Planning and Zoning Act 1987
TITLE 10 – PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER 2 - PLANNING AND ZONING
sRepublic of the Marshall Islands
Jepilpilin Ke Ejukaan
PLANNING AND ZONING ACT 1987
Arrangement of Sections
Section Page
PART I - PRELIMINARY 3
§201. Short title. .............................................................................................................................. 3
§202. Interpretation. ....................................................................................................................... 3
§203. Chief Planner......................................................................................................................... 4
PART II- PLANNING COMMISSION; PLANNING OFFICE 5
§204. Planning Commission. ......................................................................................................... 5
§205. Functions of the Commission. ............................................................................................ 5
§206. Planning office. ..................................................................................................................... 6
§207. Failure to appoint a Commission. ...................................................................................... 6
§208. Planning local areas. ............................................................................................................ 7
§209. Restrictions on buildings. .................................................................................................... 7
PART III- ZONING AND BUSINESS PERMITS 8
§210. Zoning in Majuro Atoll. ....................................................................................................... 8
§211. Zoning principles. ................................................................................................................ 8
§212. Zoning methods. ................................................................................................................... 9
§213. Building permits. ................................................................................................................ 10
§214. Expiration of the permit. ................................................................................................... 10
§215. Penalty. ................................................................................................................................ 10
§216. Certificate of Conformity. ................................................................................................. 10
§217. Appeals. ............................................................................................................................... 11
§218. Fees and charges. ................................................................................................................ 11
PART IV - LAND ACQUISITION 11
§219. Acquisition of land. ........................................................................................................... 11
§220. Enforcement. ....................................................................................................................... 11
§221. Application of the Chapter. .............................................................................................. 11
PART V- MARSHALL ISLANDS BUILDING CODE 12
§222. Adoption of Marshall Islands Building Code. ............................................................... 12
§223. Provisions of the Building Code. ..................................................................................... 12
§224. Application. ........................................................................................................................ 13
§225. Administration. .................................................................................................................. 14
§226. Penalties for Violation. ...................................................................................................... 15
TITLE 10 – PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER 2 - PLANNING AND ZONING
sRepublic of the Marshall Islands
Jepilpilin Ke Ejukaan
PLANNING AND ZONING ACT 1987
AN ACT to provide for: (a) planning in land water use; (b) the promotion of the
health, safety and general welfare of the people; (c) the creation of zones in
municipal areas in order to lessen the congestion and to secure safety from fire and
other hazards; (d) the regulation and control of the construction of buildings and the
prevention of overcrowding of land; and (e) matters connected therewith or
incidental thereto.
Commencement: March 20, 1987
Source: P.L. 1987-8
Amended By: P.L. 1994-105
PART I - PRELIMINARY
§201. Short title.
This Chapter may be cited as the “Planning and Zoning Act 1987”.[P.L. 1987-8, §1.]
§202. Interpretation.
In this Chapter the terms:
(a) “building” includes any enclosed structure built, erected,
framed or designed for housing, shelter, and support of
persons, animals or property;
(b) “Commission” means Planning Commission appointed under
Section 204 of this Chapter;
(c) “Council” means a Municipal Council created under the local
Government Act 1980,4MIRC 1;
(d) “Director” means Director of Planning appointed under
Section 206(2) of this Chapter;
(e) “Minister” means Minister in charge of the subject of Local
Government;
(f) “structure” means any kind of construction and includes
buildings, observation towers, water tanks, trestles, piers, open
sheds, temporary shelters, animal pens, fences, display signs,
reviewing stands, bleachers and tents, and such other
constructions. [P.L. 1987-8, §2.]
§203. Chief Planner.
The National Government Chief Planner may act in his capacity as advisor:
(a) to formulate and submit physical development plans to the
national government in relation to areas;
(b) to formulate land and water use policy in Majuro and other
atolls;
(c) to advise all local government Councils:
(i) in setting environmental standards and preparation of
schemes for environmental improvement in municipal
areas;
(ii) in the formulation of and the execution of housing
schemes in such areas;
(iii) in the demarcation of zones and areas for better
planning, environmental protection and landscaping;
and
(iv) in technical planning services;
(d) to advise on physical planning projects or schemes prepared
by any local government Council or any statutory authority.[P.L. 1987-8, §3.]
