FOI & Planning: An Overview

Name of Public Authority: Department of Planning

Department of Planning Publication Scheme - more on how to access information from within the Planning Department

Functions of Public Authority

The Planning Department's functions are summarised in its mission statement:

“To ensure that all development applications are processed efficiently, courteously, unbiased and in accordance with the development plans and associated legislation so that the physical development of the Islands is aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly, sustainable, technically sound, promotes a strong economy, and provides an unparalleled quality of life for existing and for future generations.”

Subject Matters Handled

The Planning Department is comprised of five divisions; Current Planning, Building Control, Policy Development, Strategic Planning, and Administration. Planning functions on the Sister Islands are handled through the Sister Islands Planning Office located in the District Administration Building, Stake Bay, Cayman Brac.

The Building Control Unit (BCU) reviews applications for building permits and inspects the structural, plumbing, electrical and mechanical components of buildings and structures to ensure that Central Planning Authority and Development Control Board approved developments comply with all the codes.

The Current Planning section (CP) is responsible primarily for processing development applications for presentation to the Central Planning Authority (CPA) on Grand Cayman and the Development Control Board (DCB) on the Sister Islands.

The Policy Development section (PD) is responsible for policy preparation and long-range planning issues such as land-use policies, conducting special studies, recommending revisions to the Development Plan, processing rezoning applications, reviewing Designating Order applications and preparing proposed amendments to the Development Plan, Planning Law and Regulations.

The Administration unit is responsible for finance, human resource matters and support services for all of the department. The Administration Unit includes front counter staff, processing clerks, and others.  

The Petroleum Inspectorate is not part of the Planning Department, but has historically maintained a close working relationship with Planning, and thus their website is hosted within the www.planning.gov.ky network.

Governing & Related Legislation and Regulations:

The Development and Planning Law (2008 Revision)

The Development and Planning Regulations (2006 Revision)

The Building Code Regulations (2006 Revision)

The Development and Planning (Appeals) Rules

The Builders Law, 2007

The Builders Regulations, 2008

The Dangerous Substances Handling and Storage Law, 2003

Ministry: District Administration, Planning, Agriculture and Housing

Planning related Committees and Boards:

Central Planning Authority (CPA)

Development Control Board (DCB)

Electrical Board of Examiners (EBE)

Builders Board (BB)

Website: www.planning.gov.ky