Policy Development FAQs

The Policy Development division often hears the same questions from applicants repeatedly. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions, and typical answers we respond with. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Q: Does the Development Plan address land use and planning issues on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac?

A: No. The Development Plan only addresses Grand Cayman. Separate legislation is in place to govern planning issues on the Sister Islands.

Q: Is the Development Plan the only piece of legislation relating to planning on Grand Cayman?

A: No. There are a number of pieces of legislation which address planning issues in the Cayman Islands. The 'enabling' legislation, which creates the basis for planning in the Cayman Islands, is the Development and Planning Law (2005 Revision). This law determines what the Government can regulate, powers of enforcement, and how decisions can be appealed.

The Development and Planning Regulations (2006 Revision) is the legislative version of the Development Plan. This legislation addresses permitted land uses, densities, building heights, and a range of other details. In addition to these two core pieces of legislation, there are many other key pieces of legislation, including the Building Code Regulations (2006 Revision), Tree Preservation Orders (1998), the Appeals Tribunal (Development Plan) Procedural Rules 1975, Designating Orders (2005 Revision), and the Development and Planning (Appeals) Rules (1999 Revision).

Q: Is there a procedure to change the zoning designation on a piece of land?

A: Yes. There is a rezoning process which applicants can pursue. The Planning Department recommends that the timeframe for processing these applications is currently about 12 months. An overview of the rezoning process is available here.