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Res. 31994-2026 Sala Constitucional · Sala Constitucional · 20/08/2026
OutcomeResultado
The Chamber directed the applicant to abide by judgment 2026004278 regarding follow-up to notice 13247 and denied the amparo in all other respects.La Sala dispuso estarse a lo resuelto en la sentencia 2026004278 sobre el seguimiento de la boleta 13247 y declaró sin lugar el amparo en los demás extremos.
SummaryResumen
The Constitutional Chamber (Sala Constitucional) considered an amparo proceeding against the Municipality of Goicoechea concerning follow-up to an order involving neighboring property where, according to the applicant, a scrap yard operated and wastewater was discharged, as well as allegedly incomplete responses and lack of access to information and the file. As to follow-up on the municipal notice of 9 October 2024, it directed the applicant to abide by the ruling in judgment 2026004278 of 6 February 2026. For older information requests, it applied the two-month period in Article 35 of the Constitutional Jurisdiction Act. It considered the April and May 2026 submissions to include requests for investigations and assessments, found the 20 May complaint premature, and noted that the municipality had sent the available file. It therefore denied the amparo in all other respects; it did not determine the truth of the environmental allegations or the technical legality of the works.La Sala Constitucional examinó un amparo contra la Municipalidad de Goicoechea por el seguimiento de una orden sobre una propiedad colindante donde, según la recurrente, funcionaba una chatarrera y había vertidos de aguas negras, así como por respuestas incompletas y falta de acceso a información y al expediente. Sobre el seguimiento de la boleta municipal del 9 de octubre de 2024, dispuso que la recurrente se atenga a lo resuelto en la sentencia 2026004278 del 6 de febrero de 2026. Respecto de otras gestiones de información antiguas, aplicó el plazo de dos meses del artículo 35 de la Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional. Consideró que las solicitudes de abril y mayo de 2026 incluían investigaciones y valoraciones, que el reclamo del 20 de mayo era prematuro y que la municipalidad había remitido el expediente disponible. Por ello, declaró sin lugar el recurso en lo demás; no resolvió la veracidad de las alegaciones ambientales ni la legalidad técnica de las obras.
Key excerptExtracto clave
The Chamber finds no violation of the applicant’s rights. First, the breadth and variety of the applicant’s requests go beyond a simple request for information, since they include requests for investigations, assessments, and reports, as well as multiple exhortations. Second, even if the matter were treated as a claim under Article 41 of the Constitution, it would still be inadmissible because it was premature when this proceeding was filed (as to the 20 May submission); in any event, it would fall within the administrative-litigation jurisdiction. Finally, the Chamber also considers the response given by the respondent municipality and explains that disagreement with a response does not itself amount to a violation of a person’s rights. VIII.- Regarding the request for access to the file, made on 17 April 2026, the Chamber found that on 28 April 2026 the respondent municipality sent the applicant a copy of the file associated with notice 13247-A; accordingly, no violation of her rights is apparent. Therefore: The applicant shall abide by what this Chamber decided in judgment 2026004278 of 9:20 a.m. on 6 February 2026, concerning follow-up and monitoring of notice 13247 of 9 October 2024. In all other respects, the amparo is denied.Ahora bien, la Sala descarta una lesión a los derechos de la tutelada. Por un lado, se observa que la extensión y variedad de requerimientos que efectúa la recurrente dista de ser una solicitud de información pura y simple, tomando en cuenta que solicita desde investigaciones, valoraciones e informes, así como que formula múltiples exhortaciones. Por otro lado, en caso de que se considerara un reclamo en virtud del numeral 41 constitucional, tal pretensión resultaría igualmente improcedente, pues sería prematura a la fecha de interposición de este proceso (en lo que respecta a la gestión del 20 de mayo) y, dado el caso, su conocimiento correspondería a la sede contencioso-administrativa. Finalmente, la Sala también valora la respuesta que fue brindada por la municipalidad accionada, haciendo ver que la inconformidad con una respuesta no conlleva una lesión a los derechos de la persona. VIII.- Con respecto a la solicitud de acceso al expediente, efectuada el 17 de abril de 2026, la Sala constató que la municipalidad accionada remitió el 28 de abril de 2026 una copia del expediente con boleta 13247-A a la tutelada, por lo que nos se observan lesiones a sus derechos. Por tanto: Estese la recurrente a lo dispuesto por esta Sala en la sentencia nro. 2026004278 de las 9:20 horas del 6 de febrero de 2026, en cuanto al seguimiento y fiscalización de la boleta nro. 13247 del 9 de octubre de 2024. En lo demás, se declara sin lugar el recurso.
Pull quotesCitas destacadas
"La inconformidad con una respuesta no conlleva una lesión a los derechos de la persona."
"Disagreement with a response does not itself amount to a violation of a person’s rights."
Considerando VII
"La inconformidad con una respuesta no conlleva una lesión a los derechos de la persona."
Considerando VII
"Esta Sala ha señalado, reiteradamente, que el recurso de amparo es un proceso sumarísimo que no se aviene a complicadas probanzas y contradictorios."
"This Chamber has repeatedly held that amparo is an expedited proceeding incompatible with complex evidentiary inquiries and adversarial disputes."
Considerando IX
"Esta Sala ha señalado, reiteradamente, que el recurso de amparo es un proceso sumarísimo que no se aviene a complicadas probanzas y contradictorios."
Considerando IX
Full documentDocumento completo
EV Generation of Template: D:\Gestion-Judicial\Servidor de Archivos\MODELOS\S4SENAMH001.dpj CONSTITUTIONAL CHAMBER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUSTICE (Sala Constitucional). San José, at twenty minutes past nine o’clock on 20 August 2026.
Amparo proceeding processed in case file no. 26-023733-0007-CO, filed by Nombre03, identity card CED02, against the MUNICIPALITY OF GOICOECHEA.
Background:
DELIMITATION OF THE PURPOSE OF THE PROCEEDING AND THE SCOPE OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CLAIMS I respectfully state to that Honorable Constitutional Chamber that this amparo proceeding does not seek to have it replace the constitutional and legal powers assigned to the Municipality of Goicoechea or any other administrative authority, nor to determine the legality or illegality of construction, permits, inspections, works, technical actions, or administrative proceedings, matters within the Public Administration’s authority to consider and resolve within the scope of the powers assigned to it by the legal system. Nor is it sought that the Honorable Chamber assess the correctness or incorrectness of the technical opinions issued by the respondent authorities, or resolve disputes belonging to urban-planning, construction, environmental, disciplinary, or any other technical or administrative field.
The constitutional claim also does not seek to challenge the substance of decisions that the Administration may adopt in exercising its powers, but rather to determine whether the manner in which those actions were carried out, reasoned, and communicated respected the fundamental rights invoked in this proceeding. The purpose of this proceeding is strictly constitutional: it asks that the Honorable Chamber determine whether the actions and omissions attributed to the respondent authorities, considered comprehensively and established through the abundant documentary evidence submitted, violated the fundamental rights invoked by this claimant as a result of the failure to issue timely substantive rulings; the issuance of partial, inconsistent, insufficiently reasoned, or contradictory responses; the failure to resolve all matters submitted to the Administration; the absence of technical, legal, and documentary support for the decisions adopted; and the other actions or omissions occurring during the handling of the complaints and requests made by this claimant.
Accordingly, the claims submitted for consideration by that Honorable Chamber are confined exclusively to protection of the fundamental rights this claimant considers to have been violated as a result of administrative action that, according to the documentary evidence submitted, failed to ensure the full and effective exercise of the right to petition and prompt response, the right of access to public information and the administrative case file, administrative due process, the right to a defense, the duty to provide reasons for administrative acts, legal certainty, the principle of good administration, and effective administrative protection. For that reason, the claims set out below have the sole purpose of asking that Honorable Chamber, within the scope of the powers conferred on it by the Political Constitution and the Law on Constitutional Jurisdiction, determine whether the actions and omissions described constituted a violation of the fundamental rights invoked and, if it deems appropriate, grant this amparo proceeding, ordering the measures necessary to effectively restore the violated fundamental rights. In that regard, I respectfully ask that Honorable Chamber to determine the following:
1. Whether the absence of a substantive ruling on the administrative complaint filed on 20 May 2026 constitutes a violation of the right to petition and prompt response, administrative due process, effective administrative protection, and the principle of good administration, considering that by the time this amparo proceeding was filed, the statutory period for the Administration to issue the corresponding ruling on a formal complaint filed with that institution had been exceeded by a considerable margin, and this claimant had not been notified of the formal opening of an investigation, the actions taken, any steps to clarify the reported facts, the formation of the investigating commission expressly requested by the Office of the Service Comptroller itself in Official Letter MG-AG-CS0063-2026, the issuance of technical or administrative reports, or an express, comprehensive, consistent, and duly reasoned decision resolving the matters brought to the Administration’s attention.
I also respectfully ask that Honorable Chamber to consider that the alleged constitutional violation does not lie in the content, scope, or outcome the administrative investigation may eventually have, since those matters fall exclusively to the competent authorities in the exercise of their legal powers. The impact on this claimant’s fundamental rights arises from the lack of a timely response and a substantive ruling within the applicable statutory period; the lack of information about the actions actually taken by the Administration; the inability to learn the actual status of the institutional complaint filed; and the failure to issue a duly reasoned decision that would allow the effective exercise of the right to a defense, the right to petition, access to public information, and the avenues for challenging decisions provided by the legal system. Accordingly, the claim submitted for consideration by that Honorable Chamber is limited to asking it to determine whether that omission, established by the documentary evidence submitted with this proceeding, violated the fundamental rights invoked, leaving this claimant in a state of legal uncertainty and lack of defense incompatible with Articles 11, 27, 30, 39, and 41 of the Political Constitution and with the constitutional principles of legality, good administration, effective administrative protection, reason-giving for administrative acts, and legal certainty.
2. To determine whether the respondent authorities guaranteed the essential content of the right to petition enshrined in Article 27 of the Political Constitution through express, comprehensive, consistent, and duly reasoned rulings on each request made by this claimant, or whether their failure to resolve all matters raised violated that fundamental right. This claim does not seek that the Honorable Chamber assess the content, merits, or correctness of the administrative decisions issued, but rather determine whether the responses provided by the respondent authorities meet the constitutional requirements of the right to petition and prompt response by clearly, fully, and with reasons communicating the decision adopted on each request, in accordance with Article 27 of the Political Constitution and the repeated case law of that Constitutional Chamber.
3. To determine whether the lack of an institutional ruling on the composition, operation, actions, investigative steps, reports, recommendations, and results of the Special Commission agreed upon by the Municipal Council to address the complaints made by this claimant violated her fundamental rights, considering that by the time this amparo proceeding was filed she had received no official communication, notice, or response that would allow her to learn whether the Commission had in fact been constituted, whether it had begun its work, whether it had taken any action concerning the complaints filed, or whether it had issued any report, recommendation, or ruling. This claim does not seek to challenge the Municipal Council’s authority to create that Commission or the manner in which it should exercise its powers, but rather asks that Honorable Chamber to determine whether the lack of an institutional ruling and official information about the actions that prompted its creation violated the right to petition and prompt response, the right of access to public information, effective administrative protection, and the principle of good administration by preventing this claimant from learning the actual status of the administrative actions announced by the Administration itself and from fully exercising the rights afforded to her by the legal system.
4. To determine whether the information provided by the respondent authorities satisfied the essential content of the right of access to public information and to the administrative case file enshrined in Article 30 of the Political Constitution, or whether the partial production of documents, the absence of the minutes, technical reports, professional opinions, resolutions, and other documentary support requested, as well as the inability to determine whether the documents provided made it possible to learn fully of the administrative actions taken and verify the existence of an administrative case file containing and integrating all actions taken, violated that fundamental right and limited the effective exercise of the right to a defense and administrative due process. This claim does not seek that the Honorable Chamber determine the regularity of the administrative procedure or the validity of the case file the Administration may be required to compile, but rather establish whether the information provided enabled this claimant to learn fully of the background, actions, grounds, and documentary support for the decisions adopted by the respondent authorities.
This is so given that the nonexistence of an administrative case file identified by a specific number and relating to the complaints made by this claimant was initially reported, and subsequently only documents identified as the file corresponding to Notice Slip No. 13247-A were sent, without establishing to date that those documents comprise all administrative actions taken since the complaints were filed or providing the minutes, reports, resolutions, and other documents repeatedly requested. I also ask that the Honorable Chamber determine whether that situation, considered together with the repeated requests made by the Office of the Ombudsperson in the same matter and the responses issued by the Municipality of Goicoechea, violated the right of access to public information and to the administrative case file, the right to a defense, and administrative due process by preventing this claimant from fully learning the administrative background, understanding the grounds for the decisions adopted, and fully exercising the avenues of defense and challenge afforded to her by the legal system.
5. That the Honorable Chamber assess the inconsistency of the rulings issued by the respondent authorities and the consequences this had for this claimant’s fundamental rights. The Honorable Chamber is not asked to determine whether the work that was the subject of the complaints complied with applicable urban-planning, construction, or technical regulations, or to replace the powers belonging to the Public Administration. What is submitted for constitutional review is the inconsistency among the administrative rulings issued during the handling of the case and the absence of an objective, reasoned, and documented explanation for actions that are incompatible with one another. Indeed, for approximately one year and two months, through various official letters issued by Eng. Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, the Municipality maintained that the measures ordered by Notice Slip No. 13247-A, issued on 9 October 2024, had been complied with and that the matter was closed.
However, during actions taken on 17 and 21 April 2026, the same official took further action concerning compliance with that same order, without the Administration subsequently issuing a duly reasoned administrative act explaining that INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN ITS OWN RULINGS. The alleged constitutional violation does not arise from the technical opinion the Administration might properly adopt, but from the fact that this contradiction was never clarified through an express, consistent, and sufficiently reasoned ruling, despite this claimant’s repeated requests. Likewise, to date, the minutes, memorandum, or official record of the meeting held on 17 April 2026 at the Engineering Department have not been provided; nor have the inspection record, technical report, notice, resolution, or any other document supporting the actions taken during the inspection conducted on 21 April 2026 at the reported property.
The absence of this documentary support and of a clear explanation for the apparent contradiction between the various administrative rulings prevented this claimant from knowing with certainty what the Administration’s actual decision was and the reasons supporting it, placing her in a state of uncertainty and lack of defense that affected the effective exercise of my right to petition, my right of access to public information and to the administrative case file, my right to a defense, and administrative due process, by preventing me from understanding, contesting, and timely exercising the avenues for challenging actions that were never duly reasoned or documented. Accordingly, what is requested of that Honorable Chamber is not to review the technical merits of the administrative actions, but to determine whether the issuance of rulings that were incompatible with one another, the absence of sufficient reasons, and the lack of documentary support violated the fundamental rights invoked and the constitutional principles of legality, legal certainty, transparency, good administration, and effective administrative protection.”
I.Intervention of the Office of the Ombudsperson
On 29 April 2025, in the absence of a comprehensive administrative response concerning the complaints filed, I went to the Office of the Ombudsperson, which formally requested information from the Municipality of Goicoechea about the actions taken in relation to my complaint. The Municipality issued an initial response on 14 May 2025; however, because it did not comprehensively address the requested matters, the Office of the Ombudsperson continued to follow up on the case with further requests to the Municipality on 30 May, 25 June, 5 September, 13 October, and 8 December 2025, which remained unanswered for several months. It was not until 11 December 2025 that the Municipality issued a new ruling, informing the Office of the Ombudsperson that the measures ordered by Notice Slip No. 13247-A, issued in October 2024, had been complied with by the property owners and that the matter was closed.
However, as shown by the documentary evidence in the case file, during the meeting held on 17 April 2026 and the inspection conducted on 21 April 2026, the Engineering Department itself continued to address compliance with that same Slip, finding that the orders issued in October 2024 had not been obeyed by the owners, with no administrative act or technical report on record expressly, objectively, and duly explaining the reason for that contradiction between what had been officially reported to the Office of the Ombudsperson and the subsequent administrative actions.
2 Nevertheless, later, during the meeting held on 17 April 2026 with Eng. Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez and, particularly, during the inspection conducted on 21 April 2026, the official himself verified that the measures ordered by that Slip had not been complied with by the owners, and therefore took further action and granted a new deadline for compliance. However, there is no administrative act, technical report, inspection record, or other official document on record expressly, objectively, and duly explaining why the Office of the Ombudsperson had previously been informed that the orders had been complied with and the matter closed, when the Administration itself subsequently found that those measures had not been complied with. This clarification does not seek that the Chamber determine the legality of those administrative actions or replace the powers of the Public Administration. Its constitutional relevance lies in the fact that this background provides objective elements for examining whether the absence of sufficient reasons, the lack of consistency among the administrative actions, and the absence of documentary support for that situation affected the possible violation of my fundamental rights to petition and prompt response, access to public information and to the administrative case file, administrative due process, reason-giving for administrative acts, good administration, effective administrative protection, and legal certainty.
II.Requests made by Councilwoman Melissa Valdivia Zúñiga
Likewise, on 29 April 2026, Councilwoman Melissa Valdivia Zúñiga, in the exercise of her oversight and political-control functions, formally requested specific information from the Engineering Department concerning the actions taken in relation to the complaints at issue in this proceeding. In response, through Official Letter MG-AG-DI-01285-2026 dated 13 May 2026 and signed by Eng. Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, various matters inquired about were not comprehensively addressed, nor was all the requested technical and documentary support provided. Reference to this background does not seek to transfer to this jurisdiction the review of internal administrative procedure or the exercise of the Municipal Council’s oversight powers. Its significance lies in its being an additional objective element showing that the difficulties in obtaining complete, consistent, timely, and sufficiently documented responses affected not only the requests made by this claimant, but were also reflected in institutional requests concerning the same facts, a circumstance relevant to the constitutional analysis of the respondent authorities’ conduct.”
Justice Rueda Leal drafts; and, Reasons:
I.Subject of the amparo application. The applicant states that, in September 2024, she reported to the Municipalidad de Goicoechea that the property adjoining hers was being used for scrap-dealing activities, to the detriment of her fundamental rights. She recounts that the respondent Municipality issued notice slip no. 13247-A, addressed to the owners of the adjoining property. She complains of a lack of follow-up and oversight concerning that notice. She also states that she has submitted several requests for information and access to the case file that have not been answered or have been answered only in part.
II.Facts found. The following facts, which are important to the decision in this matter, are considered duly established, either because they have been proven or because the respondent failed to address them, as required by the initial order:
1. That you send me a report on what was discussed both at the meeting in your office and during your visit to my property on Tuesday, 21 April of this year. 2. That you send me the report on the inspection of the property where the scrap-dealing business operates. 3. That you detail the agreements reached with the owner of the scrap-dealing business concerning the reported problems. 4. That you state whether the section built only with sheet-metal panels was checked during the inspection. 5. That you report whether the foundations or structure supporting that section could be observed. 6. That you determine and state the distance between those panels and my party wall. 7. That you detail the measures again requested of the owner, as well as any order or instruction issued by that Department. 8. That you inform me whether a formal written notice has already been issued to the owner following up on the failure to comply with the order previously notified in October 2024. 9.
That you provide the case number corresponding to the complaint I filed in October 2024. 10. That you provide me with a complete copy of the case file relating to that complaint. I should point out that, during a previous visit to the municipal offices, I was unable to obtain that copy because apparently the file could not be found or did not exist, which may have been due to an administrative error that I would appreciate your verifying. 11. That you tell me the day and time when I may come to collect a complete copy of the case file relating to this matter. 12. That you formally clarify whether construction permits from the Municipality are required for work such as building a party wall. 13. That you tell me whether that construction must have the technical backing of a responsible professional, as well as approved plans or technical specifications. 14. That you clarify whether a structure made of sheet-metal panels may technically be considered a party wall and, if so, under what legal and construction conditions it would be valid. 15. That you tell me whether there is any technical report issued by that Department or by a competent professional that has validated that structure as a party wall under the regulations in force.
A copy of this letter is sent to the Contraloría de Servicios so that what is set out here, as well as my renewed complaint and disagreement with the purported approval of a sheet-metal party wall, is duly recorded in the case file. That wall has not been fully built as of today, despite what was stated in prior notices. A copy is also sent to the Secretaría Municipal so that the contents of this submission may be brought to the attention of the Concejo Municipal and the appropriate measures considered, in accordance with the request made under law and the owners’ failure to comply with the administrative order issued. The purpose is for the case to be referred to the competent authority, specifically the Ministerio Público (Fiscalía), so that the investigation required by law may be carried out. A copy is likewise sent to the Defensoría de los Habitantes, since that office previously intervened in 2025 under case file no. 470098-2025-RI concerning this same problem and other direct effects arising from the irregular operation of the scrap-dealing business and its owners generally.
It is necessary to bring the current situation to that institution’s attention, since its latest pronouncement stated that the party wall had been built, which led to the closure of the case file or matter relating to my complaint. However, as of today, and according to what you observed during your visit, it is clear that this condition has not been met, and the breach has continued for practically one year and six months after the notice issued in October 2024.” (See evidence submitted).
“TO: Fernando Chavarría Quirós, Municipal Mayor; Municipalidad de Goicoechea; Gloriana Diorella Carmona Seravalli, President of the Municipal Council; Carlos Luis Murillo Rodríguez, Vice President of the Municipal Council; Contraloría de Servicios (Service Comptroller’s Office); Internal Audit; Municipal Secretariat; Women’s Office; Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres (INAMU; National Institute for Women); Defensoría de los Habitantes (Ombudsman’s Office); Procuraduría de la Ética Pública (Office of the Public Ethics Prosecutor); Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos (CFIA; Federated College of Engineers and Architects); Special Commission appointed by the Municipal Council to address the complaints submitted.
SUBJECT: Formal complaint concerning alleged improper conduct, possible harassment, abuse of power, and potential administrative irregularities by Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, Head of the Engineering Department of the Municipalidad de Goicoechea, and related actions by Mr. Nombre05.
I, Nombre03, hereby file a formal complaint concerning events that occurred during meetings and dealings with Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, Head of the Engineering Department of the Municipalidad de Goicoechea, in connection with administrative and urban-planning complaints that I have been submitting since 2024. These complaints concern works that I consider allegedly irregular, and for which I have sought administrative and legal responses for approximately two years.
2 I wish to place on record that, on the day in question, I appeared in person at the premises of the Municipalidad de Goicoechea, specifically at the Engineering Department, to request a copy of the file concerning the complaints I had formally submitted to that institution. I was initially assisted by the Engineering Department secretary responsible for public service and customer service, to whom I expressly stated that I needed a copy of the administrative file relating to the complaints I had submitted. However, I was told at that time that no file existed in connection with those complaints. That is, no file number had been formally assigned, nor had any clearly established or processed administrative proceeding been initiated in respect of the complaints I had been raising for approximately two years. This situation caused me deep concern and uncertainty, given the seriousness of the events complained of, the number of filings I had previously made, and the time that had elapsed without clear, formal administrative processing or proper identification of a file.
