Building Plan Approval
A step-by-step guide to obtaining your Building Plan Approval from the Greater Karu Development Control Agency (GKADCA).
21–30 Days
Processing Time
6–10 Items
Required Documents
6 Steps
Approval Stages
Pay & Submit
Apply Online
Legal Requirement
Under the Nasarawa State Urban and Regional Planning Law and the National Building Code (2006), no person shall erect, alter, extend, or demolish any building within the Greater Karu area without first obtaining written approval from GKADCA. Violation attracts fines, stop-work orders, and/or demolition.
Step-by-Step Guide
Approval Procedures
Click each step to expand the detailed requirements and tasks for that stage.
Document Checklist
Required Documents
Building Plans (A3 size)
Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical & Structural drawings · Required
Title Document
C of O / R of O / Registered Deed / Power of Attorney · Required
Passport Photograph
Recent passport photo of applicant · Required
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report
Sealed by Registered Town Planner (RTP) or Environmentalist — where applicable · Conditional
Site Analysis Report (SAR)
Sealed by RTP or Environmentalist — where applicable · Conditional
Police / Fire Service Report
Required for petrol / gas plant stations · Conditional
EIAR for Commercial Development
Petrol station, gas plant, shopping complex, warehouse, industrial, residential 2 hectares+ · Conditional
Soil Test Report
Required for 3 floors and above — where applicable · Conditional
Completed Application Form
Download below · Required
Evidence of Payment of Processing Fees
Receipt of assessed fees · Required
Fees & Levies
Chargeable Fees & Levies
Registration
Payable on every application
Processing Fees
Billed per cubic meter of the development
Setting Out Fees
For site setting-out verification
Development Levy
Rate depends on the type of development
Contravention Fees
Where development commenced before approval
Other Charges
Folder, Inspection fee, Setting out fee, Handbook
Important: Payment of processing fees does not convey approval to commence work on the project. Approval is granted only when the developer has met all requirements in the development control handbooks and building plans are duly stamped and returned to the applicant.
Development Control
Development Control & Enforcement
Stop Work Order
First notice issued to developers building without substantive approval. The developer must stop further development and obtain a development permit from the Agency within 7 days.
Demolition Notice
Issued upon expiration of the 7-day stop work order. The developer must submit approval within 21 days; failure to comply leads to demolition of the structure (Section 60 & 61, URP Law).
Development Control Marking
An "X" marking by GKADCA on a building indicates the development is illegal and must be regularized — unless it is on a waterway, under high tension, on an access road, or on government land (these are not eligible for approval).
Restricted Areas — Not Eligible for Approval
All structures carried out on access roads, river banks, waterways, under high tension lines, and on government land are to be demolished after the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum, as such structures are not liable to be approved.
Legal Consequences
Violation of these regulations is an offence punishable under Sections 53–63 of the URP Law 1992 and Section 12 (Subsections 1–3) of the GKADCA Law 2008. It is also an offence to prevent Agency officials from entering a site, prevent the issuing or pasting of notices, or erase/remove an "X" marking or written note on a building.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Apply?
Submit your building permit application online — payment of assessment fees is required before processing begins.
Note: Assessment fees must be paid first. Your application will only be processed after payment confirmation.
Need Further Assistance?
Contact the GKADCA Permits Office directly for guidance on your specific project.
Office Address
GKADCA Headquarters, Karu, Nasarawa State
Phone
+234 (0) 803 000 0000
permits@gkadca.gov.ng