Belize Building

BELIZE:

BELIZE BUILDING REGULATIONS, 2022

ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

1. Citation.

2. Interpretation.

3. Qualifications of Technical Manager.

4. Duties of Technical Manager.

5. Request for calculations and specifications.

6. Issue of permit.

7. Form of building plans.

8. Building use.

9. Timeline for review of application.

10. General site and setback requirements.

11. Stop Order.

12. Occupancy permit.

Schedule
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No. 157] Belize Building 1

BELIZE:

STATUTORY INSTRUMENT
No. 157 of 2022

REGULATIONS made by the Central Building Authority

after consultation with the local authorities, in exercise
of the powers conferred upon it by sections 9(3), 20(4)
and 37 of the Belize Building Act, Chapter 131 of the
Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020, and all other
powers thereunto it enabling.

(Gazetted 2nd December, 2022).

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Citation.

BELIZE BUILDING REGULATIONS, 2022,

2. In these Regulations– Interpretation.

“agricultural purposes” in relation to land, means land that

is used for cultivating, propagating, harvesting, exhibiting,
marketing, transporting, etc. of any plant or animal, including
for animal husbandry, on land that is used primarily for such
purposes;

“commercial purposes” means a building that is used for

commercial activities, such as retail, the providing of services,
including food services (restaurants and the like), generally
having the potential for being one that brings in income;

“conventional bungalow” means a structure built for

residential purposes that is non-complex;

“furthest projection” in relation to a building, means any

roof, overhang, veranda, stairs, attached walkway, or other
part of a building that is attached to the building, that extends
beyond the walls of building;
2 Belize Building [No. 157

“non-complex” in relation to a conventional bungalow, means

a structure that is not elevated, does not have a concrete
roof, and includes a basic hip or gable roof, that has spans
of less than 20 feet;

“project number” means the unique number assigned to a

project by the Authority or a Building Unit; and

“square feet” or “sq. ft.” means the aggregate number of

square feet of the vacant space measured from the front
exterior surface to the rear exterior surface and from the
middle of demising walls of such vacant space, of any structure
on a property, and is not limited to habitable spaces, and is
generally inclined towards the building footprint.

Qualifications 3. The qualifications required to be eligible as Technical

of Technical
Manager. Manager shall include, a person who is–

(a) an architect or a civil or structural engineer;

(b) knowledgeable of the building and construction

sector and able to apply himself professionally
in accordance with the Act, or any building
codes deemed relevant by the Authority; and

(c) knowledgeable of, and able to, collaborate with

all regulatory bodies and permitting agencies
that govern and regulate building works in
Belize.

Duties of 4. In addition to the duties outlined under the Act, the duties
Technical of the Technical Manager shall include, but not be limited
Manager.
to–
(a) supervising Building Inspectors and other
employees of the Building Unit.

(b) reviewing reports produced by a Building

Inspector; or
No. 157] Belize Building 3

(c) responding to applications submitted under the

Act within fourteen business days of submission
of the application.

5. The Authority may, before approving any building plans, Request for
calculations
request calculations and specifications for designs, including and
for, but not limited to– specifications.

(a) water tanks, cisterns, antennas or pools; or

(b) fences in relation to new buildings;

6.–(1) Where an application for a permit is approved, the Issue of permit.

permit shall be issued to the applicant along with the following–

(a) a letter of no objection to the proposed

development along with an application to
commence building works;

(b) a notice of commencement of work; and

(c) approved plans for the building.

(2) An owner who receives a letter of no objection, under

sub-regulation (1), shall complete the notice and submit it
to the Authority or the Technical Manager as appropriate,
within one year of the date of receipt of the notice.

