Planning Guidelines for Hurricanes Repairs

September 15, 2020

The Department of Planning knows you want to repair any damage to your property caused by the recent passing of storms as soon as possible. The Department of Planning technical officers are available to assist.
Repairs to Buildings

Like for like repairs of windows, doors and roof slate will not require planning permission or a building permit if the damage is limited to non-structural issues. Owners can proceed immediately with these types of repairs as soon as it is feasibly possible.

Repairs to buildings that received structural damage as a result of a hurricane may only commence following the receipt of a building permit from the Department of Planning. These applications will be given priority and will be processed expeditiously. The Department can allow for dangerous structural repairs to commence without a permit as long as we are made aware and structural details are submitted as an application as expeditiously as possible following commencement of work.

Class IV of the Development and Planning (General Development) Order 1999 says that a General Development Permit / Permitted Development Permit can be used for damages caused by storms and fire provided that no more than 60% of the building/structure has been destroyed and that the replacement is not greater than the existing building/structure.

Please review the General Development Order / Permitted Development Permit Guidance Note for more information: Download Now

For building permit information, please contact Aidan Stones on 295-5151 ext. 1309 or atstones@gov.bm For development application information, please contact Paul McDonald on 297-7793 or pamcdonald@gov.bm

Repairs to Listed Buildings
Repairs to Listed Buildings or buildings located within Historic Protection Areas that received structural damage as a result of the hurricane may only commence following receipt of a building permit from the Department. All such permit applications will be expedited by theDepartment.

Repairs to a Listed Building damaged as a result of a severe weather event using “like-for- like” details and materials will not require planning permission or a building permit if the damage is limited to non- structural issues. Owners can proceed immediately with repairing items such as windows, doors and roof slate with identical materials to replicate the style and detailing of the original structure.

For further information or advice, please contact Larry Williams on 297-7724 or lqwilliams@gov.bm

Please review Guidance Note 203 for more information: Download Now

Repairs for Damaged Sea Walls and Docks
Seawalls and docks to be replaced will ordinarily require a building permit only. This is to ensure that the replacement structures meet the Bermuda Building Code 1998 and are structurally sound. Since seawalls and docks can have a negative impact on the natural foreshore both physically and visually, planning permission may be required in some instance. Prior to considering any repair works the Department of Planning should be consulted.

Assistance, information and clarification of the requirements should be directed to the Department of Planning at 297-7756. For the most up to date information, visit the Department’s website: www.planning.gov.bm

Building Control Contact List

Aidan Stones	Acting Building Control Officer	atstones@gov.bm	X1309
Donna Francis	Permits Processor	dmfrancis@gov.bm	X1755
Omar Douglas	Acting Asst. Building Control Officer	opdouglas@gov.bm	X1364
Steven Every	Electrical Inspector	severy@gov.bm	X1580
Melvin Holdipp	Building Inspector	maholdipp@gov.bm	X1186
Damon Walker	Building Inspector	djwalker@gov.bm	X1687
Kenny Young	Building Inspector	keyoung@gov.bm	X1206

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