FAQs
Current Planning FAQs
The Current Planning division often hears the same questions from applicants repeatedly. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions, and typical answers we respond with. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Q: Do I need planning permission to construct a house?
A: Yes. Almost all development on Grand Cayman requires planning permission, including excavation, land clearing, advertising signs, pools, cabanas, sheds, houses, apartments, commercial buildings, and many more. Please contact the Planning Department to see if your development requires planning permission.
Q: I need to notify neighbours regarding a development proposal. Can the Planning Department provide me with a list of addresses?
A: No. The Planning Department can provide you with information on how many of your neighbour's must be polled (i.e. 250 foot radius, neighbouring properties, etc.), but Lands and Surveys is the agency which can provide addresses. Lands and Surveys is located in BritCay House on Eastern Avenue.
Q: I suspect my neighbour is building an illegal development. What can I do?
A: Please contact our enforcement staff immediately. This website has a complaint form you can use, or you can call our enforcement staff at 769-7526.
Policy Development FAQs
The Policy Development division often hears the same questions from applicants repeatedly. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions, and typical answers we respond with. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Q: Does the Development Plan address land use and planning issues on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac?
A: No. The Development Plan only addresses Grand Cayman. Separate legislation is in place to govern planning issues on the Sister Islands.
Q: Is the Development Plan the only piece of legislation relating to planning on Grand Cayman?
A: No. There are a number of pieces of legislation which address planning issues in the Cayman Islands. The 'enabling' legislation, which creates the basis for planning in the Cayman Islands, is the Development and Planning Law (2005 Revision). This law determines what the Government can regulate, powers of enforcement, and how decisions can be appealed.
The Development and Planning Regulations (2006 Revision) is the legislative version of the Development Plan. This legislation addresses permitted land uses, densities, building heights, and a range of other details. In addition to these two core pieces of legislation, there are many other key pieces of legislation, including the Building Code Regulations (2006 Revision), Tree Preservation Orders (1998), the Appeals Tribunal (Development Plan) Procedural Rules 1975, Designating Orders (2005 Revision), and the Development and Planning (Appeals) Rules (1999 Revision).
Q: Is there a procedure to change the zoning designation on a piece of land?
A: Yes. There is a rezoning process which applicants can pursue. The Planning Department recommends that the timeframe for processing these applications is currently about 12 months. An overview of the rezoning process is available here.
BCU FAQs
The Building Control Unit often hears the same questions from applicants repeatedly. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions, and typical answers we respond with. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Q: Is there a building code for the Cayman Islands?
A: Yes. There are codes for Building / Structural, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Gas, Seismic and Wind.
Q: Do commercial fit-outs require building permits?
A: Yes. If a fit-out constitutes a change of use, it will also require approval from the Central Planning Authority.
Q: Do I need a building permit to construct a shed?
A: Yes. All structures in the Cayman Islands require a building permit, and many also require planning permission
Q: Do I need to have a license to operate as an electrical contractor in the Cayman Islands?
A: Yes. The Building Control Unit administers the Electrical Licensing program. Application forms are available on this website.
|
