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)
• Extension to an existing structure
• Major renovations
• Structural changes like altering walls or roofs
• Demolition of a structure

Some smaller projects, such as interior painting, basic repairs and the construction of structures of limited significance may not require a permit. However, it is best to always check with the ISD 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

An building or demolition application is filed using a form and supplying the documents necessary to assess the application. Currently the permit application form and required documents can either be send to planning@sabagov.nl or submitted at the Department of Infrastructure and Spatial Planning during office hours.

The permit process may take up to 16 weeks (after receival of all documentation) and 8 extra weeks when necessary.

1. The permit request is added to the public register. Click the link to view the register.
2. The public register allows all residents of Saba and abroad to see which permits are requested. During the process, the department will check the application for completeness. If information or documents are missing or do not meet the requirements, the department will reach out to the requester for more information.
3. Once all permit application documentation has been received, the department will assess the request and advice the Executive Council whether the request should be granted or denied.
4. The Executive Council will communicate its decision to the requester. If approved, the requester will also receive an invoice for the permit fee.

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).