Applying for Planning Permission in Port-Harcourt;
All developers wishing to commence development of plots, temporary or permanent, within the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority Area shall apply on prescribed application forms obtainable upon payment of the relevant fees from the Authority. Steps Towards Obtaining Permission are as follows:-

STEP ONE: Outline Planning Application (OPA)
This is an application to seek planning permission in principle, before going to the extent of preparing detailed drawings. An application for 'outline' planning permission is submitted to ascertain whether the development is acceptable in principle. This application is relevant where the erection of a building is proposed.
It is therefore a planning permission for the erection of a building subject to a condition(s) requiring the subsequent approval of the Authority.

Some of the matters considered in Outline Planning Application are:

Siting
Design
External appearance
Means of access
Landscaping

STEP TWO: Full Planning Permission
Full Planning Application (FPA)
This is an application with detailed drawing and information necessary to enable the Authority reach its decision. This does not, however preclude the Authority from asking for such further information as it considers necessary.
The application will include:

The relevant application forms
The site plan, detailed building plans, engineering drawings.
Drawings and information in such number as the Authority may require as stated in its notes for applicants.
The appropriate fee.
The Authority may, in certain circumstances, require an Environmental Impact Assessment and Health Safety and Environment Policy Reports.
Applicants are advised to refer to Development Application Check list.
Processing of applications are carried out by various departments/units within the Authority; i.e. Planning, Health, Survey, Engineering, and Inspectorate.
Development approval may be granted with or without conditions or refused.

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