Construction corner…
THERE are certain procedures that MUST be adhered to when seeking to build your own home.

With you the new homeowner in mind, the Planning and Settlement Development Department of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) has made available, for a small fee, a Developer’s Manual which deals with procedures as part of the CHPA’s new development facilitation and compliance practice.

The manual is the first of a two-part document dealing with the development permission process and proposed development standards for Guyana, and is intended to convey information to the public on the procedures involved in planning permit requirements for all types of development, as well as the process of evaluating and deciding on development application.

As promised last week, today’s focus is on the various Types of Applications you need to submit when thinking about doing any sort of construction.

All applicants are required to follow the appropriate application procedures to obtain planning permission from the Central Housing and Planning Authority.

There are two main types of applications for planning permission:

1. Outline planning application (Approval in principle)

2. Full planning application (Full approval)

Outline Planning Application for Planning Permission (Approval in Principle)
Prior to submitting a detailed application to gain full planning permission, an interested party may submit an outline application, for which approval, in principle, may be granted. That permission may be granted conditionally or unconditionally, or may be refused.

In general, the determination of an Outline Application For Planning Permission informs an applicant as to whether or not the type of development proposed is consistent with existing land use policy, and provides overall site development standards applicable to the particular site.

Prior submission of an outline application for planning permission reduces the risk of unnecessary cost due to abortive work in the preparation of building plans/drawings for the proposed development, which may not be approved.

Once outline-planning permission has been granted, the applicant will need to submit a Full Planning Application. Outline planning permission does not authorise the commencement of development. Development may not begin until full planning permission is granted.

It must be noted that an outline planning permission is valid for only one year, and during that time, the applicant is expected to apply for full planning permission. Failure to submit a full planning application before the one-year period expires will result in the outline permit becoming invalid.

Requirements for Outline Planning Application
1. Copy of completed outline application form (Form can be purchased from the CHPA) at a cost of G$200.

2. Two (2) copies of site location plan (See heading 3.4 ‘Architectural Drawings’ for information on scale)

3. Proof of Ownership or rights to develop property (building and/or land).

4. Processing fee of G$5,000 (See Appendix 1).

5. Any additional information which may be required by the CHPA, such as survey plan that relates to the parcel of land to be developed.

6. Covering letter indicating the intended use of the building/land to be developed.

For land subdivision, the following additional information is required:
1. Two (2) copies of design sketch showing lot sizes, layout of roads, drains and the general network, and community support facilities where possible.

2. Planning scheme for land subdivision of 10 or more lots.

Full Planning Application for Planning Permission (Full Approval)
A full planning application requires the submission of detailed proposals to actually commence development. It is granted in the following circumstances:-

1. If the applicant wishes to carry out building operations, that is, erecting, altering or extending a building, together with other works incidental to the building works.

2. If the applicant wishes to change the use of the land or building(s), or part of a building.

Requirements for Full Planning Application – Building Operations:
Applications for full planning permission must be made through the respective Local Authority.

Applicants must submit the following documentation when submitting full application for building operations:

1. The completed building application form, which is collected from the respective Local Authority;

2. Three (3) copies of building plans, including a plan of the site, floor plans, and two elevations (1 front and 1 side). These drawings should clearly show the following:

a. The external dimensions of existing and/or proposed buildings;

b. The precise location of all existing buildings, including the identification of buildings to be demolished or any additions to be made; and

c. The existing and proposed building setback distances.

3. A detailed site location sketch/plan of the land to which the application relates, giving sufficient detail to enable the site to be positively identified in the field;

4. Legal evidence showing proof of ownership; and

5. Any additional information which may be required by the Authority to make a proper determination on the application.

The Local Authority collects the processing fees for the application, and retains 10 per cent of it, except for the Mayor and City Councillors of Georgetown, where 50 per cent is retained. The Local Authorities process the application, and refer it to CHPA with recommendation(s).

Requirements for Full Planning Application – Change of Use
A full planning permission is required if an applicant wishes to change the use of the land or building(s) or part of a building.

An application for change of use of land or building must be made directly to CHPA on the prescribed application form, which can be purchased at a cost of G$200 at the Central Housing and Planning Authority Headquarters.

For areas outside of Georgetown, the application must be accompanied by a No Objection Letter from the respective Local Authority.

Applicants must submit the following documentation when submitting full application for change of use:

1. A completed application form from the CHPA;

2. Legal evidence showing proof of ownership;

3. A covering letter describing the intended use of building(s) or land to be developed;

4. Two copies of architectural drawings, which include floor plans and elevations (1 front and 1 side);

5. Site plan showing the proposed change for each building(s) or parcel of land;

6. A detailed site location sketch/plan of the land to which the application relates, giving sufficient detail to enable the site to be positively identified in the field; and

7. Any additional information, which may be required by the Authority to make a proper determination on the application.

For major commercial, tourism and industrial development, similar information must be submitted as required for an application for building operations.

Required processing fees for change of use
1. For minor development, except offices, liquor establishments and industrial undertaking $5,000.00

2. For major development, including offices, liquor establishments and industrial undertakings $15,000.00

(Source: Developer’s Manual)

That’s all for today until next week, when we bring you more tips on how to get cracking on building that house you’ve always dreamt of owning.

As always, we’d like to encourage that if you have any queries, complaints or suggestions pertaining to homeownership or construction in general, to feel free to write us at: gcletters@yahoo.com or lindford2004@yahoo.com