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LUPMIS 2.0

Land Use Planning & Management
Information System (LUPMIS)

Land Use Planning & Management Information System (LUPMIS) Ghana’s digital platform for spatial Planning

About LUPMIS

Understanding Ghana's Development Permitting System

The Land Use Planning and Management Information System (LUPMIS) is a comprehensive digital platform developed to modernize and streamline the development permitting process in Ghana. Administered by the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) and District Assemblies, LUPMIS ensures that all physical developments comply with approved zoning regulations, planning standards, and building codes.

Under the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925) and the Land Use and Spatial Planning Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2384), any person intending to undertake physical development is required to obtain the appropriate permit before commencing construction. This system ensures orderly development, public safety, and environmental sustainability.

Types of Permits

Choose the right permit for your development project

Planning Permit

A written permission ensuring compliance with approved zoning regulations and planning standards regarding orientation of buildings, building lines, setbacks, heights, geographical accessibility, and class of development.

Required for: Temporary structures, use of public space, demolition, change of use, advertisements, consolidation/subdivision of land, sand winning, quarrying, change of colour scheme, tree removal, etc.

Development Permit

A written authorization to carry out any activity that causes material change to the environment. A Development Permit comprises both a Planning Permit and a Building Permit. [Regulation 45(3) of L.I. 2384]

Required for: Buildings, civil works, engineering works, surface mining, waste disposal, excavation, structural alteration or renovation, etc.

Planning Permission

A written authorization required for large-scale infrastructure and national-level projects that have significant impact on land use and the environment.

Required for: Railway, seaport, airport and road infrastructure, crude oil and natural gas proposals, water and sanitation, mining sector proposals, agriculture and forestry, energy proposals.
Note: When undertaking a physical development project, you do not need to apply separately for planning and building permits. You will be issued a Development Permit which covers both.

Who Can Apply?

Any person or organization with a parcel of land intending to build

Development Permits

Residential Developmentse.g. houses, apartments
Commercial Developmentse.g. shops, office buildings
Industrial Developmentse.g. factories, processing plants
Recreational Facilitiese.g. sports complexes, parks
Civic & Cultural Buildingse.g. community centres, museums
Educational Institutionse.g. schools, universities
Mixed Use Developmentse.g. residential with ground-floor shops
Infrastructure & Utilitiese.g. power substations, water towers
Fence Wallse.g. compound walls, boundary fencing

Planning Permits

Temporary Structurese.g. kiosks, containers
Advertising Boardse.g. billboards, digital signage
Change of Use / Rezoninge.g. residential to commercial, shop to restaurant
Subdivision & Consolidation of Lande.g. splitting plots, merging parcels
Change in Material Use of Lande.g. farmland to housing, open land to parking

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about development permits in Ghana

No. When undertaking a physical development project, you will be issued a Development Permit which comprises both a planning permit and a building permit. You do not need to apply separately.

Yes. The validity period is five (5) years. The development permit should be renewed if the project is not completed within 5 years.

To ensure that developments conform to planning standards, promote safety, convenience, aesthetics, and sustainability. Building without a permit is against the law and may result in fines or imprisonment.

Applications should be submitted to the Physical Planning Department of the District Assembly. You can also start your application online through this LUPMIS portal.

  1. Application form fee - Paid when obtaining the application form
  2. Processing fee - Paid when applications and required documents are submitted
  3. Permit fee - Paid when approval has been granted (NOT upfront)
Fees are paid at the Finance Department of the District Assembly.

Thirty (30) days when all requirements are met. [Regulation 44(10) of L.I. 2384]

NO. That will constitute unauthorized development which is against the law. You are required to obtain a permit before commencement of any development.

A person who carries out any physical development without a permit commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine or imprisonment or both. [Section 117(2) of Act 925]

Yes. Where the developer does not comply with conditions of the permit granted, the permit may be revoked.

  • Planning Permit: Physical Planning Officer
  • Development Permit: Physical Planning Officer and Works Engineer

Yes. You can appeal within three (3) months after the decision has been communicated. Appeal first to the District Assembly, then to the Regional Coordinating Council, and lastly to LUSPA. [Section 168(4)(e) of Act 925]

NO. Public space includes resource lands, urban parks, recreational areas, infrastructure right of way, and areas of cultural or historical interest. Development on public space constitutes unauthorized development which shall be demolished or removed.

Yes. A Certificate of Habitation is requested after the development is completed. You need it to inhabit your development.

Yes.

Follow up and feedback is to be sent to applicants.

Yes.

Ready to Apply for Your Permit?

Start your application today and get your development permit in as little as 30 days.

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