Development and Building permitting is 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 the land, the appearance of the proposed building and the effect that the development will have on the general environment and neighbouring properties.

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

A Building Permit allows construction of buildings or structure to proceed on condition of compliance to building code.

A Building Permit deals with the manner in which a building is constructed, eg its structural stability, fire resistance, weather resistance, etc.

• Activities that require Development and Building permit

  • Erection of any building or structure except those exempted by law
  • Making Structural Alteration and or Transformation (Renovation) To A Building
  • Hoarding of property
  • Planning Permission-In-Principle
  • Change Of Use/Rezoning
  • Extension of Time
  • Certificate Of Completion For Habitation
  • Temporary Structure Permit
  • Regularization of Existing Structures
  • Extension of Existing Building
  • Demolition Permit

• Statutory requirements for a Development/Building permit

  • Submit your full set of application to the Physical Planning Department
  • Attach completed land ownership document from 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
  • A certified soil test report
  • Fire certified report including drawings from the Ghana National Fire Service
  • Environmental Protection Agency Permit
  • Structural integrity report in case construction development has already commenced or is completed

  In addition to the statutory requirements above, in AMA the following requirements also apply;

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

  Note:

  Organisations: A developer may be asked to provide additional information depending on usage, size, etc.

  For Existing Buildings: Some Development Projects require a prior application for “Planning Permission –in- Principle” before application for a substantive Development /Building permit.

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 as the Ghana Publishing Company (Assembly Press).