo anterior, se procede al cierre del caso” (véase el escrito de interposición y la prueba aportada al expediente digital).

• i)El 26 de febrero de 2026, el Ing. Jairo Daniel Araya Artavia, en su condición de profesional del Servicio Civil 1A del Área Rectora de Salud de Pococí, emitió el informe técnico n.° MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-1143-2026, en el cual se consignó lo siguiente:

“Visita de inspección a Agregados Nombre10 y Hojalatería Medina para dar respuesta al Recuro de Amparo Exp. 26-004773 0007-CO. INTRODUCCIÓN. Recibo en la programación del 25 febrero 2026 la visita de inspección citada en el epígrafe, con la intención de identificar si se evidencia o no la problemática alegada en el recurso supra citado por desarrollo de actividades comercial-industrial dentro de la Dirección04, por su cercanía inmediata con viviendas y por la condiciones directas que se han producido en la convivencia y el entorno residencial, en particular; contaminación sónica (ruido), vibraciones, emisiones de polvo y olores, maniobra de vehículos pesados, que aparentemente causa afectación sobre los recurrentes que alegan; alteración de la tranquilidad, privacidad y calidad de vida de las familias. Lo anterior se plantea en relación con las actuaciones y omisiones de control, verificación y fiscalización atribuibles a las autoridades recurridas. Le informo que me presento en Pococí, Cariari, Dirección04, en el establecimiento donde se desarrollan las actividades indicadas, soy atendido por Nombre12 en su condición de encargado, quien se dispone a atendernos y acompañarnos durante el recorrido, quedando constancia en el acta de inspección ocular MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-1142-2026. DESARROLLO. 1. Sobre operación de la actividad de agregados he de informarle; • Que se desarrolla en un espacio físico pequeño denominado patio de materiales, donde se utiliza maquinaria y esta se compone de una vagoneta grande, una pequeña y un backhoe, durante nuestra instancia en el sitio comprendido de las 10:05 horas a las 11:10 horas, únicamente durante escasos próximos 5 minutos se mantuvo movimiento de maquinaria, específicamente de la vagoneta grande y la vagoneta pequeña, cuyo nivel de ruido generado no impidió mantener la conversación fluida que se llevaba a cabo, el resto del tiempo de mi estancia, no se presentó movimiento de maquinaria ni otra labor en el patio de materiales, por lo que no se generó ruido, en ningún momento se observó dispersión de polvo. • Que durante una hora no hubo continuidad operativa ni fuente generadora de ruido, inclusive el reglamento por Decreto Ejecutivo Nº 44486-S Reglamento para el control del ruido ambiental, en su CAPÍTULO XIII PROCEDIMIENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE RUIDO, Artículo 34 reza en sus pasos “Se debe establecer para las mediciones los siguientes pasos: b. El intervalo unitario de tiempo de medición es de quince minutos (15 min) por medición integrada, la cual debe ser medida en forma continua, e. Previo a la medición, se debe hacer un análisis de la fuente objeto de estudio con el fin de establecer el tipo de ruido y definir la ponderación del equipo a utilizar, en filtro A. Considerando que si el ruido emitido por la fuente tiene una duración inferior a los 5 minutos esta no es sujeta de medición”. Por lo que no encontramos razón objetiva para realizar la medición sónica. Y cuando las fuentes de ruido sean emitidas por vehículos automotores que transitan por vía pública serán objeto de regulación por parte del Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, según el D E Nº 44486-S Reglamento para el control del ruido ambiental “Artículo 31. – “El ruido emitido por los escapes de vehículos automotores en vías públicas terrestres, debe ser regulado por el Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes, según lo establece el artículo 17 y además se indica y mantiene en la Tabla 8.1 los valores máximos de ruido para diferentes categorías de vehículos automotores, esto según el Decreto Ejecutivo N°38937-MOPT del 23 de febrero del 2015 "Reglamento para el control de ruido emitido el escape de vehículos automotores". • En dicho patio se observaron acopiados dos montículos de arena, tres de piedra picada, uno de piedra laja, la piedra bola se almacena fuera del patio en una posición estratégica lejos de las viviendas vecinas para evitar malestar al momento de la descarga, recalcando que se trata de una operación pequeña, con suspensión de la operación durante largos periodos de la jornada operativa comprendida por horario de 7:00 am a 5:00 pm. Obsérvese las imágenes No.1, No.2 del registro fotográfico. • El día es lluvioso y no se observa dispersión de polvo, adicionalmente como medida precautoria para épocas secas, el representante legal de la actividad, instalo riego por aspersión y como segunda contingencia una maya en sarán a considerable altura, en las cercanías a las viviendas vecinas, como acto de buena fe propia. Ver en Imagen No. 4. • Al momento del ingreso de material arena al patio, la vagoneta protegía su carga con loma, en cumplimiento de lo normado para mitigar el riesgo al trasegar este tipo de material. Ver en imagen No.6. • Durante nuestra instancia no se presentó ingreso de trailetas, al patio de materiales. • No se presentaron clientes, por lo que no hay emisión de voces humanas. En visitas anteriores como la llevada a cabo el pasado día 07 mayo 2025 en atención a la denuncia 074-2025 en donde se denunció problemática por polvo, quedo constancia en el acta de inspección ocular MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-2061-2025 y su posterior informe técnico MS DRRSHC-ARSP-2304-2025, que no se logró evidenciar la problemática denunciada. En fecha 19 noviembre 2025 en atención a la denuncia 284-2025, por aparente problemática de movimiento de maquinaria, ruido, polvo, se dejó constancia en el acta de inspección ocular del MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6395-2025 y su posterior informe técnico MS-DRRSHC-ARSP 7036-2025, inclusive que indica que es un día soleado y se recalcó nuevamente que no se logró observar la problemática denunciada. En dichas visitas nuestra actuación se enfocó en la búsqueda de la verdad material, sustentada en la fe pública de mi cargo la cual se basa en la observación, no se observó lo mencionado como problemática, por esta razón no se dictaron medidas especiales en contra de los representantes legales de dichas actividades. Dichas visitas también son evidencia que no hay desatención u omisión alguna por parte de este ministerio, sobre el caso en marras. 