The Board is therefore cautioning home owners, contractors, business owners and anyone hoping to engage in the construction of any type of property, that before undertaking any construction, it is critical to become informed about the rules and guidelines outlined in the Building Code. 

The Planning Board has indicated that it is important to do so considering that the DCPB has noticed an increase in illegal construction and an increase in the number of applications to develop properties. 

It has been determined that most of the problems pertaining to initial development of property or renovations arise from a lack of information or knowledge. 

The Department of Physical Planning and Environment (DPPE) can be contacted to provide the specific guidelines and regulations for any form of development, said an official statement.  The office hours of the DPPE are from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.  The Department can also be contacted at 465-2277 or 467-1097 for appointments.