Form of
7.–(1) Any building plans submitted with an application shall building plans.
comply with the following requirements for form–

(a) be in English and not less than font size 12;

(b) be prepared in either imperial or metric units,

but not a combination of both;

(c) include detailed, properly labelled and

dimensioned floor plans;
4 Belize Building [No. 157

(d) contain the relevant elevations for each face of

the building;

(e) contain a minimum of two cross sections of the

building that are perpendicular to each other,
illustrating–

(i) the building from roof to foundation;

(ii) identifying each cross-section on the

floor plan of the building; and

(iii) illustrating the more difficult aspects of

the building; or

(f) illustrate the –

(i) foundation layout and details of the

foundation of the building;

(ii) architectural and structural details of

the staircases included in the building;

(iii) roof plan and roof framing plan, floor

framing plan, showing beam layout and
floor reinforcement;

(iv) wall details, and wall intersection details;

(v) column layout and details;

(vi) beam layout and details;

(vii) window schedules;

(viii) door schedules;

(ix) plumbing plans, including all water

supply and waste disposal systems;
No. 157] Belize Building 5

(x) details of the septic tank, soak away

or leach field that are either the pre-
approved sewage disposal system or
approved system from the Ministry
responsible for health or Department
of the Environment;

(xi) site plan, illustrating the setbacks on all

sides of the building for all features or
parts of the building;

(xii) location of the sewage systems being

at least ten feet from the boundary line
of any property, and at least fifty feet
from any open water source; and

(xiii) location plan, clearly identifying the

location of the property in reference to
any easily identifiable landmarks.

(2) For the purpose of paragraph (f) (xiii), in any case

where a ten feet setback is determined to be impractical, an
alternative system may be utilized, after thorough review and
approval by the Ministry responsible for health or Department
of the Environment.

8.–(1) An application for the construction of a building that Building use.

is for one or a combination of the following purposes–

(a) agricultural purposes;

(b) industrial purposes;

(c) commercial purposes;

(d) residential purposes;

(e) institutional purposes; or

6 Belize Building [No. 157

(f) other use not within the categories mentioned

under sub-regulation (a) to (e) above,

shall be in conformity with the relevant criterion specified

under in this regulation.

(2) Where an application is in relation to a building for

agricultural purposes, the application shall include–

(a) any relevant clearance letters from the Ministry

responsible for agriculture, endorsing the project
as an agricultural project, the Department of
the Environment, and Ministry responsible for
health, where applicable; or

(b) where applicable, an assessment of the area

designated for parking in relation to the square
footage of the building at a minimum of one
standard parking space per five hundred square
feet of habitable area of the building, including
offices, sleeping quarters, working spaces, etc.

(3) Where an application in relation to a building for

industrial purposes, the application shall include, where
applicable, an assessment of the area designated for parking
in relation to the square footage of the building at a minimum
of one standard parking space per five hundred square feet
of habitable area of the building, including offices, sleeping
quarters, working spaces, etc.

(4) Where an application is in relation to a building for

commercial purposes, the application shall include where
applicable, an assessment of the area designated for parking
in relation to the square footage of the building at a minimum
of one standard parking space per five hundred square feet
of habitable area of the building, including offices, sleeping
quarters, working spaces, etc.
No. 157] Belize Building 7

(5) Where an application is in relation to an advertisement

of a permanent nature to be erected on a road, easement or
area marked as a road reserve by the Ministry responsible
for works, the application shall include proof of rental or
lease of the road, easement or area marked as a road reserve,
together with proof of payment from the Ministry responsible
for works, or its designated Authority.

(6) Where an application is in relation to a fence for a

new building–

(a) the design of the fence shall be reviewed based

on Chapter 6 of International Residential Code;
or

(b) retaining walls or complex designs, the

Authority–

(i) shall review the plans for structural

integrity, in accordance with the
International Building Code; and

(ii) may require the endorsement of the

plans by a registered civil or structural
engineer.

(7) Where an application is in relation to a structure

which houses an antenna, tower, or similar structure the
Authority may request –

(a) information regarding material type, or any

substantiating documents, depending on the
complexity of the project or structure.

