Regulatory compliance is the foundation of any legally valid construction project in the Indian construction ecosystem. One of the most critical approvals before the commencement of construction is a Sanction Plan of Building.
Whether a property owner, real estate developer, architect, or investor, one needs to understand the importance of the sanctioned building plans to avoid legal complications, financial losses, investments, and project delays.
A detailed discussion of what a sanctioned building plan is, why it is required, how to get it, and what importance it holds under Indian municipal laws, by specific reference to BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike), is included in this blog.
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What Is the Sanction Plan of Building?
The Sanction Plan of Building refers to the official approval of the local municipal authority for allowing construction over a certain plot of land according to the prescribed development regulations.
The plan is subject to examining all proposed constructions against these laws and the building bye-laws, safety norms, and environmental guidelines by the legal entity.
A sanctioned building plan typically includes:
- Site plans and plot measurements
- Floor plans and elevations
- Design details
- Setbacks and open spaces
- Floor Area Ratio (FAR) / Floor Space Index (FSI) calculated values
- Access roads and parking provision
An authoritative sanction letter is issued once it is clear from the above that the authority has already approved the construction strictly based on the approved drawings.
See also: What Is RERA Approved? Key Facts Every Buyer Must Know
Why Is a Sanction Plan of Building Required?
A sanctioned building plan is not just a procedural formality, it is a legal compulsion. Without such approval, construction is illegal and, hence, subject to harsh repercussions.
Legal Compliance
Municipal laws require prior approval of a development proposal. All development that, in whole or in part, does not conform to the approved plans is punishable with fines, demolition orders, or refusal of the occupancy certificate.
Safety and Integrity
Approval ensures that some fundamental fire safety rules are respected, that the adequate structural stability standard is met, and that disaster management standards are considered for the safety of the occupiers and adjacent properties in Bangalore.
Protection From Demolition
Such buildings are subject to municipal enforcement action, which has the right to demolish them.
Required From Loans And Registrations
We do not approve a house loan before a draft plan is sanctioned by the bank or the institution. Once again, property registration and, therefore, resale sometime later are subject to ride on valid plan approvals.
Mandatory for Occupancy Certificate
The issuance of the occupancy certificate happens only when the construction is parallel to the sanctioned plan; failing this, utility services and legal possession will be denied.
Building Plan Sanction Status: Why It Matters
Inquiring about the status of a building plan sanction would enable a property owner to determine whether the application has been approved, possibly rejected, or is engaged in some other stage of scrutiny.
This facility will help buyers ascertain whether the project they want to invest in is legally sanctioned.
Most urban local bodies have created online portals to allow applicants to check status using application numbers, so as to ensure transparency and accountability in the approval process.
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How to Get Sanctioned Building Plan in India?
Getting a sanctioned building plan is an essential understanding before construction can begin. Processes differ slightly from state to state, but all in all, the process follows a similar line.
Step 1: Appoint a Registered Architect
Only a registered architect or a registered planner can prepare drawings for municipal approval.
Step 2: Prepare the Relevant Documents
Documents commonly required are:
- Sale deed/title deeds
- Khata certificates and extracts
- Receipts for payment of the latest taxes
- Survey sketch
- Architectural drawings
- Structural stability certificate
Step 3: Submission
Applications are forwarded to the local municipal authority through the online or offline mode.
Step 4: Examination and Approval
The authority reviews the application based on zoning, setbacks, FAR limits, and construction safety norms.
Step 5: Sanction Letter Issued
When the application is approved, the sanction plan and the sanction letter setting out the conditions and validity shall be issued.
See also: What Is a Home Loan Sanction Letter and Why Does It Matters?
Sanction Plan of Building Under BBMP (Bangalore)
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is the recent Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, which is empowered to give clearance to residential and commercial building plans within its limits.
Some key aspects of the BBMP plan approval:
- All applications should comply with the revised master plan.
- The zoning classifications are strictly enforced (residential, commercial, mixed-use), and
- The submission shall be made online via the BBMP portal.
The application drawing should be authenticated by a professional licensee. Noncompliance with BBMP norms will lead to rejection or legal action.
Consequences of Constructing Without a Sanctioned Plan
The implications of not having an approved building plan could mean some tough repercussions:
- Legal notices and fines
- Sealing of premises
- Demolition of unauthorized construction
- Refuse to provide water/electric/sewage connections
- Difficulty to sell or lease
So in a way, your unsanctioned construction is reducing the value and legal credibility of the entire property from an investment perspective.
See also: What Is Mutation of Property and Why Is It Important?
Conclusion: Sanction Plan of Building
For constructions in India, the Sanction Plan of Building is now the ultimate edifice of construction legality as it ensures that the said development conforms to urban planning laws, safety standards, and environmental norms. For the home and property developers here, the building sanctioned plan is the first sign of conformity with laws that protect investments, assure future value, and shield from legal uncertainties.
A sanction to a construction plan must never be obtained when the first brick of the said structure has already been laid. In a regulated real estate environment, the due diligence during planning has ensured that the construction and ownership are complete.
FAQ’s
What is a sanctioned building plan?
The architectural and engineering drawings are sanctioned by the local municipal authority and allow execution strictly in accordance with building bylaws, zoning regulations, and conditions of approval.
What is the cost of BBMP sanction plan?
Cost differs according to the site area, nature of the building, and zoning classification. It may approximately include examination fees, development charges, and cess, which could be in a few thousand for small residential plots to a lot more for large-scale or commercial development.
How to get BBMP sanction plan?
It consists of appointing an architect who is registered with the BBMP, getting the drawings done according to the bye-laws of BBMP, filing the application on the BBMP portal along with the set of all required documents, followed by getting the approval after technical scrutiny by the authority.
Is BBMP plan approval mandatory?
In BBMP limits, construction activity is subject to BBMP plan approval. A construction carried out without approval is regarded as unauthorized and is liable to incur penalties or sealing/demolition.
How long is bbmp plan sanction valid?
Most approvals are valid for 3 years from the date of approval; hence, construction is to be taken up during this period, failing which the approval has to be either revalidated or a fresh application made.