The real estate sector appeared as a powerful entity for the economy of Pakistan. It is also clear from the fact that during the COVID lockdown, the government closed every single business, which allowed the construction industry to continue supplying the services.
This is because approx. 120+ other industries are affiliated with the construction sector in Pakistan employing 7.6% of the total employed labor force. which was also pointed at in recent economic surveys.
Owing to this, the construction business has become an apple of the eye of businesspeople across the country.
To ease them, ProProperty has compiled steps involved in obtaining the construction permit which is one of many vital documents needed before diving into the ocean of real estate.
Obtaining a construction permit revolves around applications for various documents which combined constitute your legal right to start construction.
Following is a list of those applications and letters that will serve the purpose.
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Applying for a Letter of Entitlement
Every province has a Land Revenue Authority that regulates affairs related to entitlement letters. Fortunately, in a bid to transform Pakistan digitally, the government has also introduced Land Revenue Management Information System (LRMIS) which can be considered for confirming land titles.
The individual property owners, builders, or any other relevant person can obtain a ‘Fard’ (Entitlement letter) from LRMIS.
Time taken:
Since this is the first step to having construction rights, it normally takes 2-3 working days for this particular process to complete.
Fee to be paid:
A nominal amount is needed to obtain an entitlement letter which at present is Rs. 200/- exclusive of other charges and might reflect a minor change from district to district.
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Obtaining an Affidavit
The applicant must apply for an affidavit that must be notarized and registered with the local notary public office. A pre-written format of this affidavit can be found on the websites of provincial departments as well.
Time taken:
Few hours
Fee to be paid:
It costs approx. Rs. 1000 including all the entries and attestations.
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NOC from Environmental Authorities
Then comes, dealing with environmentalists who have been regulating construction affairs since the people have been found scrambling for environment protection standards and the construction ultimately use the result in degradation of natural habitat.
This has become a legal clause in every provincial set up to apply for NOC from Environment impact assessment departments for every major and minor construction activity.
It has been made mandatory for every individual and realtor to apply for this document as per the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations of 2000 and also because of growing concerns about climate change.
Time taken:
It normally takes 2 months as the department also sends teams for inspection and requires a construction plan and blueprints of the area for further verifications.
Fee to be paid:
The rates vary from province to province but the standard rate of this document in Punjab is Rs. 10,000/-
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Formal Construction Permit Application
The land and Revenue Department is a provincial subject that is no more regulated uniformly by the federal government.
Hence, there are certain provincial laws that come into play but to begin the construction work, one needs to apply in writing to the Development Authorities of their region.
With this application certain other documents need to be attested, details of which can be found in the following section.
Time taken:
01 Day
Documents needed:
- Fully endorsed application form by registered Civil Engineer or any other registered firm with the government.
- 5 copies of building plans that will be followed by a site plan, and structural and architectural prints duly approved by the structural engineer.
- Evidence of ownership/ power of attorney and attested Fard (as of section 1)
- A photocopy of the MOU of the construction company.
- Copy of CNIC of the applicant, owner, and attorney if hired for application.
- Sewage and Water Connection request
As the construction goes on it demands a legal water connection and of course, permission to access a sewerage connection.
This is the job of another department which is not the part of obtaining a construction permit but having one will save you from a lot of upcoming troubles.
To apply for this, an application form along with a CNIC photocopy, proof of land ownership, site plan, and copy of assessment from the relevant department needs to be given to the district water and sanitation department.
Time taken:
2.5 months
Fee to be paid:
Pkr 1 million. approx.
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Scheduling a site visit
The development authorities in every district have various days distributed for site inspection.
When you will submit your application, you need to inquire and sneak the information in this regard and get your site scheduled for the visit.
The visiting team will take a record by inspecting all the safety protocols, site plans, architectural designs, and environment protection measures which will then be written in their report deciding approval or rejection of the construction permit.
Time taken:
01 Day
Fee to be paid:
Nil
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Obtaining a building permit
This step is needed when you are interested in the construction of a multi-sectoral building that has a commercial nature.
Usually, homeowners are limited to ‘step 5’ only after which they get the approval for construction, but contractors also need to obtain a building permit from local authorities for non-residential constructions.
This is a process that is to be followed if you wish to take a leap ahead from construction approval and obtain a permit.
Such a permit requires other documentation as well as other approvals like property valuation for tax, and completion certificate after 1st floor, and the process continues till final inspection and completion of the entire construction work.
Final words:
Construction approval and construction permit are two different words that must not be confused.
The former is more of a residential nature while the latter involves commercial constructions and holds other provisions as described above.
ProProperty has listed all the facts and approximate expenses at every stage, you’re still advised to visit the local development authority office as the process might reflect a change according to different provincial setups.
If you have any queries, suggestions, or recommendations, feel free to reach us in the comment section.