2. Sobre la operación de la actividad de hojalatería: • Únicamente hay un trabajador al momento de la visita, el cual se encuentra realizando un proceso manual, no genera ruido, vibraciones, ni mal olor. • En esta actividad se observó que utilizan equipos como; una prensa, dobladoras, meza de trabajo, ninguno de los equipos anteriores utiliza motores por lo que no hay generación de ruido, al momento de la visita no hay martillazos ni golpes, ni herramienta eléctrica en uso. • Se observó un taladro de meza, el cual estaba en uso, sin generar ruido, adicionalmente un compresor de aire pequeño y una maquina de soldar, las cuales no estaban en uso. Según lo observó enfatizo, que el proceso operacional de la hojalatería es muy manual y sin fuentes de ruido. En el informe MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-7036-2025 de fecha 24 diciembre 2025 indico lo siguiente, “La hojalatería no está en operación al momento de la visita, según lo indicado se trabaja contra pedido, no se percibe ningún tipo de ruido, se logró observar que el proceso del moldeado de lata es manual, los equipos no cuentan con motores, por lo que se elimina esta fuente como generadora de ruido”, recalcándose una vez más que la operación de la hojalatería no es continua y sin riesgo de generar ruidos continuos al no tener motores. En la parte de atrás de la hojalatería de dio continuidad a una tapia como medida a la privacidad y como contingencia ante el riesgo de situaciones climáticas adversas, como los vientos. Ver en imágenes No.4 y No.5 Que según lo alejado las actividades desarrolladas consisten en venta de materiales y esto conlleva el movimiento de maquinaria como vagoneta y backhoe, cabe recalcar que durante nuestra estancia de 10:05 horas a las 11:10 horas, solo aproximadamente 5 minutos se produjo movimiento operativo, la otra hora restante se detuvo la operación. Según lo observado no existe una operación contante, como lo alega la parte recurrente. Por otro lado, el Canton de Pococí, no cuenta con un plan regulador para el desarrollo de actividades humanas que incluya al distrito de Cariari, dicho proyecto se encuentra en Gestión por la Municipalidad Local, por lo que este ministerio no mantiene impedimento alguno en otorgar el Permiso sanitario de Funcionamiento a las actividades de hojalatería y agregados, en Cariari, Dirección04, una vez el administrado presente tramite y cumpla con los requisitos de la solicitud, en apego al Decreto Ejecutivo 43432-S, decreto que se ocupa en la materia del otorgamiento de permisos sanitarios de funcionamiento. Obsérvese la imagen No.1 Ubicación de las actividades de hojalatería y Agregados, dentro del contexto descrito como residencial Dirección04, donde únicamente existe un límite vecinal objeto a observar cómo riesgoso, las demás áreas colindantes son área sin construcción, espacio verde o pertenecen a los representantes de las actividades. En cuanto a lo alegado por la obstrucción de una alcantarilla por donde se disponen aguas pluviales de la Dirección04, que se ubica al ingreso de la propiedad donde se desarrollan las actividades de Agregado y hojalatería, el día 17 diciembre 2025 en atención a la denuncia 298-2025 se realizó la inspección por parte del ing, Fernando Monge Solís, autoridad de este ministerio, quedando constancia en el acta de inspección ocular MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-6818- 2025 y su posterior informe técnico DRRSHC-ARSP-0153-2026, en el cual se indicó que “el acuerdo para que el agua de la alcantarilla pase por la propiedad privada que le pertenece, es de carácter informal” por esta razón el ing. Monge solicitó trasladar el caso a la municipalidad local, para su debida intervención, notificación realizada según oficio CARTA-MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-0338-2026 del 16 enero 2026 suscrito por la Directora del Area Rectora de Salud Pococí, dirigido al alcalde de Pococí. A la fecha del presente, no se ha recibido respuesta alguna de lo actuado por la municipalidad de Pococí. En resumen, No se logró observar emisión de polvo, no se percibieron malos olores, no se generaron ruidos continuos, ni de impacto, no se presentaron maniobras de maquinaria que produzcan vibraciones, no se observó una operación ajetreada y continua, en el informe técnico MS-DRRSHC-ARSP-7036-2025 se indicó que la hojalatería solo trabaja contra pedido, por lo que solo funciona cuando es requerido, para efectos de la visita del 25 febrero de los corrientes, solo un colaborador se encontraba realizando un proceso manual y sin generar ruido alguno, mismas observaciones que se han plasmado en las visitas anteriores, citadas líneas arriba. En ninguna de las visitas se ha logrado evidenciar verdad material sobre los hechos alegados como afectación directa sobre la población vecina, sustentado en la fe pública de mi cargo, el cual consiste en la observación. Adicionalmente se toman fotografías como respaldo, que se incluyen en el apartado Registro fotográfico del presente informe. Así las cosas, con las evidencias plasmadas en las visitas realizadas en situ, en atención por parte de este ministerio a la problemática denunciada, las cuales constan en el expediente debidamente ordenado, foliado y certificado el cual se pone a disposición de la Noble Sala, le insto a solicitarle a dicha Sala, no acoger el recurso tramitado a la autoridad en salud, recurrida. A razón de que en las visitas realizadas no se evidencia verdad material de lo alegado, que pueda causar alteración de la tranquilidad, privacidad y calidad de vida de las familias vecinas de Dirección04. NO CONFORMIDADES. No observadas durante la visita de inspección. CONCLUSIÓN y RECOMENDACIONES. Recomiendo a su despacho, solicitarle a la Noble sala Constitucional, no acoger dicho recurso. REGISTRO FOTOGRÁFICO. […] […] […] […] […] […] […] […] […]” (véase el informe de la autoridad recurrida y la prueba aportada al expediente digital).

