Frequently Asked Questions

Survey maps can be viewed online through Bermuda mapping services. Hardcopy maps may be ordered from the Land Title Registry Office.

Official addresses are issued by the Land Title Registry Office once an Occupancy Certificate has been issued for the new unit.

Once an Occupancy Certificate is issued, the Department of Land Valuation creates a new Assessment Number and advises the property owner accordingly.

All forms of development require planning approval, either through a permitted development process or a full planning application.

A Permitted Development Permit is generally for minor works permitted under the General Development Order. A full planning application is required for development that is not specifically permitted by that Order.

A subdivision application is required when creating an additional lot, amalgamating lots, adjusting a boundary, or creating, realigning or relinquishing an easement or right-of-way.

Planning policies are contained in the applicable development plan, local plan and relevant guidance notes.

The application is checked for completeness, assigned an application number, advertised where required, reviewed by a technical officer and assessed against relevant planning policies. Some applications may be referred to other Government departments or boards for technical advice.

The Development Applications Board is appointed to make decisions on planning and subdivision applications. It considers applications and issues decisions through the Department of Planning.

No. Where a building permit is required, construction must not begin until a Building Permit has been issued.

Planning approval generally lasts for two years from the date of approval, unless a different period is specified.

You may appeal the decision within the relevant appeal period, or you may modify the proposal to address the reasons for refusal and submit a new application.

Where planning approval is required, the building permit application should be submitted after the related planning application has been approved.

An Occupancy Certificate is issued after the required final inspections have been completed and signed off.

Building requirements are set out in the relevant Bermuda building codes and associated guidance.

A unit, apartment or part of a building should only be occupied after the relevant Full or Partial Occupancy Certificate has been issued.

Complaints should be submitted using the Department’s complaint process. The Department may then investigate alleged unauthorised development, unauthorised land use or non-compliance with planning or building controls.