Learning how to get RAJUK building approval is absolutely essential for any property owner planning to construct a building in Dhaka city. Whether you’re building a residential duplex, apartment complex, commercial structure, or any other building type, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) is the authority that must grant permission before you can legally start construction. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the RAJUK building approval process, helping you understand what documents you need, how much it costs, and how long it takes to get approval.
Understanding RAJUK: What You Need to Know Before Getting RAJUK Building Approval
Before diving into the process, it’s crucial to understand what RAJUK is and why their approval is non-negotiable for construction in Dhaka. RAJUK approval is mandatory because RAJUK is the development authority responsible for overseeing all construction activities within the Dhaka Metropolitan Area. Their primary role is to ensure that all buildings comply with the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC 2020), follow the Detailed Area Plan (DAP 2022-2035), and meet safety, structural, and environmental standards.
Without RAJUK building approval, you cannot legally construct a building. More importantly, without approval, you won’t be able to obtain an occupancy certificate, meaning you can’t legally live in or use the building. Furthermore, unapproved buildings are subject to demolition orders and heavy penalties. This is why understanding how to get RAJUK building approval is essential for every property owner in Dhaka. The consequences of proceeding without proper approval are severe, including financial losses, legal complications, and loss of investment.
The Critical Four-Stage Process: How to Get RAJUK Building Approval
The RAJUK building approval process consists of four main stages. Not all projects require all four stages, but understanding each one helps you prepare better and anticipate timelines and costs. Let’s examine each stage in detail to give you a complete understanding of how to get RAJUK building approval.
Stage 1: Land Use Clearance (Planning Permit) – Foundation for RAJUK Building Approval
The first stage in how to get RAJUK building approval is obtaining Land Use Clearance, now called “Planning Permit” under the Electronic Construction Permitting System (ECPS). This stage is mandatory for most plots, particularly those in unplanned areas of Dhaka and is the essential first step in how to get RAJUK building approval successfully.
What is Land Use Clearance?
Land Use Clearance is a verification that your land is suitable for the type of building you plan to construct. The RAJUK Town Planning Department reviews your plot location, surrounding land use, zoning regulations, and the DAP to ensure your project aligns with Dhaka’s urban development strategy. This clearance proves that your land use matches the intended purpose, which is critical for how to get RAJUK building approval.
Documents Required for Land Use Clearance:
To apply for Land Use Clearance and move forward with how to get RAJUK building approval, you’ll need to gather several essential documents:
Original Application Form (Form No. 101) – completed and signed by the land owner or authorized representative
3 copies of survey map at 1:5,000 or 1:10,000 scale showing the property location
3 copies of the Mouza map indicating the site location
Land ownership deed or allotment letter
Proof of identity
Digital signature certificate (for online submission through ECPS portal)
The Online Process Through ECPS:
RAJUK introduced the Electronic Construction Permitting System (ECPS) in 2024, making how to get RAJUK building approval faster and more transparent. To apply for Planning Permit online:
Visit the official ECPS website (rajuk.ecps.gov.bd)
Create an account or log in
Fill out Form 101 electronically with all required information
Upload all required documents in PDF format
Pay the application fee online (Tk. 1,000 + 15% VAT)
Submit your application through the ECPS portal
Timeline for Land Use Clearance Approval:
The official approval time is 30 days from the date of submission. This is the first critical milestone in how to get RAJUK building approval. The approved clearance is valid for 24 months, during which you must submit your building design and construction permit application.
Fees for Land Use Clearance:
Application fee: Tk. 1,000
VAT (15% of application fee): Tk. 150
Total: Tk. 1,150
Stage 2: Special Project Approval (If Applicable)
If your project falls into the “special project” category, you’ll need additional approval before proceeding with the construction permit. This is an important distinction in understanding how to get RAJUK building approval for larger projects.
What Qualifies as a Special Project?
