Planning to build in DHA Lahore? This guide explains DHA’s map approval process step by step and the main building by-laws your design must follow: setbacks by plot size, covered area, height, basements and boundary walls, plus the completion certificate. Prepared by Ahmed Construction Company (ACCO), which prepares and follows up DHA submissions for its clients.
Quick answer
To build in DHA Lahore you need DHA-approved drawings before work starts. Submit architectural and structural drawings (structural signed by a PEC-registered engineer) to DHA’s Building Control, pay the scrutiny fee, clear observations, then build exactly to the approved map and obtain the completion certificate, which you need to sell or transfer the house. Commonly cited DHA rules include front setbacks of about 5 ft (5 marla), 10 ft 9 in (10 marla) and 15 ft 9 in (1 kanal), a height limit of about 30 ft in Phases 1–4 and 35 ft from Phase 5 onward, and single-storey basements only.
Have a plot in DHA Lahore? Share your plot size, DHA phase and whether you need grey structure or turnkey. ACCO will visit your plot and give you a free itemised estimate. Call or WhatsApp 0322-8000190 or send your plot details.
DHA Lahore Map Approval Process
- Possession and demarcation of the plot by DHA.
- Soil test and design brief.
- Drawings to by-laws: site plan, floor plans, sections, elevations, and structural drawings signed by a PEC-registered engineer.
- Submission at DHA customer care / Building Control with ownership documents and undertakings.
- Scrutiny fee paid by challan.
- Observations answered and drawings revised until approval.
- Start construction within the time DHA allows after approval and demarcation, and complete within the permitted period to avoid penalties.
- Stage inspections as required.
- Completion certificate after final inspection.
Published guidance has reported approval decisions within about 20 days of a complete submission, but timing varies. Confirm current procedures and fees with DHA Lahore.
Setbacks by Plot Size (Commonly Cited)
| Plot size | Front | Rear | Sides |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Marla | 5 ft | 3 ft | 3 ft each |
| 10 Marla | 10 ft 9 in | 5 ft 4.5 in | 5 ft 4.5 in each |
| 1 Kanal | 15 ft 9 in | 5 ft 4.5 in | 5 ft 4.5 in each |
| 2 Kanal (100 × 90 ft) | 15 ft 9 in | 8 ft 4.5 in | 5 ft 4.5 in each |
| 2 Kanal (75 × 120 ft) | 20 ft 9 in | 8 ft 4.5 in | 5 ft 4.5 in each |
Source: published summaries of DHA Lahore construction by-laws. DHA revises its regulations, so ACCO confirms the current figures for your phase and plot before finalising the design.
Other Key DHA Building Rules
| Rule | Commonly cited requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum height | About 30 ft in Phases 1–4; about 35 ft from Phase 5 onward |
| First-floor covered area | 5 marla: up to 100% of permissible ground floor; 10 marla and above: up to 75% of ground floor |
| Basement | Single-storey only in residential areas; ceiling about 9–10 ft; undertaking required |
| Boundary wall | Up to about 7 ft; total with fence not above about 9 ft (neighbour NOC for fencing) |
| Room heights | Living rooms commonly 9.5–12 ft |
| Completion certificate | Required for sale or transfer of the house |
7 Mistakes That Delay DHA Approval or Completion
- Designing beyond covered area or ignoring setbacks.
- Unsigned or incomplete structural drawings.
- Starting work before approval or demarcation.
- Changing the layout on site without revising the map.
- Basement or mumty larger than permitted.
- Boundary wall, ramp or porch built outside permitted lines.
- Overrunning DHA’s construction period and attracting penalties.
DHA Map Approval and By-Laws: FAQs
How do I get my house map approved in DHA Lahore?
Prepare architectural and structural drawings to DHA by-laws, with structural drawings signed by a PEC-registered engineer, submit them to DHA Building Control with ownership documents, pay the scrutiny fee and clear any observations.
What are the setbacks for a 10 marla house in DHA Lahore?
Commonly cited figures are about 10 ft 9 in at the front and 5 ft 4.5 in at the rear and each side. Confirm current figures for your phase with DHA.
What is the maximum height of a house in DHA Lahore?
Commonly cited limits are about 30 ft in Phases 1–4 and about 35 ft from Phase 5 onward.
Can I build a basement in DHA Lahore?
Yes, a single-storey basement is allowed in residential areas, subject to DHA rules on extent, ventilation and an undertaking.
Why is the DHA completion certificate important?
It confirms the house was built to the approved map and is needed to sell or transfer the property.
Does ACCO handle DHA map approval?
Yes. ACCO prepares the drawings, submits and follows up with DHA, and manages inspections and the completion certificate.
Get Help With Your DHA Map Approval
Send your plot size, DHA phase and requirements. ACCO will visit your plot and prepare a free itemised estimate.
Call / WhatsApp: 0322-8000190 · Email: info@acco.com.pk · Contact form
Ahmed Construction Company (ACCO), Office 2, 3rd Floor, Big City Plaza, Gulberg-III, Lahore