- All physical development involving the erection of any structure
- Making of structural alteration or transformation of any structure
- Execution of any works or installation of any fittings in connection with any structure
- Engineering, mining or other operations on, in, under or over land or the material change in the existing use of land or building comprising among others the sub-division of land
- Disposal of waste on land including the discharge of effluent into a body of still or running water
- The erection of an advertisement or other hoarding among others shall require a development permit. Act 480, Section 48; Act 936, Sections 91 (1) & 106 (1) and Act 925 Sections 113 & 117 (1&2);

Any transformation to a building or structure to restore it to its original state in terms façade, fixtures or sewage system shall require a renovation permit from the Assembly. Also a transformation or alteration of any permitted structure or building which results in structural changes (remodeling) shall require a permit from the Assembly

A development/building permit issued is valid for 5years as per Instrument 7 of L.I.1630, 1996 (5 years). Consequently, a developer who is an enable to complete development shall apply for planning permission for an extension of time.

A developer is required to apply for a completion certificate for habitation before occupying a building after completion as per Regulation 10-7 L. I. 1630, Act 925, Section 161

Regularization of permit shall be undertaken for all structures that have been developed without permits. Only structures that meet minimum condition for the grant for regular development permit shall qualify for the grant of regularization permit All applications to regularize permits for existing structures shall be required to submit all requirements listed for the category of such structures in addition to Structure Integrity Report

The addition of a usable area or utility space to an existing structure shall constitute an extension. Applications for permit to extend existing structures which do not have prior permit shall be treated solely as applications for regularization of permit.

All demolition works shall require permit from the Assembly. Sufficient precaution shall be taken to safeguard public safety, health, adjoining properties and properties with heritage significance. Pollution in relation to air, water, noise and soils shall be avoided or properly mitigated.

Application for Demolition Permit

Persons seeking to apply for demolition permit shall complete an application form designed for the purpose including information that ensures that the following basic requirements have been fully fulfilled:

• i. Site plan
• ii. Block plan
• iii. Demolition plan and precautions outlined
• iv. Current Pictures of the structures to be demolished
• v. Acknowledgment of utility services disconnection (electricity, water, sewer, etc)

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).

• 1. Submit your full set of application to the Physical Planning Department
• 2. Attach completed land ownership document from Lands Commission
• 3. Attach four copies of architectural drawings signed by a certified Architect
• 4. Attach four copies of structural drawings signed by an Engineer
• 5. Proposed development must conform to zoning status
• 6. A certified soil test report
• 7. Fire certified report including drawings from the Ghana National Fire Service
• 8. Environmental Protection Agency Permit
• 9. Structural integrity report in case construction development has already commenced or is completed

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

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

Note: For 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.