FAQ

• A: Within the boundaries of cities and towns with approved Town Planning Schemes (all cities and towns except Nasinu), the zone is recorded on the Town Planning Scheme at the Council. Outside of these areas, the zone of the land is registered as a ‘use’ on the original survey plan for the lot. Survey plans can be obtained from the Department of Lands.

Q: Where can I get advice about planning and subdivision requirements?

• A: Advice about planning and subdivision – including what can be done on a particular site, or how to make an application – can be obtained from the Department of Town & Country Planning. Local authorities can also provide information about submission requirements and local provisions. Alternatively, people wishing to develop can engage a consultant like a surveyor, architect or planner to provide advice and assistance and guide them through the process.

Q: How do I make an application?

• A: An application is made by:

1. Completing 3 copies of an Application for Development Permission form OR 7 copies of an Approval of Plan of Subdivision form.
2. Obtaining a copy of the certificate of title, lease or sub-lease documents for the land.
3. Preparing plans of the proposed development (consultants like surveyors and draftsmen can help with this).
4. Paying the appropriate fee for the type of proposed development.
5. Lodging the forms, plans and fees to the appropriate authority.

For full information about making an application, read the ‘Making an Application’ section of this website.

Q: Where do I lodge my application?

• A: Applications for Development Permission (building) – local Council or Rural Local Authority

Applications for Outline Development Permission for building– local Council or Rural Local Authority

Applications for outline approval for a master plan – Department of Town & Country Planning

Applications for subdivision within Suva or Lautoka City – relevant Council Applications for subdivision with all lots larger than 5 acres – local Council or Rural Local Authority

Applications for subdivision with any lot smaller than 5 acres – Department of Town & Country Planning

Applications for rezoning – local Council or Rural Local Authority View a list of locations for lodgement offices.

Q: How much do I need to pay with my application?

• A: Application fees depend on the type of application. For Development Applications (detailed and outline), the fees are based on the value of the development. For Subdivision applications, fees depend on the number of lots. For Rezoning applications, fees depend on the type of rezoning.

Download a Schedule of Fees.

(Notice : To view PDF files you require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not already have this viewer click here to download Abode Acrobat Reader. )

Q: Can I pay my fees by cheque?

• A: Application fees for development, subdivision and rezoning can be paid by company cheque. NO PERSONAL CHEQUES ARE ACCEPTED. All cheques are to be made out to ‘Government of Fiji.

Q: Can I get a copy of the approved building plans for my house or business?

• A: Copies of approved plans from the Department’s records can be made available for landowners and leaseholders. There is a fee for this service.