Planning Permission

Overview

All land development projects must go through the planning permission process and receive approval from Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Planning authorities before they can begin. The application will be reviewed by the local authority and may involve consultation with other authorities or ministries depending on the nature of the proposal. After such review the application will be taken to the Physical Planning committee for a decision.

Appeals of decisions by the Planning Authorities may be filed with the Land Tribunal.

Land development projects but are not limited to:

Developments which conform to the Development Plan and Development Control Code as established by local Planning Authorities;

residential
commercial
industrial
civic and community
recreation and open space
mixed use
Changes of land use;

Subdivisions;

Tree preservations and special buildings preservation;
Change of land use; and
Display of advertisement signs

Who is eligible?

Applications are only accepted from the owners of the property to be developed or their authorized representative.

How do I get this service?

Complete and submit the application form for planning permission, submit with supporting document in person at the office of the planning authority responsible for the area/settlement where the development is to take place.
You will be notified in writing by the Secretary of the Physical Planning Committee of the local authority regarding the decision made regarding the application.
Applications for planning permission are submitted through the planning authority operating in the area/settlement where the development of land is to take place. Depending on the type of application, consultation with other agencies such as the Water Utilities Corporation, Botswana Power Corporation, Department of Environmental Affairs or the Department of Surveys and Mapping may be necessary prior to submitting to the Planning Authority.

What supporting documents are required?