Precisely because of that situation and the lack of specific responses, I asked to speak directly with the Head of the Engineering Department, Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, to obtain clear information about the status of the complaints, the absence of an administrative file, and the actions taken by the Municipalidad concerning the events complained of.
I wish to place on record that the meeting held in the office of Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, at the Engineering Department of the Municipalidad de Goicoechea, took place on 17 April 2026. During that meeting, it was also agreed that a visit and inspection of the neighboring property complained of would take place on 21 April 2026 at 10:30 a.m., ostensibly to verify the works and construction and compliance with the provisions relating to the complaint submitted. However, later that same day, Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez unilaterally changed the agreed time for the inspection and moved the visit to 1:30 p.m.
3 The meeting held in Mr. Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez’s office was strictly institutional and administrative in nature. I requested it to obtain information and attention concerning the complaints submitted and the institution’s failure to resolve them. However, during the meeting, multiple situations and behaviors occurred that I consider improper and unrelated to the institutional nature of the meeting. They made me feel uncomfortable, intimidated, psychologically pressured, anxious, and vulnerable in the presence of a person holding a position of authority within the Municipalidad.
At the beginning of the conversation, Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez said that he “was going to help me,” an expression I consider improper in the context of the meeting, since I was not seeking personal help or a favor, but an administrative and legal response in accordance with the institution’s obligations. Also, from the outset of our conversations, Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez himself acknowledged that he had never personally visited the location relating to the complaint and had never directly inspected the site where he approved the alleged construction of a party wall by the neighboring owners complained of. In other words, the official acknowledged that he had treated alleged works and requirements as completed—including the party wall, elimination of foul odors from sewage, and construction erected only a few centimeters from my property—without first conducting a personal, objective, and direct inspection of the site.
Later, the official stated verbatim that he “HAD IMAGINED ME DIFFERENTLY,” because of the number of my emails he had answered and the number of responses he had had to provide, later adding, “I’M GLAD I WAS WRONG.” That statement made me uncomfortable and confused, because I did not understand exactly what he meant or what his prior perception of me had been. I consider that the comment went beyond the strictly professional sphere.
I also wish to add that, during much of the conversation in Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez’s office, I constantly perceived him looking me up and down and, at times, keeping his gaze on my breasts while I spoke and described the circumstances relating to my administrative complaints.
4 That situation made me feel even more uncomfortable and nervous, and more vulnerable, because I perceived that at various moments his attention was not focused solely on the institutional matter I was raising. Later, the official asked me to come over to his desk to show me some photographs relating to the site complained of. While I pointed out certain details in the images on my own mobile phone, Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez touched my hand and said, “WHAT PRETTY NAILS.” I simply replied, “THANK YOU,” and told him I worked on them. I consider it important to point out that this comment had no connection whatsoever to the institutional purpose of the meeting.
Later in the conversation, I told him I had lived abroad and that, because my complaints were not being properly resolved by various institutions, I had been forced to return to Costa Rica to follow up on the filings in person and begin formally submitting complaints in October 2024. The official then specifically asked me, “WHICH COUNTRY HAD YOU LIVED IN?” I replied that it was the United States, after which he said to me, “DID YOU BECOME A GRINGA?” I replied, “ALMOST,” mainly because I was nervous and confused about why he was asking personal questions, as I did not understand why he insisted on discussing subjects unrelated to the institutional purpose of the meeting. He then continued to insist that I “LOOKED LIKE A GRINGA,” to which I replied, “MAYBE WHEN I WAS BLONDE, BUT NOT NOW,” solely to try to keep the conversation cordial and avoid making the situation more uncomfortable, since I was in fact nervous about the way he kept directing the conversation toward personal matters concerning me. I immediately tried to return to the institutional matter at hand: the complaint submitted and the administrative irregularities I was raising.
Later, after I returned to sit in the chair in front of his desk, he continued the conversation and asked if he could come over and discuss the matter further beside me, since another chair was available. When he sat beside me, I perceived the situation as intimidating, intrusive, and unnecessary in the institutional context. Because I felt uncomfortable, I naturally kept my physical distance.
5 Later, noticing that I had moved away, he returned to his desk and continued the conversation from there. When I moved my bag off the chair to let him sit down, I apologized and said that I had not in fact planned to come to the Municipalidad that day or to have the meeting at that time. The official replied that I should not worry and said that “IT LOOKED MORE LIKE I WAS GOING MODELING.” Although that comment might be interpreted as a joke or a compliment, I consider that there had already been a repeated pattern of comments about my physical appearance and personal matters wholly unrelated to the institutional and administrative nature of the meeting, which made that comment even more uncomfortable for me.
Just as I was about to leave the office, he told me that on the day of the visit to verify the work he himself had approved, “IF I COULD INVITE HIM FOR A COFFEE AFTERWARD.” I consider it important to state that the visit concerned work that I believe he had allegedly approved without adequate technical verification. When he told me, “IF I WOULD INVITE HIM FOR A COFFEE AFTER THE VISIT,” I felt extremely uncomfortable and nervous because I did not know how to respond appropriately to a person directly involved in administrative complaints I had been trying to resolve through the institution for approximately two years. Trying to avoid an uncomfortable or confrontational situation, “I REPLIED THAT AT 10:30 IN THE MORNING IT SEEMED STRANGE TO HAVE COFFEE AFTER THE MEETING.” However, he replied, “IF I DIDN’T AGREE, THEN THERE WAS NO PROBLEM, AND THE VISIT COULD EVEN BE LEFT AS IT WAS OR NOT TAKE PLACE.” That statement made me feel pressured and intimidated concerning an institutional action that I needed to be carried out formally as part of my complaints.
Fearing that the visit would not take place and that my case would continue to receive no institutional attention, I felt compelled to respond diplomatically and said I could perhaps offer him at least a soft drink. I wish to place on record that my response did not stem from a free or spontaneous intention on my part, but from the fear, nervousness, and intimidation I was experiencing in response to the official’s conduct.
6 Finally, when saying goodbye, I extended my hand formally to take leave of him in a professional manner. However, the official took my hand and pulled my body toward him to kiss me goodbye. He then did so a second time. After that, he again made very subtle physical contact with my hands. This made me deeply uncomfortable, and I perceived it as unnecessary and improper contact in the institutional context of the meeting.
That same day, I called a family friend and personal spiritual adviser, and told him in detail what had happened in Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez’s office. I told him that I had felt extremely uncomfortable, intimidated, confused, and concerned by the official’s behavior; his insistence on personal subjects unrelated to the institutional purpose of the meeting; his repeated attempts at physical closeness; the coffee invitation directly linked to an official inspection; and the attitude I perceived as improper from a position of power. I also expressly asked him to please accompany me on 21 April 2026 to the visit Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez was to make to my property and the neighboring property complained of. I also told him I was concerned about being alone with the official on my property because of the behavior I had perceived during the meeting in Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez’s office. I expressly clarify that I never communicated these concerns directly to Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez.
Later, on the day of the visit, the official changed the originally stated time and postponed the inspection until 1:30 p.m. When he arrived at my home, he made an evident gesture of surprise upon seeing Mr. Nombre01 on my property. I also state that Mr. Nombre01 was present throughout the conversation in my home and remained on the property while Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez spoke with me about the complaints, the irregularities identified, and the administrative actions relating to the case. The official then said to me, “CAN YOU SHOW ME YOUR HOUSE SO I CAN SEE THE NEIGHBOR’S WALL?” 7 In response to that request, and in light of everything that had happened before, I firmly replied, “MR. MARIO, YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS INSIDE MY HOUSE OR IN MY HOUSE. THE INSPECTION SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT AT THE NEIGHBORS’ PROPERTY, SO YOU CAN VERIFY THE WORK YOU APPROVED AND THAT I CONSIDER IRREGULAR.” I also reiterated that the owners complained of had not in fact complied, despite his having told the mayor and the Municipal Council that they had.
During the conversation, Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez tried to advise me that I should reach an agreement with the neighbor and drop all those complaints because, in his words, “THEY WOULDN’T LEAD TO ANYTHING.” I told him I disagreed, since there was actual harm to my property and I also considered that irregular administrative actions had occurred in connection with the case. I also told him that, in light of the evident noncompliance, the case should have been referred to the appropriate authorities, and asked why that institutional step had not been taken. I again raised my concern about why no administrative file existed for my complaint dating from October 2024.
At this, Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez became visibly angry and began speaking to me in a raised voice, telling me I had no reason to ask that and that, in the end, he did not know why his staff had failed to create any file or administrative proceeding. Because he began addressing me in an aggressive and intimidating tone inside my own property, I respectfully asked him to please stop speaking to me that way. He replied, “YES, I KNOW, I’M IN YOUR HOUSE… THEN LET’S GO OUTSIDE.” That statement frightened and intimidated me because of the tone and context in which it was made. I replied that there was no need to go outside and simply asked him again to change the tone in which he was speaking to me. However, he continued speaking to me in a raised voice.
8 As a result, I finally asked him to please leave my property and proceed with the visit and inspection he was institutionally responsible for carrying out. Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez left visibly angry and upset. He then knocked on the gate of the neighboring property complained of. When the neighboring owner came out, Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez told him, “THIS LADY SAYS YOU’RE AFFECTING HER WITH A WALL YOU BUILT.” The neighbor then allowed only the official to enter the property, without allowing me to enter or participate in the inspection. From outside, I could only see Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez speaking with the owner complained of; I could not hear what they said or verify whether he had in fact conducted an adequate technical inspection of the alleged irregularities. I also state that Mr. Nombre01 followed us as we went toward the neighboring property complained of and remained near the gate of my home, from where he directly heard what Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez said to the owner complained of. Upon leaving the neighboring property, Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez merely told the owner, “I’LL COME BACK IN TEN DAYS TO SEE IF YOU’VE COMPLETED THE WALL CONSTRUCTION,” without any visible formal notice or clear administrative proceeding.
9 I wish to make clear that the note I submitted on 23 April 2026 had two distinct main purposes. First, to place on record and complain about the conduct I considered improper, intimidating, and intrusive by Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez during the meeting in his office on 17 April 2026 and later during the visit on 21 April 2026. Second, to formally complain about the professional, administrative, and official conduct of Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez and the officials involved concerning possible omissions, breaches of duty, absence of administrative due process, lack of effective oversight, and potential irregularities relating to the complaints I have submitted since October 2024.
This is because approximately two years ago I formally submitted complaints concerning serious harm caused by the neighboring property complained of. This included construction erected only a few centimeters from my property; environmental pollution resulting from sewage being discharged both into the river and directly onto the ground; persistent foul odors; environmental pollution associated with scrap material accumulated at the site; and the absence of an adequate party wall in accordance with the applicable regulations.
As a result of those complaints, the Engineering Department issued a formal order to the owners complained of, directing them to build the party wall, eliminate foul odors from sewage, and correct the construction irregularities reported in October 2024. However, despite the time elapsed since October 2024, there have been no further effective formal notices; no clear, duly processed administrative proceedings; no complete technical inspection reports; no formally constituted administrative file; and no decisive institutional actions demonstrating proper administrative and legal follow-up concerning the continued noncompliance with the orders issued.
Also, although it was stated on multiple occasions that inspector Nombre05 had visited the property complained of several times and confirmed the alleged compliance with the orders issued, that is not the case, since the reported irregularities still exist today. Similarly, Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez told both the mayor and the Municipal Council that the owner complained of had complied with the construction of the party wall, which has not in fact been completed. Rather, what currently exists consists only of insufficient and incomplete sheet-metal structures, far from what may technically be considered an adequate party wall under the applicable construction regulations. Environmental impacts associated with sewage discharge, foul odors, soil pollution, harm to the river, and accumulation of scrap material on the property complained of also continue to exist.
I further consider that, from the time the municipal authorities inspected the site and confirmed the reported irregularities, particularly those relating to environmental pollution and sewage, the case should have been referred immediately to the competent authorities for the corresponding investigation. Likewise, given the evident and continuing failure to comply with the administrative order concerning construction of the party wall, the case should also have been referred to the appropriate body for possible noncompliance with formally notified administrative orders. However, rather than taking firm, objective, and legally appropriate action, I consider that the actions of Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez and the officials involved have been characterized by a permissive and neglectful attitude, allowing the reported irregularities to continue to this day.
I also consider that Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez ultimately endorsed allegedly irregular work without first conducting an adequate, objective, in-person technical inspection of the site, relying solely on photographs supplied by third parties and treating as fulfilled conditions that, in my view, were never fully remedied.
Additionally, I wish to place on record another situation that I consider evidence of serious institutional deficiencies, a lack of administrative objectivity, and potential omissions in the handling of the complaints I submitted. On 29 April 2026, Ms. Melissa Valdivia Zúñiga, Full Member of the Municipal Council of Goicoechea, sent official letter FRA-CC-046-2026 to Mr. Licentiate Fernando Chavarría Quirós, Municipal Mayor. In it she expressly referred to my dissatisfaction with the inspection conducted by Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez and the resolution given in my case, and also stated that the owner complained of was noncompliant. The council member formally requested specific information relating to the case, including the inspection report, the results of the inspection, the internal procedure followed in response to a complaint, how inspections are handled, and the number of existing files relating to the matter.
Subsequently, Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez issued a response by official letter MG-AG-DI-01285-2026, addressed to the Municipal Mayor, which was also formally received at the Mayor’s Office. However, I consider that this response again demonstrates deficient, evasive, and nonobjective administrative conduct, because the official did not clearly, specifically, or technically answer the particular questions put to him by council member Melissa Valdivia Zúñiga. Instead, Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez gave a generic, imprecise response unrelated to the actual questions, making vague statements about various matters complained of without properly answering the questions concerning inspections conducted, the administrative procedure followed, the existence of files, the actions taken by the Engineering Department, or the alleged compliance with the orders issued.
I also consider it especially serious that, despite the evident inadequacy, irrelevance, and lack of responsiveness of Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez’s response, the Municipal Mayor received it without immediately raising any objection, seeking correction, or making a formal request to point out that the response did not actually address the specific questions from council member Melissa Valdivia Zúñiga or adequately fulfill what had been requested. In my personal view, this situation again demonstrates a troubling lack of effective oversight and internal administrative control over the conduct of municipal officials, particularly when responses are evasive, generic, imprecise, or lack sufficient technical and administrative content.
Unfortunately, situations like this are not isolated in the institutional handling of my complaints, since the Municipal Mayor himself has issued this same kind of evasive, ambiguous, insufficient, and nonresolving response directly to multiple complaints and filings I had previously submitted. For this reason, I consider there to be a repeated institutional pattern of deficient administrative conduct, lack of effective oversight, permissiveness, and tolerance of incomplete responses or responses lacking real administrative substance, allowing situations reported approximately two years ago to continue for no valid reason without a clear, objective, diligent, and legally compliant resolution.
I also consider that this type of conduct reflects potential omissions, institutional tolerance, and possible mechanisms of mutual protection among public officials, allowing deficient, evasive, or substantively empty administrative responses to continue without effective corrective measures being taken with respect to the conduct of the officials involved. This is particularly serious given that institutional authorities have a legal duty to ensure transparency, legality, objectivity, proper oversight, administrative due process, and effective protection in relation to complaints filed by members of the public, particularly when allegations concern possible administrative irregularities, breaches of official duties, and potential direct harm to citizens’ rights.
After the visit on 21 April 2026, specifically on 23 April 2026, I formally sent a note addressed to Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, the Municipal Secretariat, and the Municipal Council of the Municipalidad de Goicoechea, with copies to other institutional bodies. In it, I made multiple requests concerning both the meeting in his office on 17 April 2026 and the subsequent visit and inspection. However, to this day, Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez has not given a complete, clear, or formal response to the requests in that note. The only thing he later did was send me copies of certain earlier documents and statements issued by both the Municipalidad and me, attaching them as if they constituted a formal administrative file. In my personal view, however, there is no genuine administrative proceeding that is legally and institutionally sound enough for those documents to be considered a properly processed formal file, since there are no complete inspection reports, clearly opened administrative proceedings, effective subsequent notices, visible construction permits, approved plans, or comprehensive technical reports demonstrating administrative due process in relation to the complaint submitted in October 2024.
13 For precisely that reason, I formally asked Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez to clarify and respond to those matters. However, to this day, I have not received a formal, clear, and complete response to my requests. Therefore, the alleged “help” Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez said he would offer from the moment I entered his office has not materialized in actual administrative action or effective solutions to the complaints raised. On the contrary, I consider that several of the behaviors and comments went beyond the strictly institutional and professional sphere.
Meanwhile, the reported impacts continue to cause direct negative effects on my property and my family, and to this day there is no clear and objective administrative resolution concerning events reported approximately two years ago. I wish to state that at various points during these events I reacted by smiling, responding diplomatically, or trying to appear normal. This should not be interpreted as consent, acceptance, or comfort with the conduct described, but as a reaction of nervousness, tension, and fear in the presence of a person holding an institutional position of authority.
I also state that a substantial part of the conversations and events described were recorded or communicated to third parties immediately after they occurred. I therefore formally request an investigation into the events described, the conduct of the official involved, and any possible improper conduct, abuse of power, breach of the duty of probity, harassment, or improper use of a position of authority in public service. I also request that this complaint be handled with the appropriate seriousness, objectivity, and confidentiality, that I be protected as a complainant, and that any direct or indirect retaliation concerning the administrative proceedings and complaints I currently have pending before this Municipalidad be prevented.
EVIDENCE 1. Copy of emails sent to the Municipalidad de Goicoechea. 2. Copy of notes and written submissions filed on 23 April 2026. 3. Recordings and communications made afterward to third parties concerning the events complained of. 4. Possible testimony of Mr. Nombre01. 5. Copy of documentation relating to prior complaints submitted since October 2024. 6. Photographs and other documentation relating to the site complained of. 7. Any other documentary, testimonial, or technical evidence that may be relevant during the investigation.
SPECIFIC REQUESTS BY RECIPIENT TO INTERNAL AUDIT 1. That an administrative investigation be opened into the actions and omissions complained of. 2. That it be determined whether there was a breach of duties, lack of probity, administrative negligence, or abuse of power. 3. That it be determined whether administrative due process was breached. 4. That corrective and disciplinary recommendations be issued. 5. That the absence or irregular constitution of the administrative file be verified.
TO THE MAYOR’S OFFICE 1. That the Head of the Engineering Department be ordered to promptly and properly process the complaints in accordance with the law. 2. That compliance with the administrative orders issued since October 2024 be ensured. 3. That immediate measures be taken to provide effective oversight and an actual technical inspection. 4. That unjustified extensions of deadlines without an effective resolution be stopped. 5. That protection against retaliation as a complainant be ensured.
15 TO THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL 1. That institutional follow-up be given to the irregularities complained of. 2. That formal reports be requested from the Engineering Department. 3. That the administrative conduct of the officials involved be overseen. 4. That the Special Commission be kept informed of the progress of the case.
TO THE CONTRALORÍA DE SERVICIOS 1. That my dissatisfaction with the treatment I received and the lack of effective attention be formally recorded. 2. That the harm to my right to receive adequate administrative attention be investigated. 3. That follow-up be given to the lack of a formal and timely response.
TO THE WOMEN’S OFFICE AND INAMU 1. That the possible elements of harassment, intimidation, and abuse of power from a position of authority be assessed. 2. That institutional support and guidance concerning the events complained of be provided. 3. That preventive institutional recommendations be issued concerning violence against women and appropriate conduct in public service.
TO THE DEFENSORÍA DE LOS HABITANTES 1. That the possible violation of my rights as a member of the public and complainant be investigated. 2. That the failure to take effective administrative action be investigated. 3. That the Municipalidad’s handling of the complaints submitted be overseen. 4. That the corresponding institutional recommendations be issued.
16 TO THE PROCURADURÍA DE LA ÉTICA PÚBLICA 1. That it be assessed whether the conduct complained of could constitute a breach of the duty of probity or public ethics. 2. That the possible improper use of a position of authority be investigated. 3. That it be determined whether actions incompatible with the principles of impartiality, objectivity, and administrative probity occurred.
TO CFIA 1. That the professional and ethical conduct of Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez be assessed. 2. That it be determined whether technical and professional duties were breached. 3. That the possible approval or validation of works without adequate technical verification be investigated. 4. That the official’s potential professional liability be assessed.
TO THE MUNICIPAL SECRETARIAT 1. That this complaint be formally entered in the relevant institutional records. 2. That it be formally referred to the competent bodies. 3. That I be notified of the corresponding file number and processing.
REQUESTS On the basis of the facts set out above, I respectfully request:
1. That this complaint be formally received and the corresponding administrative investigation be opened against Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, Head of the Engineering Department of the Municipalidad de Goicoechea, concerning the conduct described in this submission.
2. That the alleged harassment, abuse of power, improper use of a position of authority, psychological intimidation, improper approaches, intrusive behavior, inappropriate personal comments, repeated attempts at physical closeness, unsolicited physical contact, and any other conduct incompatible with the duty of probity, ethics, and behavior expected of a public official in the performance of his duties be investigated.
3. That it be assessed whether the actions, statements, and conduct of Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez during the meeting on 17 April 2026 and the visit on 21 April 2026 constituted conduct contrary to institutional rules, public ethics principles, official duties, and rules concerning abuse of authority and improper conduct in public service.
4. That the professional, administrative, and official conduct of Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez and the officials involved be investigated concerning possible breaches of duties, functional omissions, breach of the duty of probity, administrative negligence, lack of effective oversight, failure to conduct technical checks, failure to take required action, breach of administrative due process, and any other irregularity relating to the complaints I have submitted since October 2024.
5. That it be investigated why, despite approximately two years having passed since I formally submitted my complaints, there is no clear administrative file that has been formally constituted and duly processed in accordance with the law.
6. That it be investigated why there are no complete technical inspection reports, properly opened administrative proceedings, effective subsequent notices, comprehensive technical reports, or decisive administrative actions concerning the continuing noncompliance with the orders issued since October 2024.
7. That it be investigated why Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez told the mayor and the Municipal Council that the owners complained of had complied with the construction of the party wall, when that is not the case.
8. That the conduct of Mr. Nombre05, inspector in the Engineering Department of the Municipalidad de Goicoechea, also be investigated.
9. That it be investigated whether Mr. Nombre05 committed functional omissions, failed to provide effective oversight, engaged in administrative negligence, breached his duties, or acted without technical objectivity.
10. That the specific fact that Mr. Nombre05 allegedly confirmed to Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez that the owners complained of had supposedly complied with the Engineering Department’s order, purportedly on the basis of photographs supplied concerning the property complained of, be investigated.
11. That it be assessed whether those photographs actually showed compliance with the orders issued or, instead, showed that the reported noncompliance continued.
12. That it be determined whether there was improper technical validation, a lack of objective in-person verification, or an absence of an actual technical inspection of the conditions reported at the neighboring property.
13. That it be investigated whether the actions of both Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez and Mr. Nombre05 allowed, tolerated, or facilitated the continuation of administrative noncompliance, construction irregularities, and impacts I have reported since October 2024.
14. That it be determined whether there was a failure to report, failure to take required action, or breach of official duties concerning the environmental impacts reported.