PART II- PLANNING COMMISSION; PLANNING OFFICE
§204. Planning Commission.
(1) Every local government Council shall establish a Planning
Commission, hereinafter referred to as “the Commission”, for the
administration and management of affairs entrusted to it by law,
regulations, or ordinances.
(2) The Commission shall consist of the Mayor, two (2) other members of
the Council and two (2) landowners from the local Council area
appointed by the Council.
(3) The Mayor shall be the Chairman ex-officio of the Commission. In the
absence of the Mayor, the acting mayor shall function as the
Chairman of the Commission. The quorum of the Commission shall
be three (3).
(4) Any temporary or permanent vacancy in the membership shall be
filled by the Council from among other members of the Council or
from the landowners as the case may be. [P.L. 1987-8, §4.]
§205. Functions of the Commission.
(1) It shall be the duty of the Commission to examine and decide on
matters relating to various functions referred to in this Chapter.
(2) The Commission shall function as an advisory body to the local
government Council in all matters relating to planning and zoning
and also shall be responsible for the execution of policies and
ordinances of the Council in relation to its work.
(3) The Commission may, in the exercise of its functions and duties, seek
the advice of the Government Chief Planner.
(4) The Commission may, if it deems necessary, call for representations
from the public or from various organizations and bodies with
respect to matters under consideration before the Commission.[P.L. 1987-8, §5.]
§206. Planning office.
(1) All local government Councils shall have a planning office which will
function under the Council, for the administration of day-to-day
affairs of the Commission.
(2) The Council shall appoint an officer of its staff to function as the
Director of Planning, who will be responsible for the execution of all
matters relating to the Commission, in addition to his other duties.
(3) The Council may appoint such other officers and servants to assist
the Director of Planning as it may deem necessary.
(4) It shall be the duty of the Director of Planning:
(a) to carry out and execute all matters relating to planning and
zoning prescribed by the ordinances of the Council and to
carry out and execute matters entrusted or delegated to him by
the Commission;
(b) to grant, renew or revoke licenses for the construction of any
buildings, houses or other structures in accordance with the
law or ordinances.
(5) Any person who refuses or obstructs the due performance of the
duties of the Director of Planning under Subsection (4) above, shall be
guilty of an offense and shall upon conviction be liable to a fine not
exceeding $500 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six (6)
months or both. [P.L. 1987-8, §6.]
§207. Failure to appoint a Commission.
(1) In the event any local government Council fails to appoint a Planning
Commission as contemplated under Section 204 of this Chapter or
make ordinances for proper planning and zoning as contemplated
under this Chapter, within a reasonable time, or if in the opinion of
the Minister, the local government Council of any area is not taking
sufficient interest in giving effect to the provisions of this law, the
Minister may appoint the Government Chief Planner to perform all
or any of the functions and duties conferred on the Planning
Commission or the local government Council under this Chapter.
(2) For the purposes of giving effect to the provisions of Subsection (1) of
this Section the Government Chief Planner may make regulations
with respect to such areas, and on matters any local government
Council is required to make provision for, under this Chapter.
(3) The regulations so made shall come into effect only upon the
approval of the same by the Nitijela. The Administrative Procedure Act
1979, 6 MIRC 1, shall not apply to any regulations made under
Subsection (2) of this Section.
(4) The “Minister” in this Section means the Minister in charge of the
subject of planning. [P.L. 1987-8, §7.]
§208. Planning local areas.
The local government Council may take into consideration in its planning
and implementation program:
(a) the demarcation of areas for housing;
(b) the demarcation of areas for recreation and parks;
(c) the need for agricultural lands for the development and
growth of food and fiber;
(d) the necessity to establish and maintain catchment areas and
water reserves for the collection and supply of water;
(e) the future requirement of forest and forest reserves and
demarcation of areas for forestation and the preservation of
plant and animal life; and
(f) the demarcation of coastal areas for the development of the
tourist industry. [P.L. 1987-8, §8.]
§209. Restrictions on buildings.
