Dev’t & Building Permit

Development & Building Permit

Development and building permitting are vital tools for managing physical development. A development permit refers to the permits issued in relation to planning and building applications. Effective management of development promotes orderliness, convenience of movement, public safety, and enhanced economic growth.

A development permit authorizes a person to carry out development according to the conditions specified in the permit. It considers matters relating to zoning, planning standards, and the structural conditions of the proposed development.

A building permit allows for the construction of buildings or structures, contingent upon compliance with building codes. It addresses how a building is constructed, covering aspects such as structural stability, fire resistance, and weather resilience.

Activities Requiring Development and Building Permits

  1. Erection of any building or structure, except those exempted by law
  2. Structural alterations or renovations to a building
  3. Hoarding of property
  4. Planning Permission-in-Principle
  5. Change of use/rezoning
  6. Subdivision or amalgamation of plots
  7. Extension of time
  8. Certificate of Completion for habitation
  9. Temporary Structure Permit
  10. Regularization of existing structures
  11. Extension of existing buildings
  12. Demolition Permit

Statutory Requirements for a Development/Building Permit

  1. Submit a complete application to the Physical Planning Department
  2. Attach a completed land ownership document from the Lands Commission
  3. Provide four copies of architectural drawings signed by a certified architect
  4. Provide four copies of structural drawings signed by a qualified engineer
  5. Ensure the proposed development conforms to zoning status
  6. Provide a certified soil test report
  7. Include a fire safety report and drawings from the Ghana National Fire Service
  8. Obtain a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency
  9. Provide a structural integrity report if construction has already commenced or is completed

In addition to the above requirements, the following apply specifically in BEMA:

  1. Business Registration Certificate (for organizations)
  2. Business Operating Permit (for organizations)
  3. Up-to-date property rate payment (for existing buildings)

Note:

  • For Organizations: Developers may be asked for additional information based on usage, size, etc.
  • For Existing Buildings: Some development projects require a prior application for “Planning Permission-in-Principle” before applying for a substantive development/building permit.

Requirements Checklist

  1. Building Permit Application Form – (1) copy
  2. Title Search – (1) copy
  3. Indenture, Deed of Assignment, or Land Title Certificate – (1) copy
  4. Architectural Drawings – (4) copies
  5. Structural Drawings – (4) copies
  6. Structural Calculation Report – (4) copies
  7. Fire Report – (3) copies
  8. Mechanical or Services Drawings – (4) copies
  9. Geotechnical Report or Structural Integrity Report – (3) copies
  10. Environmental Permit – (1) copy
  11. Traffic Impact Assessment (T.I.A) – (3) bound copies
  12. Hydrological Services Report (if requested) – (3) bound copies
  13. Property Rate receipt

Apart from the cost of the permit application form and processing fees, all other costs are determined through each phase of the process based on the Fee-Fixing Resolution of the Assembly for that particular year. The Fee Fixing Resolution for each year is published on the Assembly’s website. (visit the document center for Approved Fees)