MargadarshiniPermission to build a house, and the occupancy certificateతె
AP

Permission to build a house, and the occupancy certificate

Before you build, you get the right permission (in towns on the APDPMS portal, for most homes at once by self-certification), and after building, the occupancy certificate.

About this guidePending verification

Published on 12-11-2026. Not every fact has been checked against its official source yet: confirm at the office.

Where:OnlineAt the officeAt the village or ward secretariat

For whom: Anyone in Andhra Pradesh who wants to build a house or add a floor: in towns, in villages within a development authority's area, and in other gram panchayats.

1Your situation

We show only what your answers need.

Where will you build?
How big are the plot and the building?

Not confirmed: Self-certification is only for homes that are not high-rise. The July 2025 guidelines quote 18 m as high-rise; in December 2025 the rules changed that to 24 m. We take 24 m; if your building is between 18 and 24 m, ask your LTP.

In your village, which of these is the building?

Not confirmed: Self-certification is only for homes that are not high-rise. The July 2025 guidelines quote 18 m as high-rise; in December 2025 the rules changed that to 24 m. We take 24 m; if your building is between 18 and 24 m, ask your LTP.

Your answers stay on this phone.

2Documents you need

Tick the ones you have. They are kept in this browser.

  • Details

    Not confirmed: We did not read the full document list in the Building Rules. Your Licensed Technical Personnel (LTP) will tell you which papers your case needs.

    Sources: 1

  • Details

    Sources: 1, 2

  • Details

    If you don't have it: The format is "Annexure 9" of G.O.Ms.No.120 (2025); the LTP uploads it on the portal.

    Sources: 1

  • Details

    Sources: 1, 3

  • Details

    Sources: 2, 1

  • Details

    Sources: 4

    3Your steps

    · Do them in order. Tick each one when it is done.

    1. Do this now

      First check the site: no permission is given on a master plan road, a lake or water body, land set aside as a park or open space, government land on the prohibited list, assigned land without valid papers, or a site with a pending court case.

      Where
      You do this yourself

      Sources: 1

    2. Do this now

      A house of ground or ground + 1 floor on a plot of up to 60 sq yards (50 sq m) pays no permission fees or charges.

      You must still submit the application and drawing on the online portal and pay a token ₹1.

      Where
      APDPMS (the online building permission system)
      Fee
      ₹1 · A token ₹1 only.
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      The rule says only "online portal" without naming it; we take it to be APDPMS. Confirm at the municipal town planning section.

      Sources: 2

    3. Do this now

      This house needs no completion or occupancy certificate.

      But a plot bigger than 60 sq yards must not be split to use this exemption, and you must not build on government, prohibited or disputed land; action is taken if you do.

      Where
      You do this yourself

      Sources: 2

    4. Do this now

      Engage a Licensed Technical Personnel (LTP: an architect, engineer, supervisor or town planner registered with the municipality or the development authority).

      They prepare the plan and file the application on the portal.

      Where
      You do this yourself

      Sources: 1

    5. Do this now

      Engage a Licensed Technical Personnel (LTP: an architect, engineer, supervisor or town planner registered with the development authority).

      They prepare the plan and file the application on the portal.

      Where
      You do this yourself

      Sources: 1

    6. Do this now

      Where the rules require it, mortgage 10% of the built-up area (5% of the units in row-house or detached-house projects) to the municipality or development authority by a registered mortgage deed.

      The permission is released only after that.

      Where
      Sub-Registrar's office (Stamps and Registration Department)
      Not confirmed

      We did not read the part of the rules that says which buildings must give the mortgage. Ask your LTP whether yours does.

      Sources: 2, 1

    7. Do this now

      Where the rules require it, mortgage 10% of the built-up area (5% of the units in row-house or detached-house projects) to the development authority that gives the permission, by a registered mortgage deed.

      The permission is released only after that.

      Where
      Sub-Registrar's office (Stamps and Registration Department)
      Not confirmed

      We did not read the part of the rules that says which buildings must give the mortgage. Ask your LTP whether yours does.

      Sources: 2, 1

    8. Do this now

      Your LTP uploads the application, documents, plan and the signed Self Certification Proforma on the APDPMS portal.

      As soon as the fee the portal works out is paid, the permission order (proceedings) is issued at once.

      Where
      APDPMS (the online building permission system)
      Fee
      The fees and charges the portal works out from your municipality's or development authority's fee gazette. Where there is underground drainage, its connection charges are also paid when you apply.
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      We did not see a table of fee rates; pay the amount the portal shows.

      Sources: 1, 2, 7

    9. Do this now

      Your LTP uploads the application, documents, plan and the signed Self Certification Proforma on the APDPMS portal.

      The permission is given by the development authority (for example APCRDA, VMRDA or the area's UDA). As soon as the fee is paid, the permission order is issued at once.

      Where
      APDPMS (the online building permission system)
      Fee
      The fees the portal works out from the development authority's fee gazette.
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      We did not see a table of fee rates, nor any official word on the gram panchayat's part in this application; ask the Panchayat Secretary too.

