What Are The Documents Required For Building Plan Approval In Lagos State?

What is a Building Permit in Lagos?

A building permit (or building plan approval) is an official authorisation from the Lagos State Government allowing you to legally begin construction. It ensures that your structure complies with planning, zoning, safety, and environmental laws.

Why Building Approval is Important

• Avoid demolition and stop-work orders

• Meet legal and safety standards

• Increase property resale value

• Qualify for insurance and financing

📌 Click here to read a real case study of how we helped a client avoid demolition

Lagos Building Approval Document Checklist (By Building Type)

Residential Buildings

1. Firm Ground With One Floor (Bungalow)

• Architectural Drawings

• Tax Clearance Certificate

• Land Use Charge Receipt

• Proof of Ownership

• Survey Plan

2. Swampy Ground With One Floor (Bungalow)

• All of the above, plus:

• Structural Drawings

• COREN Structural Stability Letter

• COREN Supervision Letter

• Pundit Test Report

• COREN Calculation Sheets

• Subsoil Investigation Report

3. Firm/Swampy Ground With Two Floors

• Same as above, required for increased floor levels

4. Three Floors and Above

• Includes:

  • Electrical Drawings

  • Mechanical Drawings

  • PPTR Report

  • EIA Report

5. Over Eight Family Units

• All of the above

6. Land Area Over 0.5 Hectares

• Same as above; large developments require all structural and environmental documentation

Non-Residential Buildings

• Architectural Drawings

• Tax Clearance Certificate

• Land Use Charge Receipt

• Proof of Ownership

• Survey Plan

• Structural Drawings

• COREN Structural Stability Letter

• COREN Supervision Letter

• Pundit Test Report

• COREN Calculation Sheets

• Subsoil Investigation Report

• Electrical & Mechanical Drawings

• PPTR Report

• EIA Report

Petrol Filling Stations

• All of the above, plus:

  • Police Clearance

  • Fire Clearance

✅ Gas Plant requirements are similar to petrol station requirements.

Required Personal Documents (Applicant)

•    - 2 Passport photographs

•     - NIN, Name, Address, Phone Number, Email, Date Of Birth

Explanation Of Key Required Lagos State Building Approval Documents And Plans 

To obtain building permit approval in Lagos State, several documents that are needed have been listed above.
To ensure your full understanding of some of the documents and plans to achieve compliance with regulatory standards and facilitate a smooth approval process.
We have broken down and explained some of the key documents you'll need below:

Survey Plan

Must be registered in Lagos State's database. 📌 See how to verify a survey & spot fakes
📈 See current survey pricing in Lagos

Architectural Drawing

Includes floor plans and elevation used for calculating approval cost.

Land Use Planning Report (LUPAR)

Prepared by a registered town planner, includes full site analysis.

Soil Test Report

Required for multi-floor or swampy area projects. 📌 See our full guide to soil testing here

How much is the building plan approval in Lagos State

The cost of building approval in Lagos state is determined by multiplying the volume of the building (length, breadth, and height) by the prevailing rate, which is determined by the zone in which the land is located in Lagos state, then adding fencing fees

Formula for Cost Calculation
Building Volume (L x B x H) × Rate + Fencing Fees + Layout + LPO + Registration Fee.

🧾 Stage Certification Fees

35% of Building Assessment Fee (paid separately).

🧱 Example – Igbogbo Project Breakdown

• Building Volume: 1,320.33 m³ × ₦150/m³ = ₦198,048.98

• Add LPO, layout, fencing, stage fees → Total ~₦580,922.28

When seeking building plan approval in Lagos State, it's essential to understand the various fees involved. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the payments required during the building plan approval process: 

• Stage certification fee (35% of the building assessment)

• Registration and application form fee

• Building assessment fee

• Layout fee

• L.P.O (Local Planning Office) fee

• LASEMA (Lagos State Emergency Management Agency) fee

• LASPPPA (Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority) fee

• Assessment for pumps for gas stations and petrol stations

• Processing fee

• Renovation fee (for renovations)

• Penal fee (for existing buildings without approval)

