Getting a building approval plan in Lagos State indicates that the building complies with the statutory laws and regulations in erecting a building. In our previous post, we undressed into details what a building plan is and its importance and types.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) is saddled with some of the following responsibilities; inspection and certification of various buildings, building control in all ramifications. The Lagos State Physical Planning And Development Authority (LASPPDA), a section under the Ministry of Physical Planning And Urban Development is in charge of approving the building plan.

It is expected from the investors that after building plan approval has been obtained from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). Workers must strictly follow the rules guiding the construction process. The project might get sealed off if there is any deviation from the rules as such buildings are prone to imminent collapse.

Five (5) Processes of Getting A Building Plan Approval In Lagos State

The following a process of getting a building plan approval;

1. Get Architectural drawings, building plan, and survey plan: This process is called Vetting because you are applying for a building plan approval using the structural drawings and the survey plan. At this stage, the survey plan is charted using its coordinates to see if it located where it claimed to be located. Also, the survey is charted to detect if it truly registered. In addition to that, the building plan is also passed through rigorous checking to determine if it meets the standard of its design. The criteria evaluated are; ventilation, standard measurements, green areas e.t.c . Furthermore, the architectural drawings need to be signed by The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN. The COREN engineers ensure that the drawings are acceptable with corrected with the calculation sheets.

Also read: Untold secrets about survey plan in Nigeria

This stage is one of the most tasking stages. That’s why you need to hire the services of experienced town planning officers.

2. Pay necessary fee: After the above has been done and all documents have been accepted. Payment can be made to any designated banks. The amount charged depends on two factors namely; location and type or size of the building. Once this has been done, copies of the documents with payment receipts are taken to the town planning officers to file.
3. Site Inspection by the district office: Town planning officers visit the site to ensure that details of your building site match the document submitted to them. Reports taken by the officials are been returned to the office.
4. Drawing registration: A file is opened to monitor the progress of your application. This often takes place after the drawing has been corrected.
5. Required document for building plan approval process: The following are documents required for building plan processing;
   • 5 sets of architectural drawings
   • 5 sets of structural drawings and calculation sheets
   • 5 sets of Mechanical and Electrical drawings (if applicable)
   • Letter of supervision from COREN-registered engineers for the structural drawings (stamped, sealed, and signed)
   • A certified true copy of Title Document (Certificate of Occupancy, Registered Conveyance, Governor’s Consent, Letter of Allocation)
   • Confirmation Letter from Lands in Lieu of Consent (if applicable)
   • Clearance Letter from L.U.A.C. (if applicable)
   • Clearance letter from Housing, Fire, Transportation, and Drainage (if Applicable)
   • Copy of Confirmation letter from NTDA (if applicable)
   • Copy of Demand notice for current year ground rent (if applicable)
   • Evidence of payment of ground rent (if Applicable)
   • Soil Test report (if applicable)
   • Environmental Impact Analysis Report (if applicable)
   • 5 Copies of the Survey Plan and 1 original
   • Tenement rate receipt, Land Use charge, or sworn affidavit in lieu of tenement rate
   • 2 Passport Photograph of Applicant(s)
   • Electronic tax clearance of applicant (with a photocopy of last payment receipt for tax).
   • Two directors’ tax clearance (if the application is in the company name)
   • Copy of certificate of incorporation (if the applicant is a company)
   • Copy of most recent company tax clearance
   • Evidence of Pay as You Earn of company
   • Development Levy receipt
   • Infrastructural Development Charges (if commercial)
   • Evidence of payment of assessment fees
   • Site Photographs

In conclusion;

The importance of building plan of getting a building plan in Lagos state cannot be over-emphasized. Therefore, to avoid the wrath of the government, it is vital to get your building approved. Also, the approval time varies depending on the type of building.