Consult and purchase the application for development permit (Form 1)
Agency: Department for Physical Planning and Housing (DPPH)
The application is requested by the Department of Physical Planning. Companies often consult with the authorities about the project.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Submit development permit application
Agency: Department for Physical Planning and Housing (DPPH)
The application for a development permit consists of:
- Form 1
- Drawings (three sets)
- Evidence of ownership
The application must be submitted with three complete set of drawings. After the development permit is issued, one set of drawings will be returned to the owner, and this set of approved plans must be kept at the building site, open to inspection by the authorities. The owner must also show evidence of ownership (photocopy of the title deed, lease document or certificate of occupancy), or land tax payment for land owners.
The cost since January 2008 has been GMD 10.00 per sq. m. and GMD 15.00 for the form.
Time and cost: 1 day, GMD 19,709
Obtain development permit from Development Control Unit (Form 2)
Agency: Development Control Unit (Department of State for Local Government)
Upon scrutinizing evidence of land ownership, land use, and building plans, the Planning Authority approves the application, and the Development Control Unit issues a development permit, which consists of the following:
- Form 2
- Approved plans, stamped and signed (one set)
- Form 4, Commencement notice. The developer must complete and send Form 4 to the Department of Physical Planning before starting any construction work
- Form 9, Notice of completion
The authority does not have an official fee schedule. The Development Control Regulations were adopted in 1995 and have not been altered since then. Lack of time-limits for this procedure exacerbates the fact that applicants must constantly follow up. In principle, the Planning Authority should be notified of the commencement of the construction works, but this does not happen in practice.
Time and cost: 28 days, no charge
Submit Commencement Form (Form 4) to the Department for Physical Planning and Housing (DPPH)
Agency: Department for Physical Planning and Housing (DPPH)
At the beginning of the construction works, the Department of Physical Planning should be notified. The developer must fill out Form 4 and send it to the Department for Physical Planning and Housing (DPPH)
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive inspection – I
Agency: Development Control Unit (Department of State for Local Government)
The Department of State for Local Government has the right to inspect during construction. Often the inspection will occur if there is a problem reported or if the department suspects that the developer did not pay all the required fees. BuildCo does not need to request the inspection. There will be on average 2 inspections during the construction period.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive inspection – II
Agency: Development Control Unit (Department of State for Local Government)
The Department of State for Local Government has the right to inspect during construction. Often the inspection will occur if there is a problem reported or if the department suspects that the developer did not pay all the required fees. BuildCo does not need to request the inspection. There will be on average 2 inspections during the construction period.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Submit Form 9 to request the certificate of completion
Agency: Development Control Unit (Department of State for Local Government)
At the end of the construction works, the Planning Authority must be notified. The developer must fill out Form 9 and send it to the Development Control Unit. The Authority would then come out to the construction site to issue a certificate of completion. This step is not widely done in practice; however some companies do follow this requirement.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive final inspection
Agency: Development Control Unit (Department of State for Local Government)
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Obtain certificate of completion
Agency: Development Control Unit (Department of State for Local Government)
The certificate of completion is needed to obtain a water connection. There is no need to update the property title for the inclusion of the building.
Time and cost: 35 days, no charge
Request water connection approval from NAWEC – Water Department
Agency: National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC)
The developer must apply to the National Water and Electricity Company for the water and sewage connection. Moreover, the developer must complete the works down to, and including, a manhole within 3 meters of the plot boundary nearest to the sewer. After the application for the water and sewage connection, the water and electricity utility performs an inspection. The application fee is deducted from the connection fee.
Time and cost: 1 day, GMD 500
Receive inspection from NAWEC – Water Department
Agency: National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC)
NAWEC surveys the warehouse location and provides estimate.
Time and cost: 30 days, no charge
Obtain connection to water services from NAWEC – Water Department
Agency: National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC)
Time and cost: 72 days, GMD 32,000
