Developers

Change of Use ApplicationA change of use application is required if the current use of a spaceor building is different from its proposed use. For example, if abuilding changes its use from commercial to residential, in a case likethis, attributes such as its capacity for sewage disposal and cisternwater must be addressed to adequately provide for the number ofpersons residing or expected to be residing in that building.Application for Change of Use can be done on the Application forPermission to Develop Land form. Refer to item No.8: Land Use ofthe Application for Permission to Develop Land form.. Change of use filing is required for different commercial uses as well.From beauty salons to food handling, a paint store to a music studio,etc. changes between dissimilar uses within a space must be filed fora new activity.If a space is planned for an activity that was the same as the currentuse and if egress patterns remain the same, no change of useapplication has to be filed. If fire safety compliance changes, anapplication must be filed and it, in turn, will be referred to theappropriate agency.Non-Belonger Landholders LicenseIf the developer is an expatriate, he or she must apply for a Non-BelongerLandholders' License. Contact the Ministry of Natural Resources andLabour for details and procedures. The agent must submit a certified copyby the ministry with the application.Any person who does not "belong" to the BVI, which is roughly theequivalent of citizenship, or a company controlled by non-belongers, mustobtain a license to purchase and hold land in the BVI. To discourage landspeculation, the application to purchase undeveloped land must outline theintended use and attach a plan of the development. The plan must beapproved by the Department of Town and Country Planning prior to anyconstruction works. An application fee must be paid to obtain the buildingpermit. A contact list of recommended architects can be provided uponrequest. The land must be developed in accordance with the approved planwithin a specified timeframe, usually three years, otherwise a penalty of upto 40% of the purchase price may be incurred. A contact list ofrecommended contractors can be provided upon request. Prior to thedeadline it is advised that an application for extension of time, up to 1 year,122