Construction permits FAQs
Do I need a construction permit?
Where an architect is legally required, the architectural plans must be prepared under the responsibility of an architect registered with the National Order of Cameroonian Architects. Locally defined exemptions may apply according to the project’s area, value and location.
The architect’s involvement is not limited to signing an application. The professional code describes a construction permit project as an architectural project developed to execution-plan level and addressing matters such as site integration, climate, building position, planning restrictions, internal organisation, plans, sections, elevations, materials and relevant technical details.
When should I involve an architect?
You should involve a registered architect from the earliest stages of the project, ideally before the design is developed or construction decisions are made.
Early engagement allows the architect to assess the site, understand the project brief and participate meaningfully in developing a design that responds to planning requirements, construction standards, climate, budget and the documentation required for approval.
Under the professional regulations of the National Order of Cameroonian Architects, an architect must personally undertake the agreed services or carry them out under their direction. The architect’s involvement must therefore be genuine, documented and proportionate to the responsibility assumed.
Can an architect simply sign drawings prepared by someone else?
No. An architect cannot merely sign or stamp drawings for a project in which they cannot demonstrate authorship or effective participation. The professional code prohibits a signature of convenience and requires the names and titles of architects who contributed to a project to be appropriately acknowledged.
Therefore, NFA does not provide signatures or professional stamps as a standalone service. Any permit appointment must involve a genuine and documented professional contribution.
What if my drawings have already been prepared?
Existing drawings may be submitted to us for an initial professional assessment, but they cannot automatically be signed or submitted for approval.
Before accepting an appointment, we may need to
Establish who prepared the drawings;
Confirm the project’s authorship and professional history;
Review the site and ownership information;
Check planning and regulatory conformity;
Assess the architectural and technical information;
Identify missing studies or consultant inputs;
Correct or develop the design where necessary;
Clarify the rights and responsibilities of the original designer.
If the existing documents cannot be responsibly adopted, corrected or developed under our professional direction, a new or revised architectural study may be required.
Can NDE FORCOB Architects collaborate with an existing designer or project team?
Yes. NDE FORCOB Architects welcomes genuine collaboration with clients, registered architects, international practices, engineers and specialist consultants.
Where several architects work on the same project, their respective services, responsibilities, authorship and remuneration should be defined through a written agreement. Each participating architect must undertake their assigned responsibilities with proper professional care.
If an existing architectural project was produced by another architect, their appointment, fees and intellectual-property rights must be properly addressed before another architect modifies or continues the work.
What does the architectural assistance include?
Depending on the agreed scope, our services may include:
Initial client consultation and project briefing;
Site and planning review;
Review of land and ownership documentation;
Architectural design or design development;
Regulatory compliance assessment;
Coordination with engineers and specialist consultants;
Preparation of architectural permit drawings;
Compilation and coordination of the application;
Submission and administrative follow-up;
Responses to observations from the reviewing authorities;
Approved-design coordination before construction begins.
The exact services are defined through a written professional appointment setting out the scope, responsibilities, deliverables and applicable fees.
What must a construction permit package address?
The professional regulations indicate that the architectural project prepared for a construction-permit application should address matters including:
Integration with the site, topography and climate;
Building position and applicable urban-planning restrictions;
Required setbacks, alignments and levels;
Building composition and relationship between volumes;
Internal organisation, functions and dimensions;
Plans, sections and required views;
Proposed materials and colours, where applicable;
Relevant technical details.
The permit service is therefore more than an administrative submission. It requires an architectural project developed to an appropriate level of detail and professional responsibility.
What documents are normally required?
Requirements vary by council and project type. A permit application may include:
A formal application;
A recent certificate of ownership or an accepted equivalent;
A planning or urbanism certificate;
Site and location plans;
Architectural plans, sections and elevations;
Foundation and roof plans;
A proposed sanitation system;
A descriptive and estimated cost schedule;
Structural and engineering information, where required;
Additional documents for specialised buildings.
The national user guide indicates that applications are submitted to the mayor of the council in which the construction is proposed. Applicants should obtain the current checklist from that council before preparing the submission.
How much does a construction permit cost?
Permit charges vary according to the council, project type and estimated construction cost.
Applicants should obtain an official and current fee schedule from the council responsible for the project site. Council charges are separate from architectural, engineering, surveying, geotechnical and other professional fees.
Where a council publishes a percentage-based permit charge, the applicable calculation basis and minimum payment should be confirmed directly with that council before budgeting.
How long does approval take?
Processing begins after a complete and admissible application has been submitted.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development user guide refers to an instruction period of 45 days. Some councils may publish different administrative timelines, so the applicable period should be confirmed with the authority responsible for the project site.
Practical approval time may be affected by:
Missing or inconsistent documents;
Land-title or ownership issues;
Technical observations;
Required design corrections;
Consultation with other authorities;
Project-specific safety or environmental requirements.
Early appointment of the architectural and technical team helps identify these issues before submission.
Can construction begin after paying the permit fees?
No. Payment alone does not authorise construction.
Works should begin only after the competent authority has issued the required authorisation or formally confirmed that the legal conditions for commencement have been satisfied.
Before site mobilisation, the project owner should confirm:
The effective status of the permit;
The approved drawings and documents;
Conditions attached to the approval;
Required commencement notifications;
Information to be displayed on the site panel.
Can the design be changed after the permit is issued?
Authorisation needed. Changes should not be executed without prior architectural review and, where required, approval by the competent authority.
The professional code provides that changes to approved project documents should be prepared by the architect responsible for the original design and approved by the project owner and competent authority where applicable. The architect must oppose unauthorised works and notify the project owner accordingly.
Can the council inspect the construction?
Yes. The competent authorities may inspect the works to verify conformity with the approved permit, authorised drawings and applicable planning requirements.
The project owner, architect, engineers and contractor retain their respective responsibilities for design, technical coordination, workmanship, safety and compliance with the approved documentation.
What happens when construction is completed?
The permit holder or authorised representative must submit a declaration of completion within 30 days following completion of the works. The declaration is submitted with the required record or as-built documentation.
Where the permitted works were directed by an architect, the architect declares whether the works conform to the permit requirements. If the construction was completed regularly, the competent authority may issue a certificate of conformity following the applicable review and inspection process.
For buildings open to the public and buildings at least 10 metres above their foundations, additional opinions from the relevant fire-safety and civil-engineering authorities may be required.
The completion and conformity procedures should be finalised before the building is occupied or brought into use.
Need Construction-Permit Assistance?
NDE FORCOB Architects supports project owners from the early planning and design stages through regulatory review, technical coordination and preparation of construction-permit applications.
Our services are based on genuine professional engagement. We do not offer signatures or professional stamps for projects in which we have not meaningfully participated or which have not been responsibly reviewed and developed under our professional direction.
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