Steps in Obtaining a Building Permit

Application

All building applications must accompany a building plan with documentation and a lodgment fee. Building fees are applied based on the calculations done on the building value by the Building Surveyor.

Approval

Once the council is satisfied with the application and it meets all the required criteria. A building permit will be issued.

Processing Timeline

The normal processing timeline for an application is around 20 working days, however, your application may take up to 30 days if the council requires further information.

If your application is unclear the timeline stops until all required information is submitted to the council. It is advisable to have your documentation in order before submitting the application. If the proposed development work does not meet the required building regulations Council will not be able to issue a building permit.

Permit Validity/ Renewal

The building permit is valid for six months. An extension can be applied on the permit but it is to the discretion of the council. If an extension is granted it will be valid for another six months.

Compliance / Inspections

To ensure the building is in compliance with the building concern, inspections are required at various stages of construction. You will need to contact the department to book an inspection and provide the following information: –

Address of the site for inspection
Booking for Site inspection (Please have the building permit on record when making the booking).
Stage of work completed for Site inspection

If the Building Inspector feels that work does not meet the building permit requirements, then a re-inspection would be required.

Stages for Inspection

Foundation/footing inspection
Decking floor/wall framing inspection
Column inspection
Suspended floor slap inspection and beam inspection.
Roof beam inspection
Roof structural inspection
Drainage inspection
Building services inspection
Completion inspection

Final inspection

Any final inspections need to be booked two days in advance as this gives the council time to check all information is in order prior to the final inspection.

Illegal Development

Any building constructed without a building permit is deemed illegal. All developments have to be in compliance with the Public Health Act Cap [111], Building Regulations, National Building Code of Fiji, Town Planning Act Cap [139], Ba Town Planning Scheme General Provisions and other by-Laws. The council has the right to penalize people if they are found guilty of breaching the Law.