According to RAJUK regulations, the following projects are classified as special projects requiring additional approval:
Residential buildings with more than 40 flats
Projects with gross floor area exceeding 7,500 square meters
Shopping malls with more than 5,000 square meters floor area
Projects connecting to national and regional highways
Industrial facilities and brick fields
Any building within 250 meters of historical structures
Projects within 250 meters of parks or natural beauty areas
Structures within 50 meters of hilly areas or riversides
Any project within 250 meters of KPI establishments
Stage 3: Construction Permit (Building Design Approval) – Core Stage for RAJUK Building Approval
After obtaining Land Use Clearance, you proceed to the main stage: Construction Permit or Building Design Approval. This is where how to get RAJUK building approval becomes most detailed. This stage is where RAJUK reviews your architectural, structural, electrical, and plumbing designs to ensure they comply with BNBC 2020 standards and the DAP. Understanding this critical stage is essential for successfully obtaining how to get RAJUK building approval.
What is Construction Permit?
The Construction Permit is the official approval of your building design and plans. This approval confirms that your proposed building meets all safety standards, structural requirements, and regulatory compliance under the BNBC 2020 framework and Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules. Obtaining this permit is the most significant step in how to get RAJUK building approval.
Required Drawings and Documents:
To obtain a Construction Permit and complete how to get RAJUK building approval, you must submit comprehensive technical drawings prepared by RAJUK-registered professionals:
Architectural Drawings:
Site plan (1:4,000 scale) showing the property boundaries and surroundings
Layout plan (1:200 scale) with boundary measurements, existing structures, entry points, and utility locations
Floor plans for each storey (1:100 scale) with dimensions and room designations
North, South, East, and West elevations (1:100 scale)
Sections through the building (1:100 scale)
3D visualizations or perspective drawings showing the final design
Room-wise calculations and area schedules
Structural Drawings:
Structural design prepared by RAJUK-registered structural engineer
Foundation design details with specifications
Load calculations and analysis showing safety factors
Reinforcement details for columns, beams, and slabs
Connection details between structural elements
Earthquake-resistant design features (BNBC 2020 compliance)
Electrical and Plumbing Designs:
Electrical layout showing lighting, outlets, and power distribution
Plumbing design showing water supply and drainage systems
Fire safety systems (for buildings exceeding certain heights or unit counts)
HVAC systems if applicable to the design
Professional Certifications Required:
All designs must be prepared by RAJUK-registered professionals holding proper certifications. This is a non-negotiable requirement in how to get RAJUK building approval:
RAJUK Registration and IAB (Institute of Architects Bangladesh) membership for the architectural design consultant
RAJUK Enlistment and IEB (Institution of Engineers Bangladesh) membership for structural engineer
RAJUK Enlistment and IEB membership for electrical engineer
RAJUK Enlistment and IEB membership for plumbing engineer
Fire safety certification from a fire expert (if applicable)
FAR Calculation Sheet:
You must also submit a detailed Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculation showing maximum ground coverage and built-up area limits under current regulations.
Approval Fee Structure:
The construction permit fee is based on the total cumulative floor area of your building. Understanding this fee structure is part of comprehensive knowledge about how to get RAJUK building approval:
Up to 50 sq.m.: Tk. 175 (plus 15% VAT)
50-100 sq.m.: Tk. 350 (plus 15% VAT)
100-200 sq.m.: Tk. 525 (plus 15% VAT)
200-300 sq.m.: Tk. 700 (plus 15% VAT)
300-500 sq.m.: Tk. 1,300 (plus 15% VAT)
500-1,000 sq.m.: Tk. 3,600 (plus 15% VAT)
1,000-1,500 sq.m.: Tk. 7,800 (plus 15% VAT)
1,500-2,000 sq.m.: Tk. 11,000 (plus 15% VAT)
2,000-3,000 sq.m.: Tk. 26,000 (plus 15% VAT)
3,000+ sq.m.: Tk. 41,500+ (plus 15% VAT)
Stage 4: Occupancy Certificate – Final Approval After Construction
After your building construction is completed, you must obtain an Occupancy Certificate from RAJUK. This certificate legally permits you to occupy and use the building, which is the final stage of how to get RAJUK building approval.
Documents Required for Occupancy Certificate:
Construction Completion Report
As-built Architectural Drawings
As-built Structural Design
Building Services Plan
Photographs of completed building
How to Get RAJUK Building Approval: BNBC 2020 Compliance
The Building design BNBC 2020 compliance is non-negotiable in the RAJUK approval process. Every stage of how to get RAJUK building approval involves verifying BNBC 2020 compliance.
