Constructing a building, whether it's a single-family home, an apartment building, or a public establishment, is a project that requires prior authorization. In Côte d'Ivoire, a building permit is a mandatory administrative document that guarantees the project's compliance with current urban planning and construction regulations.

This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about obtaining a building permit in Ivory Coast: the procedures, the required documents, the deadlines, the costs and the reforms put in place to simplify the procedure .

1. What is a building permit in Ivory Coast?

A building permit is an authorization issued by the government that allows construction or renovation work to be carried out under certain conditions. It applies to any individual or legal entity, public or private , wishing to undertake work involving the creation or modification of a building.

This document guarantees that the project complies with:
✅ Urban planning regulations (location, height, density, easements)
✅ Construction standards to ensure the solidity of the building and the safety of the occupants
✅ Technical requirements defined by the CSTB (Scientific and Technical Center for Building) and the Union Technique de l'Électricité (UTE)

A building permit is required for:
🔹 All new construction
🔹 Any significant modification to an existing building (extension, raising the roof)
🔹 Certain renovation work , particularly work affecting the building's structure

Because the act of building is complex , it is governed by strict regulations. Having a plot of land is not enough: the project must also comply with urban planning rules and safety standards.

2. Why is a building permit important?

Obtaining a building permit is not just an administrative formality . It protects:

🔹 The property owner : by ensuring the project complies with regulations and is not at risk of demolition for non-compliance
. 🔹 The neighbors and the community : by preventing uncontrolled construction that could cause nuisances or hazards
. 🔹 The environment : by ensuring the project's integration into its surroundings and minimizing its ecological impact
. 🔹 The future occupants : by ensuring that safety standards are met.

Furthermore, a building constructed without a permit can lead to:
❌ Demolition ordered by the authorities
❌ Financial penalties
❌ Complications when selling or transferring the property

The building permit is therefore an legal and technical guarantee for any real estate project.

3. How to obtain a building permit in Ivory Coast?

3.1. Who can make the application?

The building permit application must be submitted by an approved architect registered with the Order of Architects of Ivory Coast .

📌 Exception : If the usable area of ​​the project is less than 120 m² and its cost is less than 30 million FCFA , the use of an architect is not mandatory.

3.2. What documents are required?

The building permit application file includes several mandatory documents:

📌 Graphic documents

📍 Site plan : Overview of the project on the land
📍 Site plan : Precise location of the building
📍 Floor plans : Interior layout of the rooms
📍 Elevations and sections : Exterior view and structure of the building
📍 Roof plan : Roof configuration
📍 Sanitation and utility plans : Connection to networks (water, electricity, roads)
📍 Structural plans (if necessary)

📌 Written pieces

📍 Summary descriptive quote : Description of materials and techniques used
📍 Summary cost estimate : Estimate of the overall cost
📍 Geotechnical reports (if necessary) : Soil studies
📍 Specifications (if necessary)
📍 Environmental impact study (if necessary)

3.3. Where to submit the application?

Since 2016 , all building permit applications must be submitted to the Single Window for Building Permits (GUPC) in Abidjan.

4. Reforms and streamlining of procedures

4.1. Consolidation of services

The One-Stop Shop centralizes all services involved in issuing permits:
✅ CIE (Ivorian Electricity Company)
✅ SODECI (Water Distribution Company of Côte d'Ivoire)
✅ Ministry of Urban Planning and Construction
✅ Directorate of Sanitation and Drainage (DAD)
✅ National Office of Civil Protection

Thanks to this centralization, the waiting times have been reduced from several months to just 15 days !

4.2. Classification of buildings according to risk

🔹 CLASS I : Buildings not requiring a permit (standard social housing)
🔹 CLASS II : Detached houses up to 1 story without a basement
🔹 CLASS III : Buildings with 2 or 3 stories without a basement
🔹 CLASS IV : Apartment buildings up to 10 stories , public establishments
🔹 CLASS V : Large buildings over 10 stories and buildings with multiple basements

5. Cost and time frame of the building permit

Processing times

⏳ Visa + Planning Certificate : 10 days
⏳ Building Permit : 15 days

A simplified building permit process to encourage investment

Thanks to the reforms put in place, obtaining a building permit has become faster, simpler and less expensive in Ivory Coast.

🔹 A single point of contact to centralize all procedures
🔹 Building classification for better risk management
🔹 A digital platform for faster processing

Visit KEUR-IMMO.