The guiding principles for functioning of the Physical Planning Department can be formulated as follows:

Vision: To become a unique, technically competent and proactive Department, able to contribute effectively to rational development of sustainable human settlements and achieving higher professional standards in environmental horticulture and outreach at the local level

Mission: The Physical Planning Department exists to plan, manage and promote harmonious, sustainable and cost effective development of human settlements, effective environmental horticultural enhancement and maintenance in the District in accordance with sound environmental and planning principles.

General Functions and Responsibilities of Physical Planning Department

The Department shall

1. Advise the District Assembly on national policies on physical planning, land use and development;
2. Co-ordinate activities and projects of departments and other agencies including Non-Governmental Organizations to ensure compliance with planning standards;
3. Prepare spatial plans as a guide for the formulation of development policies and decisions in the district;
4. Identify problems concerning the development ofland and its social, environmental and economic implications;
5. Advise on setting out approved plans for future development of land at the district level;
6. Advise on preparation of structure plans for towns and villages within the district;
7. Collaborate with the Survey and Mapping Division of Lands Commission in the performance of its functions;
8. Facilitate and participate in research into planning in the District;
9. Assist to offer professional advice to aggrieved persons on appeals and petitions on decisions made on their building;
10. Facilitate consultation, co-ordination and harmonization of developmental decisions into a physical development plan;
11. Assist to prepare a District Land-Use Plan to guide activities in the district;
12. Advise on the conditions for the construction of public and private buildings and structures;
13. Assist to provide the layout for buildings for improved housing layout and settlement;
14. Ensure the prohibition of the construction of new buildings unless building plans submitted have been approved by the Assembly;
15. Advise and facilitate the demolition of dilapidated buildings and recovery of expenses incurred in connection with the demolition;
16. Ensure the prohibition of the use of inflammable materials in the construction or repair of buildings in defined areas;
17. Advise the Assembly on the siting of bill boards, masts and ensure compliance with the decisions of the Assembly;
18. Advise on the acquisition of landed property in the public interest; and
19. Undertake street addressing and related Issues.
20. Develop and promote effective landscape beautification in the district and homes
21. Maintain and sustain all landscape areas in the road medians, road shoulders and traffic islands in the district
22. Cultivate horticultural products including vegetables, fruits, tree seedlings and ornamental plants for sale to the public and for export
23. Conduct routine maintenance of prestige areas
24. Develop and promote the cultivation and conservation of medicinal and aromatic plant species
25. Supply tree seedlings to educational institutions on gratis thus encouraging tree planting in schools and communities
26. Provide horticultural training and extension services to students and pupils from institutions in the district.

PLANNING PERMIT AND DEVELOPMENT PERMIT

There are two levels of permitting according to the Land Use and Spatial Planning Regulation, 2019 (L.I 1823). All Physical Development in a district require a Planning permit and or a Development permit.

• Physical activities that require a planning permit:

1. Temporal Structure
2. Temporal activities that required the use of public space
3. Demolition
4. Change of use
5. Advertisement
6. Consolidation of land
7. Sub-division of land
8. Hoarding
9. Mining in the nature of sand wining, quarrying and minerals extraction
10. Disposal of industrial waste or chemical waste on land
11. Excavation
12. Change in colour schemes and
13. Tree removal

• Physical activities that require a development permit

1. The erection of any building or structure except those exempted by law
2. The making of structural alteration or transformation or renovation to a building
3. Civil and engineering works
4. Regularization of existing building
5. Redevelopment

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR A PLANNING PERMIT AND A DEVELOPMENT/BUILDING PERMIT

Pick-up application forms from the Physical Planning Department of the Keta Municipal Assembly and attach the following sets of documents:

1. 4 sets of site plan to the scale of 1: 2500
2. 4 sets of block plan to the scale of 1: 100 or 1: 200
3. 4 sets of architectural drawings certified by a qualified professional
4. 4 sets of structural drawings (where applicable)
5. Evidence of a right or authorization to use the land in accordance with the laws of Ghana
6. A report on stakeholder consultation (where applicable)
7. Other specialized reports (where applicable)

Submit completed application and relevant attachments stated above to the Physical Planning Department of your district in person or an agent.

Note:

• You may be issued a Land Use certificate after land use checks before proceeding with application and a certificate of habitation after completion of a physical development.
• Fees are charged for relevant Forms/Jacket and processing fees after submission your set of applications and a permit fee after approval of permit.