15. That it be investigated why, despite the alleged confirmation of the reported irregularities and noncompliance with the orders issued, the case was not referred in a timely manner to the competent authorities.
16. That it be investigated whether there was permissiveness, undue tolerance, deliberate omission, failure to act diligently, or improper endorsement of allegedly irregular works and reported noncompliance.
17. That it be investigated whether Mr. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez endorsed or treated works as completed without first conducting an adequate, objective, in-person technical inspection of the site complained of.
18. That it be determined whether there were irregularities concerning the absence of construction permits, approved plans, professional technical support, or legal requirements necessary for the works complained of.
19. That I be formally informed of the specific administrative actions taken since October 2024 concerning my complaints and of the officials who directly participated in those actions.
20.
That my protection as a complainant be guaranteed and any form of retaliation, intimidation, obstruction, differentiated treatment, or indirect adverse effect in relation to the complaints and proceedings currently pending before the Municipalidad de Goicoechea be avoided. 21. That the corresponding administrative, disciplinary, and legal measures be adopted if irregularities, omissions, breaches of official duties, abuse of power, improper conduct, or actions contrary to law and the duties inherent in public service are established. 22. That I be given a formal, clear, objective, and duly reasoned response regarding this complaint and each of the matters set out in this document. 23. That, if irregularities are established, the corresponding disciplinary administrative proceedings be formally opened and conducted against the officials involved. 24. That those administrative proceedings be conducted in accordance with due process, guaranteeing an objective, impartial, and complete investigation. 25.
That the corresponding records, reports, evidence, and actions also be referred to the competent legal, judicial, administrative, environmental, and disciplinary bodies. 26. That, once this complaint has been formally received, the corresponding official letter number, complaint number, case file number, or administrative identification be recorded, assigned, and notified to me. 27. That I also be formally informed of the body, department, or official responsible for processing, following up on, and investigating this complaint. 28. That the Municipalidad de Goicoechea require and ensure that the Head of the Engineering Department and the competent officials proceed correctly in administrative and legal terms with respect to the complaints filed, adopting the administrative, technical, and legal actions required by law, without continuing to extend deadlines without justification or leaving unresolved the irregularities reported since October 2024.” This request was reiterated on 26 May 2026. (See filing document and evidence submitted.)
“Subject: Response to document submitted by email on 26 May 2026 In accordance with the formal objection and request for technical and legal clarification regarding official letter MG-AG-DI-01054-2026, addressed to Mr. Nombre06, residence identity card CED01, who resides at the property shown on cadastral plan PRN01, registered in the Property Registry in the name of Nombre04, residence identity card No. CED03, QdDG.
Official letter MG-AG-DI-01054-2026 was issued to Mr. Nombre06 in his capacity as a resident and son of the deceased owner of the aforementioned property, because, based on a visit on 21 April 2026, it was determined that not the entire length of the boundary with Sociedad 3101879021 S.A. had a side enclosure; at least 10 linear meters were unenclosed.
Official letter MG-AG-DI-01054-2026 is a preventive and corrective administrative action issued in the exercise of the urban-control and construction-inspection powers conferred on the Municipality by the Ley de Construcciones, the Reglamento de Construcciones and the Código Municipal. The purpose of that act was to order minimum mitigation measures concerning enclosures and boundary conditions observed during the on-site inspection, without constituting a final determination of all the complaints you raised.
Likewise, the letter constitutes a preliminary administrative action within the ordinary exercise of municipal inspection and does not replace any subsequent administrative proceedings that may arise from additional technical verifications.
The visit conducted on 21 April 2026 was a preliminary field inspection of both properties, carried out in response to the requests made by your representative. It should be clarified that initial municipal inspections do not necessarily entail:
· topographic surveys; · structural studies; · specialized expert assessments; · or exhaustive procedures equivalent to a comprehensive technical audit.
The purpose of the inspection was to visually verify general conditions relating to:
· boundaries; enclosures; · visible impacts; · and apparent urban-planning conditions.
· Taking photographs.
Subsequently, based on what was observed on site and the existing administrative records, the corresponding letter was issued, in which the cadastral plan number was indicated, establishing the exact location of the site visited.
The Administration will verify in the administrative file the records relating to the delivery and communication of official letter MG-AG-DI-01054-2026; the letter was delivered on 27 April 2026. Nevertheless, it should be noted that, under the Ley General de la Administración Pública, the validity of an administrative act does not depend exclusively on formalities of delivery where the person concerned has actual knowledge of its content and scope.
Likewise, the possible existence of correctable issues relating to notification does not automatically invalidate the Administration’s urban-planning inspection and control powers.
The Municipality has legal authority to:
· inspect construction; · verify urban-planning compliance; · control works; · order corrective measures; · and prevent impacts between adjoining properties.
This authority derives principally from:
· the Ley de Construcciones; · the Reglamento de Construcciones; · the Código Municipal; · and applicable supplementary technical regulations.
With respect to enclosures and dividing elements, the Administration may order minimum corrective measures where conditions cause visible impacts between properties or neighborhood conflicts associated with safety, privacy, public health or urban coexistence.
In Costa Rica, exemption from a municipal permit for small, lightweight enclosures is generally based on the Reglamento para el Trámite de Revision de los Planos para la Construcción of the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos (CFIA), together with municipal regulations and technical criteria for minor works.
Page 4 of 15 The most commonly used reference concerns minor works exempt from endorsement and construction plans, particularly:
· lightweight boundary walls; · enclosures; · nonstructural divisions; · and minor maintenance or containment works.
CFIA Regulation — Exempt Works The CFIA technical regulation provides that certain minor works do not require:
· complete construction plans; CFIA endorsement; or professional technical direction, where they:
· are not major structural elements; do not compromise stability; · do not generate significant loads; · and have limited dimensions.
These commonly include lightweight enclosures; minor boundary walls; · mesh fencing; · and divisions made with lightweight sheets.
They must not be retaining walls; · support loads; · exceed critical heights; · or affect public roads or easements.
Reglamento de Construcciones The Reglamento de Construcciones distinguishes between:
· major structural works; · and minor enclosure or containment works.
A side enclosure consisting of:
· lightweight metal posts; · zinc sheets; · and serving solely as a divider or visual screen is normally not considered a complex structure equivalent to a structural concrete wall.
The specific assessment of:
· whether a construction permit is required; · CFIA endorsement; · plans; · a responsible professional; · or additional technical requirements will depend on:
· dimensions; · construction system; · structural characteristics; · location; · and the final scope of the work to be carried out.
The request made in official letter MG-AG-DI-01054-2026 to Mr. Nombre06 was based on what was professionally observed during the field visit to the site, where it was observed that the part of the enclosure built by Mr. Nombre02, corresponding to at least 50 of the boundary, was being made with wooden frames and used HG sheets, 2,00 meters high. This constitutes basic minor work that involves no structural, public-health or construction complexity, a matter that can be verified with the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y Arquitectos. (…) It is evident that not the entire boundary has an enclosure. (…) It is evident that the entire boundary with the property represented by Ms. Nombre03 has an enclosure, ensuring proper privacy.
Complaints relating to:
· sewage; odors; · waste; · pollution; · pests; · and unsanitary conditions fall primarily within the authority of the Ministerio de Salud, pursuant to the Ley General de Salud.
The principal articles of the Ley General de Salud establishing the Ministerio de Salud’s authority over sewage, odors, waste, pollution, pests and unsanitary conditions are as follows:
Article 1: provides that public health is a matter of public interest safeguarded by the State.
· Article 2: assigns the Ministerio de Salud authority to regulate, plan, coordinate and carry out activities relating to public health and sanitation.
· Article 275: prohibits the pollution of surface water or groundwater by discharging or storing waste, refuse or sewage.
· Article 276: provides that drainage or waste discharges that could pollute water may be carried out only with the Ministry’s permission.
· Article 278: provides that solid waste must be collected, treated and disposed of in a manner that prevents pollution of the air, soil or water.
· Article 279: prohibits dumping or accumulating solid waste at unauthorized sites or through systems not approved by the Ministry.
· Article 285: requires the sanitary disposal of excreta, sewage, wastewater and stormwater to prevent pollution, sources of infection and air pollution.
· Article 286: authorizes the Ministerio de Salud to order drainage and sanitation works to eliminate unsanitary or infectious conditions on private property.
· Article 292: prohibits discharging sewage or wastewater into storm drains.
· Article 293: requires everyone to prevent or control atmospheric and environmental pollution in places intended for housing, work or recreation.
Article 294: defines atmospheric pollution to include smoke, vapors, gases and other pollutants.
Based on those articles, it may be legally maintained that:
“Complaints relating to sewage, waste, odors, pollution, pests and unsanitary conditions fall primarily within the authority of the Ministerio de Salud, pursuant to Articles 1, 2, 275, 276, 278, 279, 285, 286, 292, 293 and concordant provisions of the Ley General de Salud.” Nevertheless, this Municipality coordinates with other institutions within its authority where there may be related urban-planning or construction implications. For that reason, Inspector Nombre05 accompanied Ministerio de Salud officials on several occasions to assess this reported case. However, the Municipality is unaware of the status of the sanitary orders issued in this case, as those matters fall exclusively within the legal authority of the Ministerio de Salud.
Disputes concerning the precise determination of boundary lines, possible encroachments or the exact definition of boundaries are private civil matters between individuals. Accordingly, as explained to you verbally during the on-site inspection, the interested party must hire a topographic professional duly registered with the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos to carry out the relevant topographic demarcation and technically determine whether there is any possible encroachment or impact on the property.
This is because the Municipality lacks legal authority to determine property rights, establish boundary lines judicially or resolve civil disputes between adjoining owners; those matters fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Tribunals of Justice. If a technical study determines that there has been a possible encroachment on private property, the affected party must bring the corresponding civil actions before the competent judicial authorities, pursuant to Article 45 of the Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica, which protects the right to private property.
Accordingly, municipal action is limited to the exercise of urban-planning and construction-control powers and does not constitute any determination of ownership, definitive property boundaries or civil boundary disputes. Consequently, the interested parties must provide:
· topographic surveys; · cadastral plans; · expert studies; · or judicial decisions that make it possible to determine technically any possible impacts on private property. The Municipality lacks authority to judicially determine property rights or resolve civil disputes between individuals.
The Administration will ensure access to the available administrative file, bearing in mind that, because this case involves multiple disciplines and multiple complaints, it has been handled by various municipal departments and competent public institutions.
Accordingly, it is reiterated that the documentation sent to and received by you pertains specifically to the records, actions and documents held by the Directorate of Engineering, Operations and Urban Planning, in accordance with the principles of publicity, transparency and access to public information set out in the Ley General de la Administración Pública and the repeated case law of the Sala Constitucional de la Corte Suprema de Justicia.
The documentation provided is the information available to this Directorate, subject to:
· the documentary records held by the Directorate of Engineering, Operations and Urban Planning; · the powers of this department; · protection of sensitive data and third-party data; · and applicable internal administrative procedures.
It should also be noted that some of the information mentioned in your request may be included in:
· files held by other municipal departments; · historical institutional archives; · interinstitutional actions; · or administrative proceedings conducted by other public authorities, for which reason this Directorate can certify and provide only documentation actually contained in its administrative records and within its functional authority.
Complaints relating to:
· apparent construction without permits, although, as already reported, according to the Google Earth satellite photograph the adjoining structures or sheds had already been built in 2010, and therefore it cannot be reliably established in what year the structure was built or who was responsible for its construction and supervision. Nevertheless, given their precarious condition, the Ministerio de Salud Pública was asked to determine whether Articles 319 to 321 of the Ley de Salud could be applied to declare them dilapidated and order the corresponding legal measures; that matter should be taken up with that Ministry. (…)
· drainage and wastewater disposal: sanitary verification relating to drainage systems, wastewater management, septic tanks and sewage disposal falls primarily within the authority of the Ministerio de Salud, pursuant to the Ley General de Salud. That institution is responsible for inspecting whether sanitation systems comply with the applicable sanitary regulations and do not cause:
· bad odors; · sources of pollution; · vector breeding sites; · risks to public health; · or direct discharges into bodies of water without proper sanitary treatment.
This is based, among other provisions, on Articles 275, 276, 285, 286 and concordant provisions of the Ley General de Salud concerning pollution.
Page 13 of 15 Stormwater drainage: regulation and control of stormwater management falls within municipal authority over urban infrastructure, drains and ditches, and construction control. The aim is to ensure that properties properly discharge rainwater onto public roads or into an authorized natural watercourse, avoiding impacts on third parties or damage to public infrastructure. The inspection revealed no evident noncompliance relating to improper discharge of stormwater onto neighboring properties or public systems.
As for your statement concerning rainwater leaking through the wall on the western boundary with Mr. Nombre06’s property, it should be noted that your wall is approximately more than 6,00 meters high and appears to be built of exposed concrete. Technically, concrete is a naturally porous material and, in the absence of an adequate waterproofing, sealing or water-repellent coating system, seepage, capillary absorption or moisture transfer can normally occur as a result of constant exposure to stormwater. Accordingly, until comprehensive waterproofing treatment is applied to that surface, stormwater seepage may continue.
For that reason, it is reiterated that the most technically advisable solution is for the parties involved to coordinate and negotiate the access required to carry out adequate waterproofing treatment over the entire affected wall, including:
· surface sealing; · waterproof coatings; · joint treatment; · and other technically recommended corrective measures.
Nevertheless, that coordination is a matter for agreement between adjoining owners and falls outside the Municipality’s mandatory mediation authority, as it concerns relations and permissions between private third parties.
· possible urban-planning violations: the violation found by the Directorate of Engineering and Urban Planning was the one already described, namely that the side enclosure was unfinished. However, the enclosure is now complete.
It is not appropriate to suspend preventively all administrative action or corrective measures while the various complaints are being processed, particularly where the Administration is acting in the exercise of its urban-control powers and to prevent neighborhood conflicts. Nevertheless, any future action must be carried out in accordance with:
· the principle of legality; · proportionality; · reasonableness; due process; · and applicable technical regulations.
This Directorate reiterates that the actions taken by the Directorate of Engineering and Urban Planning reflect the exercise of ordinary municipal powers to inspect urban-planning compliance and address citizens’ complaints. It will also continue to assess the information provided technically and coordinate, where appropriate, with the competent institutions according to the matters reported and future requests.” (See evidence submitted).
III.The specific case. In the case under review, the applicant states that, in September 2024, she reported to the Municipalidad de Goicoechea that the property adjoining hers was being used for scrap-metal activities, to the detriment of her fundamental rights. She recounts that the respondent Municipality issued notice slip no. 13247-A, addressed to the owners of the adjoining property. She complains of a lack of follow-up and inspection concerning that notice slip. She further states that she has submitted several requests for information and access to the file that have not been answered or have been answered only in part.
Regarding follow-up and inspection of the preventive order issued in notice slip no. 13247 of 9 October 2024, the Chamber observes that the matter was addressed in judgment no. 2026004278, at 9:20 a.m. on 6 February 2026:
“With regard to impacts associated with the infrastructure and condition of the adjoining property (dampness, leaks, foul-smelling water and alleged irregular construction), it is established that the Municipality, through the Directorate of Engineering and Operations, issued notice N.° 13247 A (09 October 2024), ordering the owners to remove an attached structure, build their own dividing wall and address water problems, on pain of closure coordinated with the Ministerio de Salud. It is also established that, on 10 October 2024, official letter MG-AG-DI-2864-2024 was sent to the Área Rectora de Salud requesting sanitary intervention and joint interinstitutional visits (October 2024 and January 2025). The record further notes that in January 2025 the applicant was given a copy of the available documentation and that the Municipality later reiterated its actions through letters such as MG-AG-DI-01175-2025 and MG-AG-DI-01216-2025, and informed the Defensoría de los Habitantes of its handling of the case and its referral to the Ministerio de Salud because several aspects of the complaints were sanitary in nature.
Finally, a subsequent municipal report states that the dividing wall was built, thereby complying with the order. In that context, the applicant’s claim is, in substance, directed at challenging the sufficiency of the solutions or their practical effectiveness; however, this Chamber has repeatedly held that amparo is not a forum for reviewing technical merits or a means of substituting the Administration in determining the specific manner of exercising its ordinary powers, unless a manifest and prolonged omission or evident tolerance of a grave and imminent risk is established. That is not apparent, under the standard applicable in this jurisdiction, from the material submitted.” The applicant must abide by what was decided there.
IV.As to the requests for information, including those that the applicant alleges she submitted on 18 November 2024, 3 and 4 March 2025, and 6 January 2026, the Chamber determines that the criterion expressed in judgment no. 2025037646, at 9:20 a.m. on 14 November 2025, applies:
“In light of the foregoing, it is necessary to recall what this Court stated in judgment no. 2024022565, at 9:15 a.m. on 9 August 2024:
“III.—The specific case. In the case under review, the applicant states that she requested information from the respondent bank concerning a competition in which she had participated. She complains that she was denied access to that information.
Upon review of the record, the Chamber found it proven that, by email dated 1 March 2022, the protected party asked the respondent bank: ‘…in the coming days an investigation begins at the Bank “process body” and I require, as evidence in that investigation, the Enterprise Architecture examinations administered on the following dates: 21 September 2020 (Circular DGT-C-326-2020), for which one applied (sic) for the position of Head of Enterprise Architecture. And the examination administered on 18 June 2021 for the Business Architect position, Circular DGT-C-0378-2021. With nothing further for now, and hoping for your cooperation so that the process is resolved in the best possible way, I await the requested information.’ Then, by email dated 10 March 2022, the bank replied to the protected party: ‘…I inform you that, under the current regulation “Procedure for Administering Tests for Competition Processes and the Register of Applicants,” delivery of the tests is established (sic) as prohibited. Therefore, because they are confidential, if they are required for the investigation in progress, they must be requested by the Tribunal of the Body.’ In this regard, it should be noted that Article 35 of the Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional provides:
“Article 35. The amparo proceeding may be filed at any time while the violation, threat, disturbance or restriction continues, and up to two months after its direct effects on the injured party have fully ceased.
However, where purely property rights or other rights whose violation may validly be consented to are involved, the proceeding must be filed within two months of the date on which the injured party had reliable notice of the violation and was legally able to file the proceeding.” Thus, upon reviewing the record, the Chamber finds that, although the applicant alleges that she submitted the aforementioned request to the respondent authority and that it was denied, the fact remains that the request dates from 1 March 2022 and the applicant did not come before this constitutional jurisdiction until 21 June 2024, more than two years later. That period plainly exceeds the two-month limit established in Article 35 of the Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional. In this regard, the Court also notes that the applicant neither alleges nor establishes that she was unable to come before this constitutional jurisdiction earlier to raise claims concerning the alleged violation of the fundamental rights she asserts, which could have been validly consented to.
Accordingly, the proceeding is dismissed” (see, similarly, judgments nos. 2025003720, at 9:20 a.m. on 7 February 2025; 2025010293, at 9:20 a.m. on 4 April 2025; and 2025012907, at 9:15 a.m. on 2 May 2025).” The Chamber considers the quoted precedent fully applicable to the case under review, since there are no grounds to depart from that criterion or reasons to assess the situation presented differently.
V.As regards the communication of information among the respondent municipality, the Defensoría de los Habitantes and the municipality’s own internal offices, this Chamber is not responsible for ensuring effective communication among those entities.
VI.Regarding implementation of the Concejo’s resolution no. 1028-2026 of 18 May 2026, insofar as it concerns the alleged creation of a special commission, the Chamber notes that, when the proceeding was filed, an unreasonable period had not elapsed for its implementation. In any event, it is explained that no fundamental right is directly associated with the creation of a commission.
VII.Regarding the letters of 23 April 2026 and 20 May 2026 (reiterated on 26 May 2026), the Chamber verified that, in a letter dated 23 April 2026 and addressed to the Engineering Department of the respondent municipality, the applicant stated:
“By this letter, I am contacting you in your capacity as Head Civil Engineer of the Engineering Department of the Municipality of Goicoechea to follow up on the situation described. Before the visit took place, we spoke in your office on Friday, 17 April of this year. During that conversation, I expressed my dissatisfaction because the neighbors had not built the party wall, as required by the notice issued by that Department in October 2024. For that reason, you visited my property on Tuesday, 21 April of this year, and inspected the property where the scrap yard operates. A meeting was also held that day, attended by Mr. Nombre01, you, and me.
In that context, and given that, according to our conversation, the owners remain in breach of the administrative order issued in October 2024, I respectfully request a detailed report of what was discussed and observed during that visit and inspection. As discussed, the persons named in the complaint have not, to date, built the party wall as required. What they have described as compliance consists only of putting up metal sheets, which is clearly insufficient and does not meet the required technical or construction standards.
This situation has also directly affected my property, including moisture problems, excessive noise, and odors from sewage, negatively affecting my family’s health, safety, and well-being. Likewise, in exercising my rights, I state that, given the continued noncompliance with an administrative order formally notified by that Department in October 2024, this matter should have been referred to the competent authorities, specifically the Ministerio Público (Public Prosecutor’s Office), for assessment of the possible failure by the owners named in the complaint, in part 2, to comply with an order duly issued by this institution. I therefore request that you inform me whether the matter was referred and, if not, the reasons for that decision.
In light of the foregoing, I respectfully request:
1. That you send me a report of what was discussed both at the meeting in your office and during the visit to my property on Tuesday, 21 April of this year. 2. That you send me the report of the inspection of the property where the scrap yard operates. 3. That you detail the agreements reached with the owner of the scrap yard concerning the problems reported. 4. That you indicate whether the section built only with metal sheets was inspected. 5. That you inform me whether the bases or structure supporting that section could be seen. 6. That you determine and indicate the distance between those sheets and my party wall. 7. That you detail the measures again requested of the owner, as well as any directive or instruction issued by that Department. 8. That you inform me whether a formal written notice has already been issued to the owner in follow-up to the failure to comply with the order previously notified in October 2024. 9.
That you tell me the file number assigned to the complaint I submitted in October 2024. 10. That you provide me with a complete copy of the file relating to that complaint. I should point out that, during an earlier visit to the municipal offices, I was unable to obtain that copy because apparently the file could not be found or did not exist, which may have resulted from an administrative error that I would appreciate your verifying. 11. That you tell me the day and time when I may come to collect a complete copy of the file relating to this matter. 12. That you formally clarify whether construction permits must be processed through the Municipality for work such as building a party wall. 13. That you indicate whether that construction must have the technical support of a responsible professional, as well as approved plans or technical specifications. 14. That you clarify whether a structure made of metal sheets may technically be considered a party wall and, if so, under what legal and construction conditions it would be valid. 15. That you inform me whether there is any technical report issued by that Department or by a competent professional validating that structure as a party wall under the regulations in force.
A copy of this letter is being sent to the Service Comptroller so that the matters set out here, as well as my renewed complaint and disagreement with the alleged approval of a metal party wall—which has not been fully built to date, despite what was stated in earlier notices—may be duly recorded in the file. A copy is also being sent to the Municipal Secretariat so that the contents of this letter may be brought to the attention of the Municipal Council and the appropriate measures considered, in accordance with what was requested by law and in view of the owners’ failure to comply with the administrative order issued, in part 3. The purpose is for the matter to be referred to the competent authority, specifically the Ministerio Público (Public Prosecutor’s Office), so that the investigation required by law may be carried out.
