Question 1

Application for In-Principle Approval (IPA) to Develop

Answer

The main approval agency for construction permits is the local authority. The local authority manages the affairs of the towns and cities effectively and efficiently. In most cases, the local authority works in partnership with other government agencies to manage the three stages of obtaining construction permits. The first stage is to apply for In-Principle Approval (IPA) to develop the acquired land. In the case of Suva, the Suva City Council will work closely with the Department of Town and Council Planning (DTCP) to process the application. Click HERE for more details.

Question 2

Application for Approval to Develop the Site

Answer

The main approval agency for construction permits is the local authority. The local authority manages city affairs effectively and efficiently. In most cases, the local authority works in partnership with other government agencies to manage the three stages of obtaining construction permits. The first stage is to apply for In-Principle Approval (IPA) to develop the acquired land. In the case of Suva, the Suva City Council will work closely with the Department of Town and Council Planning (DTCP) to process the application. Click HERE for more details.

Question 3

Processing of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Answer

In compliance with the Environment Management Act 2005 and EIA Regulations 2007, all development proposals with the potential for environmental impacts are to be submitted to the Department of Environment for review and approval. Click HERE for more details

Question 4

Application for New Water and Waste Water Connections

Answer

For all projects which requires water and wastewater connections, developers are to apply for new water connection to supply fresh water to the building, and new wastewater connection to be connected to the sewerage. This step can be carried out concurrently with Step 2. Click HERE for more details

Question 5

Lodgement of Engineering Plans

Answer

DTCP will assess all Development related Engineering Plans with a focus on
- Road & Footpath
- Water
- Electricity
- Drains
- Street lights
- Fire Hydrants DTCP will also work with the relevant agencies such as Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) to ensure the development plans are complying to Electricity Act Cap 180 Regulations, AS/NZS3000 Wiring Rules and all EFL Regulations & Policies. Click HERE for more details

Question 6

Application for Structural Fire Safety (New Development Approval)

Answer

In compliance to National Building Code of Fiji under Public health Act, all building plans have to be approved by National Fire Authority (NFA) to meet the minimum requirements (with reference to Australia and New Zealand standards) as follows: 1) Fire resistance and stability
2) Access and egress
3) Fire services and equipment For complex development, a pre-submission concept meeting is available. Click HERE for more details

Question 7

Workplace Design Vetting of Plans

Answer

All buildings, alterations of existing buildings and demolition Works for buildings that will be used as a workplace must be vetted by the OHS Services. OHS provides advice and consultancy to ensure that the plans comply with health and safety regulations, ensure that workplaces are safe for workers and non-workers and that relevant amenities and facilities are provided. This step can be carried out concurrently with Step 5. Click HERE for more details

Question 8

Application for Approval to construct on site for the purpose requested by the applicant – Building Permit

Answer

In compliance with National Fiji Building Code, Town Planning Act, Environment Management Act, Public Health Act, OHS Act, Subdivision By-Laws as well as requirements by the Fiji Road Authority, National Fire Authority, Water Authority of Fiji, (where required), all major development applications must be submitted to the City/Town Council. This is the final step before any building is permitted to be built on the land. Once the building permit is approved, the owner can then work with the developers and engineers to commence construction. Click HERE for more details

Question 9

Application for Inspection of foundation work/structure/roof/project completion

Answer

In compliance with National Fiji Building Code, Town Planning Act, Environment Management Act, Public Health Act, OHS Act, Subdivision By-Laws as well as requirements by the Fiji Road Authority, National Fire Authority, Water Authority of Fiji, (where required), all major development applications must be submitted to the City/Town Council. OHS: Ensure that the building:
1) Is constructed in accordance with OHS approved plans.
2) Is safe for workers and non-workers and relevant amenities and facilities are provided. After the developer has completed construction/alteration of the building, the owner and developer must then request the local authority and OHS to inspect the building using their previous correspondences (Stage 2: Building Plan Approval Stage). Please note that owners will need to work with Energy Fiji Ltd and Water Authority of Fiji separately for their services. Click HERE for more details.

Question 10

Application for Structural Fire Safety Compliance Certificates

Answer

In compliance to National Building Code of Fiji under Public Health Act, all building must be constructed as per approved plans and to be inspected by NFA after completion, to confirm compliance to minimum requirements (with reference to Australia and New Zealand standards) as follows: 1) Fire resistance and stability 2) Access and egress 3) Fire services and equipment
4) Building Use
5) Fire Load
All structural and services completion certificate must be submitted before final inspection for new structures.
Any alteration to building designs must be submitted before the completion phase Click HERE for more details.

Question 11

Application for New Water Connection

Answer

Installation and Connection of New Water meter Click HERE for more details.

Question 12

Inspection and Connection of New Customer/Electrical Installation OR Progress Inspections for New Building/Complex

Answer

Progress Inspection/Inspection & Connection of customers to the EFL power grid upon compliance with Electricity Act Cap 180 Regulations, and AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules (latest edition) Click HERE for more details.

Question 13

Application for Amendment to Scheme or Rezoning

Answer

In some cases, owners may wish to apply for amendments to the scheme or rezoning. In compliance with Town Planning Act, Subdivision By-Laws as well as requirements by the Fiji Road Authority (where required), all application for an amendment to the Scheme must be submitted to the City/Town Council. Click HERE for more details.

Question 14

Registration & Commissioning of Plants (Lifts & Escalators)

Answer

In major projects where plants (lifts and escalators are involved), the Occupational Health and Safety Services need to ensure the plant is designed, tested and about any conditions necessary to ensure that, when put to use, the plant will be safe and without risks to health and safety. Click HERE for more details.

Question 15

Request for Corridor Access Request (CAR)

Answer

If you are planning to carry out any work or activity that affects the normal operation of the road, footpath or berm, you must submit a Corridor Access Request (CAR) before you start. CARs ensure that all work is done safely and complies with national regulations & code of practice which is available on the FRA website.
All CAR applications need to be submitted directly to the FRA. Approval of the FRA is required before commencement of any work. In 2019, an online submission system ‘Submitica’ is planned to be implemented as an online submission and approval platform. Click HERE for more details.

Question 16

Application for Subdivision of Land

Answer

In the event that the owner wishes to subdivide the land into smaller divisions for different purposes, an additional application needs to be made. In compliance with Town Planning Act, Subdivision By-Laws as well as requirements by the Fiji Road Authority (where required), all application for Subdivision of Land must be submitted only by a Registered Surveyor to the City/Town Council. Click HERE for more details.

Construction Permits

Stage 1: Development Permission