How to Get Your Naksha (Building Map) Approved by LDA, DHA, and Bahria Town
Before a single brick is laid, your house design must be approved by the relevant authority — LDA, DHA, Bahria Town, or your specific housing scheme. Building without an approved map (naksha) is illegal and can lead to fines, demolition, and problems when you sell. Here's the complete approval process for 2026.
* Fees are indicative for 2026 and vary by plot size and number of floors. Confirm current rates with the authority before applying.
Step 1: Get your floor plan finalised
The building map submitted for approval must match what you actually intend to build. Any changes to the design after approval require re-submission and new fees.
Your floor plan at this stage should include:
- → Complete dimensioned floor plan for each floor (G/F, 1/F, etc.)
- → Room labels with dimensions in feet
- → Door and window positions clearly marked
- → Staircase location and direction
- → Car porch and boundary wall positions
- → Plot boundary with setback dimensions clearly shown
- → North arrow and road orientation
- → Site plan showing the plot in relation to neighbouring plots
MakaanPlan generates the dimensioned floor plan instantly. You then need a licensed architect to convert it into official stamped drawings — this costs Rs. 30,000–80,000 depending on complexity, and takes 1–2 weeks.
LDA Lahore — building map approval process
1. Hire a PEC-licensed architect
The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) maintains a register of licensed architects. Your drawings must be signed and stamped by a PEC-registered architect — drawings without this stamp will be rejected. Ask for the architect's PEC registration number before hiring.
2. Prepare architectural drawings
The architect prepares 4 sets of: site plan, floor plan for each floor, elevation drawings (front, side, and rear), and sections through the building. They must be drawn at the required scale (1:100 for site plan, 1:50 for floor plans) on A1 or A0 paper.
3. Prepare structural drawings
A structural engineer (also PEC-licensed) prepares foundation, column, beam, and roof slab drawings. This is separate from architectural drawings and required for any building above ground floor in most areas.
4. Compile the document set
You submit: ownership proof (allotment letter or registry deed), CNIC copy, 4 sets of stamped architectural drawings, 2 sets of structural drawings, application form from LDA, and payment of the prescribed fee. Fee tables are available at the LDA main office, PLGO offices, or online at lda.gop.pk.
5. Submit and await scrutiny
LDA's engineering department scrutinises the drawings against their by-laws — setbacks, coverage ratio, parking, height limits. If they identify issues, the application is returned with a deficiency list. You correct and resubmit. Plan for 2–3 correction cycles in most cases.
6. Collect the approved map
Once approved, LDA stamps all 4 sets of drawings. You keep 2 sets, one goes to the site for contractor reference, and the fourth is returned to LDA. The approved map is valid for 2 years — you must begin construction within this period.
DHA — building plan approval process
DHA (Defence Housing Authority) runs its own internal approval process, separate from LDA. If your plot is in any DHA — Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Multan — you submit to DHA's Engineering Directorate, not to LDA.
Hire a DHA-approved architect
DHA maintains a list of approved architects who have registered with their authority. Not all PEC-licensed architects are on this list. Using an unapproved architect causes immediate rejection.
Follow DHA's specific by-laws
Each DHA phase has its own by-laws governing maximum coverage (typically 60–65% of plot area), maximum height, mandatory setbacks (front: 5–10 ft, back: 5 ft, sides: 2.5 ft), and parking requirements (1 car space per residential unit minimum).
Submit online (Lahore DHA) or in person
DHA Lahore has moved much of its submission process online through their portal. Other DHAs still require in-person submission. Check the current process with your DHA phase office before starting the architect engagement.
Completion certificate after construction
After grey structure completion, DHA requires a completion certificate from your architect confirming the construction matches the approved drawings. This is required before you can get utilities connected.
Bahria Town — building map approval
Bahria Town processes approvals through its own Engineering Department, which is integrated with the development office. The process is typically faster than LDA but has strict adherence to BT's own design standards.
Key rules for Bahria Town building design:
- → Front setback: minimum 5 ft from boundary wall (not from road)
- → Coverage: maximum 65% of plot area per floor
- → Height: G+1 standard, G+2 allowed in some zones with special approval
- → Boundary wall height: maximum 8 ft from road level
- → Approved contractor: Bahria Town recommends (but doesn't mandate) their listed contractors
- → Elevation: the front elevation visible from the road must match BT's aesthetic guidelines
Common reasons for naksha rejection
Building setback rules by plot size
| Plot size | Front setback | Back setback | Side setback | Max coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 marla | 5 ft | 3 ft | 2 ft | 70% |
| 5 marla | 5 ft | 5 ft | 2.5 ft | 65% |
| 7–10 marla | 7 ft | 5 ft | 3 ft | 60% |
| 1 kanal | 10 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 50% |
* These are LDA Lahore general guidelines. DHA and Bahria Town have their own by-laws which may differ. Verify with your specific authority.
Start with a finalized floor plan
Design your house plan before meeting the architect
Having a clear floor plan before engaging an architect saves you revision fees and speeds up approval.
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