Obtain lot plan and ownership title from Land Registry
Agency: Land Registry
The Land Registry is fully computerized and Samoa moved from a deed system to a title system in 2009. There is no backlog at the Registry and documents can be obtained within minutes.
Time and cost: 1 day, WST 5
Request and obtain development consent
Agency: Planning and Urban Management Agency (PUMA) at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
The development consent application form is available at PUMA. An applicant pays the fee to the cashier and attaches the proof of payment to the application form. The following documents must be submitted along with the application:
- Project design
- Land deed
- Development plan
- Scope of development
- Waste water treatment
- Natural disaster preparedness plan
PUMA will review the application and decide whether or not an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required. Full EIA (if deemed necessary) can take up to 2 — 3 months and costs WST 12,000.00.
Time and cost: 15 days, WST 70
Obtain endorsement of Compliancy Confirmation Form 1 by Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA)
Agency: Fire and Emergency Services Agency
A copy of the building plan for the placement of fire safety appliances must be submitted as well as the development consent obtained from FEMA.
FESA will study the plan, issue a report and sign Compliance Confirmation Form 1.
Time and cost: 7 days, WST 740
Obtain endorsement of Compliancy Confirmation Form 1 by Land Transport Authority (LTA)
Agency: Land Transport Authority
The Compliancy Confirmation Form 1 is given to the chief engineer for signature. Based on the type of building, a site visit may or may not be necessary.
Time and cost: 5 days, WST 50
Obtain endorsement of Compliancy Confirmation Form 1 by Samoa Water Authority (SWA)
Agency: Samoa Water Authority
A site visit is necessary to check the land plot and the condition of the sewage and water pipes.
Time and cost: 5 days, WST 20
Obtain endorsement of Compliancy Confirmation Form 1 by Electric Power Corporation (EPC)
Agency: Electric Power Corporation (EPC)
Time and cost: 5 days, no charge
Apply for building permit at the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
After obtaining the development consent, BuildCo must apply for a building permit with the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure. The following documents must be provided:
- Consent for development
- 2 sets of building plans signed by the architect
- Structural calculations and/or engineering certificate (for buildings of two stories or higher)
- Valid builder’s license
- Compliancy confirmation form signed by all relevant authorities
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Pay building permit fee and obtain building permit
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
Once all requirements are submitted and recommended for CEO’s approval and BuildCo has paid the building permit fee to the Accounts Division, the CEO of the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure issues the permit. The building permit is valid for only six months.
Time and cost: 7 days, WST 2,500
Receive foundations work inspection
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
Building inspectors from the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure (MWTI) can inspect on a random basis at any stage during construction. For larger projects, for example, most clients would employ a “clerk of works” to act on their behalf, carry out inspections, and make sure all necessary testing is done.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive steel work for slabs inspection
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive frame inspection
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive drainage inspection
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive sanitary inspection
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Request an inspection certificate from the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive final inspection and inspection certificate from the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
Time and cost: 5 days, no charge
Request inspection certificate from the Fire and Emergency Services Authority
Agency: Fire and Emergency Services Agency
BuildCo requests an inspection from FESA. After the inspection, FESA issues a report within one week.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Obtain water connection
Agency: Samoa Water Authority
Water connection is obtained once the final inspection certificate is issued by the Ministry of Works, and infrastructure
Time and cost: 14 days, WST 770
Receive inspection and inspection certificate from the Fire and Emergency Services Authority
Agency: Fire and Emergency Services Agency
Time and cost: 5 days, no charge