(b) clearance letters or permits from the Belize

Broadcasting Corporation, Ministry responsible
for Civil Aviation, and Public Utilities
Commission; or
8 Belize Building [No. 157

(c) depending on the location or sensitivity of

the project, that the applicant obtain special
permission from a governing Ministry before
proceeding.
(8) Where an application is in relation to a pool, spa,
deck, patio, cistern, or similar structure the Authority may
request –

(a) information regarding material type, or any

substantiating documents, depending on the
complexity of the project or structure; or

(b) structural calculations where the information

under paragraph (a), does not adequately address
specific loadings and pressures on the pool, spa,
deck, patio, cistern, or similar structure.

Timeline for 9. Where an application for a permit is made, the Authority

review of
application. shall in relation to a fence for a new building, refuse the
application or issue a permit within ten business days of
receipt of the application.

General site 10.–(1) An owner shall cause a building to be constructed

and setback
requirements.
that ensures that the distance between the farthest projection
of any part of the building and the boundary line, shall be
not less than four feet.

(2) Notwithstanding sub-regulation (1), the Authority

may–
(a) enforce the requirements for setback during
any stage of construction, where the Authority
determines that the construction is contrary to
Sub. Leg R.E. the requirements under these Regulations; or
1991 Vol. 1
CAP 31. P. 45.
(b) ensure compliance with any other setback
requirements in relation to septic systems
and soak aways as specified under the Privy
Accommodation By-Laws.
No. 157] Belize Building 9

(3) On every site in relation to the construction of a new

building, alteration, renovation or demolition, the owner
shall cause to be displayed on the construction site, a sign,
indicating the project number as stated on the letter of no
objection that was issued along with the permit and–

(a) install the sign at the entrance to the site; and

(b) make the sign of such a size that it is clearly

visible from at least eight feet beyond the
property line.

(4) On every site in relation to the construction of a

new building, or renovation of a building, the owner shall
ensure that a copy of the approved plans are presented to
the Authority upon demand.

(5) For the purpose of this Part “sign” means a display

on which the characters are clearly visible, legibly printed
and not less than eight inches in height and one inch in width.

11.–(1) A Stop Order may be issued after the issue of a Stop Order.
ticket issued under the circumstances outlined under this
Regulation.

(2) A ticket issued under this Regulation, shall–

(a) on the first issue, be a fine of, two hundred

and fifty dollars;

(b) on the second issue, in relation to the same

project, be a fine of five hundred dollars; or

(c) in relation to a violation in San Pedro, Caye

Caulker, or other cayes or Belizean islands,
include, any additional fee as follows–

(i) for the cost of the airfare and

accommodation for two Building
Inspectors; and
10 Belize Building [No. 157

(ii) any other reasonable expenses reasonably

incurred in relation to the violation;
or(d) on the third or subsequent
issue of a ticket, in relation to the same
project, a fine of one thousand dollars,
and the issue of a Stop Order.

(3) A person who is issued a ticket issued under this

Regulation shall pay the fine within ten days of the date of
issue of the ticket.

(4) A person who fails to comply pay a ticket within

the relevant time period, shall be issued a Stop Order in
accordance with the Act.

(5) Where a person to whom a Stop Order is issued under

sub-section (3), fails to take appropriate steps to ensure the
cessation of the activity to which the Stop Order relates, he
commits an offence and is liable in accordance with the Act.

Occupancy 12.–(1) An occupancy permit may be issued for the following–

permit.

(a) an existing building that was built prior to the

commencement of the Belize Building Act and
without a building permit;

(b) an existing building for which an application

for a change of use of a building is made; or

(c) a building that was completed within the relevant

time period stated in the permit for completion.

(2) In relation to an occupancy permit for a building under

sub-regulations (1)(a) and (b) the owner may be required to
provide–

(a) an electrical design approved by the Public

Utilities Commission;
No. 157] Belize Building 11

(b) an inspection report from a civil or structural

engineer;

(c) a clearance letter from the Fire Chief of the

Belize National Fire service;

(d) structural and architectural details of the

building; or

(e) depending on the use of the structure, clearance

letters from the Department of the Environment,
and the Health Department for waste disposal
or any other relevant Ministry of Government
Agency.

