Cerros Sands Construction FAQ

 This is a supplemental document to the Cerros Sands Architecture Guidelines and the Covenants and Restrictions to answer Frequently Asked Questions.

Minimum Building Requirements: 1800 sq ft beachfront, 1400 sq ft channel and beach views. Concrete or similar construction is permitted. Prefabs like mennonite homes are not.

Water: Rainwater collection is the primary water source. 2 Cisterns are typically constructed under the home for storage, when properly done they will provide cooling for any rooms above or adjoining. The reason for two is to enable you to clean one while using the other. They usually have a pipe to connect the two with cutoffs.

We have attempted multiple wells and have not found potable water, nor any water worth working with other than toilets.

Foundation: Concrete Pilings are purchased, delivered and installed by companies like Sealand in Orange Walk. Their crane with additional equipment is used for the installation.

Power: Solar and Wind Generators are used with battery backups. We recommend importing a pre-built system while sourcing panels and batteries here in Belize. A prebuilt, pretested system comes complete and ready for installation. Outback Power Systems has a proven track record with our community.

Waste Treatment: Septic, Soak Away and Leach fields are used. Recently underground containers from Rotoplast have worked well instead of building concrete septic tanks. They are cost effective as well. The leach field is a great spot for planting and must be 100 feet away from the sea or channel.

Cost: As of January, 2024, estimates for Construction costs starting over $100 US per sq ft.

Builders: You have your choice. Builders are subject to General Sales Tax, Income Tax and Social Security. They should also pay holidays and vacations. Sporadic visits by all agencies do occur.

Cerros Sands Architecture Committee: Requires a design to be approved. These are traditionally approved in 24 hours. You submit this approval to your architect and with your application to the Central Building Authority.

Building Plans: Belize Central Building Authority requires a Belizean Engineer, Architect, Electrical and Health department stamps on your drawings to sign off on your plans for a building permit.

Building Height: 2 Story homes are normal. These of course can have a lower level for garage, storage, cisterns etc, essentially 3 stories. Since we are a water oriented community this area could be subjected to higher than normal water during major storms.