      Sources: 1, 2, 7

    10. Do this now

      Your LTP files a regular building permission application on the APDPMS portal.

      For a building of 24 m or more, if the fire NOC is not given at the start, permission is first given only up to 24 m, and for the remaining floors after the NOC.

      Where
      APDPMS (the online building permission system)
      Fee
      The fees the portal works out from your municipality's fee gazette.
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      We found no official paper on how these applications are examined, the time limit for deciding them, or the fee rates. Ask your LTP or the municipal town planning section.

      Sources: 4, 3, 1

    11. Do this now

      Every detail you self-certify must be true.

      A permission got with false details is revoked, the building is treated as unauthorised, and action is taken against you and the LTP.

      Where
      You do this yourself

      Sources: 1

    12. Do this now

      Every detail you self-certify must be true.

      A permission got with false details is revoked, and the building is treated as unauthorised.

      Where
      You do this yourself

      Sources: 1

    13. Do this now

      From the day of the permission until the occupancy certificate (or completion, or the end of the permission's validity, whichever comes first), you pay only half the vacant land tax on the plot.

      Building without permission gets no such waiver.

      Where
      You do this yourself

      Sources: 5

    14. Do this now

      Tell your LTP as soon as the plinth beam is done.

      The LTP must upload the plinth-level inspection report, with photos, on the portal within 7 days.

      Where
      You do this yourself
      Time limit
      The LTP's report within 7 days of the plinth beam.

      Sources: 1

    15. Do this now

      Tell your LTP as soon as the plinth beam is done.

      The LTP must upload the plinth-level inspection report, with photos, on the portal within 7 days.

      Where
      You do this yourself
      Time limit
      The LTP's report within 7 days of the plinth beam.

      Sources: 1

    16. Do this now

      Build only as the approved plan says; that is the owner's duty.

      If the owner or the LTP changes during construction, inform through the portal within 7 days, and stop work until the new one registers.

      Where
      You do this yourself
      Time limit
      A change of owner or LTP: inform within 7 days.

      Sources: 1

    17. Do this now

      Build only as the approved plan says; that is the owner's duty.

      If the owner or the LTP changes during construction, inform through the portal within 7 days, and stop work until the new one registers.

      Where
      You do this yourself
      Time limit
      A change of owner or LTP: inform within 7 days.

      Sources: 1

    18. Do this now

      When the building is finished, apply on the APDPMS portal for the occupancy certificate (OC): upload the permit number, the completion plan as built, and photos of the building.

      If a fire safety certificate is needed, apply for it on the same portal at the same time.

      Where
      APDPMS (the online building permission system)
      Time limit
      If the Fire Services Department does not give its certificate within 21 days, the OC does not wait for it ("deemed").
      Open the official page

      Sources: 4

    19. Do this now

      When the building is finished, apply on the APDPMS portal for the occupancy certificate (OC): upload the permit number, the completion plan as built, and photos of the building.

      Where
      APDPMS (the online building permission system)
      Open the official page

      Sources: 4

    20. Do this now

      The portal compares your plan with the approved plan.

      If the deviations are within 10%, it works out a compounding fee, which you pay. If they are more than 10%, or the use, the number of floors or the height has changed, it rejects the application and gives the reasons.

      Where
      APDPMS (the online building permission system)
      Fee
      If there are deviations, the compounding fee the portal works out.
      Open the official page

      Sources: 4, 1

    21. Do this now

      If all is in order, the OC is issued on the portal without a prior inspection; download it.

      The officials then inspect the building; if they do not do so within 15 days, the OC stands approved.

      Where
      APDPMS (the online building permission system)
      Time limit
      The inspection after the OC: within 15 days, otherwise "deemed approved".
      Open the official page

      Sources: 4

    22. Do this now

      The portal compares your plan with the approved plan.

      If the deviations are within 10%, it works out a compounding fee, which you pay. If they are more than 10%, or the use, the number of floors or the height has changed, it rejects the application and gives the reasons.

      Where
      APDPMS (the online building permission system)
      Fee
      If there are deviations, the compounding fee the portal works out.
      Open the official page

      Sources: 4, 1

    23. Do this now

      If all is in order, the OC is issued on the portal without a prior inspection; download it.

      The officials then inspect the building; if they do not do so within 15 days, the OC stands approved.

      Where
      APDPMS (the online building permission system)
      Time limit
      The inspection after the OC: within 15 days, otherwise "deemed approved".
      Open the official page

      Sources: 4

    24. Do this now

      If you gave a mortgage, its release papers are made with the OC and sent online to the Sub-Registrar.

      Download the released deed from APDPMS; no separate application or visit to the Sub-Registrar is needed. If you take the OC in parts, the mortgage is released only when the whole building has its OC.

      Where
      APDPMS (the online building permission system)
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      This route is from an order of 16 October 2026; we do not know whether the link between the two portals is working yet. If the release does not come, ask the municipal town planning section.

      Sources: 4

    25. Do this now

      If you gave a mortgage, its release papers are made with the OC and sent online to the Sub-Registrar.

      Download the released deed from APDPMS; no separate application or visit to the Sub-Registrar is needed. If you take the OC in parts, the mortgage is released only when the whole building has its OC.

