A new Bill tabled in Parliament yesterday seeks to modernise Fiji’s town planning laws as the government prepares to roll out a fully digital building permit system next month.
The Town Planning (Amendment) Bill 2025 proposes changes to the Town Planning Act 1946 to support the upcoming Building Permit Approval System (BPAS) under the businessNOW FIJI project.
The initiative aims to digitise the entire building permit process, cut delays and improve transparency across the sector.
If passed, the amendments will come into force on 12 December 2025.
Under the Bill, development restrictions would expand to include areas declared by the Director of Town and Country Planning. Local authorities and the Director would also be required to consider the schedule of planning matters, proposed scheme provisions and any other relevant considerations when assessing applications.
A key feature of the reforms is the introduction of mandatory outline plans for large developments. Any proposed building with a total floor area of 750 square metres or more, or three storeys and above, must first undergo a preliminary review by the Director before a full development application is lodged. Civic and community developments will also be required to submit outline plans.
The explanatory note accompanying the Bill states that updating the legal framework is essential to fully realise the benefits of digitalisation and improve Fiji’s standing as a business and investment hub in the Pacific.
The legislation falls under the portfolio of the minister responsible for town planning.
The Bill will be debated on Thursday.
