Naksapass Process in Nepal: A Complete Guide

Before starting any kind of building construction in Nepal, it’s mandatory to obtain the official design approval known as Naksapass. This process ensures your building construction meets the standards of the local authority's legal, engineering, and standards requirements.

Without a Naksapass, you can face hefty fines, lawsuits, disconnection of your utility services, and your building will be demolished 

In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Naksapass procedure in Nepal, from its importance, required documents, steps to follow, and common mistakes.

What is Naksapass?

Naksapass is the formal approval provided by your local municipality or rural municipal office that allows you to legally begin building on your land. “Naksa” refers to the building design layout, blueprint, while “Pass” indicates that the design was approved by the Government. It ensures your building design adheres to the land use, building code, as well as local zoning regulations..

Why is Naksapass Required in Nepal?

Obtaining a Naksapass isn’t just a formality; it’s a necessary step to ensure that your construction is legal, safe, and well-regulated.

Here are some of the important aspects of getting a Naksapass in Nepal:

• Legal compliance: It ensures legal compliance by verifying that your building plan adheres to the standards set by your local authority and avoids any unauthorized construction issues.

• Ensures building safety standards: It guarantees your building gets safely designed, that is, the earthquake-resistant designs in addition to efficient structural load-carrying, which are essential in a seismically active nation such as Nepal.

• Land use regulation: It enforces land use regulations by confirming that your building aligns with designated zones such as residential, commercial, or agricultural areas.

• Avoids future legal issues: It safeguards you against future legal issues like fines, lawsuits, or demolition orders for work done outside the laws or regulations.

• Required for accessing utility services: It is a condition of access to major utility services like electric power, potable supply of water, the internet, and sanitation.

• Tax registration and valuation: It allows your property to be legally registered for taxation and appraised for resale, mortgage, or transfer by inheritance.

What Documents are Required for Naksapass in Nepal?

Before submitting your application, it is important to collect and organize a complete set of legal, architectural, and identification documents to avoid delays or rejections. 

Here are some of the documents that are required for Naksapass in Nepal: 

• Land ownership certificate (Lalpurja): This land ownership certificate, also better known as the Lalpurja, is the legal document that names you the actual landowner of the lot on which you will be constructing the building.

• Citizenship certificate: You must provide a copy of your citizenship certificate to establish your identity and eligibility as a Nepali national to obtain the building permit.

• Blueprints and architectural designs: You must provide full blueprints and architectural drawings prepared by a registered engineer or architect for technical and safety compliance.

• Land tax clearance: You need a land tax clearance certificate to ensure you have no dues or current taxes against the land you are about to use for construction work.

• Engineering approval: You need an engineer approval certificate, including the signature and verification stamp of a certified engineer who is registered within a municipality or rural municipality and the Nepal Engineering Council.

• Other documents: Additional documents may be required according to the proposed building plan and as requested by the municipality for further validation. This may include environmental clearance, public notice, neighbor consent, or utility authority clearances. 

Step-by-Step Process to Get Naksapass in Nepal

The Naksapass process itself contains several key steps that need to be completed sequentially to avoid approval delays. 

Here is a step-by-step process to get a Naksapass in Nepal: 

Step 1: Hire a certified engineer or architect

First, you need to use a registered civil engineer or architect licensed by the Nepal Engineering Council. Only then are they responsible for the design of the construction plan of your building and verifying your drawing as conforming to the minimum technical requirements stipulated by your local city authority. 

By using a registered engineer, you are assured your design is as complete a structural design as code-compliant with the laws. Do not use freelancing or non-registered drafters, as their work will surely be rejected.

Step 2: Prepare the building design and blueprints

Now your engineer or architect prepares your architectural and structural drawings, which encompass the following: your front and side elevations, sites, foundations, as well as your architectural features such as stairs, fire escapes, etc., and your floor plans. 

Your designs, as well as your elevations, must conform to the requirements stipulated in the National Building Code of Nepal as well as local regulations provided by the rural municipality/local municipality. Your design must reflect the area regulations, building height, as well as setback, off the property lines. 

Step 3: Collect required documents

You must have all the legal documents and procedures prepared to submit to the municipality. They are your land ownership certificate (Lalpurja), your copy of citizenship, land tax clearance certificate, engineer-stamped blueprint, and any other required certificates or identification for the municipality. 

You must have a couple of copies ready, as well as a couple of the documents notarized wherever required. Failure to produce a single document will have your papers land in rejection or deferment.