• Infrastructure development charge
  
  
  Note:
  
  All types of buildings proposed to be constructed or existing in Lagos state now require a Land Use And Analysis Report (LUPAR)

Obtaining building approval in Lagos State involves various fees that contribute to the overall cost of the process. Let's break it down in a straightforward manner:

1. Building Assessment:

   1. Calculate the Building Assessment using the formula:

   2. Length×Breadth×Height×Rate+FencingFees

2. Fencing Fees:

   1. N10,000 for the first 650 sqm.

   2. N4,000 for every additional 1,000 sqm.

3. Additional Fees:

   1. Layout Fees: N100,000

   2. Registration & Application Form: N50,000

   3. L.P.O (Letter of Permission): 10% of Building Assessment for All Applications..

   4. LASEMA Fee (Commercial Projects Only): Set by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.

Adding these fees to the equation, the overall cost becomes:

Processing Fee = Building Assessment + Fencing Fees + Layout Fees + Registration & Application Form + (10 percent Building Assessment)

Understanding these costs is crucial for effective budgeting when pursuing building approval.
For personalised insights based on your specific project, contact us for our building permit services.

 Video Details:

Title: How to Get Building Approval in Lagos State and Avoid Demolition – 10-Step Guide
Duration: 1 minute 7 seconds
Upload Date: August 2025
Video Type: Educational, Step-by-Step Guide
Topics Covered:

• How to get building permit approval in Lagos

• Required documents and fees

• Avoiding demolition and penalties

• Mistakes people make during construction planning

• Real estate compliance in Lagos State

Target Audience:

• Builders and developers in Lagos State

• Nigerians in diaspora planning to build

• Landowners and real estate investors

Why Watch:
Learn the exact 10 steps you must follow before you build — or risk demolition and fines. Get legal, fast, and fully approved.

Transcript Summary:
In this video, we break down every step — from land survey and architectural drawings to tax payment and permit collection — required by LASPPPA for lawful construction in Lagos.

📞 Need Help With Building Approval?

Let our experts handle it — from survey to drawings to approval. 👉 Click here to chat on WhatsApp 📞 Or call: 09025234582

Frequently Asked Questions About Building Plan Approval in Lagos State

How much does building plan approval cost in Lagos State?

The cost of building plan approval in Lagos State is calculated using the formula: Building Volume (Length × Breadth × Height) × Zone Rate + Fencing Fees + Layout Fees (₦100,000) + Registration Fee (₦50,000) + LPO (10% of Building Assessment). For example, a typical residential project can cost around ₦580,000 including all fees. For accurate costing and professional handling of your building approval process, contact OME BUILDWAY CONTRACTING LIMITED at 📞 0902 523 4582 for expert assistance across Lagos State.

What documents are required for building plan approval in Lagos State?

Essential documents include Survey Plan (registered in Lagos database), Architectural Drawings, Tax Clearance Certificate, Land Use Charge Receipt, Proof of Ownership, and LUPAR (Land Use Planning Report). Multi-story buildings require additional documents like Structural Drawings, COREN letters, and Soil Test Reports. OME BUILDWAY CONTRACTING LIMITED can help you prepare all required documents efficiently to avoid delays and ensure compliance with LASPPPA requirements.

How long does building plan approval take in Lagos State?

The building plan approval process in Lagos State typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on building complexity and document completeness. Simple bungalows process faster than multi-story or commercial buildings which require additional technical reviews and clearances. To expedite your approval and avoid common delays, let OME BUILDWAY CONTRACTING LIMITED handle your application professionally with their experienced team at 📞 0902 523 4582.

Do I need a survey plan for building approval in Lagos?

Yes, a registered Survey Plan is mandatory for all building approvals in Lagos State. The survey must be registered in the Lagos State database and verified for authenticity to avoid rejection. Fake or unregistered surveys are the leading cause of application delays and rejections. For verified, authentic survey plans that guarantee approval, contact OME Land Surveyor and Consultant (Lagos/Ogun specialist) or OME BUILDWAY CONTRACTING LIMITED for comprehensive building approval services.

