Development Approval Process

No. You are required to wait on the building approval before commencing any construction.

Currently, the first Tuesday of each month except for the month of August where these applications are approved out-of session.

It is required that all buildings be designed to Jamaica Building Code standards. Buildings greater than 300m² must be designed and stamped by registered professionals (Architects/Engineers). Buildings less than 300m² can be designed by other qualified practitioners (Licensed Draughtsman). However, buildings that are considered to be complex structures and or requiring complex services whether less than or greater than 300m² should be designed by registered professionals.

See below

Type of Approval                                                 Duration
Residential (single lot)                                          At least 8 weeks
Residential (multiple lots)                                      3 - 6 months 
Commercial development                                      3 - 6 months 
Subdivision                                                          3 - 6 months 
Change of Use                                                      3 - 6 months 

See below

Type of Development

Sets of Drawings Required

Single Family Dwelling House

4 sets

Residential (multiple lots)

10 sets

Apartment Building

10 sets

Commercial Structure

10 sets

Change of Use

4 sets

Institutional

10 sets

Industrial

10 sets

Telecommunication

4 sets

Click here for building checklist.

Development means the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, over or under land, or the making of any material change in the use of any buildings or other land (Town & Country Planning Act section 5 [2]). Since development includes building where the Planning Act is appropriate Planning Permit is also required.

No. A person shall not sell, offer, or advertise for sale, or build upon any lot in any subdivision unless it has been previously approved by the Local Planning Authority.

The Building fees are calculated based on the square meters/square footage of the structure to be  erected plus a site inspection fee.

Yes. Any changes to the structure of a dwelling house require the approval of the local planning authority.