Step 4: Submit the application to the municipal office

Go to your ward office or city office and file your application along with all the documents and blueprint files collected. These include your land ownership certificate (Lalpurja), your citizenship copy, the land tax clearance slip, blueprints signed by your engineer, and any additional certifications or identification as required by the municipality.

In major urban municipalities like Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Pokhara, the process is supported by the Electronic Building Permit System (EBPS). This online system allows you to submit documents digitally, track your application status, receive updates, and respond to queries, making the process more transparent and efficient.

Step 5: Notice to neighbours/ field verification

After your application and documents are submitted and preliminarily reviewed by the municipality, a public notice is issued by the ward office. This notice is displayed on-site, giving your immediate neighbors (and the public) a 15-day window to raise any objections regarding the proposed construction.

During this time:

• Neighbors may file complaints if the building design negatively impacts them, such as blocking access, sunlight, or violating boundaries.
• If no objections are raised within the stipulated period, the process continues.
• If complaints arise, your application will be paused until the dispute is resolved or clarified.

Step 6: Site inspection by municipal engineers

A team of municipal engineers and planners will visit your property to physically inspect the plot and ensure it matches the details provided in your application and blueprint. They are going to check the access road, boundaries of land, incline, zoning class, as well as the adjacent buildings, to check the consistency. 

Your application may get sent back to correct/clarify if an inconsistency is found or legal problems are noticed, while viewing. Showing transparency and co-operation while viewing can make the process quicker.

Step 7: Pay the required fees and receive approval Naksapass certificate

After your inspection gets cleared and documents get verified, you will need to make a payment of the respective Naksapass fees, which will vary depending on the municipality and the total square feet area of your building. Those fees normally range from NPR 10–25 per square foot for residential buildings and up to NPR 45 for commercial buildings, though, which might vary based on the land's location, use, and building size. 

After the payment, a series of permits and certificates will be issued during the construction phases:

1. Asthai Ijajat Praman Patra (Temporary Construction Permit – Substructure Only)

• This certificate allows you to begin construction up to the plinth level (foundation and ground floor base).
• It makes sure that the original build is per the transmitted design and proceeds with the superstructure. 

2. Sthai Ijajat Praman Patra (Permanent Construction Permit – Superstructure)

• You will be given this certificate after inspection and approval of the plinth-level of construction by municipal engineers.
• It will allow you to move on to the next work of the superstructure, i.e., constructing walls, columns, slabs, or roofing above the plinth.

3. Nirman Samapanna Praman Patra (Construction Completion Certificate)

• After the completion of the whole building according to the approved design, you should then call a final inspection.
• Upon assurance, the municipality then gives a completion certificate that your building is safe, legal, and ready to be used.

Also Read 👉: 7 Stages of Construction

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are many applicants who experience delays, penalties, or legal consequences due to avoidable mistakes in the Naksapass procedure.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid while submitting for Naksapass:

• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents: Sending partially filled-out documents/wrong documents automatically rejects your claim/puts approval on hold; you must check your documents three times.

• Using unlicensed designers or engineers: Using the services of non-registered designers or engineers can result in rejection of the design as well as the wastage of time.

• Ignoring local building bylaws: Not adhering to the local building regulations, such as setback, building height, and open space zoning, could have your design invalidated.

• Making changes to the design after submission: Unauthorized design variation after submission and without necessary re-approval may have legal consequences and revocation of approval.

• Starting construction without approval: Starting construction without the Naksapass certificate is considered illegal and can invoke punishment as well as demolition notices.

• Overlooking site inspection requirements: Omitting the mandatory site inspection process or failing to have your site ready for inspection will put the approval process on hold.

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Wrapping Up!

The Naksapass process in Nepal isn't just about paperwork; it's the legal foundation of any responsible building project. It assures your design complies with the structural, safety, as well as land use requirements and saves you hassles down the road with authorities or your neighbors.

Need expert help with your Naksapass application? Jadan Construction Group offers full consultation and architectural design services for hassle-free approvals. Contact us today to get started!

FAQs

How long does the Naksapass process take?

The process usually takes 20 - 30 days, depending on the municipality’s workload, completeness of your documents, and site inspection scheduling.

Are there different Naksapass requirements for rural and urban areas?

Yes, urban municipalities tend to have more detailed zoning regulations and safety standards compared to rural municipalities, but Naksapass is required in both regions.

Can Naksapass be transferred to another person?

No, Naksapass is issued in the name of the original landowner. If ownership changes, the new owner must reapply for the transferral of building permit documents.

What are the penalties for starting construction without a Naksapass?

Unauthorized construction can lead to legal penalties, stop-work orders, fines, demolition of structures, and denial of utilities such as electricity or water.