Construction Permits

 We have streamlined our Construction or Building Permits process into three major stages.  

Stage 1: Development Permission

Application for In-Principle Approval (IPA) to Develop

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.



Stage 2: Building Plan Approval

Application for Approval to Develop the Site

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.



Processing of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

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



Application for New Water and Waste Water Connections

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



Lodgement of Engineering Plans

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



Application for Structural Fire Safety (New Development Approval)

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



Workplace Design Vetting of Plans

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



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

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



Stage 3: Certificate of Occupancy

Application for Approval to Develop the Site

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.



Processing of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

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



Application for New Water and Waste Water Connections

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



Lodgement of Engineering Plans

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



Application for Structural Fire Safety (New Development Approval)

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



Workplace Design Vetting of Plans

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



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

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



Other Services (If Required)

Application for Amendment to Scheme or Rezoning

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.



Registration & Commissioning of Plants (Lifts & Escalators)

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.



Request for Corridor Access Request (CAR)

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.



Application for Subdivision of Land

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.



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Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport

Level 2 and 3, Civic Tower, Victoria Parade, Suva

Tel: +679-3305411

www.mcttt.gov.fj

Copyright  2020 Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport