Receive on-site inspection from Fire Service Department and obtain fire safety clearance for proposed building
Agency: Fire Service Department of the CMC
The Fire Service Department will carry out the inspection when the relevant department of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) sends the plan. The Fire Officers of the Fire Service Department will carry out a study of the plan and then may conduct a fire inspection and issue fire safety clearance. It takes 10 working days to obtain a fire inspection.
Time and cost: 14 days, no charge
Obtain the non-vesting certificate, the certificate of ownership and the building and street line certificate
Agency: Single Window Counter of the Colombo Municipal Council
It is mandatory to obtain and submit proof of ownership when applying for a building permit. A lawyer acting on behalf of BuildCo obtains a non vesting certificate, a certificate of ownership and a building and street line certificate which together comprise the documentation required to prove ownership. All three certificates can be obtained at the same time through the Single Window Counter (SWC) of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).
Time and cost: 3 days, LKR 12,000
Request and receive water sanction inspection and sewage inspection
Agency: National Water Supply & Drainage Board
The following documents must be submitted to obtain a drainage certificate:
- The prescribed application form, signed in duplicate
- Six copies of the approved building plan
- The water and drainage plans
- Two copies of the building permit
- A copy of the water sanction
- A copy of the drainage certificate
- Fire clearance certificate
All applications for drainage certificates must be submitted by a contractor registered with the local authority, and the drainage connection should be carried out by such contractor.
Time and cost: 1 day, LKR 204
Obtain the water sanction and the drainage certificate from the National Water Supply & Drainage Board
Agency: National Water Supply & Drainage Board and Colombo Municipal Council
In order to obtain a Water Sanction and a Drainage Certificate, the prescribed application form in duplicate must be signed by the applicant or owner, with two copies attaches of the approved building plan, the drainage proposal, a copy of the building permit application and the copy of the water sanction. The sanction is submitted through a plumber registered with the municipality.
Time and cost: 7 days, LKR 21,420
Submit building permit application to Urban Development Authority (UDA)
Agency: Urban Development Authority (UDA)
Once the proof of ownership has been obtained, BuildCo, can submit the application to obtain a building permit along with all the building plans and other documents. The UDA has made online applications compulsory, and only chartered engineers or architects may register to utilize the system. Applicants use their own equipment or equipment located at the one stop shop to submit their applications through the e-submissions platform www.applications.uda.lk. Processing milestones are communicated through SMS to applicants.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive on-site inspection from the Urban Development Authority (UDA)
Agency: Urban Development Authority (UDA)
The applicant normally provides transportation or is responsible for the cost of a taxi or a trishaw. The cost depends on the location, but does not normally exceed USD 10.00.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Obtain building permit from the Urban Development Authority (UDA)
Agency: Urban Development Authority (UDA)
An application for a building permit must be submitted along with five copies of the building plan. The following documents must be submitted:
- The water clearance from National Water Supply & Drainage Board
- The Drainage Clearance from Water Supply & Drainage Division of relevant Local Authority
- The Fire Service Department of the UDA issues the fire report with or without conditions
- The Building Department of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) issues the street line certification. An on-site inspection is conducted by an area inspector of the UDA and a report is prepared based on the investigations.
- The Area Inspector’s report is assessed by an Officer in Charge, Planning Officer or Building Engineer, and presented to the Planning Committee with comments and recommendations
- The Planning Committee may approve the building plan and grant the development permit with or without conditions
- The street/building lines must be demarcated on the ground, before the commencement of construction
The building permit application form costs LKR 150.00.
If the floor area is more than 3,500 square feet, the application should be certified by an architect and a chartered engineer. The following documents are needed:
- A certificate from a qualified civil structural engineer regarding the design, supervision, and structural stability of the proposed development in order to ensure that no damage would be caused to adjoining properties
- An insurance policy and a letter of indemnity
Time and cost: 14 days, LKR 14,856
Request and receive on-site inspection by fire inspector of Fire Service Department of CMC
Agency: Fire Service Department of the CMC
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Request and receive final inspection by Area Inspector of the Planning Department of the Urban Development Authority (UDA)
Agency: Planning Division of the UDA
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Obtain certificate of conformity from the Urban Development Authority (UDA)
Agency: Urban Development Authority (UDA)
The application to obtain a certificate of conformity must be signed by the owner(s) and a qualified person. The certificate of conformity (COC) is issued only under the names of the owners. To obtain a certificate of conformity, an application must be submitted with the following documents:
- Water sanction
- Drainage certificate
- Approved building plan: the building plan should be strictly in compliance with the Building Regulations of the Urban Development Authority Act
- On-site inspection by a UDA Planning Department inspector to ensure that construction has been completed according to the approved plan
- On-site inspection by a fire inspector. The inspector’s report is then assessed by a technical staff assistant and by an Officer in Charge, Planning Officer or Building Engineer, and presented to the Planning Committee
- A certificate approving the mechanical ventilation system by private air-conditioning engineers (working for AC suppliers)
- Any other certificates mentioned in the building permit
It is a mandate to obtain a COC for the constructed building before occupying the new building. The requirements to fulfill in applying for Certificate of Conformity can be found through the on line Application System in the UDA Official web site.
Time and cost: 14 days, LKR 29,103
Apply for water connection from National Water Supply and Drainage Board
Agency: National Water Supply and Drainage Board
To obtain the water connection, BuildCo must submit an application to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, an assessment notice, the title deed and an ownership certificate. After that, BuildCo receives an on-site inspection, pays the water installation costs, and signs an agreement with the Board.
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Receive on-site inspection by inspector from National Water Supply and Drainage Board
Agency: National Water Supply and Drainage Board
Time and cost: 1 day, no charge
Obtain water connection
Agency: National Water Supply and Drainage Board
Time and cost: 32 days, LKR 31,000
