Development and Building permitting is the main instrument for controlling or managing physical development. Development permit in this context refers to permits issued for 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 under conditions specified in the permit. Such development permit shall give due consideration to matters relating to zoning, planning standards, and structural conditions of the proposed development.

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

A Building Permit deals with how a building is constructed, eg its structural stability, fire resistance, weather resistance, etc.

Statutory requirements for a Development/Building permit

• Submit your full set of applications to the Physical Planning Department
• Attach the completed  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
• 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