The steps of a building permit.

The current framework

Building permits are now governed by Law No. 2024-27 of 28 June 2024 on urban planning, Decree No. 2023-617 of 6 December 2023 and their implementing orders of May 2024, which set out minimum requirements and technical design rules.

Projects are classified into categories according to their size and level of risk: category A covers the simplest buildings, categories B and C larger projects.

An online application

Applications are made on the official platform permisdeconstruire.gouv.bj, opened in March 2020. Permits have been issued online in Cotonou since 1 January 2021, and the online process is gradually being extended to other municipalities.

The steps

1. Secure the land: a verified title or ownership document is the first item in the file.
2. Have the plans drawn up by an architect, suited to the project category.
3. Create an account and file the application online, with all the documents requested.
4. Follow the review and respond quickly to any requests for additional information.
5. Receive the permit, then display it on site during the works.
6. At the end of the works, file a completion declaration at the town hall within 20 working days to obtain the certificate of conformity and habitability.

What timelines?

When the procedure went online, the government announced a timeline of 14 days in Cotonou and a maximum reduced from 45 to 25 days. In practice, an incomplete file is the main cause of delay.

Common mistakes

• Starting the foundations “while waiting” for the permit.
• Submitting plans that do not match what will actually be built.
• Adding a storey during construction without authorisation.
• Forgetting the certificate of conformity, useful for letting, selling or obtaining a loan.