Playa del Carmen Approves Zoning for 396-Home Development in Cristo Rey Area

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The Playa del Carmen City Council has approved a zoning change for a 396-home residential development on the city’s northwest edge, an area near Cristo Rey where urbanization is just beginning.

The project, named Samala 2, is being developed by Banco Inmobiliario on a 13.2-hectare property located beyond the university district, according to a notice published in the state of Quintana Roo’s official gazette.

The zoning and land-use approval does not allow construction on its own. The developer must still obtain urban-development and environmental permits from other authorities before building can proceed.

In the notice, the city council said the owner and promoter must comply with the state’s Urban Actions Law regarding land to be set aside for public use. The required transfer must be formalized within six months, or the zoning will be annulled. The council noted that a cash payment could be accepted in place of the land if officials determine it meets the requirement.

The property, on Avenida Libramiento, Block 10, Lot 001, near Calle Galeón, retains substantial areas of medium-height jungle vegetation. The developer paid 1,241,965 pesos for the approval and has committed to donating 2.1 hectares — 15.2 percent of the site — for public use.

Under the approved plan, the project will be divided into two components, each consisting of 198 homes. Environmental impact work is expected to begin in the area once the remaining permits are obtained.