Lahore: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has announced significant changes to its building bylaws, officially banning the conversion of residential plots for commercial use. The new amendments to the LDA Building By-Laws 2019 aim to curb urban sprawl and prevent the misuse of residential properties for commercial purposes, which has been a growing concern in Lahore.
Under the revised rules, the approval process for apartment maps on 10 Marla and 1 Kanal plots has been ended. Instead, all commercial building maps will now go through a single-stage approval process to streamline urban planning and eliminate delays that previously plagued the system.
The changes also include mandatory installation of greywater tanks for buildings on plots larger than 10 Marlas, in a move to promote water conservation. Additionally, the long-awaited reinstatement of the setback law for 10 Marla, 1 Kanal, and 2 Kanal properties has been enforced after a five-year gap.
One of the most significant reforms is the complete ban on pillar-based construction in residential buildings. Previously, developers had been using pillars in residential structures, which were later converted into commercial properties, often in collaboration with Town Planning officers. The new rules aim to prevent this practice by ensuring strict adherence to the prescribed building guidelines.
These measures are a direct response to concerns about the unchecked conversion of residential areas into commercial hubs, disrupting the city’s urban fabric. The LDA has already issued a notification enforcing these amendments, which are expected to have a lasting impact on the construction industry in Lahore.
Developers and property owners will now need to adhere to these stricter regulations, ensuring that both residential and commercial properties follow the updated standards for construction.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