(1) Every local government Council shall make ordinances with respect
to, but not limited to, the following matters:
(a) prohibiting any person or body from erecting or constructing
any kind of house or building without having obtained a
permit from the Commission;
(b) specifying the requirement of rain water catchment for every
future construction of a house or for every building or
industry where water is being used;
(c) stipulating the minimum requirements in the location and size
of structures and adjacent areas in the construction of houses
and other buildings;
(d) providing for the requirement of adequate light and air to all
houses and buildings to secure safety from various hazards;
(e) demarcating land solely for use as cemeteries and prohibiting
the use of any other lands for cemeteries except upon written
permission of the Council; and
(f) such other matters as it may deem necessary for the purpose of
giving effect to or achieving the objects and principles of this
Chapter.
(2) In terms of the provisions of Subsection (1)(b) of this Section, the
ordinances shall require that all future constructions referred to in
that Subsection shall be equipped with a water catchment system to
provide for a minimum of 500 gallons of rain-fed water storage to be
collected from the roof area of the said house, building or industry.
(3) All ordinances made pursuant to Subsection (1) of this Section shall
be consistent with, and in no event shall be substantially less
stringent than, relevant provisions contained in the Marshall Islands
Building Code (Part V of this Chapter). [P.L. 1987-8, §9; Subsection (3) added byP.L. 1994-105, §3(1).]
PART III- ZONING AND BUSINESS PERMITS
§210. Zoning in Majuro Atoll.
(1) The local government Council area of Majuro Atoll may be divided
into zones as enumerated in the zoning map of Majuro Atoll that may
be prepared by the local government Council of Majuro Atoll in
consultation with the Government Chief Planner.
(2) The Council may vary, amend or alter the zoning map at any time as
it may deem necessary. [P.L. 1987-8, §10.]
§211. Zoning principles.
(1) The zoning of areas shall be formulated to promote the health, safety,
convenience and general welfare of the people, and in doing so the
following objectives may be taken into consideration:
(a) to promote a harmonious interrelationship of land use;
(b) to ensure that public and private lands are used for the
purposes mostly beneficial to the local area and the Republic;
(c) to provide adequate light and air to all buildings and secure
safety from hazards;
(d) to promote a safe and effective traffic movement system with
adequate parking lots in urban areas and have efficient
transportation and communication among various islands;
(e) to protect property values, economic investments and to
encourage suitable forms of economic development;
(f) to facilitate the appropriate location of recreational areas,
parks and community centers; and
(g) to preserve the natural landscape and environment and the
development of tourist potential in order to generate revenue.[P.L. 1987-8, §11.]
§212. Zoning methods.
(1) With the object of giving effect to the principles set forth above, the
zoning of areas may be divided into the following zones:
(a) Residential Zones (low-density and high-density groups):
providing for a reasonable amount of open space around each
dwelling and for protection of dwellings from noise,
congestion and hazards;
(b) Commercial Zones: providing for commercial and office use
with easy access and parking facilities
(c) Industrial Zones: providing for industrial and heavy
commercial uses and for necessary infrastructure to locate
them away from residential and commercial areas;
(d) Resort Zones: providing for integrated resort development for
the use of tourists and visitors and for setting apart areas for
hotels, bars, restaurants and recreational centers;
(e) Public Zones: providing for the orderly establishment of
public facilities like administrative buildings, hospitals,
schools, parks and playgrounds: and
(f) Watershed Zones: providing exclusively for the catchment,
collection, storage and distribution of water. [P.L. 1987-8, §12.]
§213. Building permits.
After the publication of ordinances by the local government Councils or
promulgation of regulations by the Government Chief Planner under
Section 207 of this Chapter for the requirement of building permits, no
person shall construct any house, building or any structure, whether
temporary or permanent; and no person shall make any alteration, addition
or extension to any existing house, building or structure without having
obtained a permit from the required authority of the local government
Council or the Government Chief Planner for such construction, alteration,
addition or extension of the house, building or structure. [P.L. 1987-8, §13.]
§214. Expiration of the permit.
If the holder of the permit does not commence construction of the building
so described in the permit within ninety (90) days or does not complete the
construction within two (2) years from the date of issuance of the permit, the
permit shall expire and no further construction shall be done unless such
person obtains a new permit for such construction. [P.L. 1987-8, §14.]