IV.- Sobre el caso concreto. La parte recurrente sostiene que en la Dirección02, en Cariari de Pococí, se han instalado desde el año 2023 un taller de hojalatería y una actividad de venta y acopio de agregados dentro de un barrio residencial consolidado, lo cual ha generado afectaciones a la convivencia y al entorno habitacional, tales como ruido, vibraciones, polvo, olores, tránsito de vehículos pesados y deterioro de la vía pública, incidiendo en la tranquilidad, seguridad, privacidad y calidad de vida de las familias colindantes, incluidas personas adultas mayores; señala que el taller opera en colindancia inmediata con viviendas sin condiciones adecuadas para mitigar el ruido, mientras que la actividad de agregados utiliza maquinaria pesada a escasos metros de casas, generando impactos sonoros y físicos constantes; además, cuestiona la representatividad de mediciones sónicas realizadas, la ausencia de seguimiento a denuncias, el incremento de las operaciones en los años 2024 y 2025 y la falta de medidas efectivas por parte del Ministerio de Salud y la Municipalidad de Pococí, así como irregularidades en el otorgamiento de permisos y patentes, los cuales incluso habrían sido emitidos con posterioridad a las denuncias, por lo que estima que las actuaciones y omisiones de las autoridades han permitido la permanencia de actividades incompatibles con el uso residencial del sector, vulnerando sus derechos fundamentales.

