What Is Required to Apply for a Building Permit?

1. A Registered CSS Account

All applications to the Department of Planning must be submitted via our online portal known as the Customer Self Service (CSS). 

“But I’ve hired an Agent, why do I need a CSS account?” 

It is our Department’s mandate to ensure that Applicants and property owners are kept fully informed through-out the application process. Registering a CSS account not only gives you online access to all the details of your application, but also confirms that we have the correct contact details for you.

2. Property Owner Signature

Property Owner signature on the online application OR a letter of authorization from the property owner, allowing the Agent to submit on their behalf. 

3. Construction Drawings

All drawings shall be drawn to scale and adequately dimensioned to enable the building to be constructed. In all cases, the plans must show a differentiation between the existing and proposed work (e.g hatching, shading, highlighting). 
The submission of false and/or inaccurate information documents for approval may invalidate any permit that is issued.
How Are Building Permits Processed?

RECOMMENDATION

To avoid delays, it is strongly recommended that the application is complete in every respect so that the Department is not required to request further information or clarifications

A location plan at a scale of 1:2500 shall be provided. It shall show the precise location of the property, outlined in red, in relation to main roads and private roads.

This shall be drawn to a recognizable scale not less than 1:250 (1″ = 20″). It shall show the size and location of all new and existing construction and shall show the following information:
  • Site cross sections at locations of maximum change of grade;
  • distances from lot lines;
  • legal boundary lines;
  • North arrow;
  •  location of all existing underground services, (electricity, telephone, cable TV, water and sewer lines), driveway access and parking;
  • existing and finished grades;
  • surveyed contour lines at 1 metre intervals for sloping sites;
  • ground floor levels of the new and existing construction;
  • location, depth and dimensions of cesspit, including structural details;
  • location of proposed rock cuts, retaining walls and barriers;
  • location of proposed walls and fences;
  • location and height of required barriers and guardrails;
  • details of site drainage including drainage soakaways, trenches, boreholes and berms;
  • location and size of existing water tanks;
  • location and extent of proposed site excavation or filling including the gradient of slopes; and,
  • location of proposed swimming pools and backwash pits.

These shall be to a scale of not less than 1:100 (1/8″ = 1′), and shall show:

  • Size of each foundation;
  • levels of the slabs, grade beams, etc;
  • details of reinforcing, including cover and lap lengths;
  • approximate locations of steps in the strip footings;
  • size of the foundation walls and reinforcing details;
  • location and size of columns;
  • location and size of water tank;
  • chimney foundations; and,
  • location of excavated and unexcavated areas within the building footprint
Toggle Content
Toggle Content
Toggle Content
Commerical applications and Residential applications which are not standard construction as detailed in the Bermuda Residential Building Code 2014, must be stamped by a Bermuda registered professional Engineer.
 
Applications containing plumbing works, water tanks and catchment, roof mounted solar panels, septage systems ect, will be reviewed by the Department of Health prior to the start of the Building Control review. 
 

4. Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) 

Commercial applications of any size and Residential applications over 5,000 sq ft per floor, must be approved by the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service PRIOR to submitting the Building Permit application.
This requires a separate form, payment and process submitted to the BFRS.
*The Department of Planning has no authority in this process and enquiries should be directed to the BFRS on 292-5555

Letters of objection and/or representation should be emailed to planningfrontdesk@gov.bm referencing the PLAN or SUB number in the subject line.

Seven Arches Building, 3rd Floor, 44 Church Street, City of Hamilton, HM12, Bermuda

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive an email notification whenever new Planning Applications have been advertised in the Official Gazette.

Subscribe for updates:

Privacy Notice
DISCLAIMER

Information provided on the Department of Planning website is intended to allow the public convenient access to Planning services and information. While all attempts are made to provide accurate, current and reliable information the Department of Planning and the Government of Bermuda do not guarantee that the information will be error free.

Therefore, the Department of Planning and the Government of Bermuda and their respective employees, officers and agencies expressly make no warranty of the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information published through their websites and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance upon the accuracy, completeness, reliability or timeliness of such information.