Building here
Architectural guidelines
All building concepts must be submitted to the Architectural Committee for review. Do this before an architect begins work on your plans — it is far cheaper to adjust a concept than a finished set of construction documents.
Zoning and minimum building requirements
R-1 Single Family Residential — one home per parcel
All residential parcels currently in inventory are classified R-1, and R-1 lots cannot be subdivided. Minimum floor area, excluding the garage:
| Parcel type | Minimum size |
|---|---|
| Beachfront | 1,800 sq ft |
| Beach-view | 1,400 sq ft |
| Channel | 1,400 sq ft |
Construction setbacks for R-1
| Side yards | 10 feet |
|---|---|
| Main road frontage | 25 feet |
| Beachfront | 25 feet from the Beachfront Reserve |
| Beachfront / beach-view line | 25 feet from the property line separating it from the beach-view parcel |
| Channel | 25 feet from the Channel Reserve |
| Beach-view | 25 feet from the lot line separating it from beachfront property |
Exempt from setbacks: pools, patios, decks, balconies and stairwells.
Cul-de-sacs serve as access points for the beachfront and beach-view parcels.
Working with a Belizean architect
Every home at Cerros Sands is custom-designed. Belizean architects must approve the plans — this is a Belizean Government requirement, not a community preference. They will work with you to develop your design within these guidelines.
Fences, walls and structures
No fence or wall may be built on any part of a lot without Architectural Committee approval. Structures must sit on your own property, or on the property line by agreement with the adjoining owner to form a common barrier.
| Location | Maximum height |
|---|---|
| Side yards | 4 ft |
| Front yards | 4 ft |
| Back yards | 4 ft |
| Seafront | 3 ft |
| Pools | 4 ft |
Privacy walls are subject to Architectural Committee discretion. Pool fences should be at least 48 inches high from the finished level, measured along the exterior, with no more than a two-inch gap beneath.
Materials
Acceptable materials: wood, stone, masonry, steel, iron, aluminium, plastic or Coventec. Masonry and Coventec must be plastered. Zinc siding is not permitted.
Power, docks and other systems
Off-grid applications including wind and solar are permitted, and new technologies will be reviewed for approval. Docks are allowed on the canal and waterfront with the necessary permits and Architectural Committee approval.
Commercial and future designations
The following may be used in future as part of the Marina Specific Plan, for duplexes, townhomes and condominiums: R-2 (two units), R-3 (three units) and R-4 (multi-unit residential).
| C-BB | Commercial Bed and Breakfast — parcels 808 & 809 (can function as two R-1 parcels) |
|---|---|
| C-M | Commercial Marina |
| C-O | Commercial Office |
| C-R | Commercial Retail |
| C-RES | Commercial Resort — parcels 852–855 & 768, future parcels 28–32 |
| C-S | Commercial Services |
Commercial parcel designations may be altered to enhance the desirability of the community. Proposals for R-E, R-2, R-3, R-4 and C designations may be submitted for review by the Architectural Committee and the Developer.
Before you commission drawings
Send us your concept first. We will tell you plainly whether it fits the guidelines, which saves you paying an architect to redraw. See also the construction FAQ and the covenants and restrictions.
Submit a concept