Laws & Regulations

Construction By-Laws Set by DHA Lahore

Defence Housing Authority is undoubtedly one of the most coveted localities in Lahore for the purchase of immovable property. It is a truly remarkable urban community that delivers not only a modern way of living but furnishes its residents with a plethora of the facilities and solaces of life. The superiority of this housing community lies in its state-of-the-art houses, carpeted roads, fully-functional commercial markets, and landscaped parks that may arguably be likened to heaven. The substantive credit for the uniform beautification, development and tranquility available in DHA goes to its strictly enforced guidelines vis-a-vis construction and occupation. Accordingly, if one is planning on constructing his/her dream house in this prime location, it is essential to be cognisant of the construction by-laws thereof to enjoy a seamless and stress-free process.

Standard Dimensions for Plots

While the standard dimensions of the various plot sizes, for both commercial and residential use, have been prescribed, there may often be cases of non-standard dimensions on account of adjustments and re-planning of the area, sector and/or phase in question. In general, individuals may only construct one house per residential plot, though special permission may be sought, through a written application, for an exception to be made in the case of plots of 2 Kanals. Similarly, an amalgamation is generally permitted for residential plots of 1 Kanal, so the amalgamated area does not exceed 2 Kanals, while amalgamation of any number of commercial plots is permissible, subject to approval of the application by DHA Lahore.

Commercial Plots
32 Marlas
60 FT x 120 FT
8 Marlas
30 FT x 60 FT
4 Marlas
30 FT x 30 FT
2 Marlas
15 FT x 30 FT
Residential Plots
2 Kanals
75 FT x 120 FT or 100 FT x 90 FT
1 Kanal
50 FT x 90 FT
10 Marlas
35 FT x 64 FT or 35 FT x 65 FT
8 Marlas
30 FT x 60 FT
7 Marlas
30 FT x 52.5 FT
5 Marlas
25 FT x 45 FT

Additionally, the sizes of plots may also vary, in relation to the broad classifications, as a result of the town-planning exercises undertaken by DHA Lahore. In the event of excess area, beyond the prescribed size of the plot, the owner becomes liable to pay Excess Area Charges. Similarly, the owner is eligible to also claim reimbursement from DHA Lahore for a plot that is no longer a corner plot, owing to adjustments and re-planning, or for a plot with an area lesser than its prescribed classification.

Application & Building Drawings/Plans

Prior to the construction of any building, a construction application has to be submitted to DHA Lahore, along with the requisite documents and forms, including the Allotment/Transfer Letter, Architect's Stability Certificate, Paid Challan, and Undertaking on Stamp Paper. Furthermore, the Building Control Branch requires the submission of drawings/plans by a licensed and registered architect. These drawings/plans are expected to include, but may not be limited to, the exact external and internal dimensions and layout of the building, a detailed schedule of its covered and open areas, the overall height of the building, and the level of its foundations. In this regard, DHA Lahore reserves the right to scrutinise the drawings/plans, and has prescribed a turnaround time of 90 Working Days. During this time, the drawings/plans may be rejected, following which the applicant is advised to resubmit the same after incorporating all the changes. Once approval has been successfully granted, the applicant, i.e. the owner, is required to personally visit DHA Lahore for collection of all of the documents.

Commencement, Inspection & Verification

DHA Lahore requires for owners of plots to initiate construction thereon within three years of the handing of its possession. A failure to do so results in the levying a Non-Construction Penalty. Furthermore, once construction has been initiated, the process must be completed, as per the approved design and layout, within two years. Following the expiration of the completion date, i.e. two years, the owner is required to seek approval afresh from DHA Lahore. Throughout the process, however, the owner must have construction inspected by the Building Control Branch at various stages. These stages occur after the completion of the basic layout, after the construction of the boundary walls, after the raising of the ground floor walls but prior to the addition of the roof for the ground floor, prior to the addition of the roof for the first floor, and after completion. This real-time inspection allows for violations to be identified and rectified in a timely manner, without requiring excessive and financially ruinous demolition at a later stage. However, failure to implement the changes when identified may result in a notice being issued to the owner, the construction being halted, and/or the demolition of the entire structure.

