Building Unit

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  Procedures for A new Building Permit:

Any person who proposes to construct a building shall submit to the Building Unit an Application for a permit to build. The owner, or an authorized agent acting on the owner’s behalf, shall submit to the office of the Building Unit the following documents/drawings:

1. FILL OUT APPLICATION ABOVE or pick up an application at the building unit to be filled out completely.

2. Include 

I. Proof of Payment of application fee must be presented in order for an application to be submitted.

II. An digital or scanned application to be filled out for the respective proposed building/ fence/ pool/ pier/ tower/ towerbase/ retaining wall/demolition.

III. A minimum of (1) ONE complete set of Architectural and Structural plans. The minimum paper size on which drawings are accepted is 11” x 17” (Tabloid).

IV. An electrical design approved by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) – one copy required.

V. Copy of Land Title/Lease Document/Land Transfer

VI. Copy of Property Tax Zero Balance

VII. Health Department Approval

VIII. Clearance Letters from the relevant Authority/Government Departments where applicable.

IX. An Architect and/or an Engineer, or a technician must accept responsibility for ALL projects submitted for review.

1. Buildings of less than 1000ft2 or 1 storey – Technician Signature (minimum).

Buildings less than one thousand sq. ft. and not more than one storey do not need the signature of an architect or engineer. Technicians may write their names and sign on each page in lieu of stamping. 

2. Buildings of 1000ft2-3000ft2 or 2 storey – Registered Civil/Structural Engineer or Registered Architect

Buildings between 1000 sq. ft. to 3000 sq. ft. and up to two storeys requires that plans and specifications be prepared, designed, stamped and signed by either an architect who is a corporate member of the Association of Professional Architects of Belize (APAB) or a civil or structural engineer who is a corporate member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Belize (APEB). 

3. Buildings of more than 3000ft2 or 3+ storeys – Registered Civil/Structural Engineer and Registered Architect.

Buildings over 3000 sq. ft. and more than two storeys requires that plans and specifications be prepared, designed, stamped and signed by both an architect who is a corporate member of the APAB, and a civil or structural engineer who is a corporate member of the APEB.

3. Pay the application fee after you have gotten clearance from the clerk/building inspector from the unit. 

NOTE: 

-If a project has a cistern it requires Registered Civil/structural engineering approval.

-Fence and pool require a separate application and additional fees.

-It is your responsibility to have a printed approved plan on site.

The Client will be notified If any document is missing and if any changes need to be made.