(3) In relation to an occupancy permit for a building

under sub-regulation (1)(c) the building may be–

(a) subject to an inspection to ensure that–

(i) the electrical, plumbing and other works

are completed in accordance with the
relevant requirements;

(ii) are completed in accordance with the

approved plans; and

(iii) the building is determined to be safe for

use or occupancy; or

(b) any relevant fees have been paid.

(4) Where, prior to the issue of an occupancy permit, it

is determined that further works are required on the building,
the inspector may require further inspections to verify the
relevant works are completed before the issue of an occupancy
permit.
 Belize Building
12 Belize Building [No. 157

SCHEDULE
Form of specifications re application for building permit.
[Section 13]

In addition to the requirements outlined under the Act, an applicant shall

provide the following–
1. a valid copy of a Belize social security card or passport
2. proof of payment of application fee
3. proof of authority to construct, erect or demolish a building, or
carry out any building works on the relevant land, in the
approved form
4. clearance letters from any relevant Authority, Ministry or
Government Department where applicable
5. a fire, emergency or evacuation plan for public buildings,
including but not limited to evacuation route, emergency
lights, or fire extinguishers, etc.
6. any handwritten drawings, notes or other information included
in an application, presented digitally and in a format that can
be easily read and understood
7. three copies of any drawings, notes or other information
included in the application that are in print form, of not less
than tabloid sized 11”x17”, and clearly interpreted in a digital
format
8. drawings that are stamped and signed by an architect,
engineer, or a technician
9. an electrical design approved by the Public Utilities
Commission
10. where an application is in relation to a building that is less than
one thousand and two hundred square feet–

(a) drawings that are at a minimum, stamped and signed by

a technician, an Associate or Student Member
registered under the Professional Architects
(Registration) Act or the Professional Engineers
(Registration) Act; or

(b) be in conformity with any building codes deemed

relevant by the Authority;

11. the plans submitted with the application may be endorsed by a

technician only where the application is in relation a
conventional bungalow
12. where a building is between one thousand and two hundred
 Belize Building
No. 157] Belize Building 13

square feet and three thousand square feet and two stories high
or less, the plans and specifications shall be prepared, designed
and certified by an architect or Civil or Structural engineer;
13. where a building is–

(a) a public building;

(b) over three thousand square feet; or

(c) more than two floors high,

the plans and specifications shall be prepared, designed, and certified by

an architect and a Civil or Structural engineer;

14. where a building is –

(a) more than two floors high; or

(b) more than thirty feet or 9.14 meters high,

verification, via structural calculations, of structural adequacy.
15. where the application is in relation to a steel structure–

(a) adequate connection details, for all elements of the

building;

(b) structural calculations, to verify adequacy of the

structure against natural disasters as may be applicable
depending on the location of the property; and

(c) endorsement of the plan, by a civil or structural

engineer.

For the purposes of these Regulations, “height” in relation to a structure,

means the height of the building taken from the visible ground, unless the
structure includes a basement or cellar, in which case the height will be
taken from the basement or cellar.
Every application made to the Authority, may be reviewed by the Director
or Technical Manager on no more than two occasions, before the decision
to refuse or approve the application is made.
An application that is returned on a third occasion and is not approved
shall be subject to the payment of a fee equivalent to the application fee,
for the continuation of the application process.
14 Belize Building [No. 157

MADE by the Minister responsible for Central Building Authority after

consultation with the Authority this 2nd day of December, 2022.

(HON. JULIUS ESPAT)

Minister of Infrastructure, Development and Housing
(Minister responsible for Central Building Authority)

Printed in Belize by the Government Printer

#1 Power Lane, Belmopan, Belize, C.A.