Permits

Permit Guide

Every construction project in the Bahamas requires permits. Here is what you need, who issues them, how long they take, and what documents to prepare.

🏙 New Providence|⚓ Family Islands — see notes below each permit
permits

Planning Permission

Authority
Ministry of Works
Timeline
8–16 weeks
Required Documents
  • · Site plan (surveyor-certified)
  • · Architectural drawings
  • · Title documents
  • · Completed application form
  • · Application fee
Required before any construction. Must be obtained first — building permit cannot be issued without it.
permits

Building Permit

Authority
Building Control Authority (BCA)
Timeline
4–8 weeks after planning
Required Documents
  • · Planning permission approval
  • · Structural drawings
  • · Electrical drawings
  • · Plumbing drawings
  • · Contractor details
Fee is calculated per square foot of construction. Inspections required at foundation, frame, and completion stages.
permits

Environmental Permit

Authority
Bahamas Environment, Science & Technology (BEST) Commission
Timeline
12–24 weeks (EIA required)
Required Documents
  • · Environmental Impact Assessment
  • · Site plan
  • · Project description
  • · Mitigation plan
Required for large developments, coastal construction, and projects in environmentally sensitive areas.
permits

Subdivision Approval

Authority
Ministry of Works & Planning
Timeline
16–24 weeks
Required Documents
  • · Survey plan
  • · Title documents
  • · Proposed lot layout
  • · Infrastructure plan
Required when dividing land into multiple lots. Must show road access, utilities, and lot dimensions.
permits

BPL Connection

Authority
Bahamas Power & Light (BPL)
Timeline
4–12 weeks
Required Documents
  • · Electrical inspection certificate
  • · Building permit
  • · Property ownership proof
  • · BPL application form
Submit after electrical work is complete and inspected. Meter installation scheduled after approval.
permits

WSC Connection

Authority
Water & Sewerage Corporation (WSC)
Timeline
4–8 weeks
Required Documents
  • · Plumbing inspection certificate
  • · Building permit
  • · Property ownership proof
  • · WSC application form
Required for water and sewerage connections. Septic system approval separate if public sewerage unavailable.
Family Islands — Additional Requirements
  • ⚓ Commissioner's approval required before planning permission on most Family Islands
  • ⚓ Process and timelines vary significantly by island and Commissioner's office
  • ⚓ Some islands have limited Ministry of Works presence — allow extra time
  • ⚓ Environmental considerations more prominent on smaller, more fragile islands
  • ⚓ Utility connections (BEC, WSC) may not be available — generator + cistern + septic common

Have specific questions about your project's permits?

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