§215. Penalty.
Every person who constructs any house, building or structure or makes any
alteration, addition or extension to any existing house, building or structure
in contravention of Section 213 or 214 of this Chapter shall be guilty of an
offense and shall upon conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding $500.[P.L. 1987-8, §15.]
§216. Certificate of Conformity.
(1) No person shall occupy, whether temporarily or permanently, any
new house, building or structure unless he has obtained a Certificate
of Conformity, from the required authority of the local government
Council or the Government Chief Planner, certifying that such house,
building or structure has been constructed in conformity with the law
and ordinances in operation at that time.
(2) Every person who occupies any house, building or structure in
contravention of Subsection (1) of this Section shall be guilty of an
offense and shall upon conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding
$500. [P.L. 1987-8, §16.]
§217. Appeals.
A person aggrieved by any decision of the Director may appeal to the
Planning Commission or may appeal therefrom to the local government
Council against the decision of the Planning Commission; and the local
government Council may vary, amend, or set aside the said decision of the
Planning Commission as it may deem fit. The decision of the Council on an
appeal shall be final and binding on the party who appealed. [P.L. 1987-8, §17.]
§218. Fees and charges.
The local government Council may establish a scheme of fees for the
issuance of building permits, Certificates of Conformity or for any other
service rendered by it. [P.L. 1987-8, §18.]
PART IV - LAND ACQUISITION
§219. Acquisition of land.
For the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of this Chapter, the
National Government may acquire land for the local government Council
and the use of such land by the local government Council shall be deemed
to be a public use under the Land Acquisition Act 1986, 9 MIRC 2. [P.L. 1987-8, §19.]
§220. Enforcement.
Every person who has committed an offense under this Chapter shall be
prosecuted on a complaint made by the local government Council
concerned or (in the absence of the appointment of a Planning Commission),
by the Attorney-General at the request of the Government Chief Planner.[P.L. 1987-8, §20.]
§221. Application of the Chapter.
Subject to the provisions of Part V of this Chapter, the provisions of this
Chapter shall apply only to the local government Councils of Majuro Atoll
and Kwajalein Atoll and any other local government Council that may be
declared by the Minister to be a Council that shall be governed by this
Chapter. [P.L. 1987-8, §21; amended by P.L. 1994-105, §3(2).]
PART V- MARSHALL ISLANDS BUILDING CODE
§222. Adoption of Marshall Islands Building Code.
(1) The Minister of Public Works, or his designee, shall formulate and
propose for adoption rules and regulations establishing minimum
standards for the construction of buildings, or classes of buildings,
and the installation of appurtenances thereto. Such rules and
regulations may include, but not be limited to, standards or
requirements for the design and construction of buildings and other
structures and their appurtenances, for the materials to be used in
connection therewith, and for their use, occupancy, location and
maintenance. The rules and regulations shall comprise and be
collectively known as the Marshall Islands Building Code (hereinafter
referred to as the “Building Code”) and to the extent applicable, the
design and construction of buildings and other structures shall
comply therewith.
(2) Provisions of the Building Code may, from time to time, be added,
amended or repealed to effectuate the purpose of this Part V.
(3) The Building Code and all additions, amendments or repeal of its
provisions shall be adopted pursuant to, and in accordance with, the
Marshall Islands Administrative Procedure Act 1979, as amended, 6
MIRC 1. [added by P.L. 1994-1 05, §3(3).]
§223. Provisions of the Building Code.
