The Planning Department has published an online advisory to help the public repair damaged homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Gonzalo and Tropical Storm Fay.

The advisory details the general rules associated with hurricane-related repair work and whether such work requires a building permit.

Published two days before Gonzalo struck the Island, the advisory states that non-structural repair work, such as repairs of windows, doors and roof slate do not require planning permission. However, repairs to buildings that suffered structural damage can only begin after receipt of a building permit.

“These applications will be given priority and will be processed expeditiously,” the advisory states. “The Department can allow for dangerous structural repairs to commence without a permit as long as we are made aware and structural details are submitted as an application as expeditiously as possible following commencement of work.

“Class IV of the Development and Planning (General Development) Order 1999 says that a General Development Permit/Permitted Development Permit can be used for damages caused by storms and fire provided that no more than 60 per cent of the building/structure has been destroyed and that the replacement is not greater than the existing building/structure.”

In the case of listed buildings, or buildings located within Historic Protection Areas, repairs to structural damage caused by a hurricane also require a building permit, which would also be given priority.

“Repairs to a Listed Building damaged as a result of Tropical Storm Fay/Hurricane Gonzalo using ‘like-for-like’ details and materials will not require planning permission or a building permit if the damage is limited to non-structural issues,” the notice said.

“Owners can proceed immediately with repairing items such as windows, doors and roof slate with identical materials to replicate the style and detailing of the original structure.”

Repair work to seawalls and docks ordinarily require a building permit in order to ensure the replacement structures are sound and meet the requirements of the Building Code.

“Since seawalls and docks can have a negative impact on the natural foreshore both physically and visually, planning permission may be required in some instance,” the notice stated. “Prior to considering any repair works the Department of Planning should be consulted.”

Requests for assistance, information and clarification of the requirements should be directed to the Department of Planning at 297-7756.

Acting Home Affairs Minister Grant Gibbons said: “We appreciate that homeowners need to take care of repairs as soon as possible, so we urge those who might be unsure of the regulations to contact the Department of Planning for advice on how best to proceed.

“Planning has provided information on their website, planning.gov.bm, and Facebook page, to help with initial queries, and staff are ready to work quickly to process any necessary permissions and permits.”