Permits & Applications

Building Permits for Residences & Businesses:

Residents and businesses that would like to build or renovate a building must request a building permit. A building permit application is assessed on safety, livability, and asthestic requirements of buildings and the impact of the building on its surroundings.

Demolition Permits for Residences & Businesses:

Residents and businesses that would like to demolish a building must request a demolition permit.

Permits are required for a variety of projects, including:

• Construction of a new structure (building, e.g. home, business, etc.)
• Extension to an existing structure, including additional floors
• Major renovations
• Structural changes (walls, roofs, foundations)
• Demolition of any structure

Clearing land or preparing sites for construction may also require prior approval. 

Some smaller projects, such as interior painting, basic repairs and the construction of structures of limited significance may not require a permit. However, exterior changes - including paint colors – should align with the established guidelines, which are: 

• Red Roofs
• White Walls
• Green & White or Red & White or Brown & White Shutters

If you are unsure what may or may not require a permit, it is always best to check with the ISP department. 

A permit is required to be able to see whether you are building in a suitable location and whether the construction is safe.

• Safety
  • Permits make sure that the design of the structure meets safety standards. This helps keep you, your family, and your neighbors safe.
• Livability
  • The department checks the design of the structure on aspects such as the size of rooms and windows, to make sure there will be enough day light and ventilation.
• Impact on surroundings
  • The impact of the structure on the surroundings is evaluated by checking the distance to other buildings and the road and the availability of parking on site. This makes sure that you and your neighbors can make optimal use of your properties.
• Aesthetics
  • Saba has very characteristic architecture with white walls, red roofs and green shutters and no high-rise buildings. To protect Saba’s charm designs are evaluated based on certain aesthetic criteria.
• Quality
  • The permit process includes inspections to help you make sure the work is done correctly and meets standards.
• Legal compliance
  • A building permit helps you comply with local laws and avoid fines or legal issues.

Processing of building and demolition permits currently is the responsibility of the Department of Infrastructure and Spatial Planning.

To accept and process your building/demo application you will need to submit the following with your application:

1. Technical drawings showing:
   1. The construction of the foundation, roof, ceilings, joints, floors and stairs;
   2. The height and the ground surface measured withing the walls or partitions;
   3. The elevation of the ground floor;
   4. The number and the dimensions of the rooms, stairs and porches;
   5. The thickness and composition of the walls and partitions;
   6. The ways of access of daylight and air;
   7. The method to drain away waste water and feces;
   8. The number of stories;
   9. Location of the building in relation to the road and the adjacent properties;
   10. Materials to be applied and the use of color.
2. For simple buildings without stories, with a floor area not exceeding one hundred square meters, the submitting of a drawing is not required, if the data mentioned under a. up to and including j. are described clearly enough.
3. Parking plan, where is applicant going to park and is there sufficient space for parking?
4. Certificate of admeasurement (meetbrief)
5. Title search (inzage) Kadaster
6. Copy ID of landowner
7. If applicant is not the landowner, a long lease agreement

1. Fill in the form which can be found on the Public Entity Saba website (on this page) or by clicking Residents > Infrastructure & Spatial Development > Permits & Applications. The form can also be picked up at the Department of Infrastructure and Spatial Planning (Planning Bureau office).
    
2. Collect all necessary information and documents as listed on the form.
    
3. Submit the form and additional documents either via email to planning@sabagov.nl or in person at the Department of Infrastructure and Spatial Planning department during office hours

Although ISP tries to process permit requests as quickly as possible, this process can take up to 16 weeks or, if necessary, can be extended to 24 weeks.

1. The permit request is added to the public register, which allows all residents of Saba and those living abroad to see which permits are requested.
2. Once all the relevant documents have been submitted, ISP will make an assessment and advise the Executive Council whether the request should be granted or denied. In some cases, external advice may be requested, for example from the fire department. If information or documents are missing or do not meet the requirements, ISP will reach out to the requester for more information.
3. The Executive Council will share the decision with you directly. If the permit is granted, you will also receive an invoice for the permit fee.
4. The permit fee for construction costs less than USD 100,000 is USD 500. For costs over USD 100,000 the fee is USD 1000.

5. Although ISP tries to process permit requests as quickly as possible, this process can take up to 16 weeks or, if necessary, can be extended to 24 weeks.

   If your permit is denied, you can appeal or object to this decision within six (6) weeks. You may be asked to revise your plans and resubmit your application. 

Yes, see the cost chart below:

A building permit is aimed at legal effect for yourself, but others may also be affected by it. For this reason, the decision to grant a building permit is subject to the possibility of appeal by the Court and possible objection by the Executive Council. If you are refused a building permit, the same applies: you yourself can appeal or object. 

Review the Island Ordinance on regulations pertaining to building and housing (Building and Housing Ordinance 1999).