PUBLIC ADVISORY
FROM THE MINISTRY OF PHYSICAL PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE, DEVELOPMENT
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands July 16, 2025 – The Department of Planning has observed an alarming increase in unauthorised land clearing activities within the Turks and Caicos Islands over the past year. Such activities fall under the category of engineering operations, as defined by the Physical Planning Ordinance 2021, as “the removal of buildings or materials from land, the levelling or grading of the surface of the land, the removal of vegetation, and the carrying out of such other operations.”
Additionally, the Development Manual 2014 classifies land and vegetation clearing as a form of development under the category of “earthworks.” As such, any land clearing requires prior Planning Permission.
Section 105(2) of the Physical Planning Ordinance 2021 further stipulates that non-compliance with this regulation may result in a fine of USD 5,000.00. The Department of Planning therefore strongly urges all heavy equipment operators and developers to adhere to these requirements and ensure full compliance at all times.
For best practices, the Department also recommends that land clearing be strictly confined to the approved development footprint. This approach offers several benefits:
- Reduced costs for vegetation restoration and landscaping
- Improved site drainage
- Preservation of the islands’ natural beauty and support for environmental sustainability
For further information or guidance, please contact the Department of Planning at 338-4335, or visit our Providenciales or Grand Turk office.
Let us continue to work together in promoting sustainable national development through responsible land use planning, ensuring the optimal use of our limited land resources in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
