Two weeks ago, the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), Mr. Patrice Gumbs, announced the launch of a tender for the development of a new zoning plan for Sint Maarten. In response to questions from the public about why rezoning is necessary and what happened to previous plans, the Minister is providing the following clarification.
The zoning plans delivered in 2014 are now 12 years old and no longer match developments that have taken place on Sint Maarten or the current needs of a growing society. Furthermore, even if the Government wished to implement the existing plans, the law requires zoning plans to be reviewed every five years.
Last week, the Minister received critical feedback on building permits approved for high-rise buildings in the Maho and Beacon Hill areas. The parcels concerned are zoned for this type of building, and the permits therefore conform with the draft zoning plans.
The Minister remains committed to using these plans to ensure reasoned and fair decision-making. However, the feedback made clear that what is allowed where on Sint Maarten is not known to a majority of the public. One contributing factor may be that zoning has historically been treated as binding in some instances, while in others it serves only as policy especially as it relates to permit evaluations. Although deviation is possible, it must always be well substantiated.
During Tuesday’s parliamentary debate on waste and wastewater, several Members of Parliament asked whether the country has adequate infrastructure to support its growth. A zoning plan helps map out how Sint Maarten collectively wants to develop. Much like an on-time budget, zoning provides a proactive roadmap for a fixed period, allowing the Government to make the necessary investments in roads, waste management, and wastewater management systems to support anticipated development.
The Minister reiterated that zoning is not about restricting, but about providing legal certainty:
- Certainty that a parcel of land purchased to build a home can accommodate the owner’s designs.
- Certainty that any development, including high-rise buildings, has sufficient supporting infrastructure.
- Certainty that the value of a home and the investment made in it is secured, because residents can anticipate the development of their neighborhood.
The success of this project rests with the community. Once a consultant is selected, the process toward a new zoning plan will include public hearings and town halls, offering a direct way for residents to map out the Sint Maarten they want.
All interested parties are reminded to submit their proposals for the tender to carry out the zoning project to vromi-policy@sintmaartengov.org and raitza.narain@sintmaartengov.org by Friday, October 30, 2026.
