Dealing with Construction Permits in
Samoa
Listed below is detailed summary of the procedures, time and costs to build a warehouse —including obtaining necessary licenses and permits, completing required notifications and inspections and obtaining utility connections.
The information appearing on this page was collected as part of the Doing Business project, which measures and compares regulations relevant to the life cycle of a small- to medium-sized domestic business in 183 economies. The most recent round of data collection for the project was completed in June 2011.
-
Building a warehouse
-
Estimated Warehouse Value:
WST 2,212,000
- City: Apia
| No. |
Procedure |
Time to Complete |
Associated Costs |
| 1 |
Obtain lot plan and ownership title from Land Registry
The land registry is fully computerized and Samoa moved from a deed system to a title system in 2009. There is no back log at the registry and documents are obtained within minutes.
Agency: Land Registry
|
1 day
|
WST 5
|
| 2 |
Request and obtain Development Consent
Development consent application form is available at PUMA. An applicant pays the fee to the cashier and attaches the proof of payment to the application form. The following documents must be submitted along with the application:
- Project design
- Land deed
- Development plan
- Scope of development
PUMA will review the application and decide whether or not an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required. Full EIA (if deemed necessary) can take up to 2-3 months and costs WST 12,000.
Agency: Planning and Urban Management Agency (PUMA) at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
|
15 days
|
WST 200
|
| 3 |
Apply for building permit at the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure
After obtaining development consent, BuildCo must apply for a building permit with the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure. The following documents must be provided:
1. Consent for development
2. 2 sets of building plans signed by the architect
3. Structural calculations and/or engineering certificate (for buildings of two stories or higher)
4. Valid builder's license
5. Compliancy confirmation form signed by all relevant authorities
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 4 |
Obtain endorsement of Compliancy Confirmation Form 1 by Land Transport Authority (LTA)
The Compliancy Confirmation Form 1 is given to the chief engineer for signature. Based on the type of building, a site visit may or may not be necessary.
Agency: Land Transport Authority
|
5 days
|
WST 50
|
| 5 |
Obtain endorsement of Compliancy Confirmation Form 1 by Samoa Water Authority (SWA)
A site visit is necessary to check the land plot and the condition of the sewage and water pipes.
Agency: Samoa Water Authority
|
5 days
|
WST 20
|
| 6 |
Obtain endorsement of Compliancy Confirmation Form 1 by Electric Power Corporation (EPC)
A site visit is necessary to check the land plot and the condition of the sewage and water pipes.
Agency: Electric Power Corporation (EPC)
|
5 days
|
no charge
|
| 7 |
Obtain endorsement of Compliancy Confirmation Form 1 by Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA)
A copy of the building plan for the placement of fire safety appliances must be submitted. FESA will study the plan, issue a report and sign Compliancy Confirmation Form 1.
Agency: Fire and Emergency Services Agency
|
7 days
|
WST 740
|
| 8 |
Obtain endorsement of Compliancy Confirmation Form 1 by SamoaTel
SamoaTel will visit the site to check the conditions and whether existing lines are available.
Agency: SamoaTel
|
2 days
|
no charge
|
| 9 |
Pay building permit fee and obtain building permit
Once all requirements are submitted and recommended for CEO's approval and BuildCo has paid the building permit fee to the Accounts Division, CEO of the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure issues the permit. The building permit is valid for six (6) months only.
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
|
7 days
|
WST 2,708
|
| 10 |
Receive foundations work inspection
BuildCo should request inspections from the local authority. In practice, though, this may not always be the case.
For larger projects, for example, most clients would employ a "clerk of works" to act on their behalf, carry out inspections, and make sure all necessary testing is done.
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 11 |
Receive steel work for slabs inspection
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 12 |
Receive frame inspection
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 13 |
Receive drainage inspection
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 14 |
Receive sanitary inspection
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 15 |
Request and obtain inspection certificate from the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
|
5 days
|
no charge
|
| 16 |
Receive final inspection from the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure
Agency: Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 17 |
Request and obtain inspection certificate from the Fire and Emergency Services Authority
BuildCo requests an inspection from FESA. After the inspection, FESA issues a report within one week.
Agency: Fire and Emergency Services Agency
|
5 days
|
no charge
|
| 18 |
Receive inspection from the Fire and Emergency Services Authority
Agency: Fire and Emergency Services Agency
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| * 19 |
Request telephone services (SamoaTel)
The following documents must be provided:
- business license
- 2 forms of ID
- 3-month old bank statements
Agency: SamoaTel
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| * 20 |
Receive inspection by SamoaTel and connect to telephone services
The installation fee is not charged until the customer receive his/her first statement.
Agency: SamoaTel
|
21 days
|
WST 76
|
| * 21 |
Obtain water connection
Agency: Samoa Water Authority
|
14 days
|
WST 770
|
* Takes place simultaneously with another procedure.