A copy is likewise being sent to the Defensoría de los Habitantes (Ombudsman’s Office), given its prior involvement in 2025 under expediente No. 470098-2025-RI, concerning this same matter and other direct effects arising from the irregular operation of the scrap yard and its owners generally. It is necessary to inform that institution of the current situation, since its most recent determination stated that the party wall had been built, leading to the closure of the file or case concerning my complaint. However, to date, and according to what was observed during your visit, that condition has not been met, and noncompliance has continued for nearly a year and six months after the notice issued in October 2024.” Then, by a letter dated 20 May 2026, the applicant submitted the following to the municipal authorities:
“TO: Fernando Chavarría Quirós, Municipal Mayor Municipality of Goicoechea Gloriana Diorella Carmona Seravalli, President of the Municipal Council Carlos Luis Murillo Rodríguez, Vice President of the Municipal Council Service Comptroller Internal Audit Office Municipal Secretariat Women’s Office Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres (INAMU) Defensoría de los Habitantes Procuraduría de la Ética Pública Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos (CFIA) Special Commission appointed by the Municipal Council to address the complaints submitted.
SUBJECT: Formal complaint concerning alleged improper conduct, possible harassment, abuse of power, and potential administrative irregularities by Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, Head of the Engineering Department of the Municipality of Goicoechea, and related actions by Mr. Nombre05.
I, Nombre03, hereby submit a formal complaint concerning events that took place during meetings and dealings with Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, Head of the Engineering Department of the Municipality of Goicoechea, in connection with administrative and urban-planning complaints that I have been submitting since 2024. These relate to works that I consider potentially irregular and for which I have been seeking administrative and legal responses for approximately two years.
2 I wish to place on record that, on the day of the events, I went in person to the Municipality of Goicoechea, specifically to the Engineering Department, to request a copy of the file relating to the complaints I had formally submitted to that institution. I was initially assisted by the secretary responsible for public service and customer service in the Engineering Department, whom I expressly told that I needed a copy of the administrative file relating to the complaints I had submitted. However, I was then told that no file relating to those complaints existed. In other words, no formal file number had been assigned, nor had any clearly established or processed administrative procedure been opened concerning the complaints I had been raising for approximately two years.
This situation caused me profound concern and uncertainty, given the seriousness of the reported events, the number of steps I had previously taken, and the time that had passed without clear, formal, and properly identified administrative processing. Because of that situation and the lack of concrete answers, I asked to speak directly with the Head of the Engineering Department, Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, to obtain clear information about the status of the complaints, the absence of an administrative file, and the actions taken by the Municipality regarding the reported events.
I wish to place on record that the meeting in the office of Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, in the Engineering Department of the Municipality of Goicoechea, took place on 17 April 2026. At that meeting, it was also agreed that a visit and inspection of the adjoining property named in the complaint would take place on 21 April 2026 at 10:30 a.m., supposedly to verify the works, construction, and compliance with the measures related to the complaint. However, later that same day, Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez unilaterally changed the agreed inspection time and moved the visit to 1:30 p.m.
3 The meeting in Mr. Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez’s office was strictly institutional and administrative in nature. I requested it to obtain information and assistance concerning the complaints I had submitted and the institution’s failure to resolve them. However, several situations and actions occurred during the meeting that I consider improper and unrelated to its institutional purpose. They made me feel uncomfortable, intimidated, psychologically pressured, anxious, and vulnerable in the presence of someone holding a position of authority within the Municipality.
At the start of the conversation, Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez said that he “was going to help me.” I consider that statement improper in the context of the meeting because I was not seeking personal help or a favor, but an administrative and legal response in keeping with the institution’s obligations. From the beginning of our conversations, Mr. Rojas Sánchez also acknowledged that he had never personally visited the site related to the complaint and had never directly inspected the location where he had approved the alleged work involving construction of a party wall by the adjoining neighbors named in the complaint. In other words, the official acknowledged that he had deemed works and requirements concerning the party wall, the elimination of bad odors from sewage, and construction built just centimeters from my property to have been completed, without first conducting a personal, objective, and direct inspection of the site.
The official later said verbatim that he “HAD IMAGINED ME DIFFERENTLY,” because of the number of my emails he had answered and the number of responses he had had to provide. He later added, “I’M GLAD I WAS WRONG.” This made me uncomfortable and confused because I did not understand exactly what he meant or what his prior perception of me had been. I consider that the comment went beyond the strictly professional sphere. I also wish to add that, for much of the conversation in Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez’s office, I constantly perceived him looking me up and down and, at times, holding his gaze on my breasts while I spoke and described the matters related to my administrative complaints.
4 This made me even more uncomfortable and nervous and increased my sense of vulnerability, because at various points I perceived that his attention was not focused solely on the institutional matter I was raising. Later, the official asked me to come over to his desk to show me some photographs of the site named in the complaint. While I pointed out certain details in the images on my own cell phone, Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez touched my hand and said, “WHAT PRETTY NAILS.” I simply replied, “THANK YOU,” and told him that I worked on them. I consider it important to point out that this comment had no connection to the institutional purpose of the meeting.
Later in the conversation, I told him that I had lived outside the country and that, because my complaints were not being properly resolved by various institutions, I had been forced to return to Costa Rica to follow up on them in person and to begin formally filing complaints in October 2024. The official then specifically asked me, “WHICH COUNTRY HAD YOU LIVED IN?” I replied that it was the United States, after which he said, “DID YOU BECOME A GRINGA?” I answered, “ALMOST,” mainly because I was nervous and confused about why he was asking me personal questions; I did not understand why he insisted on discussing matters unrelated to the institutional purpose of the meeting. He then continued insisting that I “LOOKED LIKE A GRINGA,” so I replied, “MAYBE WHEN I WAS BLONDE, BUT NOT NOW,” solely to try to keep the conversation cordial and avoid making the situation more uncomfortable. I was in fact nervous about the way he kept directing the conversation toward personal matters concerning me. I immediately tried to return to the institutional matter at hand: the complaint and the administrative irregularities I was describing.
Later, after I returned to the chair in front of his desk, he continued talking and asked whether he could come over so we could discuss the matter further beside me, since another chair was available. When he sat beside me, I perceived the situation as intimidating, intrusive, and unnecessary in the institutional context. Because I felt uncomfortable, I naturally kept some physical distance.
5 Later, noticing that I had moved away, he returned to his desk and continued the conversation from there. When I moved my bag off the chair to let him sit down, I apologized and told him I had not actually planned to go to the Municipality that day or to have that meeting at that time. He replied that I should not worry and said that “I LOOKED MORE LIKE A MODEL.” Although that comment could perhaps be interpreted as a joke or a compliment, I consider that there had already been a repeated pattern of comments about my physical appearance and personal matters wholly unrelated to the institutional and administrative nature of the meeting. That comment therefore made me even more uncomfortable.
Just as I was about to leave the office, he told me that on the day of the visit to verify the work he himself had approved, “IF I COULD INVITE HIM FOR A COFFEE LATER.” I consider it important to state that the visit concerned work that I believe was potentially approved without adequate technical verification by the official himself. When he asked “IF I COULD INVITE HIM FOR A COFFEE AFTER THE VISIT,” I felt extremely uncomfortable and nervous because I did not know how to respond appropriately to someone directly involved in administrative complaints I had been trying to resolve institutionally for approximately two years. Trying to avoid an uncomfortable or confrontational situation, “I REPLIED THAT 10:30 IN THE MORNING SEEMED LIKE AN ODD TIME TO HAVE COFFEE AFTER THE MEETING.” He replied that “IF I DID NOT AGREE, THERE WAS NO PROBLEM AND THE VISIT COULD JUST BE LEFT LIKE THAT OR NOT TAKE PLACE.” That statement made me feel pressured and intimidated about an institutional action that I needed to be formally carried out as part of my complaints.
Fearing that the visit would not take place and that my case would continue to receive no institutional attention, I felt compelled to respond diplomatically and said that I could perhaps offer him at least a soft drink. I wish to place on record that I did not give that response freely or spontaneously, but because of the fear, nervousness, and intimidation I was experiencing in response to the official’s conduct.
6 Finally, when saying goodbye, I held out my hand formally to end the meeting in a professional manner. However, the official took my hand and pulled me toward him to kiss me in greeting. He then did so a second time. After that, he again made very slight physical contact with my hands, which caused me profound discomfort and which I perceived as unnecessary and improper contact in the institutional context of the meeting.
That same day, I called a family friend and personal spiritual adviser and described in detail what had happened in Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez’s office. I told him I had felt extremely uncomfortable, intimidated, confused, and concerned by the official’s behavior: his insistence on personal topics unrelated to the purpose of the meeting, his repeated attempts to get physically closer, the invitation for coffee linked directly to an official inspection, and the conduct I perceived as improper from someone in a position of power. I also expressly asked him to accompany me on 21 April 2026 to the visit Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez was to make to my property and the neighboring property named in the complaint. I further told him that I was concerned about being alone with the official on my property because of the conduct I had perceived during the meeting in Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez’s office. I expressly clarify that I never communicated these concerns directly to Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez.
Later, on the day of the visit, the official changed the originally stated time and postponed the inspection to 1:30 p.m. When he arrived at my home, he made an obvious gesture of surprise upon seeing Mr. Nombre01 on my property. I also state that Mr. Nombre01 was present throughout the conversation in my home and remained on the property while Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez spoke with me about the complaints, the alleged irregularities, and the administrative actions relating to the case. He then said to me, “CAN YOU SHOW ME YOUR HOUSE SO I CAN SEE THE NEIGHBOR’S WALL?” 7 In response to that request, and because of everything that had happened earlier, I replied firmly: “MR. MARIO, YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS IN MY HOUSE OR INSIDE MY HOUSE. THE INSPECTION MUST BE CARRIED OUT AT THE NEIGHBORS’ PROPERTY SO YOU CAN VERIFY THE WORK YOU APPROVED AND THAT I CONSIDER IRREGULAR.” I also reiterated that the owners named in the complaint had not in fact complied, despite his having told the Mayor and the Municipal Council that they had.
During the conversation, Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez tried to advise me that I should reach an agreement with my neighbor and drop all those complaints because, in his words, “THEY WON’T LEAD TO ANYTHING.” I told him I disagreed because my property was genuinely being affected and I also believed there had been irregular administrative actions in the case. I further told him that, given the obvious noncompliance, the matter should have been referred to the appropriate authorities, and I asked why that institutional step had not been taken. I again raised my concern about why no administrative file existed for my complaint dating back to October 2024.
At that point, Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez became visibly angry and began speaking to me in a raised voice, saying I had no reason to ask that and that ultimately he did not know why his staff had not created a file or opened any administrative procedure. Because he began speaking to me in an aggressive and intimidating tone inside my own property, I respectfully asked him to stop speaking to me that way. He replied, “YES, I KNOW, I’M IN YOUR HOUSE… THEN LET’S GO OUTSIDE.” That statement frightened and intimidated me because of the tone and context in which it was made. I replied that there was no need to go outside and again simply asked him to change the tone he was using with me. He continued speaking to me in a raised voice.
8 Because of this, I finally asked him to leave my property and carry out the visit and inspection that it was institutionally his responsibility to conduct. Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez left visibly angry and agitated. He then knocked on the gate of the neighboring property named in the complaint. When the neighboring owner came out, Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez told him, “THIS LADY SAYS YOU’RE AFFECTING HER WITH A WALL YOU BUILT.” The neighbor then allowed only the official to enter the property, without allowing me to enter or participate in the inspection. From outside, I could only see Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez speaking with the owner named in the complaint. I could not hear what they discussed or verify whether he actually conducted an adequate technical inspection of the reported irregularities.
I also state that Mr. Nombre01 came out behind us as we went toward the neighboring property named in the complaint and remained near the gate of my home, from where he directly heard what Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez said to the neighbor named in the complaint. When he left the neighboring property, Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez merely told the owner that “I’LL COME BACK IN TEN DAYS TO SEE IF YOU’VE COMPLIED WITH BUILDING THE WALL,” without any visible formal notice or clear administrative procedure.
9 I wish to make clear that the letter I sent on 23 April 2026 had two distinct main purposes. First, to place on record and report the conduct I considered improper, intimidating, and intrusive by Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez during the meeting in his office on 17 April 2026 and later during the visit on 21 April 2026. Second, to formally report the professional, administrative, and official conduct of Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez and the officials involved concerning possible omissions, failures to perform duties, absence of due administrative process, lack of effective oversight, and potential irregularities relating to the complaints I have submitted since October 2024.
This is because, approximately two years ago, I formally filed complaints about serious effects caused by the adjoining property named in the complaint, including construction built just centimeters from my property; environmental pollution caused by sewage being discharged both into the river and directly onto the ground; persistent bad odors; environmental pollution associated with scrap metal accumulated at the site; and the absence of an adequate party wall as required by the applicable regulations.
Following those complaints, the Engineering Department issued a formal order to the owners named in the complaint to build the party wall, eliminate bad odors from sewage, and correct the construction irregularities reported in October 2024. However, despite the time elapsed since October 2024, there have been no further effective formal notices, no clear and properly processed administrative procedures, no complete technical inspection reports, no duly constituted formal administrative file, and no decisive institutional actions demonstrating proper administrative and legal follow-up concerning the continuing failure to comply with the orders issued.
Moreover, although it was stated on several occasions that inspector Nombre05 had visited the property named in the complaint several times and verified the alleged compliance with the orders issued, that is not what happened, since the reported irregularities continue to exist to this day. Likewise, Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez told both the Mayor and the Municipal Council that the owner named in the complaint had complied with the construction of the party wall, which has not in fact been completed. Instead, what currently exists consists solely of insufficient and incomplete metal-sheet structures, far from what may technically be considered an adequate party wall under the applicable construction regulations.
Environmental effects also persist in connection with sewage discharge, bad odors, soil pollution, effects on the river, and the accumulation of scrap metal on the property named in the complaint. I also consider that, once the municipal authorities inspected the site and verified the reported irregularities, particularly those concerning environmental pollution and sewage, the case should have been referred immediately to the competent authorities for investigation. Likewise, given the continued and evident failure to comply with the administrative order concerning construction of the party wall, the matter should also have been referred to the appropriate authority because of possible noncompliance with formally notified administrative orders.
However, instead of taking firm, objective, and legally appropriate action, I consider that Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez and the officials involved have acted permissively and failed to act, allowing the reported irregularities to continue to this day. I also consider that Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez ended up endorsing potentially irregular work without first conducting an adequate, objective, and in-person technical inspection of the site, relying only on photographs provided by third parties and deeming requirements fulfilled that, in my view, were never fully remedied.
I further wish to place on record another situation that I consider evidence of serious institutional deficiencies, lack of administrative objectivity, and potential omissions in the handling of the complaints I submitted. On 29 April 2026, Melissa Valdivia Zúñiga, a titular council member of the Municipal Council of Goicoechea, sent letter FRA-CC-046-2026 to Attorney Fernando Chavarría Quirós, Municipal Mayor. She expressly referred to my dissatisfaction with the inspection conducted by Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez and with the resolution of my case, and also stated that the owner named in the complaint was in breach. The council member formally requested specific information about the case, including the inspection record and results, the internal procedure followed upon receipt of a complaint, how inspections are handled, and the number of files relating to the matter.
Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez later replied in letter MG-AG-DI-01285-2026, addressed to the Municipal Mayor and formally received by the Municipal Mayor’s Office. In my view, that reply again shows deficient, evasive, and nonobjective administrative conduct because the official did not answer clearly, specifically, or technically the questions Melissa Valdivia Zúñiga had asked. Instead, Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez gave a generic, imprecise response unrelated to the actual questions, making vague statements about various reported matters without properly addressing questions concerning the inspections, the administrative procedure followed, the existence of files, the actions taken by the Engineering Department, or the alleged compliance with the orders issued.
I consider it especially serious that, despite the obvious insufficiency, irrelevance, and lack of responsiveness of Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez’s reply, the Municipal Mayor received it without immediately objecting, correcting it, or formally requiring a proper answer to Melissa Valdivia Zúñiga’s specific questions. In my personal view, this again shows a troubling lack of effective oversight and internal administrative control over municipal officials, particularly when they give evasive, generic, imprecise, or technically and administratively inadequate responses.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated situation in the institutional handling of my complaints, since the Municipal Mayor himself has given the same kind of evasive, ambiguous, insufficient, and inconclusive responses to numerous complaints and requests I previously submitted. For that reason, I consider there to be a recurring institutional pattern of deficient administrative action, lack of effective oversight, permissiveness, and tolerance of incomplete responses or those lacking genuine administrative substance. This has allowed matters reported approximately two years ago to remain unresolved without a clear, objective, diligent, and legally compliant resolution.
I also consider that such conduct reflects potential omissions, institutional tolerance, and possible mechanisms of mutual protection among public officials, allowing deficient, evasive, or insubstantial administrative responses to continue without effective corrective action concerning the officials involved. This is especially serious given that institutional authorities have a legal duty to ensure transparency, legality, objectivity, proper oversight, due administrative process, and effective protection in response to complaints submitted by members of the public, particularly where allegations concern possible administrative irregularities, failures to perform official duties, and potential direct effects on citizens’ rights.
After the visit on 21 April 2026, specifically on 23 April 2026, I formally sent a letter to Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, the Municipal Secretariat, and the Municipal Council of the Municipality of Goicoechea, with copies to other institutional bodies. In that letter, I made multiple requests concerning both the meeting in his office on 17 April 2026 and the subsequent visit and inspection. To date, however, Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez has not given a complete, clear, or formal response to those requests. The only thing he later did was send me copies of some documents and earlier statements issued by both the Municipality and me, attaching them as if they constituted a formal administrative file.
In my personal view, however, there is no genuine administrative procedure that is legally and institutionally proper and would allow those documents to be considered a formal file duly processed. There are no complete inspection records, clearly opened administrative procedures, effective subsequent notices, visible construction permits, approved plans, or comprehensive technical reports demonstrating due administrative process concerning the complaint submitted in October 2024.
13 That is precisely why I formally asked Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez to clarify and respond to these matters. To date, however, I have still received no formal, clear, and complete response to my requests. Therefore, the supposed “help” Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez said he would offer from the moment I entered his office has not resulted in actual administrative action or effective solutions to the complaints raised. On the contrary, I consider that several of his actions and comments went beyond the strictly institutional and professional sphere.
Meanwhile, the reported effects continue to have a direct negative impact on my property and family, and to date there is no clear and objective administrative resolution concerning the events I reported approximately two years ago. I wish to place on record that, at various points during these events, I reacted by smiling, responding diplomatically, or trying to appear normal. This should not be interpreted as consent, acceptance, or comfort with the conduct described, but as a reaction to nervousness, tension, and fear in the presence of someone in a position of institutional authority.
I also state that an important part of the conversations and events described was recorded or communicated to third parties immediately afterward. I therefore formally request an investigation into the events described, the conduct of the official involved, and any possible improper conduct, abuse of power, breach of the duty of probity, harassment, or improper use of a position of authority in public service.
I further request that this complaint be handled with due seriousness, objectivity, and confidentiality, that I be protected as a complainant, and that any direct or indirect retaliation in connection with the administrative proceedings and complaints I currently have pending before this Municipality be prevented.
EVIDENCE 1. Copies of emails sent to the Municipality of Goicoechea. 2. Copies of letters and written submissions filed on 23 April 2026. 3. Recordings and communications made to third parties after the reported events. 4. Possible testimony from Mr. Nombre01. 5. Copies of documents relating to earlier complaints submitted since October 2024. 6. Photographs and other documents relating to the site named in the complaint. 7. Any other documentary, testimonial, or technical evidence that may be relevant during the investigation.
SPECIFIC REQUESTS BY NOTIFIED BODY TO THE INTERNAL AUDIT OFFICE 1. That an administrative investigation be opened into the reported actions and omissions. 2. That it be determined whether there was a failure to perform duties, breach of probity, administrative negligence, or abuse of power. 3. That it be determined whether due administrative process was violated. 4. That corrective and disciplinary recommendations be issued. 5. That the absence or irregular constitution of the administrative file be verified.
TO THE MUNICIPAL MAYOR’S OFFICE 1. That the Head of the Engineering Department be ordered to process the complaints submitted immediately, properly, and in accordance with law. 2. That compliance with the administrative orders issued since October 2024 be ensured. 3. That immediate measures be taken to carry out actual oversight and technical inspection. 4. That unjustified further extensions of deadlines without an effective resolution be prevented. 5. That protection against retaliation as a complainant be ensured.
15 TO THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL 1. That institutional follow-up be given to the reported irregularities. 2. That formal reports be requested from the Engineering Department. 3. That the administrative conduct of the officials involved be reviewed. 4. That the Special Commission be kept informed about the progress of the case.
TO THE SERVICE COMPTROLLER 1. That the dissatisfaction regarding the treatment received and the lack of effective attention be formally recorded. 2. That the infringement of the right to receive adequate administrative attention be investigated. 3. That follow-up be given to the lack of a formal and timely response.
TO THE WOMEN’S OFFICE AND INAMU 1. That the possible elements of harassment, intimidation, and abuse of power from a position of authority be assessed. 2. That institutional support and guidance regarding the reported events be provided. 3.” That preventive institutional recommendations be issued concerning violence against women and appropriate conduct in public service.
TO THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN (DEFENSORÍA DE LOS HABITANTES) 1. That the possible violation of my rights as a person subject to administrative proceedings and as a complainant be investigated. 2. That the failure to take effective administrative action be investigated. 3. That the Municipality’s handling of the complaints filed be monitored. 4. That the corresponding institutional recommendations be issued.
16 TO THE PUBLIC ETHICS OFFICE (PROCURADURÍA DE LA ÉTICA PÚBLICA) 1. That it be assessed whether the reported conduct could constitute a breach of the duty of probity or public ethics. 2. That the possible improper use of a position of authority be investigated. 3. That it be determined whether there were actions incompatible with the principles of impartiality, objectivity, and administrative probity.
TO CFIA 1. That the professional and ethical conduct of Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez be assessed. 2. That it be determined whether there was a failure to fulfill technical and professional duties. 3. That the possible approval or validation of works without adequate technical verification be investigated. 4. That the official’s possible professional liability be assessed.
TO THE MUNICIPAL SECRETARIAT 1. That this complaint be formally entered in the corresponding institutional records. 2. That it be formally forwarded to the competent offices. 3. That I be notified of the corresponding case-file and processing numbers.
