Building Permits
Building Permits
A building permit is issued by the local authority and is required prior to the lawful construction of any building. Depending on a building proposed, its location and other factors like environmental impacts, the local authority may not be able to issue the building permit until approvals are issued from other government ministries or departments.
On 14 July 2017, the Fiji Parliament enacted the Regulation of Building Permits Act 2017 (“RBPA”) which aims to streamline the process for obtaining a building permit
A permit is required for any building works involving the construction of structures, alterations or extensions and changes to ground levels. Works include (but are not limited to):
- Commercial buildings including fit outs and refurbishments
- Residential dwellings including additions and alterations
- Carports, sheds, garages and workshops
- Decking, patios, verandahs, gazebos and pergolas
- Rainwater tanks
- Front fences and retaining walls.
A building permit must be obtained before commencing any building work. If you are unsure whether a building permit is required, please contact the Building inspector on.
Demolition permits
A demolition permit is required for the demolition, dismantling or removal of a building or incidental structure from properties in Rakiraki.
Obtaining Copies of Existing Plans
If you own a property in Rakiraki, you can view and/or obtain a copy of the plans which relate to the issue of a building permit by making a request for a document archive search.
Please note that commercial archive search fees are payable for unit complexes of five units or more whether they are single storey, double storey or more. Any business that is operated from a residential property is also classed as Commercial Works include (but are not limited to):
- Commercial buildings including fitouts and refurbishments
- Residential dwellings including additions and alterations
- Carports, sheds, garages and workshops
- Decking, patios, verandahs, gazebos and pergolas
- Swimming pools and spas
- Rainwater tanks
- Front fences and retaining walls.
A building permit must be obtained before commencing any building work. If you are unsure whether a building permit is required, please contact the Town’s Building Services team on .
Please note that:
- All conditions of Development Approval should be cleared with the Town’s Planning Services team before submitting a Building Permit application, accompanied by a clearance letter issued by the Town’s Planning Services team
- The building permit drawings must match those of your Development Approval stamped drawing and DA Conditions Clearance drawings
- Accompanying the drawings should be the specifications, an addendum and other information such as termite treatment and energy efficiency compliance checklist.
Please take the time to check that the application is complete. An incomplete application may be returned and the fees forfeited.
Do I need development approval?
In many situations Development Approval is required prior to submitting a Building Permit application.
If you are uncertain whether approval is required for your development, it is highly recommended to obtain the Council’s written planning advice. To request the Town’s written advice, complete the Application for Preliminary Advice – Requirement for Development Approval.
Building Permit applications that do not meet these requirements may be refused and fees forfeited.
Waimari Road, Rakiraki
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