CH&PA’s Single Window is the online point of entry for applicable planning and development applications. It allows an applicant to register, prepare a submission, receive updates and track the application.
Single Window coordinates entry and review. It does not mean that every development needs the same permission, or that one portal approval replaces every local-authority, utility or partner-agency decision.
Identify the application type first
Before opening a full application, identify the proposed activity and the decision it requires. Common branches can include:
- residential building work;
- non-residential planning and building work;
- subdivision;
- change of use;
- multi-family or other residential development;
- commercial or industrial development; and
- an optional pre-application or pre-consultation stage.
The application type affects the plans, supporting reports, authority referrals, fees and timelines. Do not force a complex project into the simplest form merely to begin the process.
Register and prepare the property evidence
The portal supports account registration and online submission. Prepare accurate applicant and contact information together with evidence connecting the applicant to the site.
Depending on the application, acceptable property or permission evidence can include a Transport, Certificate of Title, registered lease, Agreement of Sale, tenancy agreement, permission letter, probate or letters of administration, or another officially accepted document.
The property evidence must match the proposed site and applicant authority.
Prepare the project material
The live form and application class control the exact package. Common categories can include:
- identification or company documents;
- TIN;
- proof of ownership or permission;
- a project proposal;
- site, layout or building plans;
- adjacent-land, access, drainage or service information;
- environmental or engineering material where applicable; and
- partner-agency evidence required for the project type.
Incomplete applications may be returned for correction. Save and resume where the portal permits rather than submitting guessed or placeholder information.
Understand the review sequence
A controlled general sequence is:
- register and select the application route;
- enter the site and proposal information;
- upload the required documents and plans;
- submit for completeness review;
- correct or add information if the application is returned;
- pay the fees identified for the correct application and agency;
- allow applicable partner agencies to review or comment;
- receive the planning or development decision; and
- obtain any separate building permit or other approval still required.
A partner comment is not the planning decision. A planning permit is not automatically a local-authority building permit, utility connection or occupancy approval.
Fees and timelines
The Single Window publishes application and partner-agency fee information. These values must be tied to the correct application type, authority, locality and source date.
The current legal and operational material uses 30-day and 45-day architecture for different classes, while CH&PA’s public wording may refer to working days. Preserve the wording from the controlling source rather than converting every period into one universal promise.
When pre-application helps
The pre-application process can help clarify site suitability and information needs before a full non-residential or complex submission. It is not mandatory for every application.
Use it when the site, use, intensity, engineering requirements or agency routing is uncertain enough that early feedback could materially change the proposal.
Before submitting
- Identify the development and application class.
- Confirm the applicant’s authority over the site.
- Assemble identification, TIN and company records where applicable.
- Prepare the plans, proposal and technical material for that class.
- Check whether pre-application is appropriate.
- Register in the official portal and complete the form.
- Review the fee labels and responsible agencies.
- Retain the submission, payment evidence, reference and later decisions.
- Confirm which separate approvals remain after the Single Window decision.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming every project follows the same checklist.
- Treating an Agreement of Sale as the same thing as registered title.
- Submitting without proof that the applicant can act for the property owner.
- Treating a partner referral as final approval.
- Treating planning permission as a utility connection or building permit.
- Quoting one locality’s subdivision fee as the national fee.
- Promising a universal 30- or 45-day decision.
Official sources
- CH&PA Single Window
- Single Window Applicant Portal
- CH&PA NDC Corner
- Central Housing and Planning Authority
Related Invest Guyana guides and explainers
Editorial note
This guide provides general information, not planning, engineering or legal advice. Application classes and partner requirements are project-specific. Use the current portal and confirm the remaining approvals with the responsible authorities.
