Introduction
We shall look at what a Planning Permit is. Who, according to the Law, must apply for a Planning Permit. What could be granted a Planning Permit? The types of Planning Permit. And what is the benefit of a Planning Permit?
The Lagos State Urban, and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010; defines Planning Permit, as an approval; or, assent, given for the time being to a development. Simply put, it is an approval given by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), to any prospective developer to commence construction, renovate and demolish any existing structure. It is a building control authorization, given at, the construction and post-construction stages.
Who must apply for a Planning Permit
The Law specifies that any person, corporate body, Federal, State and Local Government or its Agencies, intending to carry out any development on any land within the State, shall apply for a grant of Planning Permit. This implies that no developer and no government agency is exempted from obtaining a Planning Permit from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) before construction. Thus; the Authority, through the District offices in all the Local Government Areas of the State, is saddled with the responsibilities of granting Planning Permit to all physical developments.
It is painful to hear from some ignorant members of the public that they do not expect some developments to have a Planning Permit. For better understanding, here are the lists of developments that required a planning Permit;
- A new structure to be developed
- Redevelopment or remodelling of an existing structure;
- Existing structure to be renovated;
- Fencing work of landed property;
- Existing old structure to be demolished for a new one;
- Additional floors to an existing building;
- Existing building without a Planning Permit.
These developments could be for uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, recreational and all other government buildings.
Types of Planning Permit
Planning Permits are categorized into two. The first category is the Provisional Planning Permit, which is the temporary permit granted to the applicants without a Registered Titles document. It is important to mention that, with the presentation of duly stamped land purchase receipt; Deed of Gift or Deed of Assignment. A Provisional Planning Permit will be granted to enable the developer to begin construction.
The second category of a Planning Permit is the Final Planning Permit, which is granted with a registered title document such as the Certificate of Occupancy or the Governor’s Consent only. It is important to mention that a holder of a Provision Planning Permit is expected to visit the Planning Authority with the registered title document obtained from the Land Bureau, within 6 months to get a Final Planning Permit.
Importance of Planning Permit
The importance of having a Planning Permit on our structure cannot be overemphasised.
- It makes our structure legal.
- It can be used as collateral to secure a loan.
- A Planning Permit is an assurance of a good asset on structure, because compensation by the government, are paid to property owners with a Planning Permit.
- A Planning Permit ensures structures get built in the right way, and in the right place.
- It ensures that development and growth are environmentally sustainable.
In summary, the Law required that every development on land must have a Planning Permit; and all property owners; be it individuals, Corporate organizations, or the Government must apply and obtain a planning permit before construction. It must be emphasized that no matter the number of years a building has existed without a Planning Permit, it is still an illegal building.