Defence Housing Authority Lahore Submission of Building Drawings / Plans (Complete 2026 Guide)
Constructing your dream home or launching a commercial project in DHA Lahore? Before a single brick is laid, approval of building drawings/plans from DHA Lahore is mandatory. This detailed guide covers residential and commercial drawing submission fees, timeline, documents required, step-by-step procedure, TIP tax process, demarcation rules, and FAQs — everything property owners, architects, and builders need to know.
If you want a smooth approval without delays, read this carefully.
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What is Submission of Building Drawings / Plans in DHA Lahore?
Submission of Building Drawings/Plans is the official process where the owner submits architectural, structural, MEP, and fire protection drawings to DHA Lahore’s Building Control Branch for scrutiny and approval.
Only after approval can construction legally begin.
Approval Letter is dispatched to the customer’s registered address.
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Residential Building Drawing Submission – DHA Lahore
⏳ Timeline
20 Working Days
💰 Fee Structure (Residential)
| Description | Charges |
| Drawing Scrutiny Fee | Rs. 6 / Sft |
| F.S (Fire Safety) | Rs. 2 / Sft |
| M.E.P | Rs. 1 / Sft |
| S.D | Rs. 1 / Sft |
| Total | Rs. 10 / Sft |
Revised Residential Drawings
- 20 Working Days
- Rs. 4 per Sft
Commercial Building Drawing Submission – DHA Lahore
⏳ Timeline
20 Working Days
💰 Commercial Fee Structure
2 Marla Commercial
- Dwg Scrutiny: Rs. 30/Sft
- F.S: Rs. 8/Sft
- M.E.P: Rs. 3/Sft
- S.D: Rs. 3/Sft
- Total = Rs. 44/Sft
4 Marla Commercial
- Dwg Scrutiny: Rs. 16/Sft
- F.S: Rs. 8/Sft
- M.E.P: Rs. 3/Sft
- S.D: Rs. 3/Sft
- Total = Rs. 30/Sft
8 Marla Commercial
- Dwg Scrutiny: Rs. 20/Sft
- F.S: Rs. 8/Sft
- M.E.P: Rs. 5/Sft
- S.D: Rs. 5/Sft
- Total = Rs. 38/Sft
Revised Commercial Drawings
- 2M: Rs. 28/Sft
- 4M: Rs. 10/Sft
- 8M: Rs. 10/Sft
Documents Required for Submission of Building Plans in DHA Lahore
Below is the complete updated checklist:
- Original Architect Stability Certificate
- Original Structure Stability Certificate
- Form A & B (Cantonment Board)
- Performa – Information Requirement Drawing Submission
- Submission Drawings:
- Architectural Drawing (Tracing Cloth + 07 Ammonia Prints + Soft Copy)
- Fire Protection Drawing (02 Prints)
- Structural Drawing (Commercial only + ETABS/SAP Soft Copy)
- MEP Drawings (Hard + Soft Copy in PDF & ACAD)
- Covering Letter from Architect Office
- MEP Structure Stability Certificate
- Original Paid Challan of Drawing Scrutiny Fee
- Original Soil Testing / Geotechnical Report
- Paid Challan of Soil Testing
- Copy of Allotment / Transfer Letter
- Copy of Site Plan (Current Owner Name)
- Copy of CNIC
- Irrevocable Undertaking (Signed & Attested)
- Complete Tagged File
Important: All undertakings must be signed by the owner and attested by the Oath Commissioner.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Approval
- Submit complete file at Customer Care Counters 6, 7, 8 & 9
- Payment slip issued
- Challan generated by Finance Branch
- Deposit challan in designated bank branches
- Attach paid challan copy with file
- Receive acknowledgment slip
- After approval, visit Building Control Branch for TIP Tax
- Deposit TIP Tax at National Bank of Pakistan
- Submit 3 paid challan copies & collect approved drawings
After Approval – Important Rules
- Obtain demarcation from DHA Lahore.
- Construction must start within one month.
- Project must be completed within two years.
Failure to comply may result in penalties.
Why Building Drawing Approval is Important?
✔ Prevents legal penalties
✔ Avoids sealing of property
✔ Ensures structural safety compliance
✔ Mandatory for utility connections
✔ Required before construction starts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete MEP drawings
- Missing Soil Testing Report
- Incorrect owner name on documents
- Not attaching paid challan
- Ignoring revised drawing submission timeline
These errors delay approval significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does DHA Lahore take to approve building drawings?
20 working days for both residential and commercial properties.
2. What is the total residential submission fee?
Rs. 10 per square foot.
3. Can construction start without approval?
No. Construction without approved drawings is illegal in DHA Lahore.
4. Is soil testing mandatory?
Yes, original geotechnical report and paid challan are compulsory.
5. What happens after approval?
Owner must obtain demarcation and pay TIP tax before construction.
6. What is the fee for revised residential drawings?
Rs. 4 per square foot.
7. Is MEP drawing compulsory?
Yes, especially for commercial buildings.
8. Where is TIP tax deposited?
At National Bank of Pakistan branches mentioned on challan.
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Need Help With DHA Lahore Building Drawing Approval?
islam-Estate®️
(DHA Authorized Company)
Buy | Sell | Rent Property in DHA Lahore
📞 Call / WhatsApp Faraz
0321-4000646
🌐 Visit: http://DhaRealEstate.pk
We assist in:
✔ Drawing Submission
✔ NOC & NDC Processing
✔ File & Plot Transfer
✔ Property Verification
✔ Buying & Selling
If you want hassle-free approval and complete documentation handling, reach out today.
