Frequently Asked Questions

1. All physical development involving the erection of any structure.
2. Making of structural alteration or transformation of any structure.
3. Execution of any works or installation of any fittings in connection with any structure.
4. Engineering, mining or other operations on, in, under or over land or the material change in the existing use of land or building comprising among others the sub-division of land.
5. Disposal of waste on land including the discharge of effluent into a body of still or running water.
6. The erection of an advertisement or other hoarding among others shall require a development permit.

Reference: Act 480, Section 48; Act 936, Sections 91 (1) & 106 (1) and Act 925 Sections 113 & 117 (1&2)

Any transformation to a building or structure to restore it to its original state in terms facade, fixtures or sewage system shall require a renovation permit from the Assembly.

Also a transformation or alteration of any permitted structure or building which results in structural changes (remodeling) shall require a permit from the Assembly

Any temporary structure or fence erected round a building or construction site shall require a planning permit

Public safety shall be ensured and pollution in relation to air, water, noise and soils shall be avoided or properly mitigated.

A hoarding permit shall be incorporated into all Development applications (except for already fenced structures of property) and treated as one application.

In the event that, a developer proposes to carry out any development that may be at variance with the allowable planning consideration for an area, the person may apply for planning permission- in- principle by submitting the Perspective (not details) of the proposal for planning approval before actual development application.

For instance, an applicant who may want to put up a high rise apartment in a typical low rise residential area.

Check List/Guidelines for Application in Principle (AIP)

1. Perspective Drawings
2. Floor Plans
3. Land Document (Indenture or Certificate)
4. Project Brief
5. Evidence of Neighbourhood Consultation
6. Preliminary Traffic Impact Assessment Report (T.I.A.)
7. Waste Management Plan

In the event that, a development proposal does not conform to the approved planning scheme in terms of Land use, the applicant would be advised to apply for a change of use if it is a plot of land.

However, if the development proposal affects a larger parcel of land, then the applicant would be required to apply for rezoning.

The requirement for a change of use or rezoning shall be in accordance with the following:

1. An official application backed by a Planning Justification Report endorsed by a certified Planner shall be submitted to the Physical Planning Department.
2. The Report must provide relevant information such as a publication of the Application, evidence of Land ownership and the planning merit of the application.

In the event that a property owner intends to assign an interest on a portion of plot to another person or entity, there is the need for planning permission to be granted by the Assembly.

On the other hand, in the event that a property owner intends to merge tow or more plots under one interest, or for a particular project, planning permission is required from the Assembly.

 In these instances, the following requirements shall apply:

1. An official application backed by a Planning Justification Report endorsed by a certified Planner shall be submitted to the Physical Planning Department.
2. The Report must provide relevant information such as a publication of the Application, evidence of Land ownership and the planning merit of the application.

A development/building permit issued is valid for 5 years.

Consequently, a developer who is an unable to complete development shall apply for planning permission for an extension of time.

Reference: Instrument 7 of L.I.1630, 1996 (5 years)

A developer is required to apply for a completion certificate for habitation before occupying a building after completion

Reference: Regulation 10-7 L. I. 1630, Act 925, Section 161

A temporary structure is any physical structure constructed, installed or placed on spaces zoned for permanent uses and meant to facilitate the construction of a permanent structure, serve short term emergency needs or facilitate small scale business operations.

The temporary permit shall be renewable every six months for a period not exceeding five years.

The basic requirements for a temporary structure permit are:

1. Evidence of good title to the land or permission from relevant stakeholders
2. Site Plan to the scale of 1:2500 or 1:1250 and conforming to the local plan of the area
3. Block Plan to the scale of 1:50
4. Designs of proposed temporary structures

 An applicant shall be required to obtain all necessary approvals, permits and licenses from relevant central and local government authorities

Regularization of permit shall be undertaken for all structures that have been developed without permits. Only structures that meet minimum condition for the grant for regular development permit shall qualify for the grant of regularization permit.

All applications to regularize permits for existing structures shall be required to submit all requirements listed for the category of such structures in addition to Structure Integrity Report

The addition of a usable area or utility space to an existing structure shall constitute an extension.

Applications for permit to extend existing structures which do not have prior permit shall be treated solely as applications for regularization of permit.

All demolition works shall require permit from the Assembly.

Sufficient precaution shall be taken to safeguard public safety, health, adjoining properties and properties with heritage significance.  Pollution in relation to air, water, noise and soils shall be avoided or properly mitigated.

Requirements for Demolition Permit;

1. Site plan
2. Block plan
3. Demolition plan and precautions outlined
4. Current Pictures of the structures to be demolished
5. Acknowledgement of utility services disconnection (electricity, water, sewer, etc)