Costa Rica
Ley 7794
Formally: Código Municipal
Ley 7794 Código Municipal (1998), Art. 37
37/100
Sunshine Score
37/100
Weak
Methodology v0.1
| Advance Notice | 2 days, online posting required |
|---|---|
| Public Comment | Not required |
| Closed Sessions | 7 permitted categories |
| Minutes | Required, online posting required |
| Recording | Not required |
| Remote Participation | Not allowed |
| Enforcement | Voidable, legislature exempt |
Agenda & Notice Requirements
Regular Meetings
2 days
Online posting: Required
Public Participation
Public Comment
Not required
Written Comment
Not allowed
Virtual Meetings
Member Remote Participation
Not allowed
Public Remote Comment
Not allowed
Closed Sessions
Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances
Permitted Categories
Meeting Minutes
Minutes Required
Yes
Online posting: Required
Recording & Broadcast
Recording Required
No
Broadcast Required
No
Enforcement
Violation Effect
Voidable
Standing to Sue
Any person with a legitimate interest may seek judicial review
Enforcement Body
Defensoría de los Habitantes; Contraloría General de la República
Scope
This law applies to:
Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)
Sources & References
Notes
Costa Rica's Código Municipal (Ley 7794 de 1998) governs the country's 84 cantones. Art. 37 establishes that sesiones del concejo municipal are public; closed sessions require a reasoned vote. Costa Rica has a strong transparency tradition and the 2016 Ley 9544 de Regulación de la Transparencia del Gasto Público covers municipal finances. The Defensoría de los Habitantes handles complaints.