Amendments to streamline planning reforms tabled
Amendments have been tabled in Parliament to help accelerate the process of updating the island’s planning legislation.
Diallo Rabain, the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, this morning laid the Bermuda Building Amendment Act 2025 in the House of Assembly, which he said was part of efforts to streamline the building permit process.
“This Bill proposes a simple procedural change to amend section 23 of the Bermuda Building Act 1988, replacing the affirmative resolution process with the negative resolution process for regulations made under that section,” he said.
“This will allow technical regulations, such as those required for the competent persons scheme, to be updated more effectively, without needing to refer each change back to the full House for approval, while still ensuring parliamentary oversight and accountability.
“This change enables us to act more swiftly when appropriate, while maintaining the standards and protections the public expects.
“It supports our broader goal to develop a more responsive, reliable and efficient planning system.”
Mr Rabain said that the CPS, announced in May, would allow qualified professionals to certify their work themselves without the need for stage-by-stage inspections, while retaining oversight and spot checks by the Department of Planning.
He said the move was aimed initially at solar panel installers.
“The CPS is just one example,” he said. “The amendment before us today lays the groundwork for many such modernisations, including more efficient reviews, better use of professionals and more innovative building permit management.”
Mr Rabain added that the change reflected “practical reform” sought by the public without compromising the role of the Government.
“Whether you're a homeowner renovating, a small business expanding or a developer shaping the next phase of our island’s growth, the message remains consistent — the process can feel too slow, overly rigid and unclear,” he said.
“That is a message we have heard and this Bill is part of our response.”
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