Government has eased guidelines for essential repairs to historic buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Fabian.

A press release issued this week said the main external features that would probably require attention include roofs, windows, doors, structural walls, architectural features (fanlights, keystones, pilasters, etc.) verandas and garden walls.

Recognising the urgent need to repair damage caused by the hurricane to the Island's listed buildings and historic areas, Government said the Department of Planning's technical officers are available to assist.

The following policies will apply until January 1, 2004 after which normal planning processing of listed buildings will be restored:

n Repairs: There are currently four categories of listed buildings in Bermuda - grade one, grade two, grade three and grade HM (historic monuments).

Repairs to a listed building damaged as a result of Hurricane Fabian 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.

This means building 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, as soon as it is feasibly possible.

Repairs to listed buildings that received structural damage as a result of the hurricane may only commence following receipt of a building permit from the department. Technical officers will process these requests quickly.

Due to the widespread roof damage, there is the potential for a lack of roof slate to be available to the public in a timely manner. In the event of such a shortage, only department-approved alternative materials may be used to repair roofs.

The owner will still need to obtain the department's agreement to use the alternative material. It must be stressed that every effort should be made to secure authentic materials first.

n Materials: For grade one, grade HM and world heritage site buildings, authentic materials must be used. The Department can advise on interim solutions to make the buildings safe and sound.

There is scope for the use of alternative materials on grade two buildings, however this is dependent upon other factors such as the visibility of the building, the features of the original structure, the craftsmanship of the alternative material and details of the proposed, etc.

Each building will be assessed on its own merits. Alternative materials can be used on grade three buildings, however the details of the features must replicate the original. Please note that any change in the materials used on a listed building will need planning permission first.

n Financing: Government has made available through the Bank of Butterfield interest-free loans for owners of listed buildings to repair and reconstruct damage to their buildings.

Given the destruction caused by the hurricane and the need to repair these buildings as quickly as possible, owners will only need to supply one quote from a contractor instead of the usual three.

On grade two and grade three buildings, the loan can be used to cover alternative roofing material, provided the details and finishes match the original. Grade one and buildings in the world heritage site must use authentic roofing materials.

In order to qualify for an interest-free loan on other features of the building such as doors, windows, walls, etc., authentic materials must be used.

The loans will normally be limited to a maximum of $100,000 per property per financial year with a maximum repayment term of five years.

Providing all the pertinent information is submitted, the department will be able to issue the applicant a loan letter to present to the Bank of Butterfield within 24 hours of receipt.

Anyone with questions are asked to call the Forward Planning Section of the Department of Planning at 297-7778.