The Building Permit Process
October 2025
To avoid delays in processing, all permit applications must be complete upon submission. This document outlines the full permit screening and review process, including general requirements, required documentation, and important timelines.
1. Preliminary Screening Procedure
As part of the initial review process, all building permit applications submitted through the Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal undergo a preliminary screening to ensure completeness, accuracy, and alignment with regulatory requirements.
A. General Submission Requirements
• Online Application Form: Must be completed accurately using the correct permit type.
o Residential/Commercial Permits (in association with valid planning permission): Planning permission must have been granted with approval still valid.
o Permitted Development Permits (PDPs): The proposed scope of work must comply with the General Development Order (GDO).
o Permit Revisions: The number of revisions will be reviewed. If a planning revision is required, it must be included in the submission.
• Contact Information: Ensure all listed contacts have verified CSS accounts and complete and accurate contact information is provided.
• Required Drawings: Complete set of relevant drawings (architectural, structural, MEP, etc.) as detailed by the Submission Checklist.
• Invoice Payment: Once the application passes initial screening and fee verification, an invoice is issued to the applicant.
o Invoices are now marked “Due Upon Receipt.”
o If payment is not received within seven calendar days, the application will be automatically rejected in the system.
B. Additional Required Documentation (As Applicable)
Depending on the permit type and project scope, additional documents may include:
• Health Waiver – where applicable.
• Commercial Projects:
o BFRS Stamp or Waiver – required for all commercial applications, without exception.
o Engineer-Stamped Drawings – required for electrical, structural, mechanical, or plumbing elements.
• Demolition Applications required if:
o Demolition occurs within 25 feet of a public road; or
o Asbestos is present.
• Solar Applications – please ensure descriptions are entered as follows:
‘PV Solar System XX panels @ XXX W/panel; XX sq ft/ panel; Total system area XXX sq ft; Total DC
Output XXX kW; Annual Output XXX kWh; Total AC Output XX kW’
• Marine Works (e.g., docks):
o Copy of Foreshore Lease
• Conservation or Environmental Planning Conditions:
o Conservation Management Plan (CMP) – if applicable.
o Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) – if applicable.
• Other Licenses:
o Borehole License (if applicable)
o Controlled Plant License (if applicable)
• Revision Clouds:
o Required for all revised drawings to clearly indicate changes only
o Clouds must be coloured red
• Planning Approval Decision Letter Conditions:
o Any specific requirements identified in the Planning Application Decision Letter must be submitted alongside the permit application.
C. Additional Screening Checks
• Check for Existing Open Permits – if open permits exist on the property:
o Conditions will be added requiring closure of existing permits before new documents are released.
o Exception – permit applications for solar panels may proceed independently of other open permits on the same parcel.
Any deficiencies will be identified and flagged prior to formal review. If any of the above items are not included in the application, the applicant and agent will be notified, the permit status will be updated to “On Hold” for up to 5 working days and the permit application will be rejected if complete and accurate information is not provided within that deadline.
2. Permit Review Process
Permit applications will proceed to initial review only after all items identified above, including sign-off from the Department of Health (where applicable) have been received. Once received, the Department of Planning will review the submission for completeness and compliance with the Bermuda Building Code. If the application is incomplete or non-compliant, comments will be issued via the CSS system.
Applicant/Agent Response Requirements and Timeline
• The applicant, or agent acting on their behalf, has one opportunity to make a complete and compliant revision submission.
• Revised plans and any other outstanding information must be submitted within 21 calendar days of the review being issued by the Department of Planning. The application will be rejected if:
o no revision is submitted within this timeframe; or
o a revision is submitted but does not address all outstanding issues, the application will also be rejected.
3. Key Reminders
• One chance to revise – complete applications should be made upon initial submission to avoid delay. If items are identified as being outstanding, ensure all items are fully addressed in the first revision submission.
• Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted and will require resubmission of a new application, which will incur an additional full building permit fee.
Letters of objection and/or representation should be emailed to planningfrontdesk@gov.bm referencing the PLAN or SUB number in the subject line.