Master Permit: Building Permission

Application form for Permission to Develop Land
Master Permit graphic

Table of Contents

Prerequisites

Before applying for a Master Permit, you must have one of the following:

  • Approval Letter: An official Planning Outline Permission letter from the TCPD.
  • Exemption Letter: If your project was small enough to be exempt from outline planning, you must provide the official exemption letter.

The "Full Set" of Drawings

Unlike the Outline phase, which only requires basic layouts, the Master Permit requires "Working Drawings." These are the blueprints your contractors will actually use on-site. Your submission package must include:

  • Architectural Set: Final floor plans, roof plans, and site layouts.
  • Structural Set: Foundation plans, framing details, and structural calculations to ensure the building is sound.
  • MEP Set (Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing): Detailed layouts for wiring, water lines, sewage, and HVAC systems.

Application Checklist

To avoid delays in your review, ensure your electronic package contains:

  1. Completed Application Form: (Ensure Section 14 is fully filled out).
  2. Evidence of Fees: The specific fee amount was provided to you in your Planning Outline Permission letter.
  3. Digital Submission: The entire package must be emailed to tcpapplications@gov.vg.

Application For Permission to Develop Land Application

Application form for Permission to Develop Land

What Happens After You Submit?

  • Acknowledgement: Both you and your agent (architect) will receive an email confirming your package has been accepted for review.
  • Technical Review: Engineers and inspectors will review your drawings for compliance with building codes.
  • The Decision: You will be notified of the decision via email. If approved, you will receive your Master Permit, and construction may officially begin.

What Happens After Approval?

Once your Master Permit is issued, the journey moves from the office to the construction site. To reach the final goal of moving into your building, you must complete these steps:

  1. Mandatory Inspections
    During construction, the Building Inspectors will need to visit your site at key milestones (e.g., foundation, framing, plumbing/electrical rough-ins). These ensure the work matches the approved Master Permit drawings.
  2. Final Inspection & The Finish Line
    Once construction is 100% complete, you must request a Final Inspection. If the building meets all safety codes and matches the approved plans, the Department will issue your Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
Learn more about Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

I have my Master Permit—Now What?

Once your Master Permit is issued, you are authorized to begin construction. However, you must schedule mandatory inspections at key stages (Structural, Electrical, etc.) to keep your permit valid.

Building Inspections & Permitting

Contact Information

Town and Country Planning Department - Tortola

Second Floor, R.G. Hodge Plaza
Road Town, Tortola
Virgin Islands (British) VG1110
Telephone: 284 468-2158
Email: tcp@gov.vg