Building

The following are the objectives and functions of the Department: –

Objective:

To ensure that the developments are in compliance with Public Health Act Cap. III, Towns (Building) Regulations, National Building Code of Fiji, Town Planning Act, Cap. 139 – Approved City of Lautoka Town Planning Scheme General Provisions and any other by-laws that enable the council to enforce its requirements.

Functions:

• Examine building plans and applications and reply within mandatory time limits.
• Prepare and present reports for council’s approval.
• Approve and issue building permits for development projects.
• Inspect buildings, both existing and those under construction, establish whether all regulations, safety and other provisions are met and take appropriate action.
• Liaise with builders and ensure that they understand the requirements, which need to be satisfied for buildings to be approved.
• Take follow-up action where buildings have been illegally erected or do not comply with the regulations.
• Examine building plans and applications, apply appropriate fees and prepare replies.
• Process applications in regards to Town Planning matters.

Steps in Obtaining a Building Permit:

1. Application
   All building applications must accompany a building plan with documentation, Application Forms and lodgement fee.
2. Processing Timeline
   The normal timeline for application is around 20 working days, however, some application may take up to 60 days (as in the Public Health Act) if the Council requires further information.
   If the details in the application is unclear or incomplete, the timeline stops until all required information is submitted to the Council. It is advisable to have all documentation in order before submitting the application. If the proposed development work does not meet the required Planning and Development requirements, the Council will not be able to issue a building permit.
3. Approval
   Once the Council is satisfied with the application and it meets all the requirements, a building permit will be issued and ready for collection.
4. Validity
   The building permit is valid for six months. An extension can be applied on the permit but it is at the discretion of the Council. If an extension is granted it will be valid for another six months.

Compliance/Inspections

To ensure the building is in compliance with the Building Permit, approved plans and specification, inspections are required at various stages of construction, the developer needs to contact the department to book an inspection and provide the following information: –

• Address of the site for inspection
• Booking for a Site inspection (To have the building permit on record when making the booking).
• Stage of work for inspection required.
• If the inspector feels that work does not meet the building permit requirements, then a re-inspection would be required. If the inspection has been missed, then contact the department and provide evidence that the work is in compliance with the building permit in order get council’s approval to proceed with construction works.