Key BNBC 2020 Requirements:
Structural Safety: Buildings must withstand earthquake forces, dead loads, and live loads with appropriate safety factors as specified in BNBC 2020
Fire Safety: Fire-resistant materials, emergency exits, and fire suppression systems must meet BNBC standards
Environmental Sustainability: Green building features, natural lighting, and ventilation requirements
Accessibility: Buildings must be accessible to persons with disabilities per BNBC guidelines
Plumbing and Sanitation: Safe water supply and sanitary waste disposal systems
How to Get RAJUK Building Approval: DAP 2022-2035 Framework
The Detailed Area Plan (DAP 2022-2035) introduced significant changes to how to get RAJUK building approval, particularly regarding Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculations. Understanding DAP requirements is critical for successfully learning how to get RAJUK building approval.
Key Changes Under DAP:
FAR is now location and density-based rather than universal
Incentive FAR available for special categories (0.5 additional FAR)
Block-based development for plots larger than 1 bigha
Maximum unit restrictions based on area
How to Get RAJUK Building Approval: Timeline Expectations
Understanding timelines is crucial when learning how to get RAJUK building approval. The complete timeline typically spans 45-90 days:
Land Use Clearance: 30 days
Special Project Approval (if needed): 45 days
Construction Permit: 30-45 days
Occupancy Certificate (after construction): 15 days
Total Expected Time: 70-100 days from initial application to final approval
How to Get RAJUK Building Approval: Common Rejection Reasons
Understanding why applications get rejected helps you avoid delays when pursuing how to get RAJUK building approval:
Incomplete documentation: Missing required drawings or certifications
Non-compliance with BNBC 2020: Design violates safety standards
FAR violations: Proposed building exceeds permissible floor area
Setback violations: Building too close to property boundaries
Soil test issues: Ground unsuitable for proposed foundation
Professional certification gaps: Designers not properly registered with RAJUK
Plan inconsistencies: Drawings contradict each other or application details
Professional Services: Getting Expert Help with How to Get RAJUK Building Approval
While it’s possible to navigate how to get RAJUK building approval independently, most successful applicants work with experienced architects and structural engineers who:
Have established relationships with RAJUK officials
Know current approval requirements intimately
Can prepare comprehensive, compliant documents
Anticipate potential issues before submission
Handle revisions and resubmissions professionally
Professional guidance significantly improves your chances of first-time approval when learning how to get RAJUK building approval.
External Resources for Learning How to Get RAJUK Building Approval
For additional information about RAJUK building approval requirements and processes, refer to these authoritative sources:
Official RAJUK ECPS Portal: rajuk.ecps.gov.bd – The official Electronic Construction Permitting System for all RAJUK applications and approvals
Bangladesh National Building Code 2020: BNBC 2020 Official Document – Technical standards and safety requirements that all designs must comply with
Institution of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB): www.ieb.org.bd – Professional body for registered engineers involved in RAJUK approval process
Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB): www.iab.org.bd – Professional registration body for architects involved in RAJUK building approval
Key Takeaways for Successfully Learning How to Get RAJUK Building Approval
Start early – the process takes minimum 2-3 months for how to get RAJUK building approval
Work with RAJUK-registered professionals when pursuing how to get RAJUK building approval
Understand your plot’s DAP specifications and FAR limits before starting design
Ensure all designs comply with BNBC 2020 standards
Gather all required documentation before submission when learning how to get RAJUK building approval
Use the ECPS online portal for faster processing
Budget for approval fees plus professional consultation fees
Keep copies of all approvals and correspondence
Conclusion
Getting RAJUK building approval is mandatory for all construction in Dhaka, but the process is manageable when you understand each step, requirement, and timeline. Learning how to get RAJUK building approval comprehensively—as covered in this guide—helps you navigate the system efficiently. By following this guide to understand how to get RAJUK building approval and working with experienced professionals, you can navigate the system efficiently and begin construction with confidence. Remember, proper RAJUK building approval protects your investment, ensures structural safety, and gives you legal rights to occupy and use your building for decades to come.
For personalized guidance on how to get RAJUK building approval for your specific project, consider consulting with Build-Tech Engineering’s team of experienced architects and structural engineers who have successfully completed numerous RAJUK approval processes.
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