The Planning Department within the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development announces that the Cabinet of the Turks and Caicos Islands has approved a new policy position to amend the fees specified by Regulation 16 of the Development Permission Regulations made under the Physical Planning Act.
This important reform was championed by the Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Arlington A. Musgrove, in conjunction with the Department of Planning, as part of Government’s continued efforts to strengthen transparency, efficiency, and fairness within the national development approval process.
The approved reform introduces a modernized and more transparent structure for planning application fees, transitioning from a construction-cost-based system to a square-footage-based fee model.
Under the existing system, planning application fees are calculated as a percentage of the estimated construction cost provided by applicants or their agents. As these costs could not be independently verified by the Planning Department, this approach occasionally results in disputes and inconsistencies.
The new square-footage-based approach allows fees to be calculated based on the total construction area shown on submitted architectural drawings; improving fairness, transparency, and administrative efficiency.
Once made, the revised framework will establish two development zones to reflect the varying characteristics of land use across the Islands.
Area A includes high-end and tourism-related locations, while Area B applies to general residential and non-tourism areas. Planning application fees will be based on the type of development, its size, and its location within these designated areas.
Applications for Outline Development Permission will be assessed at 50 percent of the applicable Detailed Development Permission fee.
The policy also formalizes infrastructure fees for certain large-scale and high-impact developments, particularly within tourism and high-end areas, in support of long-term infrastructure planning and sustainable national growth.
Additionally, where development proposals exceed the building height allowances established under the National Physical Development Plan (NPDP), and approval is granted by the Cabinet, a building height levy will apply per square foot for each additional floor, payable every three years.
The Cabinet also considered the structure of subdivision fees and the potential impact on Turks and Caicos Islanders. The new framework ensures that smaller family subdivisions are not treated the same as large-scale commercial developments, helping to protect inheritance planning opportunities and reduce disproportionate financial burdens on local landowners, while ensuring that commercial developments contribute appropriately.
Importantly, the definition of “Exempt Application” will be amended to provide a 50 percent reduction in planning application fees for Turks and Caicos Islanders constructing their first dwelling house for personal or family occupation. This measure reinforces Government’s commitment to supporting homeownership and access to family land for Islanders.
The necessary amendments to the fee structure and the associated forms, including Form DOP 2, will now be finalized to reflect the new fee structure.
The changes to the Development Permission Regulations and updated forms and detailed fee tables will be published in the Gazette and by the Planning Department prior to the implementation date. The new planning application fees will take effect on 1st April 2026, and further guidance will be provided to assist applicants during the transition.
This release seeks to provide timely notice to the public of the policy change. This reform represents a significant step in strengthening the development management framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands by promoting transparency, equity, and sustainable development.