What is LUPAR and why is it required for building approval?

LUPAR (Land Use Planning Analysis Report) is now mandatory for all building types in Lagos State as of recent regulations. It's prepared by a registered Town Planner and includes comprehensive site analysis, zoning compliance, and environmental impact assessment. This document ensures your project aligns with Lagos State's master plan and development guidelines. OME BUILDWAY CONTRACTING LIMITED works with certified Town Planners to prepare compliant LUPAR reports for seamless approval.

Can I build without building plan approval in Lagos State?

No, building without approval in Lagos State is illegal and risks demolition, stop-work orders, and heavy penalties. The Lagos State government actively enforces building regulations through LASBCA (Lagos State Building Control Agency) inspections. Unapproved structures cannot access utilities, insurance, or financing and have zero resale value. Protect your investment by obtaining proper approval through OME BUILDWAY CONTRACTING LIMITED before starting construction.

What additional documents do multi-story buildings need in Lagos?

Multi-story buildings (2+ floors) require Structural Drawings, COREN Structural Stability Letters, COREN Supervision Letters, Pundit Test Reports, COREN Calculation Sheets, and Subsoil Investigation Reports. Buildings 3+ floors need additional Electrical/Mechanical Drawings, PPTR Reports, and EIA Reports. These technical documents ensure structural safety and regulatory compliance. OME BUILDWAY CONTRACTING LIMITED coordinates with certified engineers to prepare all technical documentation efficiently.

How do I verify if my survey plan is genuine for Lagos building approval?

Verify your survey plan through the Lagos State Surveyor-General's office database or online portal. Genuine surveys have specific registration numbers, official stamps, and coordinates that match government records. Fake surveys are immediately rejected and cause significant delays and additional costs. OME Land Surveyor and Consultant (for Lagos/Ogun) provides only verified, database-registered surveys that guarantee acceptance by LASPPPA authorities.

What are the penalties for building without approval in Lagos State?

Penalties include immediate stop-work orders, demolition of structures, fines ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5,000,000, and potential criminal prosecution. The Lagos State government has demolished hundreds of unapproved structures across the state. Additionally, unapproved buildings cannot be sold, insured, or connected to utilities. Avoid these costly consequences by getting proper approval through OME BUILDWAY CONTRACTING LIMITED before breaking ground.

Do petrol stations need special documents for building approval in Lagos?

Yes, petrol stations require all standard building documents plus Police Clearance, Fire Service Clearance, and specialized safety assessments. The approval process is more complex due to safety and environmental regulations governing fuel storage and dispensing facilities. Gas plants have similar requirements with additional environmental impact assessments. OME BUILDWAY CONTRACTING LIMITED specializes in commercial and industrial approvals, ensuring compliance with all safety regulations.

Can I get building approval for swampy land in Lagos State?

Yes, but swampy land requires additional technical documentation including Subsoil Investigation Reports, enhanced Structural Drawings, and specialized foundation designs approved by COREN-registered engineers. The approval process takes longer and costs more due to additional technical reviews and safety requirements. OME BUILDWAY CONTRACTING LIMITED has extensive experience with swampy land projects across Lagos State and ensures full compliance with enhanced structural requirements.

How do I submit my building plan for approval in Lagos State?

Submit your complete application with all required documents to LASPPPA offices or through their online portal. After assessment and fee payment, collect your stamped approval before submitting to LASBCA for construction oversight. Incomplete applications are rejected, causing delays and additional costs. Let OME BUILDWAY CONTRACTING LIMITED handle your entire submission process professionally, ensuring first-time approval and compliance with all LASPPPA requirements.

Ready to Get Your Building Approval? Contact the Experts Today!

Don't risk demolition, penalties, or costly delays with DIY applications. OME BUILDWAY CONTRACTING LIMITED has successfully processed hundreds of building approvals across Lagos State, ensuring full compliance and fast approvals for residential and commercial projects.

Get started immediately: 📞 Call 0902 523 4582 for expert building approval services. Our experienced team handles everything from survey plans to architectural drawings to final permit collection.

Your building project deserves professional handling – contact us now!