New Urban Plan for Playa del Carmen May Allow Taller Buildings
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The College of Architects of the Riviera Maya is not seeking rigid restrictions with the new Urban Development Program for Playa del Carmen, according to its president, Manuel Barrero.
The proposed building height limits — currently set at up to seven stories in the city center and tourist zone — could be modified, Barrero said. Officials are even considering allowing buildings up to 15 stories in the future, once the city’s airstrip is relocated.
The current PDU allows buildings up to 13.5 meters (about 44 feet), but many investors have ignored the limit and constructed seven-story towers.
City Councilman Uri Carmona Islas, who chairs the Urban Development Commission, said the proposal to authorize seven-story buildings has not been approved and is still under review. He asked for time to finalize the document, noting that another council meeting is needed before the plan can be presented to the full Cabildo.
Ana Reyes covers environmental policy, conservation initiatives, infrastructure projects, and political developments across the Yucatán Peninsula for Riviera Maya News & Events. She reports on issues from sargassum management and reef conservation to the Maya Train, coastal development, and state and federal policy affecting Quintana Roo and the broader peninsula.Ana has covered environmental and political news since 2023, tracking key developments in Mexico's environmental regulations, coral reef protection, coastal zone management, and the intersection of tourism development with conservation efforts. Her reporting spans from Cancun's hotel zone to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the culturally significant regions of the Yucatán interior.Ana is fluent in English and Spanish, and draws from a wide range of sources including government environmental agencies, conservation organizations, academic researchers, and local community leaders to provide balanced, well-sourced coverage. She is particularly focused on how environmental policy decisions affect the daily lives of residents and the long-term sustainability of the region.For story tips: ana@rivieramayanews.mx
