Submit application for building permit
Agency: Communauté Urbaine de Nouakchott (CUN)
A one-stop-shop (guichet unique) system was set up in each Commune which is in charge of receiving the requests and distributing the file to the necessary agencies for their approvals. This replaced the old ‘fiche de circulation’ system, saving the builder the time from having to follow up on every stage of the approval with each individual agency. The forms and document requirements are standard throughout all communes, though administrative fees can vary slightly from one to another.
Four copies of the file are submitted. Each copy includes the following documents:
- A copy of the property deed
- A location plan
- Architectural and construction plans
- Technical specifications
- A cost estimate
The file must be approved by the following agencies:
- Land Registry (Service des Domaines)
- Civil Protection Agency (Fire and Safety)
- Urban Planning Agency
- National Electricity Company
- National Water Company
Once all approvals have been granted, an authorizing decree for the building permit is issued by the CUN.
Time and cost: 1 day, MRU 14,000
Contact the electricity company to follow up on permit application
Agency: Société Mauritanienne d’Electricité (SOMELEC)
Time and cost: 2 days, no charge
Contact the water company to follow up on permit application
Agency: Société Nationale Des Eaux (SNDE)
Time and cost: 2 days, no charge
Obtain building permit
Agency: Wilaya de Construction, Direction de l’Urbanisme
Once all the approvals are obtained the application will be reviewed by the Wilaya before approving the building permit.
Time and cost: 30 days, no charge
Receive inspection from the Urbanism Administration – I
Agency: Inspection Control, Urbanism Administration (Controle d’Inspection, Direction de l’Urbanisme)
An inspection from the municipal authorities is done to check that all documents are in order.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive inspection from the Urbanism Administration – II
Agency: Inspection Control, Urbanism Administration (Controle d’Inspection, Direction de l’Urbanisme)
The Urbanism Administration checks for compliance with public space norms.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Request and receive final inspection from the Housing Administration
Agency: Urban Service, Housing Administration (Service Urbain, Direction de l’Habitat)
An inspection is needed before a certificate of conformity (certificat de conformité) can be obtained. The permit is required to obtain a renewed title deed for the warehouse.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Obtain certificate of conformity from the Housing Administration
Agency: Urban Service, Housing Administration (Service Urbain, Direction de l’Habitat)
If the construction is deemed compliant to the approved plans, BuildCo will receive the certificate of conformity.
Time and cost: 14 days, no charge
Request and receive inspection from the Land Registry to register building
Agency: Land Registry (Service des Domaines)
In order to register the building, the Land Registry will inspect the site to estimate the cost of the construction
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Register building with the Land Registry
Agency: Land Registry (Service des Domaines)
BuildCo will pay the fees and register the building based on the cost estimate of the Land Registry.
Time and cost: 30 days, MRU 69,420
Request water service from SNDE
Agency: National Society of Water Distribution – SNDE (Société Nationale Des Eaux)
The General Assistant Director of the National Society of Water Distribution (SNDE) extends the water pipelines to the boundaries of the property. BuildCo must connect the warehouse to the water system. When applying, BuildCo must submit the occupancy permit obtained previously.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive inspection by SNDE
Agency: National Society of Water Distribution – SNDE (Société Nationale Des Eaux)
SNDE will inspect the site and provide the cost estimate.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Obtain water connection from SNDE
Agency: National Society of Water Distribution – SNDE (Société Nationale Des Eaux)
Time and cost: 21 days, MRU 6,000
Build septic tank
Agency: Private firm
BuildCo has to build a septic tank as there is no sewage network
Time and cost: 7 days, MRU 15,000
