Before you dig, your house plan (naqsha) must be approved by the authority that controls your area. Building without it, or building differently from it, causes trouble later — at completion, at sale, and when you apply for utilities. A facilitator handles the file so your architect can focus on design.
What's included
| Task | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Authority check | Confirms whether LDA, DHA or a private society approves your plan |
| Document review | Ownership, allotment/transfer letter, CNIC, site plan |
| Drawing coordination | Makes sure architectural and structural drawings follow the authority's bylaws |
| Certificates | Architect and structural stability certificates |
| Forms & undertakings | Authority forms, affidavits, attested undertakings |
| Challans | Fee calculation and payment through official channels |
| Submission & tracking | Online or in-person submission, follow-up on objections |
| Revisions | Resubmission after observations |
When you need it
- New house or building on an empty plot.
- Adding a floor, basement or annexe.
- Changing an approved plan (revised drawings).
- Before demarcation and excavation.
- Before LESCO or SNGPL applications, which commonly ask for plan approval or an NOC (Daily Capital).
Step-by-step process
- Confirm the authority. LDA, DHA Lahore, or your society's own office.
- Get the site plan and demarcation. In DHA Lahore, a site plan costs Rs. 5,250 and takes 7 days; demarcation is free, takes 7 days and is valid for one month if construction has not started (DHA Building Control).
- Design. Your architect prepares drawings within the bylaws (setbacks, covered area, height, parking).
- Structural design and certificates. The structural engineer certifies stability.
- Soil test if the authority requires it — DHA lists a soil/geotechnical test report among key documents.
- Assemble the file. DHA's list includes architect and structural stability certificates, Form A & B, soil report, owner's CNIC, and an irrevocable undertaking attested by an Oath Commissioner.
- Pay challans and submit.
- Respond to observations and resubmit if needed.
- Collect the approval letter. DHA dispatches it to the owner's address.
- Start on time. In DHA, construction should start within one month of approval and be completed within two years.
Approvals and documents in Lahore
DHA Lahore: 20 working days for new and revised drawings. Residential fee is Rs. 10 per sq ft in total (scrutiny Rs. 6, fire safety Rs. 2, MEP Rs. 1, site development Rs. 1); revisions Rs. 4 per sq ft (DHA). DHA's Construction Development Bye-laws 2026 apply.
LDA: LDA has announced approval of building plans in private housing schemes and regular LDA projects within three working days, handled through a One Window Cell, with online submission and tracking through the updated e-Khidmat software and challans generated through SAP (ProPakistani). Confirm current requirements and fees with LDA before you submit.
Private societies: follow their own bylaws and fee schedules; ask the society office for the written list.
What affects the cost
- Covered area — many authority fees are calculated per sq ft.
- Residential or commercial — DHA charges commercial plans at higher per-sq-ft rates.
- Professional fees for the architect and structural engineer.
- Soil test and other reports.
- Revisions after objections.
- Consultant's fee — usually a lump sum per file.
Questions to ask the facilitator
- Which authority will approve my plan, and what is its current fee schedule?
- Which architect and engineer will sign, and what are their PCATP and PEC registration numbers?
- What documents do you need from me?
- Will all challans be in my name, and will I get copies?
- What happens if there are objections — is resubmission included?
- What is your fee, separate from official fees?
Red flags
- "No need for an architect, we will get it passed."
- Drawings that do not match what you actually plan to build.
- Cash payments to the facilitator for "fees" with no challan.
- Promises to get violations approved.
- Asking you to start construction before approval "because it will come anyway".
FAQs
Naqsha pass karwane mein kitna time lagta hai? DHA Lahore lists 20 working days for new drawings. LDA has announced three working days for some schemes. Missing documents or objections add time.
Can I change the plan after approval? Yes, through revised drawings. DHA charges revisions separately. Build only to the approved version.
Do I need approval to add a floor? Yes. Additional floors and major alterations need approved drawings.
What if I build without approval? You may face fines, delays in completion certificates and transfers, and problems with utility connections. In DHA, a transfer is not processed without a completion certificate.
This page is general information; confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before you act.