Obtain a lot plan
Agency: Lands Department
The property title should include a lot plan. Otherwise, it can be obtained from the Lands Department. In about 30% of cases, the Lands Department will not have the lot plan in its records. In these cases, the construction company can hire a surveyor to draw up a new plan. This would take 2-3 weeks to complete.
Time and cost: 14 days, BZD 30
Obtain a topographical survey
Agency: Private Firm
BuildCo will need a topographical survey to prepare the site plan.
Time and cost: 18 days, BZD 2,250
Pay application fee at Commercial Bank
Agency: Commercial Bank
Before applying for the building permit, BuildCo must first go the Central Building Authority and provide all the relevant documents, such as the building plans; location plans and sewage plans. BuildCo will fill out the application form and pay for the application fees and submit the proof of payment. The application form and proof of payment for the building permit will allow BuildCo to start requesting all required pre-approvals from the utilities.
Time and cost: 1 day, BZD 175
Obtain clearance of electrical plans from the Public Utility Company (PUC)
Agency: Public Utility Company
The electrical plans must be designed by a PUC licensed wireman or electrical engineer and then submitted (as per PUC design submission requirements) to the PUC for review and approval.
Time and cost: 7 days, no charge
Obtain approval of sewage disposal system
Agency: Ministry of Health
The plans of the sewage disposal system must be approved by the Ministry of Health.
Time and cost: 4 days, no charge
Request and receive building permit
Agency: Belize City Council
To obtain a building permit, BuildCo must submit to the Central Building Authority an application form with the required fees and documents (see below). Depending on the location, an environmental compliance plan may be required. Other approving agencies would be the health and fire departments. Because they are a part of the committee, this is a one-stop approval process. During construction, an inspector visits the site at least four times to ensure that the structure corresponds to the agreed plans.
With the application, BuildCo must submit the processing fee and three sets of plans, four site plans, and four location plans. The plans should include a drawing to scale, showing the plot boundaries in relation to adjoining roads, alleys, footpaths, and the position of any proposed building(s) on the same lot. Other information that should be included is the layout of sewerage and drainage and detailed foundation plans, showing each floor and roof with typical cross-sections through the building indicating foundations, each floor, and the roof, with relative heights and levels of the lowest floor of the building and of the adjacent ground.
Also complete plans of all water-retaining structures with reinforced concrete detail, where used must be submitted with the application. These and other plans are required by the regulations under the Belize City Building Act, Chapter 131 and 40 of the Public Health Act (revised edition 2000). The city engineer must be informed of the start date of the above work.
Once the City Council receives the plans, it sends them to the engineering department. The engineering department then sends the plans to the CBA for review.
Throughout the approval process, the Building Plan Committee checks that the proposed project is in compliance with zoning, environmental, and fire safety requirements. Construction must begin within 6 months of the date the building permit is issued. The permit fee covers four site visits to inspect during four different phases.
Once the plans are approved, the applicant will be requested to complete a an “Application For A Permit To Commence Construction”.
Time and cost: 35 days, BZD 5,600
Obtain an environmental clearance
Agency: Department of Environment
Due to the magnitude of the project (a 2-storey warehouse of 1300.6 sq m. above ground), the Environmental Department must be informed of the project. The Department will then determine whether an EIA or an ECP (Environmental Compliance Plan) is required and will issue an environmental clearance.
Time and cost: 14 days, BZD 1,850
Receive set out inspection
Agency: Belize City Council
The setting out inspection must be carried out and approved before the actual construction commences. The construction phase must commence no later than 365 days of the date of the “No Objection To Development.” The “No Objection To Development” is automatically deemed null and void 365 days after it has been issued. The City Council schedules two random inspections, based on the building plans. Belize City is comprised of five districts, and each district has one inspector assigned to it.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive random inspection by City Council – I
Agency: Belize City Council
The CBA will carry out 2 random site inspections during the construction of the project to ensure that the works are being carried out in accordance with the permitted documents.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive random inspection by City Council – II
Agency: Belize City Council
The CBA will carry out 2 random site inspections during the construction of the project to ensure that the works are being carried out in accordance with the permitted documents.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Notify Central Building Authority of completion of construction and request occupancy certificate
Agency: Belize City Council
No later than 1 week after construction is completed, the owner, or other authorized person must inform the CBA of the completion of the construction and request an occupancy permit from the CBA.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive final inspection from Central Building Authority
Agency: Belize City Council
This inspection will be conducted once the occupancy certificate has been issued to BuildCo.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Obtain occupancy permit
Agency: Belize City Council
The CBA will carry out a detailed inspection of the works within 10 working days. If the built work is in compliance with the permitted set of construction documents, CBA will issue the occupancy permit. Within 3-4 weeks after the inspection, the CBA will issue the occupancy permit.
Time and cost: 34 days, no charge
Request water and sewage connection
Agency: Belize Water Services Ltd. (BWS)
The representative of BuildCo must apply in person at the Belize Water Services Ltd and provide the following information:
- A written request on the company’s letter head and the identification card of the person authorized to conduct the transaction on behalf of the company
- Proof of location of the property
- Contact details
Time and cost: 1 day, BZD 450
Obtain site visit by the Belize Water Services Ltd.
Agency: Belize Water Services Ltd. (BWS)
The inspection will take place once the request has been processed by the utility company.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Obtain water and sewage connection
Agency: Belize Water Services Ltd. (BWS)
Some areas outside the city limits do not have sewage lines so septic tanks are often required.
Time and cost: 27 days, BZD 1,000
