Environmental Permits (MIA and CUSTF) in Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum

If your lot has jungle, mangrove, coastline or is inside a protected area, you will probably need an environmental impact statement (MIA) to build and, if forest vegetation has to be cleared, a forest land-use change permit (CUSTF), both from SEMARNAT. With our team we check whether your project needs them, prepare the studies and follow the process through.

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We start with the Terravis map: which layers trigger the MIA or the CUSTF on your lot and which nearby projects already went through the federal review (91 statements from SEMARNAT's Gaceta Ecológica in the area). In the Playa del Carmen - Tulum corridor, half of the map points have mature jungle or standing vegetation.

What is included

Whether it applies and which one. We tell you whether your project needs a federal MIA, a state review by SEMA or neither, and whether it needs a CUSTF. Each rule is explained in the guides below.
The studies. The MIA in the right modality and, for the CUSTF, the technical justification study required by law (LGDFS, art. 93), with the fieldwork they need.
Filing and follow-up with SEMARNAT, including the answers to any requests during the review.
The conditions. What the resolution requires before and during the works (for example, rescuing flora and fauna), so it does not catch you by surprise.

What we do not do

We do not promise approval: SEMARNAT decides with your specific project.
Inside mangrove no MIA allows homes or businesses (General Wildlife Law, art. 60 TER), and in Tulum National Park and Isla Contoy the management program does not allow new private works. If your lot is there, we tell you before you spend on studies.

How long it takes

The studies take as long as the fieldwork, depending on the area and the vegetation. Once the MIA is filed, SEMARNAT has 60 days to decide, extendable by up to 60 more for complex projects; if it asks for information, the clock stops until you deliver it, for up to 60 days (LGEEPA, art. 35 BIS). We give you a calendar for your case when we quote.

What helps

The lot's title deed and location.
The project: plans or a sketch with the area to build and to clear.
Topographic survey, land-use certificate and photos of the lot, if you have them.

Cost

We do not publish a fixed price yet: it depends on the area, the vegetation, the MIA modality and whether a CUSTF is needed. Tell us about the project on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it involves before we start.

Tell us about your project on WhatsApp See what triggers the MIA on your lot

Frequently asked questions

Does a house need an MIA?

It depends on where it is. In jungle, a single-family home on a lot under 1,000 m², with tree removal under 500 m² and without affecting protected species, does not need a federal MIA (Environmental Impact Regulation, art. 5, item O). On the coast and in mangrove almost any work needs one. We explain it in the MIA guide.

Do you guarantee approval?

No. SEMARNAT issues the decision. What we do is tell you before starting if your lot has something that makes it very hard or impossible.

What if I already built without an MIA?

We can look at the options, but it is not the same as filing before building. We explain it in the guide on building without an environmental permit; message us with your case.

Are the CUSTF and the MIA the same?

No. The MIA assesses the environmental impact of the works; the CUSTF authorizes clearing forest vegetation. Many projects in jungle need both.

Are you environmental consultants?

We do it with our team. Terravis is not a law firm and does not give legal opinions of its own; we prepare and file the studies and the process with you.

Guides on this topic

Acts that legally require a notary public (deeds, notarizations) are granted by a Mexican notary public. We prepare the file and follow it through. See all services

Tell us about your project on WhatsApp See what triggers the MIA on your lot