Building & Construction Permit

A Building and Development Permit is a written approval issued by the District Assembly to a developer before commencing any physical development on, under, or above land. This includes building, renovation or other physical developments. The permit is required under the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) Section 91, which states that no person shall carry out physical development in a district without prior written approval from the District Planning Authority.

Requirements for Application

• Site Plan (scale 1:1,250 or 1:2,500)
• Building, Fence, and Block Plans (scale not less than 1:20 or 1:40)
• Completed Building Permit Application Form and Physical Planning Department Form 1
• Plans signed by relevant professionals:
• Professional Town Planner (Block Plan)
• Architect or Licensed Draughtsman (Architectural Plans)
• Civil/Structural Engineer (Structural Drawings for 3 storeys & above)
• Evidence of legal land title/property ownership

Procedure for Obtaining Permit

Once the completed application and all required documents are submitted, the Planning and Works Departments will inspect the site and process the application. A team from the Physical Planning Department conducts a site visit within two (2) weeks to confirm the details shown on the site plan. The Technical Committee evaluates the application and makes recommendations to the Spatial Planning Committee (SPC), which considers the application and approves or rejects it. On approval, the permit is issued through the District Works Department.

Important Notes

• Receipt for processing fees is NOT a Building Permit.
• Permits may be obtained within approximately three (3) months, subject to land title and standard drawings.
• Development must conform to the approved planning scheme.
• Fees charged are regulated by the annual Fee Fixing Resolution of the Assembly.
• False declaration or information may result in rejection of the application.
• A Building Permit is generally valid for five (5) years; renewal is required if the project isn’t started or completed within this period.

Temporary Structures Permit

Any person or organization intending to erect a temporary structure on road reserves, public open spaces, or acquired land should apply to the Works Department for a Temporary Structure Development Permit.