In the previous blog, we have seen the essentiality of a permit and the types of permits. Now let’s look at the step by step procedure to obtain a Building Permit in Kerala.
A Step-by-step guide to obtain a Building Permit in Kerala
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Identify the Property
First of all, identify the plot where you plan to construct the building. Consult your architect and prepare a sketch that complies with the Kerala Municipality Building Rules (KMBR) or Kerala Panchayat Building Rules (KPBR) according to the jurisdiction under which your property falls.
The sketch should include the following details
- Site layout
- Building elevation
- Sections
- Site plan (plot width, setbacks, access road width)
- Floor plan (all floors)
- Roof or terrace plan
- Details of septic tank and soak pit
- Rain water harvesting
- Location plan
An application for a building permit in Kerala should also cite details like
Site location, Whether the property is for Residential or commercial use, An Index of all drawings submitted, Number of sheets, Date, Names of Draftsman & Reviewer, Scale, Location details including details of Village/Taluk/District, Survey number and resurvey number of the property, Ward number, Extent (in arcs and cents), Proposed building area, Plinth and carpet area of all floors, Plinth and carpet area of the car porch, Total area, Coverage, FAR (Floor Area Ratio is calculated as the ratio of the Total floor area on all floors to The Plot Area), Permit area, Joinery schedule etc.
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Get your documentation up-to-date
While the Architect works on Step #1, you should also get the following documentation related to the property up to date
- Possession certificate (This is an online document)
- Latest land tax receipts
- Copy of the “Aadharam” or Title Deed
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Get online approval from the Local self governing body
Application for a building permit can be made only by a licencee at the Local Self governing body (Panchayat, Municipality or Corporation) under whose jurisdiction the property falls. The licencee could be an Architect, a licenced draftsman or a licenced engineer.
The documents mentioned in steps#1 and #2 above are then handed over to the licencee. The licencee then applies for an online approval for the building permit (e-filing) at the local self governing body office.
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Acknowledgment from the Local self governing body
The application has to be acknowledged by the authorities concerned at the local self governing body.
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Submission of the Building Permit application by a licencee
Hard copies of the following documents should be filed and submitted by the licencee.
List of documents for a Building permit application.
- Possession certificate (This is an online document)
- Latest land tax receipts
- Copy of the “Aadharam” or Title Deed
- 3 copies of the Sketch or Sanction drawing
- Copy of Architect’s or Licencee’s licence
- Online acknowledgment certificate issued by the local self governing body
Submit the file containing these documents at the local self governing body. You should submit the relevant original documents also for verification. The local self governing body office will then issue a file number for your application.
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Verification by the Building Inspector
The Building Inspector(BI) will then visit your property, assess the veracity of the information provided in your application and submit the report to the Assistant Engineer (AE).
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Verification by the Assistant Engineer
The AE will then perform another round of verification and submit the report to the Assistant Executive Engineer (AXE).
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Approval of the application
The AXE then approves or rejects the application. For buildings upto 350 sq m (~3700 sq ft), this would suffice. However for larger buildings there would be higher levels of scrutiny and would require further levels of approvals. This would differ from one local self governing body to another.
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Fee payment and issue of Building Permit
Finally, for approved applications, you can submit the fees at the local self governing body office. The building permit will then be issued and sent to your registered address.
To conclude
Building Permit is a mandatory documentation for constructing a building in Kerala. The procedures for obtaining the permit are now relatively simpler and easier to use.
Have further questions or require assistance in obtaining a building permit in Kerala?
Let us know by initiating a Whatsapp chat or by commenting below. You can also contact us here.
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A 500 sqft house made of panel boards, supported by metal frame (angles, tresses), can be dismantles because the boards are fixed with nuts and bolts on to the metal frame.
Does this require any permit?
Is Building a home to live on dry land is permitted?
Hi Ravi,
In Kerala, building restrictions apply only to wetlands. By dry land, we assume that you mean garden land (purayidom), in which case there are no building restrictions due to the nature of the land.
Thanks
Team TRANSFORM
I have a house plot on my name. I got building permit..mean while I transferred 50% of the share to my wife l. But, forgot to mention this building permit as it was not obtained at the time of registration of 50% deed..
Now how can I include her name also in the permit?..
Hi Raiju,
Since the permit has already been issued in your name, you might have to get a fresh Building permit issued.
Thanks
Team TRANSFORM
after building plan approved in panchayat how many years validity exist ?
Dear Shankar,
Building permits have a validity of 5 years. It used to be 3 years earlier.
The validity will be mentioned in the permit.
Thanks
Team Transform
We have purchased a plot, the initial person had building permit(KLU) 2007. The middle person did not transfer or built any building and did not take any permit. And then we have purchased it..Will I get the building permit with no issues?
Hi Karthik,
Yes, you will get a building permit if you make a fresh application. There is no reason for any hassle.
Thanks
Team TRANSFORM
I would like to purchase a plot which currently has a building permit, would you please advise how to change the ownership in permit.?
Hi Prajeesh,
On the sale deed, it has to be mentioned that the building permit is also transferred to the buyer. Then the existing building permit can be used for construction. The ownership can be changed at the time of obtaining the completion certificate. Hope this clarifies.
Thanks
Team Transform
7594 800 900
Thank you Team Transform
A bit more need to clarify.
Will contact you in above mentioned number.
I have a house plot on my name. I got building permit..mean while I transferred 50% of the share to my wife l. But, forgot to mention this building permit as it was not obtained at the time of registration of 50% deed..
Now how can I include her name also in the permit?..
building permit was obtained in 2011 but not completed that time.asked for permit again for completing the constuction of house but from panchayat is refused to give the permission.Any other way to get the permit.
Hi Sangeetha,
Building permits used to have a standard validity of 3 years, with an option to renew twice for further periods of 3 years each. i.e you had an option to renew your building permit obtained in 2011 for 9 years. We need to know if the renewal process was done.
Please contact us with details at hello@transformproperty.in OR +91 7594 800 900. We’ll see how we can help you out.
Thanks,
Team Transform
I have lost my building permit on flood.so for completion of my house I need the building permit.what should I do?
Hi Renil,
Please share your location and details of the local self government body from where you obtained the Permit and we shall look into it.
You may please share the details along with your contact number to hello@transformproperty.in
Thanks,
Team Transform
Can we need NOC of renovating the house for getting housing loans
Hi Reejo,
Renovation requires Renovation Permit from the local self-government bodies. Certain relaxations are available depending upon whether the property is located in corporation or municipality or panchayat limits.
How much time needed to issue building permit?
Hi Sarath,
In the normal case, it would take 2-3 weeks.
Thanks,
Team Transform
8139 800 800