Building and Construction Permit

Development and Building permitting are the main instrument for controlling or managing physical development. Development permit in this context refers to permits issued in relation to planning and building applications. Effective development management promotes orderliness, convenience of movement, public safety and enhanced economic development. Development Permitting deals with the correct use of the land, the appearance of the proposed building and the effect that the development will have on the general environment and neighboring properties.

A development permit is a written permission authorizing a person to carry out development in accordance with conditions specified in the permit. Such a development permit shall consider matters relating to zoning, planning standards and structural conditions of the proposed development.

A Building Permit allows construction of buildings or structures to proceed on condition of compliance with the building code. A Building Permit deals with the way a building is constructed, e.g., its structural stability, fire resistance, weather resistance, etc.

Activities that require Development and Building permit

  1. Erection of any building or structure except those exempted by Law.
  2. Making structural alteration and/or transformation (Renovation) to a building.
  3. Hoarding of Property.
  4. Extension of Time.
  5. Temporary structure permit.
  6. Regularization of existing structures.
  7. Demolition Permit.
  8. Extension of existing building.
  9. Certificate of completion for habitation.
  10. Sub-division or Amalgamation of plot.
  11. Planning Permission-in-Principle
  12. Change of use/Rezoning.

Statutory requirements for a Development/Building permit

  1. Submit your full set of applications to the Physical Planning Department.
  2. Attach completed land ownership document from Lands Commission.
  3. Attach four copies of architectural drawings signed by a certified Architect.
  4. Attach four copies of structural drawings signed by an Engineer.
  5. Proposed development must conform to zoning status.
  6. A certified soil test report.
  7. Fire certified report including drawings from the Ghana National Fire Service.
  8. Environmental Protection Agency Permit.
  9. Structural integrity report in case construction development has already commenced or is completed.

In addition to the statutory requirements above, in Nadowli-Kaleo District the following requirements also apply;

  1. Business Registration Certificate (for organizations).
  2. Business Operating Permit (for organizations).
  3. Up to date Property Rate payment (Existing Buildings)

REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST

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

Apart from the cost of the Permit Application Form and Processing Fees, all other costs are arrived after going through each process based on the fee fixing resolution of the Assembly for that year. The Fee fixing Resolution for each year is published on the Assembly’s Website and copies can also be purchased at the Ghana Publishing Company.