5 Bacalar Developments Lack Permits, Warns Government

Bacalar, Mexico — The Secretariat of Sustainable Territorial and Urban Development (Sedetus) has issued a new alert concerning five real estate developments in the municipality of Bacalar that lack any form of certificates, permits, or authorizations.

The flagged subdivisions are Pueblo Morebi, Sayab Bacalar, Ichkabal Villas, Laguna Tinte, and Xho Bacalar.

"The public is requested not to undertake any action of purchase, sale, promise of purchase-sale, rental, or any other related action, as they would be contributing to the commission of crimes against Urban Development and putting their own assets at risk," reads the alert issued by Sedetus.

Legal and Criminal Proceedings Intensify

The government of Quintana Roo is not only issuing alerts and imposing closures against irregular subdivisions in the state, but in at least 12 cases, they have also been referred to the State Attorney General's Office so that proceedings can also proceed through criminal channels against those who commercialize real estate without permits.

This action stems from the fact that many of these constructions, which are in the process of being marketed, are located within Environmental Management Units (UGAs) where any type of urbanization is expressly prohibited. These areas are designated for water catchment or environmental conservation, and development there violates regulations ranging from municipal statutes to federal laws that stipulate criminal penalties.

Statewide Count of Irregular Developments

Just this week, Sedetus confirmed that there are currently 116 irregular developments in Quintana Roo. This figure is the result of a process of verification and documentary validation coordinated with various state and municipal agencies.

Inspections have been carried out directly on the lots to verify that they possess the corresponding permits not only from the state but also from the Cadastre, the Public Property Registry, and municipal governments. These actions seek to guarantee legal certainty for both the land and investors.

Verification Process and Citizen Complaints

Officials detailed that the process began with cases in Mahahual, which triggered the majority of the verification efforts. From there, operations moved to municipalities such as Tulum and Playa del Carmen, where a significant number of citizen complaints have been received.

Consequently, the operation is part of an administrative procedure that can result in fines and regularization processes before agencies such as Sedetus, Urban Development, Ecology, and other related institutions.

Ongoing Law Enforcement and Digital Monitoring

So far this year, the Attorney General's Office has brought three advisors before a judge for alleged real estate fraud. Meanwhile, Sedetus maintains collaboration with the Cybersecurity Task Force to detect and take down false web pages or social media posts that promote the irregular sale of land.