Quick answer: The supplied DHA Lahore notice states that permissible first-floor covered area is revised to 100% of the approved ground-floor area for 5 Marla, 82% for 7-10 Marla, 80% for 1 Kanal, and 78% for 2-4 Kanal residential plots.
Verification notice: This article summarizes two photographed pages, including page 3 of a notice and Annexure-36B. The notification number, issue date, approval record and complete referenced bylaws are not visible. Obtain the complete current notification and written confirmation from DHA Lahore Building Control before designing, constructing, regularizing or purchasing a property on the basis of these figures.
Revised First-Floor Covered Area Limits
| Residential plot category | Permissible first-floor covered area |
|---|---|
| 5 Marla | 100% of ground-floor covered area |
| 7-10 Marla | 82% of ground-floor covered area |
| 1 Kanal | 80% of ground-floor covered area |
| 2 Kanal | 78% of ground-floor covered area |
| 3 Kanal | 78% of ground-floor covered area |
| 4 Kanal | 78% of ground-floor covered area |
How the First-Floor Percentage Is Calculated
The percentage applies to the approved ground-floor covered area, not automatically to the total plot area:
Permissible first-floor area = approved ground-floor covered area x applicable percentage
Annexure-36B gives a 10 Marla example with 1,448 sq ft on the ground floor. Applying 82% gives about 1,187 sq ft, matching the suggested figure in the annexure. This calculation does not override setbacks, open spaces, height, parking, structural or fire-safety requirements.
Annexure-36B: Area and Charge Comparison
| Plot | Ground floor | Existing first floor | Suggested first floor | Increase | Regularized area | Total covered | Charge/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Marla | 1,147 (72.8% of plot) | 860 (75% of GF) | 941 (82% of GF) | 81 sq ft | 100 sq ft | 90.7% | Rs 3,500 |
| 8 Marla | 1,248 (69.3%) | 936 (75% of GF) | 1,023 (82% of GF) | 87 sq ft | 100 sq ft | 90.0% | Rs 3,500 |
| 9 Marla | 1,401 (66.3%) | 1,051 (75% of GF) | 1,149 (82% of GF) | 98 sq ft | 100 sq ft | 89.1% | Rs 3,500 |
| 10 Marla | 1,448 (63.64%) | 1,086 (75% of GF) | 1,187 (82% of GF) | 101 sq ft | 100 sq ft | 88.8% | Rs 3,500 |
| 1 Kanal | 2,703 (60%) | 2,027 (75% of GF) | 2,162 (80% of GF) | 135 sq ft | 200 sq ft | 87.3% | Rs 4,250 |
| 2 Kanal | 5,879 (65.3%) | 4,409 (75% of GF) | 4,586 (78% of GF) | 177 sq ft | 300 sq ft | 83.1% | Rs 5,000 |
| 3 Kanal | 8,775 (65%) | 6,581 (75% of GF) | 6,845 (78% of GF) | 264 sq ft | 400 sq ft | 82.5% | Rs 5,750 |
| 4 Kanal | 11,340 (63%) | 8,505 (75% of GF) | 8,845 (78% of GF) | 340 sq ft | 500 sq ft | 82.4% | Rs 6,500 |
Regularization Charges Printed in the Annexure
- 7-10 Marla: Rs 3,500 per sq ft
- 1 Kanal: Rs 4,250 per sq ft
- 2 Kanal: Rs 5,000 per sq ft
- 3 Kanal: Rs 5,750 per sq ft
- 4 Kanal: Rs 6,500 per sq ft
The photographed pages do not show the complete eligibility rules, charge calculation, payment process, exemptions or definitions. The regularized-area column is not automatic permission to overbuild. DHA Building Control should confirm the chargeable excess area and issue a written calculation for each property.
Effective Date and Retrospective Application
Page 3 says the amendments come into force with immediate effect following the Executive Board decision. Annexure-36B separately says the changes apply retrospectively upon approval of the Executive Board decision. Because the complete notice is unavailable, owners with pending or completed cases should confirm the formal approval date, eligibility, required revised drawings and applicable charges directly with DHA.
What Architects, Engineers and Owners Should Do
The notice advises enlisted architects and structural engineers to ensure strict compliance and warns that deviations may cause rejection or action under DHA rules. It also says cases under process at the Building Control Directorate will be governed by the revised first-floor limits.
- Obtain the complete dated notification and all annexures.
- Verify the approved ground-floor area and existing first-floor area.
- Ask an enlisted architect to calculate the revised permissible area.
- Have a structural engineer check any added or existing construction.
- Confirm setbacks, open spaces, height, parking and other bylaws separately.
- Request written confirmation of regularization eligibility and charges.
- Do not begin extra work until the relevant approval is issued.
Planet Builders offers coordinated architectural design and structural consultancy. You can also review our building-plan submission checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much first-floor area is allowed on a 5 Marla DHA Lahore house?
The supplied notice states 100% of the approved ground-floor covered area. Confirm the current rule and all other restrictions with DHA Lahore.
What is the revised percentage for 7-10 Marla plots?
The notice groups 7, 8, 9 and 10 Marla plots at 82% of the approved ground-floor covered area.
What are the revised limits for larger plots?
The photographed notice states 80% for 1 Kanal and 78% for 2, 3 and 4 Kanal plots.
Can an owner automatically pay charges and retain excess area?
No automatic entitlement is established by the photographed pages. Eligibility, chargeable area, structural compliance, revised plans and approval must be confirmed by DHA Building Control.
Do the changes apply to plans already under process?
Page 3 says under-process cases will be governed by the revised limits. The annexure also mentions retrospective application upon Executive Board approval, so case-specific status should be confirmed in writing.
Need help reviewing your permissible area or preparing revised drawings? Contact Planet Builders & Interiors for project-specific guidance.