En primer lugar, cabe destacar que este Tribunal ha resuelto que la contaminación sónica producida por ruido tiene impacto en los derechos fundamentales de las personas. Respecto a esta temática, en la sentencia n.°2025-009098 de las 09:50 horas del 25 de marzo de 2025, se indicó lo siguiente:

“IV.- Sobre el caso concreto. De la relación del artículo 24 con el 28 de nuestra Constitución Política, el principio de libertad que rige para las personas tiene como uno de sus límites el no perjudicar a terceros, y por eso la protección de su ámbito de intimidad y consecuentemente de la tranquilidad propia de ese ámbito. El ruido perturba la tranquilidad, máxime si se trata del lugar en donde se reside. Además, en atención a otras normas constitucionales como el artículo 50, que consagra el derecho al ambiente, y el artículo 21, del que se ha derivado el derecho a la salud, corresponde que el Estado garantice un ambiente exento de contaminación sónica. Por esas razones, con respecto a las actividades de karaokes, música en vivo y similares, la jurisprudencia de este Tribunal ha sido clara en enfatizar la necesidad de respetar los derechos de las personas vecinas”.

Obsérvese del precedente parcialmente citado, que la Sala Constitucional ha señalado que la contaminación sónica constituye una forma de agresión ambiental que incide directamente en la salud y en la tranquilidad de las personas, de modo que, cuando se supera el umbral permitido, el Estado queda obligado a desplegar una actuación efectiva y verificable para prevenir, corregir y, en su caso, hacer cesar la fuente de contaminación.

En el presente asunto, esta Sala no verifica la violación de los derechos fundamentales de la parte amparada, ya que, del examen integral del expediente, se desprende que la inconformidad planteada se dirige, en esencia, a cuestionar el contenido, alcance y resultados de las actuaciones técnicas desplegadas por el Ministerio de Salud, más que a evidenciar una omisión o actuación arbitraria que comprometa de forma directa el ámbito de protección constitucional.

En efecto, nótese que, desde el año 2023, la autoridad sanitaria ha intervenido de manera reiterada en atención a las denuncias formuladas por los vecinos, realizando inspecciones in situ, mediciones sónicas, así como la emisión de diversos informes técnicos y oficios de respuesta, en los cuales se consignan las condiciones observadas en cada visita. Así, se advierte que se practicó una medición de ruido dentro de una vivienda colindante, conforme a los parámetros reglamentarios aplicables, determinándose niveles que no superaban los límites establecidos para zonas residenciales, al tiempo que se dispuso la eventual realización de nuevas mediciones ante la persistencia de molestias alegadas. De igual forma, posteriormente se atendieron nuevas denuncias relacionadas con polvo, ruido y operación de maquinaria, en cuyo contexto los funcionarios técnicos realizaron inspecciones oculares en distintas fechas, dejando constancia expresa de que, al momento de las visitas, no se logró evidenciar la problemática denunciada, ya fuera por ausencia de operación activa, inexistencia de generación de ruido relevante o falta de dispersión de material particulado, sin perjuicio de que, en algunos casos, se recomendara dar seguimiento a la situación en resguardo de la salud pública.

Asimismo, resulta relevante que, incluso con ocasión del presente proceso constitucional, se efectuó una nueva visita de inspección, en la cual se reiteró que las actividades observadas no presentaban una operación continua ni generaban niveles de ruido, vibraciones o emisiones que permitieran corroborar la afectación alegada, destacándose además la adopción de ciertas medidas preventivas por parte de los administrados, como sistemas de riego para control de polvo y ubicación estratégica de materiales.

Ahora bien, a partir de este contexto fáctico, debe precisarse que lo pretendido por la parte recurrente implica, en realidad, que esta jurisdicción sustituya el criterio técnico de la autoridad sanitaria y realice una verificación directa sobre el cumplimiento de los parámetros establecidos en la normativa infraconstitucional en materia de control de ruido y condiciones ambientales, lo cual desborda el ámbito propio del recurso de amparo. En esa línea, corresponde reiterar que la Sala no actúa como instancia revisora de la legalidad ordinaria ni como órgano contralor de la actividad técnica de la Administración, de modo que no le compete determinar si las mediciones efectuadas resultan metodológicamente idóneas o si debieron adoptarse medidas adicionales conforme a reglamentos específicos, salvo que se acredite una actuación arbitraria, irrazonable o carente de toda fundamentación, supuesto que no se configura en el caso concreto.

