Pinarayi government to give permission for construction of buildings based on self-certification of owners

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: From now on, landowners need not have to run from one office to another to obtain a construction permit. A construction permit can be obtained by self-certification of the owner. The government is initiating a process in which landowners can self-certify building plans prepared by empanelled licensees and begin construction soon after obtaining a receipt from local bodies.

Construction permits based on self-certification are intended for low-risk residential buildings up to 300 square meters, commercial buildings up to 100 square meters, educational institutions up to 200 square meters, hostels, religious buildings, and old age homes. The site inspection will be carried out when the foundation of the building is completed. Violations in the construction can be detected early on.

For the construction of low-risk category buildings, the empanelled licensees should issue permits in the prescribed form, pay the required fee and submit the necessary documents including the plan to the local body. The construction permit will be deemed to have been obtained on the acknowledgment of the concerned local government secretary. It has been directed that the secretary should complete the process and issue the acknowledgment receipt within 5 days.

This will avoid the various levels of inspections and other procedures currently in place in the local bodies for obtaining a building permit. It will also help the owner to start the construction works faster.