Development & Building Permit
The Physical Planning/Building Permit service authorises appropriate land use and construction in accordance with zoning, planning standards and building code, ensuring orderliness, public safety and environmental protection.
What is a Permit?
A development permit is a written permission authorising a person to carry out development in accordance with specified conditions. A building permit allows the construction of a building or structure to proceed on condition of compliance with the building code.
Why is a Permit Required?
Development permitting ensures correct use of land, the appearance of proposed buildings, and the effects of developments on the general environment and neighbouring properties. The building permit ensures structural stability, fire resistance, weather resistance and other safety standards.
Activities that Require a Permit
New Construction or Erection of Building/Structure
- Erection of any building or structure except those exempted by law
Structural Alteration or Transformation
- Making structural alterations or transformations of any building or structure
Change of Use / Material Alteration
- Material change in existing use of land or building
- Installation of fittings in connection with any structure
Temporary or Auxiliary Structures
- Erection of any temporary structure or fence around a building or construction site
Statutory Requirements
- Submit full set of application to the Physical Planning Department
- Attach land ownership document from the Lands Commission
- Attach four copies of architectural drawings signed by a certified Architect
- Attach four copies of structural drawings signed by an Engineer
- Proposed development must conform to zoning status
- Attach certified soil test report
- Attach fire certified report including drawings from the Ghana National Fire Service
- Attach Environmental Protection Agency permit
- Attach structural integrity report (if construction has commenced or is completed)
Checklist of Application Documents
- Building Permit Application Form – one (1) copy
- Title Search – one (1) copy
- Indenture or Deed of Assignment or Land Title Certificate – one (1) copy
- Architectural Drawings – four (4) copies
- Structural Drawings – four (4) copies
- Structural Calculation Report – four (4) copies
- Fire Report – three (3) copies
- Mechanical or Services Drawings – four (4) copies
- Geotechnical Report / Structural Integrity Report – three (3) copies
- Environmental Permit – one (1) copy
- Traffic Impact Assessment (T.I.A) – three (3) bound copies
- Hydrological Services Report (if requested) – three (3) bound copies
- Up-to-date Property Rate (for existing buildings)
Fees & Processing
Apart from the cost of the permit application form and processing fees, all other costs are calculated according to the Fee-Fixing Resolution of the Assembly for the year.