REQUESTS On the basis of the facts set out above, I respectfully request:
1. That this complaint be formally received and that the corresponding administrative investigation be opened against Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, Head 17 of the Engineering Department of the Municipality of Goicoechea, concerning the conduct described in this document. 2. That the possible harassment, abuse of power, improper use of a position of authority, psychological intimidation, improper approaches, intrusive conduct, inappropriate personal comments, repeated efforts to be physically close, unsolicited physical contact, and any other conduct incompatible with the duty of probity, ethics, and behavior required of a public official in the performance of their duties be investigated. 3. That it be assessed whether the actions, statements, and conduct of Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez during the meeting held on 17 April 2026 and the visit conducted on 21 April 2026 constitute conduct contrary to institutional rules, public ethics principles, official duties, and rules concerning abuse of authority and improper conduct in public service. 4.
That the professional, administrative, and official conduct of Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez and the officials involved be investigated with respect to possible failures to fulfill duties, omissions in the performance of official functions, breach of the duty of probity, administrative negligence, failure to conduct effective oversight, omission of technical control, failure to take mandatory actions, failure to observe administrative due process, and any other irregularity related to the complaints I have filed since October 2024. 5. That it be investigated why, despite approximately two years having passed since I formally filed my complaints, there is no clear administrative case file that has been formally assembled and duly processed in accordance with law. 6. That it be investigated why there are no complete technical inspection records, properly opened administrative proceedings, effective subsequent notifications, comprehensive technical reports, or decisive administrative actions concerning the persistent failure to comply with the orders issued since October 2024. 7.
That it be investigated why Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez told the mayor and the Municipal Council that the owners complained about had complied with the order to build the boundary wall, even though that does not correspond to reality. 8. That the conduct of Mr. Nombre05, an inspector in the Engineering Department of the Municipality of Goicoechea, also be investigated. 9. That it be investigated whether Mr. Nombre05 failed to perform official functions, failed to conduct effective oversight, engaged in administrative negligence, failed to fulfill duties, or took actions lacking technical objectivity. 10. That the particular fact be investigated that Mr. Nombre05 allegedly confirmed to Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez that the owners complained about had supposedly complied with the Engineering Department’s order, allegedly on the basis of photographs submitted concerning the property complained about.
18 11. That it be assessed whether those photographs actually showed compliance with the orders issued or, instead, showed that the reported violations continued. 12. That it be determined whether there was improper technical validation, a lack of objective in-person verification, or no actual technical assessment of the reported conditions on the adjoining property. 13. That it be investigated whether the actions of both Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez and Mr. Nombre05 allowed, tolerated, or facilitated the continuation of administrative noncompliance, construction irregularities, and harm I have reported since October 2024. 14. That it be determined whether there was a failure to report, a failure to take mandatory actions, or a failure to perform official duties concerning the reported environmental harm. 15. That it be investigated why, despite the reported irregularities and failure to comply with the orders issued allegedly having been confirmed, the case was not referred in a timely manner to the competent authorities. 16.
That it be investigated whether there was permissiveness, undue tolerance, deliberate inaction, failure to act diligently, or improper endorsement concerning allegedly irregular works and reported noncompliance. 17. That it be investigated whether Engineer Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez endorsed or deemed a work completed without first conducting an adequate, objective, in-person technical assessment of the reported site. 18. That it be determined whether there were irregularities related to the absence of construction permits, approved plans, professional technical documentation, or legal requirements necessary for the reported works. 19. That I be formally informed of the specific administrative actions taken since October 2024 concerning my complaints and which officials directly participated in those actions. 20. That my protection as a complainant be guaranteed and that any form of retaliation, intimidation, obstruction, differential treatment, or indirect adverse effect concerning the complaints and proceedings that remain pending before the Municipality of Goicoechea be prevented. 21.
That the corresponding administrative, disciplinary, and legal measures be adopted if irregularities, omissions, failures to perform official duties, abuse of power, improper conduct, or actions contrary to law and the duties of public service are established. 22. That I be given a formal, clear, objective, and duly reasoned response concerning this complaint and each of the matters set out in this document. 23. That, if irregularities are established, the corresponding disciplinary administrative proceedings against the officials involved be formally opened and processed.
19 24. That those administrative proceedings be conducted in accordance with due process, guaranteeing an objective, impartial, and complete investigation. 25. That the relevant records, reports, evidence, and actions also be referred to the competent legal, judicial, administrative, environmental, and disciplinary authorities. 26. That, upon formally receiving this complaint, the corresponding letter number, complaint number, case-file number, or administrative reference be recorded, assigned, and notified to me. 27. That I also be formally informed of the office, department, or official responsible for processing, following up on, and investigating this complaint. 28. That the Municipality of Goicoechea require and ensure that the Head of the Engineering Department and the competent officials follow proper administrative and legal procedures concerning the complaints filed, taking the administrative, technical, and legal actions required by law, without continuing to extend the time limits without justification or leaving the irregularities reported since October 2024 without an effective resolution.” This submission was reiterated on 26 May 2026.
In this regard, the Chamber observes that, by official letter MG-AG-DE-0151-2026 dated 27 May 2026, the Directorate of Engineering, Operations and Urban Planning responded to the claimant:
“Subject: response to the document submitted by email on 26 May 2026 In accordance with the formal objection and request for technical and legal clarification regarding official letter MG-AG-DI-01054-2026, addressed to Mr. Nombre06, residence ID CED01, who resides at the property shown on cadastral plan PRN01, registered in the Property Registry in the name of Nombre04, residence identity card No. CED03, QdDG.
Official letter MG-AG-DI-01054-2026 was issued to Mr. Nombre06 in his capacity as a resident and son of the deceased owner of the aforementioned property, because, based on a visit on 21 April 2026, it was determined that not the entire length of the boundary with Sociedad 3101879021 S.A. had a side enclosure; at least 10 linear meters were unenclosed.
Official letter MG-AG-DI-01054-2026 is a preventive and corrective administrative action issued in the exercise of the urban-control and construction-inspection powers conferred on the Municipality by the Construction Law, the Construction Regulations, and the Municipal Code. The purpose of that act was to order minimum mitigation measures concerning enclosures and boundary conditions observed during the on-site inspection, without constituting a final decision on all the complaints you raised.
Likewise, the official letter is a preliminary administrative action within the ordinary exercise of municipal inspection and does not replace any subsequent administrative proceedings that may arise from additional technical inspections.
The visit on 21 April 2026 was a preliminary field inspection of both properties, carried out in response to actions undertaken by your representative. It should be clarified that initial municipal inspections do not necessarily entail:
· topographic surveys; · structural studies; · specialized expert assessments; · or exhaustive proceedings equivalent to a comprehensive technical audit.
The purpose of the inspection was to visually verify general conditions relating to:
· boundaries; enclosures; · visible impacts; · apparent urban-planning conditions; · and the taking of photographs.
Thereafter, based on what was observed on site and the existing administrative records, the corresponding official letter was issued. It identified the cadastral plan number, which establishes the exact location of the site visited.
The Administration will verify in the administrative file the records concerning delivery and communication of official letter MG-AG-DI-01054-2026; the letter was delivered on 27 April 2026. Nevertheless, it should be noted that, under the General Law of Public Administration, the validity of an administrative act does not depend exclusively on formal requirements where the person concerned has actual knowledge of its content and scope.
Likewise, any remediable defects relating to service do not automatically invalidate the Administration’s urban-planning inspection and control powers.
The Municipality has legal authority to:
· inspect construction; · verify urban-planning compliance; · control works; · order corrective measures; · and prevent impacts between adjoining properties.
This authority derives principally from:
· the Construction Law; · the Construction Regulations; · the Municipal Code; · and applicable supplementary technical regulations.
With respect to enclosures and dividing elements, the Administration may order minimum corrective measures where conditions cause visible impacts between properties or neighborhood conflicts associated with safety, privacy, health, or urban coexistence.
In Costa Rica, exemption from a municipal permit for small, lightweight enclosures is normally based on the Regulations for Processing Construction Plans of the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos (CFIA), together with municipal regulations and technical criteria for minor works.
Page 4 of 15 The most commonly used reference concerns minor works exempt from approval and construction plans, particularly:
· lightweight walls; · enclosures; · nonstructural partitions; · and minor maintenance or confinement works.
CFIA Regulations—Exempt Works The CFIA’s technical regulations provide that certain minor works do not require:
· complete construction plans; CFIA approval; · or professional technical direction, where they are not major structural elements, do not compromise stability, do not generate significant loads, and have limited dimensions.
These commonly include lightweight enclosures; small walls; mesh fencing; and partitions made of lightweight sheets, provided they are not retaining walls, do not bear loads, do not exceed critical heights, and do not affect a public road or easements.
Construction Regulations The Construction Regulations distinguish between:
· major structural works; · and minor enclosure or confinement works.
A side enclosure made of:
· lightweight metal posts; · zinc sheets; · and serving only as a divider or visual barrier, is normally not considered a complex structure equivalent to a structural concrete wall.
The specific assessment of:
· whether a construction permit is needed; · CFIA approval; · plans; · a responsible professional; · or additional technical requirements, will depend on:
· dimensions; · the construction system; · structural characteristics; · location; · and the final scope of the work to be carried out.
What was requested in official letter MG-AG-DI-01054-2026 from Mr. Nombre06 was based on what was professionally observed during the site visit. It was observed that the portion of the enclosure built by Mr. Nombre02, corresponding to at least 50 of the boundary, was made with wooden frames and used HG sheets, 2.00 meters high. This constitutes a basic minor work involving no structural, sanitary, or construction complexity, a circumstance that can be confirmed with the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y Arquitectos. (…)
It is apparent that not the entire boundary has an enclosure. (…)
It is apparent that the entire boundary with the property represented by Ms. Nombre03 has an enclosure, ensuring proper privacy.
Complaints relating to:
· sewage; · odors; · waste; · pollution; · pests; · and unsanitary conditions, fall principally within the authority of the Ministry of Health under the General Health Law.
The principal articles of the General Health Law establishing the Ministry of Health’s authority concerning sewage, odors, waste, pollution, pests, and unsanitary conditions are as follows:
Article 1: provides that the population’s health is a public interest protected by the State.
Article 2: assigns the Ministry of Health authority to regulate, plan, coordinate, and carry out activities relating to public health and sanitation.
Article 275: prohibits polluting surface water or groundwater by discharging or storing waste, refuse, or sewage.
Article 276: provides that drainage or waste discharges that may pollute water may be carried out only with the Ministry’s permission.
Article 278: provides that solid waste must be collected, treated, and disposed of in a manner that prevents pollution of the air, soil, or water.
Article 279: prohibits dumping or accumulating solid waste in unauthorized places or through systems not approved by the Ministry.
Article 285: requires the sanitary disposal of excreta, sewage, wastewater, and stormwater to prevent pollution, sources of infection, and air pollution.
Article 286: authorizes the Ministry of Health to order drainage and sanitation works to eliminate unhealthy or infectious conditions on private properties.
Article 292: prohibits discharging sewage or wastewater into storm sewers.
Article 293: requires everyone to prevent or control atmospheric and environmental pollution in places intended for housing, work, or recreation.
Article 294: defines atmospheric pollution to include smoke, vapors, gases, and other pollutants.
On the basis of these articles, it may be legally maintained that:
“Complaints relating to sewage, waste, odors, pollution, pests, and unsanitary conditions fall primarily within the sphere of authority of the Ministry of Health under Articles 1, 2, 275, 276, 278, 279, 285, 286, 292, 293, and related provisions of the General Health Law.” Nevertheless, this Municipality coordinates with other institutions within its authority where there may be associated urban-planning or construction implications. For that reason, Inspector Nombre05 accompanied Ministry of Health officials on several occasions to assess this reported case. However, the Municipality is unaware of the status of the sanitary orders issued in this case, since that matter falls within the exclusive legal authority of the Ministry of Health.
Disputes concerning the exact determination of property lines, possible encroachments, or the precise definition of boundaries are private civil matters between individuals. Accordingly, as you were told verbally during the on-site inspection, the interested party must retain a topography professional duly registered with the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos to carry out the corresponding topographic replottng and technically determine whether any encroachment or impact on the property exists.
This is because the Municipality lacks legal authority to determine property rights, judicially establish property lines, or resolve civil disputes between adjoining owners; those matters fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Courts of Justice.
If a technical study establishes a possible encroachment onto private property, the affected party must bring the corresponding civil actions before the competent judicial authorities, under Article 45 of the Political Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica, which protects the right to private property.
Therefore, municipal action is limited to the exercise of urban-planning and construction-control powers and does not constitute any determination of ownership, final property boundaries, or civil boundary disputes.
Accordingly, the interested parties must submit:
· topographic surveys; · cadastral plans; · expert studies; · or judicial decisions, that make it possible to determine technically whether private property has been affected. The Municipality lacks authority to judicially determine property rights or resolve civil disputes between individuals.
The Administration will ensure access to the available administrative file, bearing in mind that, because this case involves multiple disciplines and multiple complaints, it has been handled by various municipal departments and competent public institutions.
Accordingly, it is reiterated that the documents sent to and received by you relate specifically to the records, actions, and documents held by the Directorate of Engineering, Operations and Urban Planning, in accordance with the principles of publicity, transparency, and access to public information set out in the General Law of Public Administration and the repeated case law of the Constitutional Chamber (Sala Constitucional) of the Supreme Court of Justice.
The documents supplied correspond to the information available in this Directorate, subject to:
· the documents available in the Directorate of Engineering, Operations and Urban Planning; · the powers of this department; · protection of sensitive data and third parties; · and applicable internal administrative procedures.
Likewise, it should be noted that some of the information referred to in your request may be included in:
· files held by other municipal departments; · historical institutional archives; · interinstitutional actions; · or administrative proceedings handled by other public authorities.
For that reason, this Directorate can certify and supply only documents that are actually contained in its administrative records and fall within its functional authority.
Complaints relating to:
· apparent construction without permits: as already reported, according to the Google Earth satellite photograph, the adjoining structures or sheds had already been built in 2010. It is therefore not possible to establish reliably in what year the structure was built or who was responsible for its construction and supervision. Nevertheless, in view of their precarious condition, the Ministry of Public Health was asked to determine whether Articles 319 through 321 of the Health Law could be applied to them, so that they might be declared dilapidated and the corresponding legally required measures ordered. This matter should be taken up with that Ministry. (…)
· drainage and wastewater disposal: sanitary inspection relating to drainage systems, wastewater management, septic tanks, and sewage disposal falls primarily within the authority of the Ministry of Health under the General Health Law. That institution is responsible for inspecting whether sanitary systems comply with the current sanitary regulations and do not cause:
· bad odors; · sources of pollution; · vector breeding grounds; · risks to public health; · or direct discharges into bodies of water without proper sanitary treatment.
This is based, among other provisions, on Articles 275, 276, 285, 286, and related provisions of the General Health Law concerning pollution.
Page 13 of 15 stormwater drainage: regulation and control of stormwater management fall within municipal authority over urban infrastructure, drains and ditches, and construction control. The Municipality seeks to ensure that properties properly drain rainwater to the public road or an authorized natural watercourse, avoiding impacts on third parties or damage to public infrastructure. No apparent violations relating to improper discharge of stormwater onto neighboring properties or into public systems were observed during the inspection.
As to your statement concerning rainwater seeping through the wall on the western boundary with Mr. Nombre06’s property, it should be noted that your wall is approximately more than 6.00 meters high and appears to be made of exposed concrete. Technically, concrete is naturally porous and, without an adequate waterproofing, sealing, or water-repellent coating system, seepage, capillary absorption, or moisture transfer from constant exposure to stormwater is normal. Consequently, unless comprehensive waterproofing treatment is applied to that surface, rainwater-related moisture seepage may continue.
For the foregoing reasons, it is reiterated that the most technically advisable solution is for the parties involved to coordinate and negotiate the access needed to carry out appropriate waterproofing treatment over the entire affected wall surface, including:
· surface sealing; · waterproof coatings; · treatment of joints; · and other technically recommended corrective measures.
However, that coordination is a matter for agreement between adjoining property owners and falls outside this Municipality’s authority to mediate compulsorily, as it concerns relations and permissions between private third parties.
· possible urban-planning violations: the violation found by the Directorate of Engineering and Urban Planning was the one already described: the side enclosure was unfinished. However, as of this date, the enclosure is complete.
It is not appropriate to suspend all administrative action or corrective measures preventively while the various complaints raised are being processed, particularly where the Administration is acting in the exercise of its urban-control powers and to prevent neighborhood conflicts.
Nevertheless, any future action must comply with:
· the principle of legality; · proportionality; · reasonableness; · due process; · and applicable technical regulations.
This Directorate reiterates that the actions taken by the Directorate of Engineering and Urban Planning are part of the ordinary exercise of municipal powers to inspect urban-planning matters and address complaints from members of the public. It will also continue to assess the information submitted technically and coordinate, where appropriate, with the competent institutions according to the complaints and future requests.” The Chamber now finds no violation of the rights of the person seeking constitutional protection. On the one hand, the length and variety of the requests made by the appellant differ from a simple request for information, given that the requests range from investigations, assessments, and reports to numerous exhortations. On the other hand, even if the matter were considered a claim under constitutional Article 41, that claim would likewise be inadmissible: it would have been premature on the date this proceeding was filed, as regards the request of 20 May, and, in any event, it would fall within the administrative-litigation jurisdiction. Finally, the Chamber also considers the response provided by the respondent municipality and points out that disagreement with a response does not constitute a violation of a person’s rights.
VIII.As regards the request for access to the file, made on 17 April 2026, the Chamber established that the respondent municipality sent the person seeking constitutional protection a copy of the file under receipt 13247-A on 28 April 2026. Accordingly, no violation of her rights is apparent.
IX.This Court points out to the appellant that an amparo proceeding is summary, and therefore incompatible with complex evidence-taking and adversarial proceedings:
“This Chamber has repeatedly stated that an amparo application is a summary proceeding that is unsuited to complicated evidence-taking and adversarial proceedings. Accordingly, if the appellant considers that the respondent authority should act in accordance with the appellant’s requests, that is a matter that may be raised, as such, in the corresponding administrative or judicial forum, where the merits of the matter may be discussed fully.” (Judgment No. 2025002055, at 9:15 a.m. on 24 January 2025)
X.Documents submitted to the file. The parties are advised that, if they submitted any paper document, objects, or evidence contained on an additional electronic, computing, magnetic, optical, telematic, or new-technology device, these must be collected within a maximum period of 30 business days from notification of this judgment. Any material not collected within that period will be destroyed, pursuant to the “Regulations on Electronic Files before the Judiciary” (approved by the Full Court in Article XXVI of session No. 27-11 of 22 August 2011 and published in Judicial Bulletin No. 19 of 26 January 2012) and Article LXXXI of session No. 43-12 of the Superior Council of the Judiciary of 3 May 2012.
Therefore:
The appellant shall abide by what this Chamber ordered in judgment No. 2026004278, at 9:20 a.m. on 6 February 2026, concerning the follow-up and inspection of receipt No. 13247 of 9 October 2024. In all other respects, the amparo application is dismissed.
Fernando Castillo V.
President Fernando Cruz C.
Paul Rueda L.
Luis Fdo. Salazar A.
Jorge Araya G.
Anamari Garro V.
Ingrid Hess H.
CASE FILE No. 26-023733-0007-CO Telephone: 2549-1500 / 800-SALA-4TA (800-7252-482). Fax: 2220-4607 / 2220-4844. Email address: www.poder-judicial.go.cr/salaconstitucional. Address: (Dirección01).
EV Generación de Machote: D:\Gestion-Judicial\Servidor de Archivos\MODELOS\S4SENAMH001.dpj SALA CONSTITUCIONAL DE LA CORTE SUPREMA DE JUSTICIA. San José, a las nueve horas veinte minutos del veinte de agosto de dos mil veintiseis .
Recurso de amparo que se tramita en el expediente nro. 26-023733-0007-CO, interpuesto por Nombre03, cédula de identidad CED02, contra la MUNICIPALIDAD DE GOICOECHEA.
Resultando:
Redacta el Magistrado Rueda Leal; y,
Considerando:
I.Objeto del recurso. La parte recurrente indica que, en setiembre de 2024, denunció ante la Municipalidad de Goicoechea que la propiedad colindante a la suya realizaba actividades de chatarrera, en detrimento de sus derechos fundamentales. Relata que la Municipalidad accionada emitió la boleta de notificación nro. 13247-A, dirigida a los propietarios del inmueble colindante. Reclama falta de seguimiento y fiscalización de la mencionada boleta. Además, afirma que ha presentado varias gestiones de información y acceso al expediente que no han sido atendidas o solo lo fueron parcialmente.
II.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 el recurrido haya omitido referirse a ellos, según lo prevenido en el auto inicial:
III.Sobre el caso concreto. En el sub examine, la parte recurrente indica que, en setiembre de 2024, denunció ante la Municipalidad de Goicoechea que la propiedad colindante a la suya realizaba actividades de chatarrera, en detrimento de sus derechos fundamentales. Relata que la Municipalidad accionada emitió la boleta de notificación nro. 13247-A, dirigida a los propietarios del inmueble colindante. Reclama falta de seguimiento y fiscalización de la mencionada boleta. Además, afirma que ha presentado varias gestiones de información y acceso al expediente que no han sido atendidas o solo lo fueron parcialmente.
Atinente al seguimiento y fiscalización de la prevención dictada en la boleta nro. 13247 del 9 de octubre de 2024, la Sala observa que el tema fue conocido en la sentencia nro. 2026004278 de las 9:20 horas del 6 de febrero de 2026:
“En lo relativo a las afectaciones vinculadas con infraestructura y condiciones del inmueble colindante (humedades, filtraciones, aguas con mal olor y presuntas construcciones irregulares) se acredita que la Municipalidad, por medio de la Dirección de Ingeniería y Operaciones, emitió la notificación N.° 13247 A (09 de octubre de 2024) ordenando a los propietarios eliminar una estructura adosada, construir pared propia/divisoria y atender problemas de aguas, bajo apercibimiento de clausura coordinada con el Ministerio de Salud. Además, se comprueba que el 10 de octubre de 2024 se remitió el oficio MG-AG-DI-2864-2024 al Área Rectora de Salud solicitando su intervención sanitaria y que se realizaran visitas conjuntas interinstitucionales (octubre de 2024 y enero de 2025). Incluso, se consigna que en enero de 2025 se entregó a la recurrente copia de la documentación disponible y que posteriormente la Municipalidad reiteró actuaciones mediante oficios como MG-AG-DI-01175-2025 y MG-AG-DI-01216-2025, además de comunicar a la Defensoría de los Habitantes su abordaje del caso y el traslado a Salud por la naturaleza sanitaria de varias de las aristas denunciadas.
Finalmente, consta informe municipal posterior indicando que la pared divisoria fue construida, cumpliendo lo ordenado. En ese contexto, la pretensión de la recurrente, en lo sustancial se dirige a cuestionar la suficiencia de las soluciones o su eficacia práctica; sin embargo, esta Sala ha sostenido de manera reiterada que el amparo no es una instancia revisora del mérito técnico, ni una vía para sustituir a la Administración en la definición del modo concreto de ejecución de sus competencias ordinarias, salvo que se acreditara una omisión manifiesta y prolongada o una tolerancia evidente a un riesgo grave e inminente, extremo que no se desprende, con el estándar propio de esta jurisdicción, del material aportado”.
