Abuja – December 15, 2023 – From our Stand (98)
Knowing how to get your building plan approval is the first step towards enlightenment at a time when building demolitions are on the rise in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub.
Due to issues with authorized construction plans not being followed and approved layouts being altered or violated by private property owners and commercial property developers, a large number of structures have fallen victim to the state’s rogue bulldozer today.
The Lagos State government representatives have advised builders to follow building guidelines and planning licences because they view this as a disdain for actual planning restrictions.
Oluyinka Olumide, the state’s commissioner for physical planning and urban development, recently advised property owners and developers to prioritise acquiring registered planners, engineers and architects before starting construction.
They also emphasised the significance of abiding by the terms of these professionals as part of the collective efforts to develop a more compliant and sustainable built environment. She also gave assurances that the state government would strictly enforce regulations in order to guarantee that the laws improve the general quality of life in the state.
In order to alleviate the shame and financial loss that several individuals have experienced in recent months due to the demolition of their property, the state has implemented procedures and guidelines for people seeking building approval.
In addition to other requirements, the applicant must provide five original copies of architectural designs that have the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) seal of approval.
Furthermore, Five original copies of the structural designs, including with letters of supervision, seals, and signatures from a registered engineer under the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), must be attached.
A computation sheet that lists the materials to be utilised and is signed by a COREN registered engineer, five original copies of any appropriate mechanical and electrical drawings, and proof that the necessary assessment fees have been paid are also required.
In addition, a verified authentic duplicate of title records, including letters of allocation, registered conveyances, certificates of occupancy (CofO), and governor’s approval. If title paperwork are being processed by the Lands Bureau, this comes with a letter of confirmation or approval from them.
clearance from the Land Use Allocation Committee (LUAC), if relevant; Lagos State Fire Service fire safety clearance; state Ministry of Transportation clearance for the Metroline corridor; and state Ministry of Transportation traffic impact assessment report, if applicable.
Additional prerequisites including a drainage clearance letter from the New Towns Development Authority and, if necessary, a confirmation from the Lagos State Ministry of Environment’s Office of Drainage Services.
The environmental impact assessment (EIA) report from the Lagos State Ministry of Environment’s Office of Environmental Services and the soil test report, should also be included.
A letter of structural integrity and stability issued by a COREN qualified engineer is also required of the application. This holds true for building renovations that already exist.
Also, he must provide an authentic sun-print survey plan, a clearance from Nigerian Air and Civil Aviation, a clearance from LASURA, and a Physical Planning Technical Report from the Physical Development Intervention Department of LASPPPA, if necessary.
Additionally, a sworn affidavit of payment in the event that receipts for the land use charge or tenement rate are unavailable should be included; two pictures from a passport; Verification of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) reports for businesses; a duplicate of the company’s certificate of establishment and a receipt for the development levy.
The state naturally requests a copy of the applicant(s)’s most recent tax clearance certificate, proof of their most recent personal income tax payment, or, if the applicant is a corporation, the tax clearance certificates of both directors.
Home Owners and developers who follow these stringent guidelines and laws would be spared the needless headaches, strain, and disappointment of homes being demolished in Lagos State.
