Myths and Facts About Building Permission

Summary : Building permission rules can often be misunderstood, especially when it comes to Gram Panchayat registration, Commencement Certificates, sanctioned plans, and the validity of permissions. This blog explains the common myths and actual facts about building permissions, clarifying which authorities can grant approval, what registration really means, how construction must follow the sanctioned plan, and which certificates are required before a building can be occupied or used.

Myth: Building permissions are given by Gram Panchayats.

Fact: Building permissions are granted either through online approval by DTP (Town Planning), or by the Municipal Corporation, or by the Municipal Council’s licensing department. A Gram Panchayat can only issue an NOC — if the plot falls outside city limits, the actual authority to sanction building permission lies with the Town Planning (Nagar Rachna) department, not the Gram Panchayat.

Myth: Once construction gets registered with the Gram Panchayat, it means the building has received permission or has been regularized.

Fact: Gram Panchayat registration is done purely for tax assessment purposes. Such registration does not grant a building permission, nor does it regularize unauthorized construction — and it does not stop any action against encroachment.

Myth: Once you get a building permission, you can construct however you want.

Fact: After getting building permission, construction must strictly follow the sanctioned plan — deviating from it is against the rules.

Myth: Once a building permission is obtained, it remains valid for a lifetime.

Fact: Under your building permission, you must obtain the Commencement Certificate and start construction within 1 year of the date the permission is granted, or submit an intimation/progress report. After 1 year, the permission lapses and has to be renewed.

Myth: A Commencement Certificate can be renewed any number of times.

Fact: A Commencement Certificate remains valid for a fixed period; after that it lapses, and you must apply for a fresh permission.

Myth: Once you have the Commencement Certificate that allows you to start construction, you can start using the building right away.

Fact: A Commencement Certificate only permits construction up to the plinth level. Beyond that, you also need the Plinth Certificate and Completion Certificate — without obtaining these, you cannot start using the building, and doing so can make you liable for action.

Myth: Only some Architect or Liaisoning Partner can get you Building Permissions.

Fact: The right to grant Building Permissions doesn’t rest with any individual professional — that the decision is entirely with the sanctioning authority.

Conclusion

That’s not true — no single Architect or Liaisoning Partner alone can guarantee you Building Permissions. What Sanctionwala brings is a speciality in fast approvals, complete clarity from day one, a smooth process, peace of mind, and a professional approach.