Deberá estarse la recurrente a lo ahí resulto.
IV.En lo que respecta a las gestiones de información, como las que la recurrente alega haber presentado en 18 de noviembre de 2024, 3 y 4 de marzo de 2025, y 6 de enero de 2026, la Sala determina que es aplicable el criterio externado en la sentencia nro. 2025037646 de las 9:20 horas del 14 de noviembre de 2025:
“En virtud de lo expuesto, es necesario traer a colación lo indicado por este Tribunal en la sentencia nro. 2024022565 de las 9:15 horas del 9 de agosto de 2024:
“III.- Sobre el caso concreto. En el sub examine, la parte recurrente señala que requirió al banco accionado información relacionada con un concurso en el que había participado. Reclama que se le negó acceso a tal información.
Analizados los autos, la Sala tuvo por probado que, mediante correo electrónico del 1 de marzo de 2022, la tutelada solicitó al banco accionado: “…en los próximos días se inicia una investigación en el Banco “órgano de proceso” y requiero como evidencia en dicha investigación los exámenes de Arquitectura Empresarial aplicados en las siguientes fechas: 21 de setiembre 2020 (Circular DGT-C-326-2020) donde se octava (sic) para el puesto de Jefe de Arquitectura Empresarial. Y el examen aplicado el día 18 de junio 2021 puesto Arquitecto de Negocios Circular DGT-C-0378-2021. Sin más por el momento y esperando su colaboración para que el proceso se resuelva de la mejor manera quedo a la espera de lo solicitado”. Luego, por correo electrónico del 10 de marzo de 2022, el banco respondió a la tutelada: “…le informo que de acuerdo con la normativa vigentes “Procedimiento Aplicación de Pruebas para procesos de concursos y registro de Oferentes” se estable (sic) como prohibido la entrega de las pruebas. Por lo tanto, al ser de carácter confidencial, de ser requerida para la investigación en proceso, debe ser solicitada por el Tribunal del Órgano”.
Sobre el particular, cabe advertir que el numeral 35 de la Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional establece que:
“Artículo 35. El recurso de amparo podrá interponerse en cualquier tiempo mientras subsista la violación, amenaza, perturbación o restricción, y hasta dos meses después de que hayan cesado totalmente sus efectos directos respecto del perjudicado.
Sin embargo, cuando se trate de derechos puramente patrimoniales u otros cuya violación pueda ser válidamente consentida, el recurso deberá interponerse dentro de los dos meses siguientes a la fecha en que el perjudicado tuvo noticia fehaciente de la violación y estuvo en posibilidad legal de interponer el recurso”.
Así, una vez efectuado el estudio de los autos, la Sala verifica que, si bien la parte recurrente acusa que presentó la citada gestión ante la autoridad recurrida y esta fue denegada, no menos cierto es que tal requerimiento es del 1 de marzo de 2022 y la parte recurrente no acudió ante esta jurisdicción constitucional sino hasta el 21 de junio de 2024, más de dos años después, que es un plazo abiertamente superior al de dos meses fijado en el ordinal 35 de la Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional. Sobre el particular, este Tribunal no omite advertir que en la especie la parte accionante no alega ni acredita haber estado imposibilitada para acudir antes a esta jurisdicción constitucional a plantear los reclamos concernientes a la supuesta lesión a los derechos fundamentales que acusa, la cual pudo ser válidamente consentida. Por consiguiente, se declara sin lugar el recurso” (ver en similar sentido las sentencias nros. 2025003720 de las 9:20 horas del 7 de febrero de 2025, 2025010293 de las 9:20 horas del 4 de abril de 2025 y 2025012907 de las 9:15 horas del 2 de mayo de 2025)”.
La Sala considera que el precedente transcrito resulta plenamente aplicable al sub examine, toda vez que no se encuentran motivos para variar el criterio vertido, ni razones para valorar de manera diferente la situación planteada.
V.Con respecto a la comunicación de información entre la municipalidad accionada, la Defensoría de los Habitantes e instancias internas de la propia municipalidad, no corresponde a esta sede velar por la comunicación efectiva entre tales entidades.
VI.Atinente a la ejecución del acuerdo nro. 1028-2026 del 18 de mayo de 2026 del Concejo, en cuanto a la alegada creación de una comisión especial, la Sala destaca que, al momento de interposición del recurso, no había transcurrido un plazo irrazonable para su cumplimiento. En todo caso, se explica que no hay un derecho fundamental asociado directamente a la creación de una comisión.
VII.Con respecto a las notas del 23 de abril de 2026 y 20 de mayo de 2026 (reiterada el 26 de mayo de 2026), la Sala verificó que, por nota del 23 de abril de 2026, dirigida al Departamento de Ingeniería de la municipalidad accionada, la recurrente indicó: “Por medio de la presente, me dirijo a usted en su condición de Ingeniero Civil Jefe del Departamento de Ingeniería de la Municipalidad de Goicoechea, con el fin de dar seguimiento a la situación expuesta. Previamente a la visita realizada, sostuvimos una conversación en su oficina el día viernes 17 de abril del presente año, en la cual expuse mi disconformidad debido a que los vecinos no han cumplido con la construcción de la pared medianera, conforme a lo establecido en la notificación emitida por ese Departamento en el mes de octubre del año 2024. En razón de lo anterior, se llevó a cabo su visita en mi propiedad el día martes 21 de abril del presente año, así como la inspección realizada por su persona en el inmueble donde opera la chatarrera.
Asimismo, en dicha fecha también se sostuvo reunión en la cual estuvimos presentes el señor Nombre01, su persona y quien suscribe. En ese contexto, y considerando que, de acuerdo con lo conversado, los propietarios continúan en incumplimiento de la orden administrativa emitida desde octubre de 2024, respetuosamente solicito se me remita un informe detallado de lo conversado y lo observado durante dicha visita e inspección. Tal como fue abordado, las personas denunciadas no han cumplido, a la fecha, con la construcción de la pared medianera conforme a lo establecido. Incluso, lo que han indicado como cumplimiento corresponde únicamente a la colocación de láminas de lata, lo cual resulta claramente insuficiente y no cumple con las condiciones técnicas ni constructivas requeridas. Adicionalmente, esta situación ha generado afectaciones directas en mi propiedad, incluyendo problemas de humedad, exceso de ruido, así como la presencia de olores provenientes de aguas negras, lo cual impacta negativamente la salud, seguridad y bienestar de mi familia.
De igual forma, y en ejercicio de mi derecho, manifiesto que, ante el incumplimiento persistente al día de hoy de una orden administrativa formalmente notificada por ese Departamento desde octubre de 2024, este caso debió haber sido trasladado a instancias competentes, específicamente al Ministerio Público (Fiscalía), a efectos de que se valore el eventual incumplimiento por parte 2 de los propietarios denunciados, al no acatar una orden debidamente emitida por esta institución. Por lo anterior, solicito se me informe si dicho traslado se ha realizado y, en caso contrario, las razones que lo justifican. En virtud de lo anterior, respetuosamente solicito: 1. Se me remita el informe de lo conversado tanto en la reunión sostenida en su oficina como en la visita realizada en mi propiedad el día martes 21 de abril del presente año. 2. Se me remita el informe de la inspección realizada en el inmueble donde opera la chatarrera. 3.
Se detallen los acuerdos alcanzados con el propietario de la chatarrera, en relación con las problemáticas denunciadas. 4. Se indique si durante la inspección se verificó el tramo levantado únicamente con láminas de lata. 5. Se informe si se logró observar las bases o estructura que sostiene dicho tramo. 6. Se determine e indique la distancia existente entre dichas láminas y mi pared medianera. 7. Se detallen las medidas solicitadas nuevamente al propietario, así como cualquier disposición o indicación emitida por ese Departamento. 8. Se me informe si ya se ha emitido una notificación formal por escrito al propietario, en seguimiento al incumplimiento de la orden previamente notificada en octubre de 2024. 9. Se me indique el número de expediente correspondiente a la queja presentada por mi persona desde octubre de 2024. 10. Se me brinde copia completa del expediente relacionado con dicha queja.
Cabe indicar que, en una visita previa a las oficinas municipales, no fue posible obtener dicha copia, ya que aparentemente el expediente no se encontraba o no existía, lo cual podría obedecer a un eventual error administrativo que agradezco se verifique. 11. Se me indique el día y hora en que puedo presentarme a retirar copia completa del expediente relacionado con esta problemática. 12. Se me aclare formalmente si para una obra como la construcción de una pared medianera se requiere la tramitación de permisos de construcción ante la Municipalidad. 13. Se me indique si dicha construcción debe contar con el respaldo técnico de un profesional responsable, así como con planos o especificaciones técnicas aprobadas. 14. Se me aclare si una estructura de láminas de lata puede ser considerada técnicamente como pared medianera, y en su caso, bajo qué condiciones legales y constructivas sería válida. 15.
Se me indique si existe algún informe técnico emitido por ese Departamento o por un profesional competente que haya validado dicha estructura como pared medianera conforme a la normativa vigente. Se remite copia de la presente a la Contraloría de Servicios, a efectos de que quede debidamente registrado en el expediente lo aquí expuesto, así como mi reiteración de denuncia y disconformidad con la supuesta aprobación de una pared medianera de lata, la cual al día de hoy no ha sido construida en su totalidad, pese a lo indicado en notificaciones emitidas con anterioridad. Asimismo, se copia la presente a la Secretaría Municipal, a efectos de que el contenido de este escrito sea puesto en conocimiento del Concejo Municipal, y se valoren las medidas correspondientes, en atención a lo solicitado conforme a derecho, así como al incumplimiento de 3 los propietarios respecto de la orden administrativa emitida.
Lo anterior, con el fin de que el caso sea remitido a la instancia competente, específicamente al Ministerio Público (Fiscalía), para que se lleve a cabo la investigación que en derecho corresponda. De igual forma, se remite copia a la Defensoría de los Habitantes, en virtud de que existe una intervención previa del año 2025 bajo el expediente N.° 470098-2025-RI, relacionada con esta misma problemática y otras afectaciones directas derivadas de la operación irregular de la chatarrera y de sus propietarios en general. Resulta necesario poner en conocimiento de dicha institución la situación actual, toda vez que en su último pronunciamiento se indicó que la pared medianera había sido construida, razón por la cual se procedió al cierre del expediente o caso correspondiente a mi denuncia. No obstante, a la fecha, y según lo constatado durante la visita realizada por su persona, se evidencia que dicha condición no ha sido cumplida, manteniéndose el incumplimiento prácticamente un año y seis meses después de la notificación emitida en octubre de 2024”.
Luego, a través de la nota 20 de mayo de 2026, la recurrente presentó esta gestión ante las autoridades municipales: “SEÑORES: Fernando Chavarría Quirós Alcalde Municipal Municipalidad de Goicoechea Gloriana Diorella Carmona Seravalli Presidenta del Concejo Municipal Carlos Luis Murillo Rodríguez Vicepresidente del Concejo Municipal Contraloría de Servicios Auditoría Interna Secretaría Municipal Oficina de la Mujer Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres (INAMU) Defensoría de los Habitantes Procuraduría de la Ética Pública Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos (CFIA) Comisión Especial asignada por el Concejo Municipal para atender las denuncias expuestas. ASUNTO: Denuncia formal por presunta conducta impropia, posible hostigamiento, abuso de poder y eventuales irregularidades administrativas por parte del señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, Jefe del Departamento de Ingeniería de la Municipalidad de Goicoechea, y actuaciones relacionadas del señor Nombre05.
Yo, Nombre03, presento formal denuncia respecto a situaciones ocurridas durante reuniones y actuaciones sostenidas con el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, Jefe del Departamento de Ingeniería de la Municipalidad de Goicoechea, relacionadas con denuncias administrativas y urbanísticas que he venido presentando desde el año 2024, vinculadas con obras que considero presuntamente irregulares y respecto de las cuales he solicitado respuestas administrativas y legales desde hace aproximadamente dos años. 2 Deseo dejar constancia de que el día de los hechos me presenté personalmente en las instalaciones de la Municipalidad de Goicoechea, específicamente en el Departamento de Ingeniería, con el objetivo de solicitar copia del expediente correspondiente a las denuncias que he venido presentando formalmente ante dicha institución. Inicialmente fui atendida por la secretaria encargada de atención al público y servicio al cliente del Departamento de Ingeniería, a quien le indiqué expresamente que necesitaba copia del expediente administrativo relacionado con las denuncias presentadas por mi persona.
Sin embargo, en ese momento se me indicó que no existía expediente alguno relacionado con dichas denuncias. Es decir, no existía un número de expediente formalmente asignado ni tampoco un procedimiento administrativo claramente establecido o tramitado respecto a las denuncias que he venido planteando desde hace aproximadamente dos años. Esta situación me generó profunda preocupación e incertidumbre, considerando la gravedad de los hechos denunciados, la cantidad de gestiones realizadas previamente y el tiempo transcurrido sin una tramitación administrativa clara, formal y debidamente identificada. Precisamente debido a esa situación y ante la falta de respuestas concretas, solicité conversar directamente con el Jefe del Departamento de Ingeniería, señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, con el fin de obtener información clara respecto al estado de las denuncias, la inexistencia del expediente administrativo y las actuaciones realizadas por la Municipalidad en torno a los hechos denunciados.
Deseo dejar constancia de que la reunión sostenida dentro de la oficina del señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, en el Departamento de Ingeniería de la Municipalidad de Goicoechea, ocurrió el día 17 de abril de 2026. Asimismo, durante dicha reunión se acordó realizar una visita e inspección a la propiedad colindante denunciada para el día 21 de abril de 2026 a las 10:30 de la mañana, con el supuesto objetivo de verificar las obras, construcciones y cumplimiento de las disposiciones relacionadas con la denuncia presentada. Sin embargo, posteriormente, ese mismo día, el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez modificó unilateralmente la hora acordada para la inspección y trasladó la visita para la 1:30 p.m. I. HECHOS RELACIONADOS CON CONDUCTA IMPROPIA, POSIBLE HOSTIGAMIENTO Y ABUSO DE PODER 3 La reunión sostenida en la oficina del señor Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez tenía un carácter estrictamente institucional y administrativo.
Mi intención al solicitarla era obtener información y atención respecto a las denuncias presentadas y a la falta de resolución institucional correspondiente. Sin embargo, durante dicha reunión ocurrieron múltiples situaciones y conductas que considero impropias y ajenas al carácter institucional de la reunión, las cuales me generaron incomodidad, intimidación, presión psicológica, ansiedad y sensación de vulnerabilidad frente a una persona que ostenta una posición de autoridad dentro de la Municipalidad. Al inicio de la conversación, el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez manifestó que él “me iba a ayudar”, expresión que considero impropia dentro del contexto en que se desarrollaba la reunión, ya que lo que yo buscaba no era una ayuda personal o un favor, sino una respuesta administrativa y legal conforme a las obligaciones institucionales correspondientes. Asimismo, desde el inicio de nuestras conversaciones, el propio señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez aceptó que nunca había visitado personalmente el lugar relacionado con la denuncia y que en ninguna ocasión había constatado directamente el sitio donde aprobó la supuesta obra correspondiente a la construcción de una pared medianera por parte de los vecinos colindantes denunciados.
Es decir, el propio funcionario reconoció que dio por cumplidas supuestas obras y disposiciones relacionadas con pared medianera, eliminación de malos olores provenientes de aguas negras y construcciones levantadas a escasos centímetros de mi propiedad, sin haber realizado personalmente una inspección previa, objetiva y directa del lugar. Posteriormente, el funcionario expresó textualmente que él “ME IMAGINABA DIFERENTE”, debido a la cantidad de correos que había contestado míos y la cantidad de respuestas que había tenido que brindar, agregando posteriormente “QUÉ BUENO QUE ME EQUIVOQUÉ”. Dicha expresión me generó incomodidad y confusión, ya que no comprendí a qué se refería exactamente ni cuál era su percepción previa respecto a mi persona. Considero que dicho comentario trascendía el ámbito estrictamente profesional. Asimismo, deseo agregar que durante gran parte de la conversación sostenida dentro de la oficina del señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, percibí de manera constante que él me observaba de arriba hacia abajo y algunas veces sostenia su mirada hacia mis senos mientras yo hablaba y exponía las situaciones relacionadas con mis denuncias administrativas. 4 Dicha situación me generó mayor incomodidad, nerviosismo y sensación de vulnerabilidad, ya que percibía que su atención en distintos momentos no estaba centrada únicamente en el tema institucional que yo estaba exponiendo.
Más adelante, el funcionario me pidió acercarme a su escritorio para mostrarme unas fotografías relacionadas con el sitio denunciado. Mientras yo señalaba desde mi propio teléfono celular ciertos aspectos de las imágenes, el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez tocó mi mano y me indicó “QUÉ UÑAS MÁS BONITAS”. Yo respondí únicamente “GRACIAS” y le indiqué que trabajaba en ello. Considero importante señalar que dicho comentario no guardaba relación alguna con el motivo institucional de la reunión. Posteriormente, durante la conversación, le comenté que había vivido fuera del país y que, debido a que mis denuncias no estaban siendo resueltas adecuadamente ante distintas instituciones, me vi obligada a regresar a Costa Rica para dar seguimiento personal a las gestiones y comenzar a presentar formalmente denuncias desde octubre del año 2024. Ante esto, el funcionario me preguntó específicamente “EN QUÉ PAÍS HABÍA VIVIDO”.
Le respondí que en Estados Unidos, tras lo cual él me expresó: “¿TE HICISTE GRINGA?”. Yo respondí “CASI”, principalmente por nerviosismo y confusión respecto al motivo de sus preguntas personales, ya que no comprendía por qué insistía en conversar sobre temas ajenos al objeto institucional de la reunión. Posteriormente, él continuó insistiendo en que yo “PARECÍA GRINGA”, por lo que respondí: “TAL VEZ CUANDO ERA RUBIA, PERO AHORA NO”, únicamente para intentar mantener una conversación cordial y evitar hacer más incómoda la situación, ya que realmente me encontraba nerviosa por la manera en que constantemente dirigía la conversación hacia aspectos personales relacionados conmigo. Inmediatamente después procuré volver nuevamente al tema institucional correspondiente a la denuncia presentada y a las irregularidades administrativas que estaba exponiendo. Posteriormente, luego de que yo regresara a sentarme en la silla ubicada frente a su escritorio, él continuó conversando y me preguntó si podía acercarse para hablar más del tema junto a mí, ya que había otra silla disponible.
Cuando se sentó a mi lado, percibí dicha situación como intimidante, invasiva e innecesaria dentro del contexto institucional. Debido a la incomodidad que estaba sintiendo, me mantuve físicamente distante de manera natural. 5 Posteriormente, al notar mi distanciamiento, regresó nuevamente a su escritorio y continuó la conversación desde ahí. Cuando moví mi bolsa de la silla para permitirle sentarse, le indiqué que me disculpara porque realmente yo no tenía previsto asistir ese día a la Municipalidad ni sostener esa reunión en ese momento. Ante ello, el funcionario me respondió que no me preocupara y me dijo que “MÁS BIEN PARECÍA QUE ANDABA DE MODELAJE”. Aunque dicho comentario podría eventualmente interpretarse como una broma o un halago, considero que ya existía una conducta reiterada de comentarios dirigidos hacia mi apariencia física y aspectos personales totalmente ajenos a la naturaleza institucional y administrativa de la reunión, razón por la cual dicho comentario me generó aún mayor incomodidad.
Casi cuando ya me iba a retirar de la oficina fue cuando me indicó que el día de la visita que debía realizar para verificar la obra que él mismo había aprobado, “SI POSTERIORMENTE YO LO PODÍA INVITAR A UN CAFÉ”. Considero importante indicar que dicha visita tenía relación directa con una obra que considero presuntamente aprobada sin una verificación técnica adecuada por parte del propio funcionario. Cuando él me indicó “QUE SI POSTERIORMENTE A LA VISITA LO INVITABA A UN CAFÉ”, me sentí sumamente incómoda y nerviosa, porque no sabía cómo responder adecuadamente frente a una persona que tenía intervención directa sobre denuncias administrativas que yo llevaba aproximadamente dos años tratando de resolver institucionalmente. Intentando evitar una situación incómoda o conflictiva, “RESPONDÍ QUE A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA ME PARECÍA EXTRAÑO TOMAR CAFÉ LUEGO DE LA REUNIÓN”. Sin embargo, él me respondió que “SI YO NO ESTABA DE ACUERDO ENTONCES NO HABÍA PROBLEMA Y QUE INCLUSO LA VISITA PODÍA DEJARSE ASÍ O NO REALIZARSE”.
Dicha expresión me hizo sentir presionada e intimidada respecto a una actuación institucional que precisamente necesitaba que se realizara formalmente dentro de mis denuncias. Ante el temor de que la visita no se realizara y de que mi caso continuara sin atención institucional, me sentí obligada a responder diplomáticamente e indiqué que eventualmente podía ofrecerle aunque fuera un refresco. Deseo dejar constancia de que esa respuesta no obedeció a una intención libre o espontánea de mi parte, sino al temor, nerviosismo e intimidación que estaba experimentando frente al actuar del funcionario. 6 Finalmente, al despedirme, extendí mi mano de manera formal para despedirme profesionalmente. Sin embargo, el funcionario tomó mi mano y acercó mi cuerpo hacia él para despedirse de beso. Posteriormente volvió a hacerlo una segunda vez. Después de ello, realizó nuevamente un contacto físico muy sutil sobre mis manos, situación que me generó profunda incomodidad y que percibí como un contacto innecesario e impropio dentro del contexto institucional en el que se desarrollaba la reunión.
Ese mismo día llamé a una persona amiga de mi familia y consejero espiritual personal, a quien le hice saber detalladamente lo sucedido dentro de la oficina del señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez. Le manifesté que me había sentido sumamente incómoda, intimidada, confundida y preocupada por el comportamiento del funcionario, por la insistencia en temas personales ajenos al motivo institucional de la reunión, por la búsqueda reiterada de cercanía física, por la invitación al café vinculada directamente a una inspección oficial y por la actitud que percibí como impropia desde una posición de poder. Asimismo, le pedí expresamente que por favor me acompañara el día 21 de abril de 2026 a la visita que iba a realizar el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez a mi propiedad y a la propiedad vecina denunciada. Le manifesté además que me preocupaba quedarme sola con el funcionario dentro de mi propiedad debido a la conducta que había percibido durante la reunión sostenida dentro de la oficina del señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez.
Aclaro expresamente que estas preocupaciones nunca fueron manifestadas directamente al señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez. Posteriormente, el día de la visita, el funcionario cambió la hora originalmente indicada y pospuso la inspección para la 1:30 p.m. Al llegar a mi casa, hizo un gesto evidente de sorpresa al observar la presencia del señor Nombre01 dentro de mi propiedad. Asimismo, hago constar que durante toda la conversación sostenida dentro de mi casa estuvo presente el señor Nombre01, quien permaneció dentro de la propiedad mientras el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez conversaba conmigo respecto a las denuncias, las irregularidades señaladas y las actuaciones administrativas relacionadas con el caso. Posteriormente me indicó: “¿ME PUEDE MOSTRAR SU CASA PARA VER LA PARED DEL VECINO?”. 7 Ante dicha solicitud, y debido a todo lo ocurrido previamente, le respondí de manera firme: “DON MARIO, DESDE MI CASA Y DENTRO DE MI CASA USTED NO TIENE NADA QUE VER.
