A construction licence (building permit) is the mandatory legal approval required before beginning any construction or renovation of a building. Issued by the local municipal authority (municipal corporation, panchayat, or development authority), it verifies that the proposed construction complies with local building bylaws, setback requirements, and land use regulations.
Critical: Construction without a valid building permit (sanction plan) is illegal. Municipal authorities can issue a stop-work notice, levy compounding fees, or in extreme cases order demolition — even for partially complete structures. In RERA-registered projects, construction without plan sanction is a specific offence that can result in project de-registration.
Before construction begins
Approval of the architectural drawings and structural design by the local authority before construction starts. The approved plan defines the permissible floor area, setbacks, height, and parking — and must be strictly followed during construction.
Mandatory for developers
Every residential or commercial project above 500 sq. meters or 8 units must register under RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act) with the state Real Estate Regulatory Authority before advertising or selling units.
Permission to start construction
After plan approval, a Commencement Certificate (CC) authorizes the builder to begin construction. Construction without CC even after plan approval is treated as unauthorized.
Proof the building is legal
The Occupancy Certificate is issued by the local authority after construction is complete — certifying that the building is built as per approved plans and is safe to occupy. Banks require OC for final home loan disbursement.
Construction permits are required across all property types and geographies.
Individual houses, apartments, and housing societies in municipal limits require building plan approval before construction. Even small additions like extensions or extra floors need approval.
Offices, shops, malls, factories, and warehouses require building permits — with additional approvals from Fire Department, Pollution Control Board, and possibly Environment Impact Assessment.
Developers building housing projects or commercial complexes need both local authority plan approvals and RERA registration — before selling, advertising, or collecting advance payments from buyers.
Significant structural modifications — additional floors, extensions beyond permissible limits, or change of building use — also require fresh plan approval from the local authority.
Unauthorized construction creates compounding legal, financial, and safety risks.
Unauthorized construction is subject to demolition by the municipal authority. Once a demolition order is issued, reverting to legal status is extremely difficult. Prevention through proper approval is far cheaper.
Banks require approved building plans and OC/CC for construction loans and home loans. Without legal approvals, neither the developer nor the buyer can obtain bank financing.
Properties with unauthorized construction have encumbered title — making them difficult to sell, mortgage, or inherit. Buyers increasingly verify OC and approved plans before purchasing.
RERA-registered projects require developers to disclose approved plans and OC status to buyers — a legal obligation enforced by state REAs. Non-compliance attracts heavy fines and project suspension.
Electricity, water, and sewage connections from municipal bodies are provided only to buildings with valid approvals. An unauthorized building cannot get legal utility connections.
Building insurance, fire NOC, and safety certifications are only issued for legally approved buildings. In case of accidents, unauthorized construction creates massive personal liability for owners.
The approval process varies by city and project scale — our team navigates local authority requirements.
Scroll through the steps — or skip the queue and let our experts handle every one of them for you.
Get Expert HelpConfirm that the land is approved for the proposed use (residential/commercial/industrial) in the local Master Plan/Development Plan. Land use mismatch is the most common reason for plan rejection.
A licensed architect prepares the architectural drawings, structural design (by structural engineer), and landscape plan — in compliance with local building bylaws for setbacks, FAR, height, and parking.
Submit the building plan application to the local authority (municipal corporation, RERA, or development authority) along with all required documents and fees. In many cities, this is done online through the AutoDCR or similar portal.
Large buildings need NOCs from Fire Department, Electricity Board, Water Board, and sometimes the Airport Authority (for height restrictions). Our team coordinates these NOC applications.
After approval, receive the plan sanction letter and Commencement Certificate. Display the approved plan at the construction site throughout the project.
After construction is complete as per approved plan, apply for Occupancy Certificate. The authority inspects the building — if compliant, OC is issued. No deviations from approved plan are permitted.
Documentation varies by city and project scale — these are the universally required documents.
Sale deed, khata certificate, or title chain documents proving legal ownership or leasehold rights over the land.
Encumbrance Certificate for the preceding 13–30 years — proving the land is free from mortgages and legal disputes.
Certificate from the local planning authority confirming the land's approved use as per the Master Plan.
Deviations from approved plans — even minor ones — must be regularized through a plan modification approval before applying for Occupancy Certificate. Undisclosed deviations can result in OC rejection and compounding penalties at the time of property registration.
Plan approval is the beginning — compliance during construction and post-completion certifications complete the legal chain.
Display the sanctioned plan prominently at the construction site. Building inspectors verify compliance with the approved plan during surprise site inspections.
Apply for OC within the prescribed time after construction completion. Delays in OC application can cause complications for buyers who are waiting for OC for home loan disbursement.
RERA-registered projects must file quarterly project status updates with the state RERA authority — covering construction progress, fund utilization, and any changes to project schedule.
Building without a sanctioned plan invites stop-work notices, compounding fees, or demolition — even on partially completed structures. We secure your permit before the first brick is laid.
Building plans checked against local setback, FSI and land-use rules before submission to the municipal authority.
Permits secured upfront so your project is never at risk of a stop-work notice or demolition order.
Sanctioned plans and approvals kept in order to avoid RERA de-registration risk on real estate projects.
Approved permits prepared in the format lenders and utility providers require for connections and finance.
Projects Licensed
Plan Sanction Success
Client Rating
Stop-Work Notices
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