Por consiguiente, al evidenciarse que la autoridad recurrida ha atendido las denuncias presentadas, ha realizado múltiples inspecciones, ha emitido criterios técnicos sustentados en la normativa aplicable y ha brindado respuesta a las gestiones formuladas, no es posible afirmar la existencia de una lesión a derechos fundamentales, sino, a lo sumo, una disconformidad de los gestionantes con las conclusiones alcanzadas por la Administración, lo cual debe ventilarse por las vías ordinarias correspondientes y no a través de este proceso constitucional.

Principio del formularioV.- En lo que respecta a la Municipalidad de Pococí tampoco se verifica una violación de los derechos fundamentales, ya que lo planteado se limita a cuestionar la legalidad y el criterio técnico que sustentó el otorgamiento de los usos de suelo y patentes comerciales, así como la valoración sobre la compatibilidad de dichas actividades con el entorno.

En efecto, se advierte que el ente municipal emitió resoluciones formales mediante las cuales otorgó los respectivos usos de suelo, bajo la consideración de que la zona carece de plan regulador, lo que incide en la posibilidad de denegar tales gestiones, y, posteriormente, se tramitaron y otorgaron las patentes correspondientes, evidenciándose así actuaciones concretas dentro de su ámbito competencial.

En ese sentido, lo alegado no evidencia una omisión ni una actuación arbitraria, sino una disconformidad con el contenido de los actos administrativos emitidos, lo cual constituye un asunto propio de la legalidad ordinaria, cuya revisión corresponde a la jurisdicción contencioso-administrativa y no a esta sede constitucional.

VI.- Nota del Magistrado Castillo Víquez, en cuanto a la justicia administrativa pronta y cumplida. He apoyado la tesis de este Tribunal, de que cuando el justiciable alega una vulneración al derecho a una justicia pronta y cumplida en sede administrativa, quienes deben conocer la controversia jurídica son los Tribunales de lo Contencioso-Administrativo y no esta Sala. Ahora bien, con la reciente promulgación de la Ley n.° 9097, Ley de Regulación del Derecho de Petición, se ha establecido que ese derecho es susceptible de tutela judicial por medio del recurso de amparo establecido por el artículo 32 de la Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional, en relación con el artículo 27 de la Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica, en aquellos casos en que el peticionario considere que las actuaciones materiales de la Administración, sus actos administrativos o su respuesta le estén afectando sus derechos fundamentales. A mi modo de ver, la normativa recién promulgada no implica que este Tribunal deba modificar su línea jurisprudencial, quien, con base en el numeral 7 de su Ley, le corresponde definir exclusivamente su propia competencia. Por ende, salvo aquellas controversias jurídico-constitucionales que han sido reconocidas por esta misma Sala como supuestos de excepción, que sí proceden ser conocidas en esta jurisdicción a través del proceso constitucional de garantía del amparo, en los demás casos, y por las razones que ha dado este Tribunal (sentencia N° 2008-02545 de las 8:55 horas de 22 de febrero de 2008), los competentes son los Jueces de la jurisdicción de lo contencioso-administrativo, todo lo cual es conforme al numeral 25, de la Convención Americana sobre Derechos Humanos, el Derecho de la Constitución (valores, principios y normas) y las normas legales correspondientes con base en una interpretación lógica, sistémica y teleológica del ordenamiento jurídico.

VII.- Documentación aportada al expediente. Se previene a las partes que, de haber aportado algún documento en papel, así como objetos o pruebas contenidas en algún dispositivo adicional de carácter electrónico, informático, magnético, óptico, telemático o producido por nuevas tecnologías, estos deberán ser retirados del despacho en un plazo máximo de treinta días hábiles contados a partir de la notificación de esta sentencia. De lo contrario, será destruido todo aquel material que no sea retirado dentro de este plazo, según lo dispuesto en el "Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial", aprobado por la Corte Plena en Sesión No. 27-11 del 22 de agosto del 2011, artículo XXVI y publicado en el Boletín Judicial No. 19 del 26 de enero del 2012, así como en el acuerdo aprobado por el Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial, en la Sesión No. 43-12 celebrada el 3 de mayo del 2012, artículo LXXXI.

Por tanto:

Se declara sin lugar el recurso. El magistrado Castillo Víquez consigna nota.

Fernando Castillo V.

Fernando Cruz C.

Paul Rueda L.

Luis Fdo. Salazar A.

Jorge Araya G.

Anamari Garro V.

Ingrid Hess H.

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