Request and obtain “approval in principle” (planning permission) with the Town Planning Committee
Agency: Town Planning Committee
This approval is not a prerequisite for the building permit but most constructors would still want to obtain it in advance to make sure that their project is viable/acceptable in terms of town planning. Only the plot and location plan needs to be submitted. to be attached. No proof of ownership is needed at this point. The Committee members that examines the proposal represent the different interest groups that are interested in building process. The Committee agenda is prepared by the Department of Physical Planning. The Committee also hears complaints and addresses grievances.
Time and cost: 30 days, no charge
Request and obtain building permit at the Building Control Unit of the Ministry of Works
Agency: Ministry of Works
BuildCo will submit the request for the building permit to the Building Control Department and pay 10% as a deposit. The file will be inserted in a cardboard jacket and submitted to various department, one after the other.
The application and supporting documents are sent to the following departments for processing:
- Civil Design Section, where checks are made for drainage and road access.
- Department of Physical Planning, which grants zoning approval.
- Department of Environmental Health/BEST Commission, to assess the environmental impact and ensure compliance with Environmental Health codes.
- Control Division of the Ministry of Works & Urban Development, where they complete mechanical, electrical, structural and other checks as necessary.
The Building Permit is then prepared for issue. Drawings are stamped as approved and the final fee is assessed and calculated.
Applicants are notified via telephone that the Building Permit has been approved and can be collected upon payment of the building permit fee.
The applicant must then make final payment and collect the Building Permit at the Buildings Control Division of the Ministry of Works & Urban Development.
Buildings Regulation Art. 4. (1) “Subject to the provisions of this Act, no person shall commence or carry on, or cause or procure to be commenced or carried on, any building operation save under and in accordance with the conditions of a valid building permit and in accordance with the provisions of this Act and any rules and the Building Code.” The status of the application can be checked online.
Time and cost: 120 days, BSD 4,900
Request and receive plumbing permit
Agency: Ministry of Works
A request for plumbing inspection must be requested by the licensed plumber.
Time and cost: 1 day, BSD 3,500
Receive “rough-in” plumbing inspection
Agency: Ministry of Works
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive stand pipe inspection by the Fire Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force
Agency: Fire Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force
The Fire Department will proceed with an inspection of the stand pipes and sprinkler system during the construction phase.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive inspection of floors
Agency: Ministry of Works
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive inspection of walls
Agency: Ministry of Works
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive inspection of roofing
Agency: Ministry of Works
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
File notice of completion of the plumbing works
Agency: Building Control Division
The certified plumber must file a notice of completion of all plumbing works so that the final inspection can take place.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive final inspection
Agency: Ministry of Works
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Obtain final plumbing inspection
Agency: Ministry of Works
After the plumbing has been approved, the plumber can obtain a copy of the approval at the Ministry of Works.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive fire safety inspection
Agency: Fire Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force
After the final inspection performed by the Ministry of Works, it is often determined that a fire inspection is also required.
Some contractors even have the fire inspection conducted before the final inspection from the Ministry of Works, to ensure that the final inspection goes smoothly.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Obtain occupancy permit
Agency: Ministry of Works
BuildCo must apply for the occupancy permit, which can only be obtained after the final inspection for the electrical, plumbing and fire protection final inspections are carried out.
Time and cost: 2 days, no charge
Request water connection
Agency: Bahamas Water and Sewerage Corporation
The request for water and sewage connection is done online at http://www.wsc.com.bs/NewConnectionsForm.aspx
The following document has to be submitted: A copy of the property title. In case of Limited Company, the application must be signed by two or more directors of the Company accompanied by a copy of the resolution authorizing these directors to sign on behalf of the company. An article of association and certificate of good standing must also be attached.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive water inspection
Agency: Bahamas Water and Sewerage Corporation
Technician will visit the property to establish the work to be done and the cost as well. This is usually done within 5-7 working days.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Obtain water service
Agency: Bahamas Water and Sewerage Corporation
Bahamas Water and Sewerage Corporation will conduct the works to connect the meter to the main. BuildCo must hire a licensed plumber to connect from the meter to the building. Cost includes labor, connection fee and meter.
It will take about 2 weeks for the work and connection to be completed.
Time and cost: 16 days, BSD 2,784
Build septic tank
Agency: Private firm
Time and cost: 2 days, BSD 1,000