LA INSPECCIÓN CORRESPONDE REALIZARLA DONDE LOS VECINOS, PARA QUE VERIFIQUE LA OBRA QUE USTED APROBÓ Y QUE YO CONSIDERO IRREGULAR”. Asimismo, le reiteré que los propietarios denunciados realmente no habían cumplido, pese a que él mismo había indicado al alcalde y al Concejo Municipal que sí lo habían hecho. En medio de la conversación, el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez trató de aconsejarme que yo debía conciliar con el vecino y dejar todas esas denuncias porque, según sus palabras, “NO IBAN A LLEGAR A NADA”. Yo le expresé que no estaba de acuerdo, ya que existía una afectación real hacia mi propiedad y además consideraba que hubo actuaciones administrativas irregulares relacionadas con el caso. Asimismo, le indiqué que, ante el evidente incumplimiento existente, el caso debió haber sido trasladado a las autoridades correspondientes y le pregunté por qué no se había dado ese proceder institucional.
También reiteré nuevamente mi preocupación respecto a por qué no existía expediente administrativo relacionado con mi denuncia desde octubre del año 2024. Ante esto, el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez se molestó visiblemente y empezó a dirigirse hacia mí en un tono elevado, indicándome que yo no tenía por qué preguntar eso y que al final él no sabía por qué sus colaboradores no habían generado expediente ni procedimiento administrativo alguno. Debido al tono agresivo e intimidante con el que comenzó a dirigirse hacia mí dentro de mi propia propiedad, le pedí respetuosamente que por favor dejara de hablarme en la manera en que lo estaba haciendo. Sin embargo, él me respondió: “SÍ, YO SÉ, ESTOY EN SU CASA… VAMOS AFUERA ENTONCES”. Dicha expresión me generó temor e intimidación debido al tono y contexto en que fue manifestada. Yo le respondí que no era necesario salir afuera y únicamente le pedí nuevamente que cambiara el tono con el que me estaba hablando.
Sin embargo, continuó dirigiéndose hacia mí en un tono elevado. 8 Debido a ello, finalmente le solicité que por favor saliera de mi propiedad y procediera a realizar la visita e inspección que institucionalmente le correspondía efectuar. El señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez salió visiblemente molesto y alterado. Posteriormente tocó el portón de la propiedad vecina denunciada. Cuando salió el propietario vecino, el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez le manifestó: “ESTA SEÑORA DICE QUE USTED LE ESTÁ AFECTANDO CON UNA PARED QUE USTED LEVANTÓ”. Posteriormente, el vecino permitió el ingreso únicamente del funcionario a la propiedad, sin permitirme a mí ingresar ni participar de la inspección. Desde afuera únicamente pude observar que el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez conversó con el propietario denunciado, sin que yo pudiera escuchar el contenido de la conversación ni verificar si realmente realizó una inspección técnica adecuada respecto a las irregularidades denunciadas.
Asimismo, hago constar que el señor Nombre01 salió detrás de nosotros cuando nos dirigimos hacia la propiedad vecina denunciada y permaneció presente en las cercanías del portón de mi casa, desde donde escuchó directamente lo que el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez le manifestó al vecino denunciado. Al salir de la propiedad vecina, el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez únicamente manifestó al propietario que “EN DIEZ DÍAS VENGO A VER SI YA CUMPLIÓ CON LA CONSTRUCCIÓN DE LA PARED”, sin existir notificación formal visible ni procedimiento administrativo claro. II. HECHOS RELACIONADOS CON PRESUNTAS IRREGULARIDADES 9 ADMINISTRATIVAS Y OMISIONES FUNCIONALES Deseo dejar claramente establecido que la nota remitida por mi persona el día 23 de abril de 2026 tenía dos objetivos principales plenamente diferenciados. En primer lugar, dejar constancia y denunciar el actuar que consideré impropio, intimidante e invasivo mostrado por el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez durante la reunión sostenida en su oficina el día 17 de abril de 2026 y posteriormente durante la visita realizada el día 21 de abril de 2026.
En segundo lugar, denunciar formalmente el actuar profesional, administrativo y funcional del señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez y de los funcionarios involucrados respecto a posibles omisiones, incumplimientos de deberes, ausencia de debido proceso administrativo, falta de fiscalización efectiva y eventuales irregularidades relacionadas con las denuncias presentadas por mi persona desde octubre del año 2024. Lo anterior debido a que desde hace aproximadamente dos años presenté formalmente denuncias relacionadas con graves afectaciones generadas por la propiedad colindante denunciada, incluyendo construcciones levantadas a escasos centímetros de mi propiedad, contaminación ambiental derivada del vertido de aguas negras tanto al río como directamente al suelo, malos olores permanentes, contaminación ambiental relacionada con material de chatarra acumulado en el lugar y la inexistencia de una pared medianera adecuada conforme a la normativa correspondiente.
Producto de dichas denuncias, el Departamento de Ingeniería emitió una orden formal dirigida a los propietarios denunciados para que procedieran con la construcción de la pared medianera, la eliminación de malos olores provenientes de aguas negras y la corrección de las irregularidades constructivas denunciadas en octubre de 2024. Sin embargo, pese al tiempo transcurrido desde octubre de 2024, no existen nuevas notificaciones formales efectivas, no existen procedimientos administrativos claros y debidamente tramitados, no existen actas técnicas completas de inspección, no existe un expediente administrativo formalmente conformado y tampoco existen actuaciones institucionales contundentes que demuestren un seguimiento administrativo y legal correcto respecto al incumplimiento persistente de las órdenes emitidas. Asimismo, pese a que se indicó en múltiples ocasiones que el inspector Nombre05 se había presentado varias veces a la propiedad denunciada y que había corroborado el supuesto 10 cumplimiento de las órdenes emitidas, dicha situación no corresponde a la realidad, ya que al día de hoy las irregularidades denunciadas continúan existiendo.
De igual manera, el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez indicó tanto al señor alcalde como al Concejo Municipal que el propietario denunciado había cumplido con la construcción de la pared medianera, situación que tampoco ha sido cumplida efectivamente. Por el contrario, lo que existe actualmente corresponde únicamente a estructuras de láminas de lata insuficientes e incompletas, totalmente alejadas de lo que técnicamente puede considerarse una pared medianera adecuada conforme a la normativa constructiva correspondiente. Asimismo, continúan existiendo afectaciones ambientales relacionadas con vertido de aguas negras, malos olores, contaminación del suelo, afectaciones al río y acumulación de material de chatarra dentro de la propiedad denunciada. Considero además que, desde el momento en que las autoridades municipales inspeccionaron el lugar y corroboraron las irregularidades denunciadas, particularmente las relacionadas con contaminación ambiental y aguas negras, el caso debió haber sido trasladado inmediatamente a las autoridades competentes para la investigación correspondiente.
De igual manera, ante el evidente incumplimiento persistente de la orden administrativa emitida respecto a la construcción de la pared medianera, el caso igualmente debió haber sido elevado a la instancia correspondiente por eventual incumplimiento de órdenes administrativas formalmente notificadas. Sin embargo, lejos de ejercer actuaciones firmes, objetivas y legalmente procedentes, considero que las actuaciones del señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez y de los funcionarios involucrados se han caracterizado por una actitud permisiva y omisiva, permitiendo que las irregularidades denunciadas continúen existiendo hasta el día de hoy. Asimismo, considero que el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez terminó avalando una obra presuntamente irregular sin haber realizado previamente una constatación técnica, objetiva y presencial adecuada del lugar, basándose únicamente en fotografías aportadas por terceros y dando por cumplidas condiciones que, según considero, nunca fueron subsanadas de manera integral.
Adicionalmente, deseo dejar constancia de otra situación que considero evidencia graves deficiencias institucionales, falta de objetividad administrativa y eventuales actuaciones omisivas relacionadas con el manejo de las denuncias presentadas por mi persona. En fecha 29 de abril de 2026, la señora Melissa Valdivia Zúñiga, Regidora Propietaria del Concejo Municipal de Goicoechea, remitió el oficio FRA-CC-046-2026 dirigido al señor Licenciado Fernando Chavarría Quirós, Alcalde Municipal, mediante el cual hizo referencia expresa a la 11 inconformidad planteada por mi persona respecto a la inspección realizada por el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez y respecto a la resolución que se le había dado a mi caso, indicando además que existía incumplimiento por parte del propietario denunciado. Asimismo, la señora Regidora solicitó formalmente información concreta relacionada con el caso, incluyendo el acta de inspección realizada, los resultados de dicha inspección, el procedimiento interno seguido ante una denuncia, la forma en que se manejan las inspecciones y la cantidad de expedientes existentes relacionados con el tema.
Posteriormente, el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez emitió respuesta mediante oficio MG-AG-DI-01285-2026, dirigido al señor Alcalde Municipal, documento que además fue recibido formalmente en la Alcaldía Municipal. Sin embargo, considero que dicha respuesta evidencia nuevamente una actuación administrativa deficiente, evasiva y carente de objetividad, debido a que el funcionario no contestó de manera clara, concreta ni técnica las consultas específicas que le fueron planteadas por la señora Regidora Melissa Valdivia Zúñiga. Por el contrario, el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez emitió una respuesta genérica, imprecisa y desvinculada de las consultas realmente formuladas, limitándose a realizar manifestaciones vagas sobre distintos temas denunciados, sin evacuar adecuadamente las preguntas relacionadas con las inspecciones realizadas, el procedimiento administrativo seguido, la existencia de expedientes, las actuaciones efectuadas por el Departamento de Ingeniería ni el supuesto cumplimiento de las órdenes emitidas.
Asimismo, considero especialmente grave que, pese a la evidente insuficiencia, irrelevancia y falta de congruencia de la respuesta emitida por el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, dicha contestación fuera igualmente recibida por el señor Alcalde Municipal sin que se adoptara de manera inmediata ninguna objeción, corrección o requerimiento formal tendiente a hacer ver que la respuesta brindada no atendía realmente las consultas específicas formuladas por la señora Regidora Melissa Valdivia Zúñiga ni cumplía adecuadamente con lo solicitado. A criterio personal, esta situación evidencia nuevamente una preocupante ausencia de fiscalización efectiva y control administrativo interno respecto al actuar de los funcionarios municipales, particularmente cuando se trata de respuestas evasivas, genéricas, imprecisas o carentes de contenido técnico y administrativo suficiente. Lamentablemente, situaciones como esta no resultan aisladas dentro del manejo institucional relacionado con mis denuncias, ya que este mismo tipo de respuestas evasivas, ambiguas, insuficientes y carentes de contenido resolutivo también han sido emitidas directamente por el 12 propio señor Alcalde Municipal respecto a múltiples denuncias y gestiones previamente planteadas por mi persona.
Precisamente por ello, considero que existe un patrón institucional reiterado de actuaciones administrativas deficientes, ausencia de fiscalización efectiva, permisividad y tolerancia frente a respuestas incompletas o carentes de verdadero contenido administrativo, permitiendo que continúen prolongándose injustificadamente situaciones denunciadas desde hace aproximadamente dos años sin una resolución clara, objetiva, diligente y conforme a derecho. Considero además que este tipo de actuaciones reflejan eventuales conductas omisivas, tolerancia institucional y posibles mecanismos de protección mutua entre funcionarios públicos, permitiendo que continúen existiendo respuestas administrativas deficientes, evasivas o carentes de contenido real, sin que se adopten correctivos efectivos respecto al actuar de los funcionarios involucrados. Lo anterior reviste especial gravedad considerando que las autoridades institucionales tienen el deber jurídico de garantizar transparencia, legalidad, objetividad, fiscalización adecuada, debido proceso administrativo y tutela efectiva respecto a las denuncias presentadas por los administrados, particularmente cuando existen señalamientos relacionados con posibles irregularidades administrativas, incumplimientos funcionales y eventuales afectaciones directas hacia derechos de los ciudadanos.
Posteriormente a la visita realizada el día 21 de abril de 2026, específicamente el día 23 de abril de 2026, remití formalmente una nota dirigida al señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, a la Secretaría Municipal y al Concejo Municipal de la Municipalidad de Goicoechea, así como copia a otras instancias institucionales, mediante la cual realicé múltiples solicitudes y peticiones relacionadas tanto con la reunión sostenida en su oficina el día 17 de abril de 2026 como con la visita e inspección realizada posteriormente. No obstante, al día de hoy, el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez no ha dado respuesta integral, clara ni formal a las solicitudes planteadas mediante dicha nota. Lo único que realizó posteriormente fue remitirme copia de algunos documentos y pronunciamientos previos emitidos tanto por la Municipalidad como por mi persona, adjuntándolos como si constituyeran un expediente administrativo formal.
Sin embargo, a criterio personal, no existe un verdadero procedimiento administrativo legal e institucionalmente correcto que permita considerar dichos documentos como un expediente formal debidamente tramitado, ya que no existen actas de inspección completas, procedimientos administrativos claramente aperturados, notificaciones posteriores efectivas, permisos de construcción visibles, planos aprobados ni informes técnicos integrales que demuestren un debido proceso administrativo respecto a la denuncia presentada desde octubre del año 2024. 13 Precisamente por esa razón solicité formalmente al señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez que aclarara y respondiera dichas situaciones. Sin embargo, al día de hoy continúo sin recibir respuesta formal, clara y completa respecto a las solicitudes realizadas. Por lo tanto, la supuesta “ayuda” que el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez manifestó ofrecerme desde el momento en que ingresé a su oficina no se ha materializado en actuaciones administrativas reales ni en soluciones efectivas respecto a las denuncias planteadas.
Por el contrario, considero que varias de las conductas y comentarios realizados trascendieron el ámbito estrictamente institucional y profesional. Mientras tanto, las afectaciones denunciadas continúan generando impactos negativos directos sobre mi propiedad y sobre mi familia, sin que al día de hoy exista una resolución administrativa clara y objetiva respecto a los hechos denunciados desde hace aproximadamente dos años. Quiero dejar constancia de que durante distintos momentos de estas situaciones reaccioné sonriendo, respondiendo de manera diplomática o intentando aparentar normalidad, lo cual no debe interpretarse como consentimiento, aceptación o comodidad frente a las conductas descritas, sino como una reacción de nerviosismo, tensión y temor frente a una persona en posición de autoridad institucional. Asimismo, hago constar que parte importante de las conversaciones y hechos descritos se encuentran grabados o comunicados inmediatamente después de ocurridos a terceras personas, por lo que solicito formalmente que se investiguen los hechos descritos, las actuaciones del funcionario involucrado y cualquier posible conducta impropia, abuso de poder, falta al deber de probidad, hostigamiento o utilización inadecuada de una posición de autoridad dentro de la función pública.
Solicito además que esta denuncia sea tramitada con la seriedad, objetividad y confidencialidad correspondientes, garantizando mi protección como denunciante y evitando cualquier tipo de represalia directa o indirecta respecto a los procesos administrativos y denuncias que actualmente mantengo en trámite ante esta Municipalidad. PRUEBA 1. Copia de correos electrónicos remitidos a la Municipalidad de Goicoechea. 2. Copia de notas y escritos presentados el día 23 de abril de 2026. 14 3. Grabaciones y comunicaciones realizadas posteriormente a terceros respecto a los hechos denunciados. 4. Posible testimonio del señor Nombre01. 5. Copia de documentación relacionada con denuncias previas presentadas desde octubre de 2024. 6. Fotografías y demás documentación relacionada con el sitio denunciado. 7. Cualquier otra prueba documental, testimonial o técnica que resulte pertinente durante la investigación.
PETICIONES ESPECÍFICAS SEGÚN INSTANCIA NOTIFICADA A LA AUDITORÍA INTERNA 1. Que se aperture investigación administrativa respecto a las actuaciones y omisiones denunciadas. 2. Que se determine si existió incumplimiento de deberes, falta de probidad, negligencia administrativa o abuso de poder. 3. Que se determine si existió incumplimiento del debido proceso administrativo. 4. Que se emitan recomendaciones correctivas y disciplinarias. 5. Que se verifique la inexistencia o irregular conformación del expediente administrativo. A LA ALCALDÍA MUNICIPAL 1. Que se ordene a la Jefatura del Departamento de Ingeniería dar trámite inmediato, correcto y conforme a derecho a las denuncias presentadas. 2. Que se garantice el cumplimiento efectivo de las órdenes administrativas emitidas desde octubre de 2024. 3. Que se adopten medidas inmediatas de fiscalización e inspección técnica real. 4. Que se evite continuar extendiendo injustificadamente los plazos sin resolución efectiva. 5.
Que se garantice protección contra represalias como denunciante. 15 AL CONCEJO MUNICIPAL 1. Que se dé seguimiento institucional a las irregularidades denunciadas. 2. Que se soliciten informes formales al Departamento de Ingeniería. 3. Que se fiscalice el actuar administrativo de los funcionarios involucrados. 4. Que se mantenga informada a la Comisión Especial sobre los avances del caso. A LA CONTRALORÍA DE SERVICIOS 1. Que se registre formalmente la inconformidad respecto al trato recibido y la falta de atención efectiva. 2. Que se investigue la afectación al derecho de recibir atención administrativa adecuada. 3. Que se dé seguimiento a la falta de respuesta formal y oportuna. A LA OFICINA DE LA MUJER E INAMU 1. Que se valore el posible componente de hostigamiento, intimidación y abuso de poder desde una posición de autoridad. 2. Que se brinde acompañamiento institucional y orientación respecto a los hechos denunciados. 3.
Que se emitan recomendaciones institucionales preventivas en materia de violencia contra las mujeres y trato adecuado dentro de la función pública. A LA DEFENSORÍA DE LOS HABITANTES 1. Que se investigue la posible vulneración de derechos como administrada y denunciante. 2. Que se investigue la falta de actuación administrativa efectiva. 3. Que se fiscalice la actuación de la Municipalidad respecto a las denuncias planteadas. 4. Que se emitan recomendaciones institucionales correspondientes. 16 A LA PROCURADURÍA DE LA ÉTICA PÚBLICA 1. Que se valore si las conductas denunciadas podrían constituir falta al deber de probidad o ética pública. 2. Que se investigue el eventual uso indebido de una posición de autoridad. 3. Que se determine si existieron actuaciones incompatibles con los principios de imparcialidad, objetividad y probidad administrativa. AL CFIA 1. Que se valore el actuar profesional y ético del Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez. 2.
Que se determine si existió incumplimiento de deberes técnicos y profesionales. 3. Que se investigue la eventual aprobación o validación de obras sin verificación técnica adecuada. 4. Que se valore la eventual responsabilidad profesional del funcionario. A LA SECRETARÍA MUNICIPAL 1. Que se incorpore formalmente esta denuncia dentro de los registros institucionales correspondientes. 2. Que se remita formalmente a las instancias competentes. 3. Que se notifique a mi persona el número de expediente y trámite correspondiente. PETICIONES Con fundamento en los hechos expuestos anteriormente, respetuosamente solicito: 1. Que se reciba formalmente la presente denuncia y se aperture la investigación administrativa correspondiente contra el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez, Jefe 17 del Departamento de Ingeniería de la Municipalidad de Goicoechea, respecto a las conductas descritas en el presente escrito. 2.
Que se investigue el eventual hostigamiento, abuso de poder, utilización indebida de una posición de autoridad, intimidación psicológica, acercamientos impropios, conductas invasivas, comentarios personales improcedentes, búsqueda reiterada de cercanía física, contacto físico no solicitado y cualquier otra conducta incompatible con el deber de probidad, ética y comportamiento que debe mantener un funcionario público en el ejercicio de sus funciones. 3. Que se valore si las actuaciones, expresiones y conductas realizadas por el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez durante la reunión sostenida el día 17 de abril de 2026 y durante la visita realizada el día 21 de abril de 2026 constituyen conductas contrarias a la normativa institucional, principios de ética pública, deberes funcionales y normativa relacionada con abuso de autoridad y conducta impropia dentro de la función pública. 4. Que se investigue el actuar profesional, administrativo y funcional del señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez y de los funcionarios involucrados respecto a posibles incumplimientos de deberes, omisiones funcionales, falta al deber de probidad, negligencia administrativa, falta de fiscalización efectiva, omisión de control técnico, omisión de actuaciones obligatorias, incumplimiento del debido proceso administrativo y cualquier otra irregularidad relacionada con las denuncias presentadas por mi persona desde octubre del año 2024. 5.
Que se investigue por qué, pese a haber transcurrido aproximadamente dos años desde la presentación formal de mis denuncias, no existe un expediente administrativo claro, formalmente conformado y debidamente tramitado conforme a derecho. 6. Que se investigue por qué no existen actas técnicas completas de inspección, procedimientos administrativos correctamente aperturados, notificaciones posteriores efectivas, informes técnicos integrales ni actuaciones administrativas contundentes respecto al incumplimiento persistente de las órdenes emitidas desde octubre del año 2024. 7. Que se investigue por qué el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez indicó al alcalde y al Concejo Municipal que los propietarios denunciados habían cumplido con la construcción de la pared medianera, pese a que dicha situación no corresponde a la realidad. 8. Que asimismo se investigue el actuar del señor Nombre05, inspector del Departamento de Ingeniería de la Municipalidad de Goicoechea. 9.
Que se investigue si el señor Nombre05 incurrió en omisiones funcionales, falta de fiscalización efectiva, negligencia administrativa, incumplimiento de deberes o actuaciones carentes de objetividad técnica. 10. Que se investigue particularmente el hecho de que el señor Nombre05 habría corroborado al señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez que los propietarios denunciados supuestamente habían cumplido con lo ordenado por el Departamento de Ingeniería, basándose presuntamente en fotografías aportadas respecto a la propiedad denunciada. 18 11. Que se valore si dichas fotografías evidenciaban realmente el cumplimiento de las órdenes emitidas o, por el contrario, la permanencia de los incumplimientos denunciados. 12. Que se determine si existió validación técnica improcedente, falta de verificación presencial objetiva o ausencia de constatación técnica real respecto a las condiciones denunciadas en la propiedad colindante. 13.
Que se investigue si las actuaciones realizadas tanto por el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez como por el señor Nombre05 permitieron, toleraron o facilitaron la continuidad de incumplimientos administrativos, irregularidades constructivas y afectaciones denunciadas por mi persona desde octubre del año 2024. 14. Que se determine si existió omisión de denuncia, omisión de actuaciones obligatorias o incumplimiento funcional respecto a las afectaciones ambientales denunciadas. 15. Que se investigue por qué, pese a haberse corroborado presuntamente las irregularidades denunciadas y el incumplimiento de las órdenes emitidas, el caso no fue trasladado oportunamente a las autoridades competentes. 16. Que se investigue si existió permisividad, tolerancia indebida, omisión deliberada, falta de actuación diligente o aval improcedente respecto a obras presuntamente irregulares e incumplimientos denunciados. 17.
