Central Building Authority

Central Building Authority
3rd. Fl. - Coastal Zone Management Bldg.
Princess Margaret Drive
Belize City, Belize, Central America
ph: (501) 223-2616 or 223-1878
fax: (501) 223-5738
alt: P.O. Box 2376, Belize City
centralbuildingauthority@yahoo.com

What we Do?

If it has to do with buildings, then chances are we can be of assistance to you. Our central focus in relation to building is the health and safety of the public. Each building is a part of a neighborhood and each neighborhood is a part of a community.

The safe and health development of each neighborhood and community contributes directly to the safe and healthy development of Belize.

Our motto is "Encouraging each citizen, each investor, to take personal responsibility for the built environment through the enforcement of regulatory mechamisms designed to contribute to the responsible, safe and healthy development of Belize".

Plan review and no objection
"Every application for a permit to build shall be made in writing and shall be accompanied by such drawings, descriptions, calculations and specifications as the Director may require on a prescribed form" - Belize Building Act, Part III, Chapter 13, Paragraph 2.
Sample Application Form
Site inspection
Once you have been granted a no-objection from the CBA, you are required to inform the CBA of when you intend to commence construction. At the moment, the two mandatory inspections required are:
1. Setting Out: After you have "set out" the building and prior to commencement of actual construction, you are required to inform the CBA and request an inspection. This is to ensure that if there are any discrepancies between the drawings and the setting out on site, you will have the opportunity to make changes as required to bring your construction in compliance with the approved plan before you continue with your construction.
2. Occupancy Certificate: Seven days after you have completed your construction, you are required to inform the CBA and apply for permission to occupy and use the building. The CBA will conduct a site inspection prior to issuing the Occupancy Certificate.
In addition to the two above-mentioned inspections, the CBA may conduct spontaneous site inspections at any time during the construction of your building to verify that it is being constructed in accordance with the approved construction documents. You will be asked for the approved set of construction drawings (which must be kept on site at all times) and required to correct any discrepancies found. Failure to comply with this request may result in a stop order being issued.
Develop new regulations, and enforce existing building regulations
The CBA is currently in the process of reviewing its legislationand formulating regulations to strengthen and support the enforcement of the Belize Building Act.
Provide guidance and information
The CBA is involved in several initiatives with respect to providing guidance and information.
1. Holding workshops for stakeholders. So far we have met with Architects & Engineers, Banks and Insurance Companies, External Financial Institutions including SIF, Local Building Authorities, Village Councils, Town Boards and City Councils.
2. Training: We have held three training sessions for Building Inspectors. Building Inspectors as well as personnel from the Central and Local Building Authority have participated.
3. Building Codes: As part of the National Technical Sub-Committee we participate in the development of the Caribbean Application Documents to adapt the International Building Codes for the Caribbean.
4. Produced and aired the "Construction and You" shows on KREM TV and radio as part of our public information strategy.
5. Production and airing Public Service Announcements designed to raise the public's awareness of building safety.

What we Do?

Plan review and no objection

Site inspection

Develop new regulations, and enforce existing building regulations

Provide guidance and information