Simplified town planning rules to facilitate reconstruction

Reorganized after the passage of Hurricane Irma, under the aegis of Vice-President Steven Patrick, the Regional Planning and Urban Planning department is involved in several areas of work. The issuance of land use authorizations is one of the most requested community services during this period of reconstruction. Vice-President Steven Patrick gave some figures during the territorial council meeting on November 14 on the issuance of building authorizations. Thus, from September 6 to December 31, 2017, 111 building permits, 95 preliminary declarations (DP) and 3 demolition permits were issued.

The new town planning rules introduced at the beginning of 2018 facilitated the reconstruction by simplifying administrative procedures. Thus, 439 prior Irma declarations (DPI) were granted to Saint-Martin residents in 2018. Note that 4 development permits and 419 urban planning certificates were also issued. Since January 1, 2018, 117 building permits and 108 prior declarations have been granted by the community.

The Urban Planning Police created after Irma have for their part carried out more than 500 checks on the ground of reconstruction. This new police force plays a control role but it is also a force of advice and support for Saint-Martin residents wishing to rebuild or regularize their property. “It is precisely the work being carried out at this very moment by the town planning police which is going to meet families to advise them in their administrative procedures for regularization or reconstruction”, recalled the vice-president, in plenary session .