Que se investigue si el señor Ingeniero Mario Iván Rojas Sánchez avaló o dio por cumplida una obra sin haber realizado previamente una constatación técnica, objetiva y presencial adecuada del lugar denunciado. 18. Que se determine si existieron irregularidades relacionadas con la inexistencia de permisos de construcción, planos aprobados, respaldo técnico profesional o requisitos legales necesarios para las obras denunciadas. 19. Que se me informe formalmente cuáles actuaciones administrativas concretas se han realizado desde octubre del año 2024 respecto a mis denuncias y cuáles funcionarios han tenido participación directa en dichas actuaciones. 20. Que se garantice mi protección como denunciante y se evite cualquier tipo de represalia, intimidación, obstaculización, trato diferenciado o afectación indirecta respecto a las denuncias y procedimientos que actualmente continúan en trámite ante la Municipalidad de Goicoechea. 21.
Que se adopten las medidas administrativas, disciplinarias y legales correspondientes en caso de determinarse irregularidades, omisiones, incumplimientos funcionales, abuso de poder, conductas impropias o actuaciones contrarias a la ley y a los deberes propios de la función pública. 22. Que se me brinde respuesta formal, clara, objetiva y debidamente fundamentada respecto a la presente denuncia y a cada una de las situaciones expuestas en este escrito. 23. Que, en caso de determinarse irregularidades, se proceda formalmente con la apertura y tramitación de los procedimientos administrativos disciplinarios correspondientes contra los funcionarios involucrados. 19 24. Que dichos procedimientos administrativos se desarrollen conforme al debido proceso, garantizando una investigación objetiva, imparcial y completa. 25. Que asimismo se proceda a remitir los antecedentes, informes, pruebas y actuaciones correspondientes ante las instancias legales, judiciales, administrativas, ambientales y disciplinarias que resulten competentes. 26.
Que una vez recibida formalmente la presente denuncia, se proceda a consignar, asignar y notificar a mi persona el número de oficio, número de denuncia, número de expediente o identificación administrativa correspondiente. 27. Que asimismo se me informe formalmente la instancia, departamento o funcionario responsable del trámite, seguimiento e investigación de la presente denuncia. 28. Que la Municipalidad de Goicoechea exija y garantice el proceder administrativo y legal correcto por parte de la Jefatura del Departamento de Ingeniería y de los funcionarios competentes respecto a las denuncias presentadas, adoptando las actuaciones administrativas, técnicas y legales que correspondan conforme a derecho, sin continuar extendiendo injustificadamente los plazos ni manteniendo la ausencia de resolución efectiva respecto a las irregularidades denunciadas desde octubre del año 2024”. Esta gestión fue reiterada el 26 de mayo de 2026.
Al respecto, la Sala observa que, mediante oficio MG-AG-DE-0151-2026 del 27 de mayo de 2026, la Dirección de Ingeniería, Operaciones y Urbanismo respondió a la accionante: “Asunto: respuesta Documento presentado vía correo electrónico el día 26 de mayo del 2026 De acuerdo con la Objeción formal, solicitud de aclaración técnica y legal respecto al oficio MG-AG-DI-01054-2026, dirigido al Sr. Nombre06, cédula de residencia CED01, quien residente de la propiedad con plano de catastro PRN01, inscrita en el Registro de la propiedad a nombre de Nombre04, cédula de Identidad de residencia N°CED03, QdDG. El Oficio MG-AG-DI-01054-2026 en su oportunidad se dirigió al Sr. Nombre06, en calidad de residente a hijo de la titular fallecida de la propiedad mencionada, por cuanto con base en una visita del 21 de abril del 2026 se logró determinar que no toda de longitud de colindancia con la Sociedad 3101879021 S.A. contaba con un cerramiento lateral, al menos 10 metros lineales de longitud estaban sin cerramiento.
I. SOBRE LA NATURALEZA DEL OFICIO MG-AG-DI-01054-2026 El oficio MG-AG-DI-01054-2026 corresponde a una actuación administrativa de carácter preventivo y correctivo emitida en ejercicio de las competencias de control urbano y fiscalización constructiva conferidas a la Municipalidad por la Ley de Construcciones, el Reglamento de Construcciones y el Código Municipal. Dicho acto tuvo como finalidad ordenar medidas minimas de mitigación relacionadas con cerramientos y condiciones de colindancia observadas durante la inspección realizada en sitio, sin que ello implique resolución definitiva respecto de todas las denuncias planteadas por su persona. . Asimismo, el oficio constituye una actuación administrativa preliminar dentro del ejercicio ordinario de fiscalización municipal y no sustituye eventuales procedimientos administrativos posteriores que puedan derivarse de verificaciones técnicas adicionales.
II. SOBRE LA INSPECCIÓN REALIZADA EL 21 DE ABRIL DE 2026 La visita efectuada el 21 de abril de 2026 tuvo carácter de inspección preliminar de campo a ambas propiedades, realizada en atención a las gestiones de su representada. Debe aclararse que las inspecciones municipales iniciales no necesariamente implican: · levantamientos topográficos; · estudios estructurales; · peritajes especializados; · ni procedimientos exhaustivos equivalentes a una auditoría técnica integral. La inspección tuvo como propósito verificar visualmente condiciones generales relacionadas con: · colindancias; cerramientos; · afectaciones visibles; · y condiciones urbanísticas aparentes. · Toma de fotografías. Posteriormente, con base en lo observado en sitio y antecedentes administrativos existentes, se emitió el oficio correspondiente, en el cuál se señaló el número de plano de catastro, que establece una ubicación exacta del sitio visitado.
III. SOBRE LA NOTIFICACIÓN DEL OFICIO La Administración procederá a verificar dentro del expediente administrativo las constancias relacionadas con la entrega y comunicación del oficio MG-AG-DI- 01054-2026, el oficio se entregó el 27 de abril del 2026. No obstante, debe indicarse que, conforme a la Ley General de la Administración Pública, la validez de un acto administrativo no depende exclusivamente de formalismos materiales cuando el administrado ha tenido conocimiento efectivo de su contenido y alcance. Asimismo, la eventual existencia de aspectos subsanables relacionados con la notificación no invalida automáticamente las potestades de fiscalización y control urbanístico de la Administración. IV. SOBRE LA COMPETENCIA MUNICIPAL EN MATERIA URBANÍSTICA Y CONSTRUCTIVA La Municipalidad posee competencias legales para: · fiscalizar construcciones; · verificar cumplimiento urbanístico; · controlar obras; · ordenar medidas correctivas; · y prevenir afectaciones entre propiedades colindantes.
Lo anterior deriva principalmente de: · la Ley de Construcciones; · el Reglamento de Construcciones; · el Código Municipal; · y normativa técnica complementaria aplicable. En materia de cerramientos y elementos divisorios, la Administración puede ordenar medidas correctivas mínimas cuando existan condiciones que generen afectaciones visibles entre propiedades o conflictos vecinales asociados a seguridad, privacidad, salubridad o convivencia urbana. V. SOBRE LOS REQUISITOS CONSTRUCTIVOS DE LA ESTRUCTURA INDICADA En Costa Rica, la exención de permiso municipal para cerramientos livianos pequeños normalmente se fundamenta en el Reglamento para el Trámite de Revision de los Planos para la Construcción del Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos (CFIA), junto con reglamentación municipal y criterios técnicos de obras menores. . . . Pagina 4 de 15 La referencia más utilizada es la relativa a obras menores exentas de visado y planos constructivos, particularmente: · tapias livianas; · cerramientos; · divisiones no estructurales; · y obras menores de mantenimiento o confinamiento.
Reglamento del CFIA - Obras Exentas El reglamento técnico del CFIA establece que ciertas obras menores no requieren: · planos constructivos completos; visado CFIA; ni direccion tecnica profesional, cuando: · no constituyen elementos estructurales mayores; no comprometen estabilidad; · no generan cargas relevantes; · y poseen dimensiones limitadas. Entre ellas suelen incluirse: cerramientos livianos; tapias menores; · mallas; · y divisiones con láminas livianas. no sean muros de contención; · no soporten cargas; · no excedan alturas críticas; · ni afecten vía pública o servidumbres. Reglamento de Construcciones El Reglamento de Construcciones permite diferenciar entre: · obras mayores estructurales; · y obras menores de cerramiento o confinamiento. Un cerramiento lateral con: · postes metálicos livianos; · láminas de zinc; · y función únicamente divisoria o visual, Normalmente no se considera una estructura compleja equivalente a una pared de concreto estructural.
La valoración específica respecto a: · necesidad de permiso constructivo; · visado del CFIA; · planos; · profesional responsable; · o requisitos técnicos adicionales, dependerá de: · dimensiones; · sistema constructivo; · características estructurales; · ubicación; · y alcance definitivo de la obra a ejecutar. Lo solicitado en el Oficio MG-AG-DI-01054-2026 al Sr. Nombre06, se fundamentó en lo observado, de manera profesional, en la visita de campo realizada al sitio en donde se observó que la parte de cerramiento realizada por el Sr. Nombre02, que correspondía al menos al 50 de la colindancia está siendo realizada con marcos de madera y latas de HG usadas, de 2,00 metros de altura, lo que constituye un obra menor y básica que no implica ninguna complejidad estructural, sanitaria o constructiva, situación que puede corroborarse en el Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y Arquitectos. (…) Se denota que no toda la colindancia cuenta con un cerramiento.
(…) En donde se denota que en toda la colindancia con la propiedad que representa la Sra. Nombre03 existe cerramiento, garantizando la debida privacidad. VI. SOBRE LAS DENUNCIAS RELACIONADAS CON AGUAS, OLORES Y CONDICIONES SANITARIAS Las denuncias relacionadas con: · aguas negras; olores; · residuos; · contaminación; · plagas; · y condiciones insalubres, corresponden principalmente a competencias del Ministerio de Salud, conforme a la Ley General de Salud. Los principales artículos de la Ley General de Salud que fundamentan la competencia del Ministerio de Salud en materia de aguas negras, olores, residuos, contaminación, plagas y condiciones insalubres son los siguientes: . Artículo 1: establece que la salud de la población es un bien de interés público tutelado por el Estado. · Artículo 2: atribuye al Ministerio de Salud la competencia de normar, planificar, coordinar y ejecutar las actividades relativas a salud pública y saneamiento. · Artículo 275: prohíbe contaminar aguas superficiales o subterráneas mediante descarga o almacenamiento de residuos, desechos o aguas negras. · Artículo 276: establece que únicamente con permiso del Ministerio pueden realizarse drenajes o descargas de residuos que puedan contaminar aguas. · Artículo 278: dispone que los desechos sólidos deben recolectarse, tratarse y disponerse de forma que se evite contaminación del aire, suelo o agua. · Artículo 279: prohíbe arrojar o acumular desechos sólidos en sitios no autorizados o mediante sistemas no aprobados por el Ministerio. · Artículo 285: obliga a eliminar sanitariamente excretas, aguas negras, aguas servidas y pluviales para evitar contaminación, focos de infección y contaminación del aire. · Artículo 286: faculta al Ministerio de Salud para ordenar obras de drenaje y saneamiento destinadas a eliminar focos insalubres o infecciosos en propiedades privadas. · Artículo 292: prohíbe descargar aguas negras o servidas al alcantarillado pluvial. · Artículo 293: obliga a toda persona a evitar o controlar la contaminación atmosférica y ambiental en lugares destinados a vivienda, trabajo o recreación. .
Artículo 294: define contaminación atmosférica incluyendo humo, vapores, gases y otros agentes contaminantes. Con base en esos artículos, jurídicamente puede sostenerse que: "Las denuncias relacionadas con aguas negras, residuos, olores, contaminación, plagas y condiciones insalubres corresponden primordialmente al ámbito competencial del Ministerio de Salud, conforme a los artículos 1, 2, 275, 276, 278, 279, 285, 286, 292, 293 y concordantes de la Ley General de Salud." No obstante, esta Municipalidad mantiene coordinación interinstitucional dentro de sus competencias cuando existan eventuales implicaciones urbanísticas o constructivas asociadas, razon por la cual el Inspector Nombre05, en varias ocasiones acompañó a los funcionarios del Ministerio de Salud, a valorar este caso denunciado, no obstante, no se tiene conocimiento del estatus en el que se encuentran las órdenes sanitarias giradas para con este caso, por cuanto es resorte legal y exclusivo del Ministerio de Salud.
VII. SOBRE COLINDANCIAS Y EVENTUALES INVASIONES Los conflictos relacionados con la determinación exacta de linderos, eventuales invasiones o definición precisa de colindancias constituyen asuntos de naturaleza privada y civil entre particulares. En consecuencia, tal como se le indicó verbalmente durante la inspección realizada en sitio, corresponde a la parte interesada contratar un profesional en Topografía debidamente incorporado al Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos, a efectos de realizar el respectivo replanteo topográfico y determinar técnicamente si existe alguna eventual invasión o afectación sobre la propiedad. Lo anterior obedece a que la Municipalidad carece de competencia legal para definir derechos de propiedad, establecer judicialmente linderos o resolver controversias civiles entre colindantes, competencias que corresponden exclusivamente a los Tribunales de Justicia.
En caso de que un estudio técnico determine la existencia de una eventual invasión a propiedad privada, corresponderá a la parte afectada acudir ante las instancias judiciales competentes para hacer valer las acciones civiles correspondientes, conforme al artículo 45 de la Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica, el cual tutela el derecho a la propiedad privada. Por tanto, la actuación municipal se limita al ejercicio de competencias urbanísticas y de control constructivo, sin que ello implique pronunciamiento alguno sobre titularidad, delimitación definitiva de propiedades o conflictos civiles de colindancia. En consecuencia, corresponde a las partes interesadas aportar: · levantamientos topográficos; · planos catastrados; · estudios periciales; · o resoluciones judiciales, que permitan determinar técnicamente posibles afectaciones a propiedad privada. La Municipalidad carece de competencia para definir judicialmente derechos de propiedad o resolver controversias civiles entre particulares.
VIII. SOBRE EL EXPEDIENTE ADMINISTRATIVO La Administración garantizará el acceso al expediente administrativo disponible, debiéndose considerar que, debido a la naturaleza multidisciplinaria y multi denuncia del presente caso, este ha sido atendido por distintas dependencias municipales e instituciones públicas competentes. En consecuencia, se reitera que la documentación remitida y recibida por su persona, corresponde específicamente a los antecedentes, actuaciones y documentos que obran en poder de la Dirección de Ingeniería, Operaciones y Urbanismo, conforme a los principios de publicidad, transparencia y acceso a la información pública contenidos en la Ley General de la Administración Pública y la jurisprudencia reiterada de la Sala Constitucional de la Corte Suprema de Justicia. La documentación suministrada corresponde a la información disponible en esta Dirección, conforme a: · disponibilidad documental existente en la Dirección de Ingeniería, Operaciones y Urbanismo; · competencias propias de esta dependencia; · protección de datos sensibles y de terceros; · y procedimientos administrativos internos aplicables.
Asimismo, debe indicarse que parte de la información señalada en su gestión puede encontrarse incorporada en: · expedientes de otras dependencias municipales; · archivos institucionales históricos; · actuaciones interinstitucionales; · o procedimientos administrativos tramitados por otras autoridades públicas, razón por la cual esta Dirección únicamente puede certificar y suministrar aquella documentación que efectivamente conste dentro de sus registros administrativos y competencias funcionales. IX. SOBRE LAS DEMÁS DENUNCIAS FORMULADAS Las denuncias relacionadas con: · aparentes construcciones sin permiso, que como ya se informó según la fotografía satelital de Google Earth, las estructuras o galerones, colindantes ya estaban construidas en el año 2010 con lo cuál no se puede establecer de manera fehaciente en que año esa estructura fue construida y quienes estaban a cargo de la construcción y supervisión de la misma, no obstante, en vista de la condición precaria de las mismas, se le solicitó al Ministerio de Salud Pública establecer si a las mismas se le podía aplicar los artículos 319 al 321 de la Ley de Salud, para que las declare Ruinosas y se ordenen las medidas de ley correspondientes, situación que deberá consultársele a dicho Ministerio.
(…) · drenajes y evacuación de aguas residuales: la verificación sanitaria relacionada con sistemas de drenaje, manejo de aguas residuales, tanques sépticos y disposición de aguas negras corresponde principalmente al Ministerio de Salud, conforme a la Ley General de Salud. Dicha institución es la competente para fiscalizar que los sistemas sanitarios cumplan con la normativa sanitaria vigente y que no generen: · malos olores; · focos de contaminación; · criaderos de vectores; · riesgos a la salud pública; · ni vertidos directos a cuerpos de agua sin el debido tratamiento sanitario. Lo anterior encuentra fundamento, entre otros, en los artículos 275, 276, 285, 286 y concordantes de la Ley General de Salud, relacionados con contaminación. Fagina 13 de 15 evacuación pluvial: la regulación y control del manejo de aguas pluviales forma parte de las competencias municipales en materia de infraestructura urbana, caños y cunetas y control constructivo, procurando que las propiedades evacúen adecuadamente sus aguas de lluvia hacia la vía pública o hacia un cauce natural autorizado, evitando afectaciones a terceros o daños a la infraestructura pública.
En la inspección realizada no se observaron incumplimientos evidentes relacionados con descarga inadecuada de aguas pluviales hacia propiedades vecinas o sistemas públicos. Ahora bien, respecto a su manifestación relacionada con filtraciones de agua de lluvia a través de la pared ubicada en la colindancia oeste con la propiedad del señor Nombre06, debe indicarse que su pared posee aproximadamente más de 6,00 metros de altura y aparenta estar construida en concreto expuesto. Técnicamente, el concreto constituye un material naturalmente poroso y, en ausencia de un adecuado sistema de impermeabilización, sellado o recubrimiento hidrófugo, es normal que se produzcan filtraciones, absorción capilar o transferencia de humedad producto de la exposición constante a aguas pluviales. En consecuencia, mientras no se implemente un tratamiento integral de impermeabilización sobre dicha superficie, las filtraciones de humedad pluvial podrían continuar presentándose.
Por lo anterior, se reitera que la solución técnicamente más recomendable consiste en que las partes involucradas coordinen y negocien el acceso necesario para ejecutar un adecuado tratamiento de impermeabilización sobre la totalidad de la su pared afectada, incluyendo: · sellado superficial; · recubrimientos impermeables; · tratamiento de juntas; · y demás medidas correctivas técnicamente recomendadas. No obstante, dicha coordinación corresponde a un acuerdo entre propietarios colindantes y escapa de las competencias de mediación obligatoria de esta Municipalidad, por tratarse de relaciones y autorizaciones entre terceros particulares. · eventuales incumplimientos urbanísticos: El incumplimiento encontrado por la Dirección de Ingeniería y Urbanismo fue el ya detallado, de que el cerramiento lateral no estaba terminado, no obstante, a la fecha el cerramiento esta terminado. X. SOBRE LA SOLICITUD DE SUSPENSIÓN No resulta procedente suspender preventivamente toda actuación administrativa o medida correctiva mientras se tramitan las distintas denuncias planteadas, particularmente cuando la Administración actúa en ejercicio de potestades de control urbano y prevención de conflictos vecinales.
No obstante, cualquier actuación futura deberá ejecutarse conforme: · principio de legalidad; · proporcionalidad; · razonabilidad; debido proceso; · y normativa técnica aplicable. XI. CONSIDERACIÓN FINAL Esta Dirección reitera que las actuaciones realizadas por esta Dirección de Ingeniería y Urbanismo responden al ejercicio de competencias municipales ordinarias de fiscalización urbanística y atención de denuncias ciudadanas. Asimismo, se continuará valorando técnicamente la información aportada y coordinando, cuando corresponda, con las instituciones competentes según lo denunciado y las futuras solicitudes”.
Ahora bien, la Sala descarta una lesión a los derechos de la tutelada. Por un lado, se observa que la extensión y variedad de requerimientos que efectúa la recurrente dista de ser una solicitud de información pura y simple, tomando en cuenta que solicita desde investigaciones, valoraciones e informes, así como que formula múltiples exhortaciones. Por otro lado, en caso de que se considerara un reclamo en virtud del numeral 41 constitucional, tal pretensión resultaría igualmente improcedente, pues sería prematura a la fecha de interposición de este proceso (en lo que respecta a la gestión del 20 de mayo) y, dado el caso, su conocimiento correspondería a la sede contencioso-administrativa. Finalmente, la Sala también valora la respuesta que fue brindada por la municipalidad accionada, haciendo ver que la inconformidad con una respuesta no conlleva una lesión a los derechos de la persona.
VIII.Con respecto a la solicitud de acceso al expediente, efectuada el 17 de abril de 2026, la Sala constató que la municipalidad accionada remitió el 28 de abril de 2026 una copia del expediente con boleta 13247-A a la tutelada, por lo que nos se observan lesiones a sus derechos.
IX.Este Tribunal hace ver a la recurrente que el proceso de amparo es sumarísimo, por lo que es incompatible con probanzas y contradictorios complejos:
“Esta Sala ha señalado, reiteradamente, que el recurso de amparo es un proceso sumarísimo que no se aviene a complicadas probanzas y contradictorios. Así las cosas, si la parte recurrente estima que la autoridad recurrida debe proceder conforme a sus pretensiones, es una cuestión que, como tal, podrá plantear en la sede administrativa o jurisdiccional correspondiente, en las cuales podrá, ampliamente, discutir el fondo del asunto”. (Sentencia nro. 2025002055 de las 9:15 horas del 24 de enero de 2025)
X.Documentación aportada al expediente. Se previene a las partes que, de haber aportado algún documento en papel u objetos o pruebas contenidos en algún dispositivo adicional de carácter electrónico, informático, magnético, óptico, telemático o producido por nuevas tecnologías, estos deberán ser retirados en un plazo máximo de 30 días hábiles, contado a partir de la notificación de esta sentencia. Se advierte que será destruido todo material que no sea recogido dentro de ese lapso, con base en el "Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial" (aprobado por la Corte Plena en el artículo XXVI de la sesión nro. 27-11 de 22 de agosto de 2011 y publicado en el Boletín Judicial nro. 19 del 26 de enero de 2012) y en el artículo LXXXI de la sesión del Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial nro. 43-12 de 3 de mayo de 2012.
Por tanto:
Estese la recurrente a lo dispuesto por esta Sala en la sentencia nro. 2026004278 de las 9:20 horas del 6 de febrero de 2026, en cuanto al seguimiento y fiscalización de la boleta nro. 13247 del 9 de octubre de 2024. En lo demás, se declara sin lugar el recurso.
Fernando Castillo V.
Fernando Cruz C.
Paul Rueda L.
Luis Fdo. Salazar A.
Jorge Araya G.
Anamari Garro V.
Ingrid Hess H.
EXPEDIENTE N° 26-023733-0007-CO
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