CDA Building Control Regulations in Islamabad

Unlike the other cities of Pakistan with an ancient history, Islamabad is comparatively new and developed within the past few decades. This has allowed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to carefully devise a set of rules and regulations for infrastructures in the city. 

The homes and buildings in Islamabad are built in compliance with the standards set by the CDA. Thus, the CDA approved housing societies, buildings, and zones in Islamabad are those which abide by the CDA Building Control Regulations. However, CDA has strictly taken action against the illegal housing societies in Islamabad who are not following CDA’s building regulations.

This article enlists the important CDA Building Control Regulations which must be followed by private housing societies in Islamabad as well as other property owners.

Construction of Buildings in Islamabad

According to the Islamabad Residential Sectors Zoning (Building Control) Regulation 1993, there is a set of regulations for constructing buildings in the city. 

No residential infrastructure in Islamabad can be build or developed without the prior approval of CDA. The administration authorities of the cities have laid down a number of rules and regulations from time to time. All of the clauses in this CDA bylaws and statute must be considered before construction. 

In case a private housing society such as Capital Smart City or a company initiates construction without CDA approval, the site would be demolished along with owners and developers being fined. However, Capital Smart City has gone through all the approval procedures and it is authorized by the authorities.

Authorization and Uses of Buildings

According to the CDA bylaw, the residential plots in Islamabad can only be authorized for construction of flats/apartments or residential buildings such as houses. Before construction, the authorities have to be notified prior regarding the nature of the building being constructed on a certain plot. Without this approval, construction is not allowed to begin. 

The rules also permit the building of ancillary buildings meant to assist the construction of a primary infrastructure. Such buildings are considered to be temporary and only permitted until the principal building has been completely developed.

Sub-division and Amalgamation of Plots

As per the CDA laws, it is strictly forbidden to amalgamate a two or more than two plots without the approval of CDA. 

Nevertheless, CDA has allowed the sub-division of plots to be done with a minimum area of 1000 sq. yards and above. However, each divided portion should not be less than 500 sq. yards, and with the approval of authorities. Only one residential living unit would be permitted to be constructed on a portion sub-divided from the original plot.

CDA Laws for Basements and Vaults

The CDA laws permit the construction of underground infrastructures with some proper guidelines. These checks and balances ensure the secure construction of basements, vaults, and cellars etc., in Islamabad. 

According to the CDA standards, the basement cannot be exposed more than 5ft above the lowest level of the front approach road. Similarly, it cannot be exposed more than 3ft above the level of front of yard. However, in cases where the site area and ground features are abnormal there can be an exception. 

For instance, in cases where the plots are appreciably higher than the front approach road, the stair hall and car porch can be allowed 2ft maximum to be above the main road level.

Minimum Distance Between Buildings in Islamabad

CDA has also established a minimum distance between buildings in the capital, especially those built in the same plot and situated parallel. 

In such cases, the minimum distance is decided to be 6ft. Any two buildings built in more proximity than this distance would be fined by the CDA. Similarly, the maximum distance is decided to be 12ft, and building built with more distance in between are liable to be fined.