Federal Maritime Zone
- William Hutt
- Sep 19, 2024
- 3 min read
If you own property within Mexico's Federal Maritime Zone (Zona Federal Marítimo Terrestre, ZOFEMAT), you must apply for a concession to legally use the land. This process is essential as the Federal Maritime Zone is public land, typically the 20-meter wide strip of land measured from the high tide line. Here’s how you can apply for a concession and why it’s crucial to do so promptly:
How to Apply for a Concession in the Federal Maritime Zone:
File an Application: Submit an application to the Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). This involves providing proof of ownership or occupation of the adjacent property, detailed information about how you intend to use the land, and any required environmental impact assessments.
Submit Necessary Documentation: Along with the application, you’ll need a series of documents, including property title, official identification, and potentially a letter from a registered environmental expert if applicable.
Environmental Review: SEMARNAT may conduct an environmental review to assess any potential impact on the surrounding environment. They will look at how the property is being used and if it aligns with regulations for coastal land use.
Concession Term: If approved, the concession typically lasts for 15 years and can be renewed. During this time, you pay an annual fee based on the value of the concession area.
Importance of Acting Quickly:
If you do not apply for a concession on the portion of land within the Federal Maritime Zone adjacent to your property, someone else may have the opportunity to apply for it. The concession does not automatically go to the property owner, and the Mexican government can grant the concession to another interested party if it’s unclaimed. This means that the adjacent maritime land, which you assumed was yours to use, could be granted to someone else—leaving you without recourse.
What Happens if Someone Else Gets the Concession:
If someone else applies for and receives the concession before you do, you could lose access to that part of the land, even though it borders your property. Once granted, concessions are legally binding, and there is very little recourse to reverse it unless legal steps were violated during the concession process.
To avoid losing access or control over land within the Federal Maritime Zone, it’s important to apply for a concession as soon as you own property adjacent to this zone. Being proactive in obtaining the concession ensures that you maintain legal use of this land, preventing others from acquiring it first.
SEMARNAT stands for Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources), and it is the Mexican government agency responsible for the conservation, protection, and sustainable use of Mexico's natural resources, including land, water, and ecosystems.
Key Functions of SEMARNAT:
Environmental Protection: SEMARNAT oversees policies and actions to protect Mexico’s environment, such as controlling pollution, preserving biodiversity, and preventing deforestation.
Natural Resource Management: The agency regulates the use of natural resources to ensure they are used sustainably. This includes forests, water bodies, coastal areas, and marine life.
Issuing Concessions: SEMARNAT is responsible for granting concessions to private individuals or businesses for the use of public lands, including Federal Maritime Zones. For example, if someone owns property next to a beach, they must apply to SEMARNAT to use any part of the adjacent public coastal land.
Environmental Impact Assessments: Before a project like real estate development or industrial construction can proceed, SEMARNAT evaluates its environmental impact. It ensures that such projects comply with environmental laws and regulations.
Climate Change Initiatives: SEMARNAT works on strategies to address climate change, promote renewable energy, and reduce carbon emissions across the country.
Sustainability Programs: The agency also implements various programs that promote sustainable agricultural, industrial, and urban development to minimize harm to the environment.
In summary, SEMARNAT is Mexico's leading authority on environmental policies and resource management, ensuring sustainable practices and protecting the country’s natural wealth.
Phone - 322 222 0703
Will Hutt
Coldwell banker La Costa
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