Permitting In Construction
Projects
Dr. Ali Raza Khoso
Permitting
Permitting is a ‘‘key element’’ in the execution of any
structure.
A civil engineering construction project could have
potentially tens or hundreds of applicable federal,
provisional, and local regulations.
Most frustrated job
May cause delays
Causes many conflicts
Hindrances in Taking Permits
A regulatory agency (not the engineer) has authority
over the project approval and implementation
The regulatory agency (not the engineer) can control
(and substantially delay) the project schedule
Agency staff are often from a land use, cultural
resources or biological background and may seem to
have personality and communication methods that
contrast with those of engineers.
The engineer may perceive a regulator to be less
technically competent.
How to Tackle Permitting Issue
Accept the requirement for permits and actively seek
out what may be required
Respect the agency staff implementing the permits
Identify the permitting requirements and initiate the
permitting processing early in the project—at least 12–18
months in advance of implementation for a simple
project.
What will happen without Permit?
Fines
Sealing property
Demolition of structure
Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA)
SBCA is a regulatory and supervisory body
whose prime function is to ensure the approval
of building plans and NOCs etc.
The Sindh Building Control Ordinance, 1979 is a
special statute enacted to regulate certain
situations and serve public interest after
applying certain norms.
Getting A Letter For Confirming Land Title
Land Revenue Department, Government of
Sindh/Pakistan
Department issues a letter for confirming land title
For Builder, Fard needed
“Fard” basically means land records in Pakistan
Fard endorses the use of land, plot dimensions, possibility
of road widening, cut line, and reservation.
NOC on The Environmental Impact
Assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation of
2000
Mandatory in Punjab
SBCA has no requirement for this NOC
Construction Permits Requirements
Varies region to region
Generally: Application form endorsed by an authorised civil
engineer, attorney-in-practice (legal person), and a registered
structural engineer.
A total of five copies of the building plans, including site plan,
architectural & structural drawings, and stability certificate. Each of
these documents must be signed by the relevant professional such
as an architect or a structural engineer.
Evidence of ownership – it can be shown via Fard, copy of sale
deed, or copy of allotment letter.
Photocopy of the construction company’s memorandum of
incorporation.
Power of attorney – this will help the applicant to act on behalf of
the company.
Copy of CNIC of the attorney-in-practice.
Plan Approval
Evaluated by SBCA before construction begins
Must include privacy, Air & light of resident as well as
neighbors
Structural engineer shall be associated with the
Architect to prepare the structural designs and drawings
if: the building:-
(i) is sixteen meters or more in height from the plinth level;
(ii) consists of five or more storeys, in addition to the
ground floor; (iii) consist of two or more storeys, in
addition to the ground floor situated in the coastal areas
notified by the Authority; (iv) is considered by the
Authority to be of special nature
Plan Approval
Must be under the supervision of town planner
with architect if land area is above 2 acres
If any doubt in stability of plan, SBCA may hire a
Proof Engineer for the sake of safety.
Obtaining property tax valuation
Mandatory for applying for construction permits in
Pakistan
Such certificates and documents can be obtained from
the Excise and Taxation Departments of Sindh
Excise and Taxation Departments would inspect the
property & determine worth of property
Floor Approvals
From an registered and authorized
engineer/architect
Approval of each floor
Based on durability of building
Inspection of Foundation
Once the foundations is completed, the construction
company is required to notify relevant authorities such
as the SBCA
SBCA will conduct a thorough inspection of the
foundation & allow permit.
Requesting Water And Sewerage
Connections
Responsible agency “Water and Sewerage Authority
(WASA)”
Documentation:
Attested copy of CNIC of the owner
Attested copy of sale deed/proof of ownership
Copy of the assessment of property unit
Site plan – to specify the location of the property
Final Inspection And Completion
Certificate
After the construction work is entirely completed, a
“notice of completion and permission for occupation”
form is to be submitted along with the authorised
architect’s certificate of durability.
SBCA will inspect whole building and to check if building
is executed as per plan.
Completion certificate after satisfactory inspection.
Task
Visit any Builder’s office in your surrounding area,
conduct a small interview to explain you the process of
various permits from different government organizations
to construct a new structure.
Verify the process from SBCA.
