Development in Grenada is regulated to ensure orderly growth, public safety, environmental protection, and sustainable land use.
No person may lawfully develop land or carry out building operations without written permission from the Planning and Development Authority (PDA), acting under statutory powers conferred by Parliament.
Grenada has formally adopted the OECS Building Code as the national building standard through a Statutory Order made under the Physical Planning and Development Control Act.
The Code and accompanying OECS Building Guidelines establish minimum requirements for structural safety, sanitation, inspections, and occupancy.
The planning system is established by the Physical Planning and Development Control Act, 2016, which repealed earlier principal legislation while saving existing regulations until amended or replaced. The Act governs:
Applicants must determine whether they require:
Approval in Principle allows early confirmation that a proposed use is acceptable. It does not authorize construction.
A lawful application must include prescribed forms, plans, owner’s consent, professional certifications where required, and payment of statutory fees.
Applications are submitted to the PDA through the Physical Planning Unit and screened for completeness.
The Authority may request additional information. Failure to respond within the statutory period may result in cancellation.
Projects likely to significantly affect the environment may require an EIA before approval.
The Authority may approve (with or without conditions), defer, or refuse the application, providing reasons.
Approved development must commence and be completed within statutory time limits, subject to inspections.
Approved development must commence and be completed within statutory time limits, subject to inspections.
Fast Track is an administrative service designed to accelerate review of eligible applications. It does not guarantee approval, and all fees are nonrefundable.
Applications must be made on prescribed PDA forms and submitted in triplicate, accompanied by location plans, site plans, building drawings, owner’s consent, and evidence of fee payment.
Applicants must provide details on plot size, floor area, setbacks, parking provision, estimated cost, and prior approvals.
Developments must comply with public health standards for sanitation, wastewater disposal, drainage, and environmental protection, including Ministry of Health review where applicable.
Inspections are required at critical stages of construction. Permit holders must give notice before inspections and ensure approved plans are available on site.
Buildings may not be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, confirming compliance with approved plans and applicable codes.
Alterations to existing or historic buildings may be permitted subject to safety, heritage protection, and Authority approval.
Indicative standards apply for maximum plot coverage and minimum parking provision by land use category. These standards guide decision making but may be varied where justified.
Plans must be drawn to approved scales and show sufficient detail to assess siting, design, structure, drainage, utilities, and environmental impacts.
Minimum standards apply for room sizes, ceiling heights, ventilation, sanitation facilities, and site drainage to protect public health.
Building lines and setbacks are measured from the centre line of classified roads, in accordance with statutory regulations.
Environmental Health review may require percolation tests, drainage plans, marine approvals, and waste management controls.
Applicants or affected persons may appeal certain decisions of the Authority within prescribed time limits. Tribunal decisions are final.
Fees are prescribed by regulations and SROs and vary by application type, scale of development, and services requested.