Structural Guidelines

⦿ For all residential properties to be constructed, DHA Lahore stipulates a specific minimum area of clear space at the front, on the rear, and on either or both sides, depending of the size of the plot, as summarised in the table below. In these designated clear spaces, no permanent or temporary structure, with the exception of stairs leading to the basement and underground septic and water tanks, may be constructed, either during the construction or after occupying the property. The Building Control Branch may withhold the Completion Certificate upon identification of such a structure, and may prohibit occupancy of the property, including a refusal to activate the water supply, pending demolition of the same.

Residential Open Spaces' Requirements
2 Kanals
75 FT x 120 FT
Front
20 Feet - 9 Inches
Rear
8 Feet - 4.5 Inches
Side
5 Feet - 4.5 Inches
Side
5 Feet - 4.5 Inches
2 Kanals
100 FT x 90 FT
Front
15 Feet - 9 Inches
Rear
8 Feet - 4.5 Inches
Side
5 Feet - 4.5 Inches
Side
5 Feet - 4.5 Inches
1 Kanal
All Dimensions
Front
15 Feet - 9 Inches
Rear
5 Feet - 4.5 Inches
Side
5 Feet - 4.5 Inches
Side
5 Feet - 4.5 Inches
10 Marlas
All Dimensions
Front
10 Feet - 9 Inches
Rear
5 Feet - 4.5 Inches
Side
5 Feet - 4.5 Inches
Side
-
8 Marlas
All Dimensions
Front
8 Feet
Rear
4 Feet
Side
4 Feet
Side
-
7 Marlas
All Dimensions
Front
7 Feet
Rear
3 Feet
Side
3 Feet
Side
-
5 Marlas
All Dimensions
Front
5 Feet
Rear
3 Feet
Side
3 Feet
Side
-

⦿ For Phase 1 to Phase 4, the maximum height of a residential building should not exceed 30 Feet, whereas for Phase 5, and onwards, with a slight relaxation, the maximum height of a residential building should not exceed 35 Feet. The above restriction of 30 Feet for Phases 1 to 4 is on account of the area being adjacent to Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore.

⦿ The basement should be completely covered, i.e. it may not exceed the boundaries of the ground floor, whereas the stipulated clear spaces, as summarised above, must be kept on the ground floor. The covered area of the first floor on 5 Marla plots may be equal to, i.e. 100% of, the area of the ground floor. On the other hand, vis-a-vis all other plot sizes, the first floor must be less than or equal to 75% of the covered area of the ground floor. A sun shade, however, of 2 Feet Width is permissible.

⦿ The plinth should be at least 1.5 Feet and 3.5 Feet, without and with basement, respectively.

⦿ A water channel, measuring 3 x 3 Inches, should be constructed outside the front gate.

⦿ A water feature/rockery may be constructed up to the height of the front boundary wall.

⦿ All the rooms should be ventilated and well-lit and with a minimum area of 100 Square Feet.

⦿ The height of all the ceilings should not be less than 9.5 Feet and must not exceed 12 Feet.

⦿ A swimming pool must not be constructed on a plot measuring less than 1 Kanal/20 Marlas.

⦿ The basement must be one level, up to 3 Feet 6 Inches higher than the adjacent road's crown.

⦿ A guard post may be 6 x 6 Feet in area, and 8 Feet in height from the adjacent road's crown.

⦿ Along with fire alarms and fire extinguishers, structures must adhere to fire safety standards.

⦿ The boundary walls should have a thickness of 9 Inches, by including 4.5 Inches of the adjoining plot. The maximum height of these walls should be 7 Feet from the adjacent road's crown. A security fence or grill of 2 Feet Height may be installed additionally. However, such fences or grills must remain temporary fixtures and not be substituted with brick and mortar.

Completion Certificate

Upon completion of the construction, as per the blueprints and drawings submitted to DHA Lahore, the owner must contact the Building Control Branch for inspection of the building. If the construction is approved, a Completion Certificate is issued within 20 Working Days. In order to maintain the highest possible levels of safety for its members and residents, DHA strictly adheres to its regulations. Any construction in contravention to the by-laws or the proposed blueprints is denied clearance by the Building Control Branch, hence all violations must first be rectified in order for occupancy or sale to be permitted by DHA.