The Building Code shall be designed to achieve the general purpose of this
Part V and the following:
(1) To provide reasonably uniform standards and requirements for:
(a) construction and construction materials, consonant with
accepted standards of engineering and fire prevention
practices, and
(b) provision of water supply and sanitation to buildings
consistent with intended use and occupation;
(2) To permit, so far as may be practicable, the use of modern technical
methods, devices and improvements which tend to reduce the cost of
construction without substantially affecting reasonable requirements
for the health, safety and security of the occupants or users of the
building or other structure;
(3) To encourage, so far as practicable, the standardization of
construction practices, methods, equipment, material and techniques;
(4) To eliminate restrictive, obsolete, conflicting and unnecessary
building practices and requirements which tend to unnecessarily
increase construction costs or retard the completion of construction;
(5) To provide for the upgrading of existing buildings and structures to
the standards set out in the Building Code; provided, that such
upgrading of existing buildings and structures shall not be required
prior to modification or repair of the building or other structure: and
provided further, that such upgrade shall not be required for the
construction of buildings and other structures for which financing
has been concluded and all necessary approvals granted prior to the
adoption of the Building Code pursuant to Section 222(3) of this
Chapter; and
(6) To provide an administrative procedure for appealing decisions of
the Building Officer while providing adequate notice to the affected
party and with an opportunity to be heard and present evidence.[added by P.L. 1994-105, §3(3).]
§224. Application.
(1) The Building Code shall be applicable to the construction of all
buildings and other structures, and the installation of appurtenances
thereto, including those which are funded by the Republic or
supported with Republic funds. This includes, without limitation,
such projects directly funded or financed by the Republic, projects
wherein the monies are administered or managed by the Republic
and projects built with monies loaned by the Republic; provided,
however, that when monies for construction are made available to
the Republic on condition that a different building standard shall
apply, and such standard is more stringent or restrictive, then such
alternate standard shall apply to that particular project.
(2) The Building Code shall also apply to such other buildings or other
structures to be constructed with funds from the Republic or any
foreign government or governmental agency unless specifically
modified or waived by the Building Officer, provided written
notification of any such modification or waiver is provided to the
appropriate governing body.
(3) The application of the Building Code may be limited to specified
classes or types of buildings, according to use or other distinctions,
and may differentiate, so long as not in a substantially less stringent
manner, among different areas of the Republic depending on special
conditions therein. [added by P.L. 1994-105, §3(3).]
§225. Administration.
The Minister of Public Works shall designate a person within the Republic
as the Building Officer to administer and enforce the Building Code, with
the assistance of the Government Chief Planner and applicable local
government planning commissions. Subject to the procedures and
limitations set out in the Building Code, the Building Officer is expressly
authorized and empowered:
(1) To examine and approve or disapprove plans and specifications for
the construction of buildings and other structures to which this Part
V applies;
(2) To require that the construction of any such building or structure be
in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Building Code,
subject, however, to the powers of variance or modification which
may be granted therein;
(3) To coordinate with the Government Chief Planner and applicable
local government planning commissions to issue certificates of
occupancy, permits, licenses and other such documents as may be
required by the Building Code in connection with the construction of
buildings or other structures;
(4) To prohibit the commencement or continuation of construction until
a permit therefor has been issued showing compliance with the
requirements of the applicable provisions of the Building Code;
(5) To ensure compliance with this Part V and all rules and regulations
adopted hereunder, and in connection with any hearings or
investigations, to subpoena witnesses, records, documents and any
relevant information not otherwise protected by law;
(6) To order in writing, the remedying of any conditions found to exist
in, or about, any building in violation of any provision of the
Building Code. Such orders shall be served in the same manner as the
service of summons as prescribed by the rules of the Marshall Islands
High Court;
(7) To exercise such ancillary power as set out in the Building Code and
as necessary to fulfill the purposes of this Part V. [added by P.L. 1994-105, §3(3).]
§226. Penalties for Violation.
In addition to any other remedy or penalty available by law, any person,
having been served with an order of the Building Officer, who shall fail to
comply with such order within the time fixed by the Building Officer, and
any owner, builder, architect, tenant, contractor, sub-contractor,
construction superintendent or agent thereof, or any other person taking
part or assisting in the construction or use of any building who shall
knowingly violate any of the applicable provisions of the Building Code
shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than five hundred
dollars ($500), or thirty (30) days imprisonment, or both. Each day of the
violation shall constitute a separate offense; provided that, ceasing
construction on a project while the violation is being corrected, working on
other areas of the project which are in compliance with the Code, or not
allowing the structure to be used until the violation is cured or agreement is
reached with the appropriate authorities, shall not cause additional
penalties to accrue. [added by P.L. 1994-105, §3(3).]