      Where
      APDPMS (the online building permission system)
      Open the official page
      Not confirmed

      This route is from an order of 16 October 2026; we do not know whether the link between the two portals is working yet. If the release does not come, ask the development authority's planning section.

      Sources: 4

    26. Do this now

      For permission to build in a gram panchayat, meet the Panchayat Secretary at the village secretariat.

      Ask where and how to apply (whether online), which papers, and what fee.

      Where
      Your village secretariat (now called the Swarna Gramam office): the Panchayat Secretary
      Not confirmed

      Building permission in gram panchayats comes under the "Andhra Pradesh Gram Panchayat Land Development (Layout and Building) Rules, 2002"; we did not read their text, or today's application route, fee or time limit. Bigger buildings may need a technical check by the Town and Country Planning department (DTCP). Ask the Panchayat Secretary.

      Sources: 6, 8, 9

    27. Do this now

      If your site is under 300 sq m, or the building is outside self-certification, meet the Panchayat Secretary at the village secretariat.

      Ask where and how to apply, which papers, and what fee.

      Where
      Your village secretariat (now called the Swarna Gramam office): the Panchayat Secretary
      Not confirmed

      For a site under 300 sq m in a village within a development authority's area, or a building outside self-certification, we could not confirm officially whether the panchayat or the development authority gives the permission. Ask the Panchayat Secretary or the authority's planning section.

      Sources: 1, 6, 8, 9

    If something goes wrong

    If it is rejectedIf an OC application is rejected, the portal gives the reasons.

    If an OC application is rejected, the portal gives the reasons. Correct the deviations, or get a revised plan under the rules, and apply again through your LTP. For portal problems, the APDPMS helpdesk: 9398733099 / 9398733100 (Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm), or an online ticket.

    APDPMS helpdesk · Open the official page

    Sources: 4, 1, 7

    If it is rejectedIf an OC application is rejected, the portal gives the reasons.

    If an OC application is rejected, the portal gives the reasons. Correct the deviations, or get a revised plan under the rules, and apply again through your LTP. For portal problems, the APDPMS helpdesk: 9398733099 / 9398733100 (Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm), or an online ticket.

    APDPMS helpdesk · Open the official page

    Sources: 4, 1, 7

    If it is lateIf the officials do not inspect within 15 days of the OC, the OC stands approved; if the Fire Services Department does not respond within 21 days, the OC does not wait for it.

    If the officials do not inspect within 15 days of the OC, the OC stands approved; if the Fire Services Department does not respond within 21 days, the OC does not wait for it. For any other delay, complain on PGRS (with your Aadhaar number; for an emergency, phone 1100); you can re-open it twice if you are not satisfied.

    PGRS (Public Grievance Redressal System) · Open the official page

    Sources: 4, 10

    If it is lateIf the officials do not inspect within 15 days of the OC, the OC stands approved; if the Fire Services Department does not respond within 21 days, the OC does not wait for it.

    If the officials do not inspect within 15 days of the OC, the OC stands approved; if the Fire Services Department does not respond within 21 days, the OC does not wait for it. For any other delay, complain on PGRS (with your Aadhaar number; for an emergency, phone 1100); you can re-open it twice if you are not satisfied.

    PGRS (Public Grievance Redressal System) · Open the official page

    Sources: 4, 10

    If it is lateFor a delay, complain on PGRS (with your Aadhaar number; for an emergency, phone 1100); you can re-open it twice if you are not satisfied.

    For a delay, complain on PGRS (with your Aadhaar number; for an emergency, phone 1100); you can re-open it twice if you are not satisfied.

    PGRS (Public Grievance Redressal System) · Open the official page

    Sources: 10

    If it is lateFor a delay, complain on PGRS (with your Aadhaar number; for an emergency, phone 1100); you can re-open it twice if you are not satisfied.

    For a delay, complain on PGRS (with your Aadhaar number; for an emergency, phone 1100); you can re-open it twice if you are not satisfied.

    PGRS (Public Grievance Redressal System) · Open the official page

    Sources: 10

    If it is lateFor a delay, complain on PGRS (with your Aadhaar number; for an emergency, phone 1100); you can re-open it twice if you are not satisfied.

    For a delay, complain on PGRS (with your Aadhaar number; for an emergency, phone 1100); you can re-open it twice if you are not satisfied.

    PGRS (Public Grievance Redressal System) · Open the official page

    Sources: 10

    If you are asked for more moneyPay only the fees and charges the portal works out; the LTP must see that they follow the fee gazette.

    Pay only the fees and charges the portal works out; the LTP must see that they follow the fee gazette. If anyone asks for a bribe, call the ACB toll-free on 1064, or write to complaints-acb@ap.gov.in.

    Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)

    Sources: 1, 11, 10

    If you are asked for more moneyPay only the fees and charges the portal works out; the LTP must see that they follow the fee gazette.

    Pay only the fees and charges the portal works out; the LTP must see that they follow the fee gazette. If anyone asks for a bribe, call the ACB toll-free on 1064, or write to complaints-acb@ap.gov.in.

    Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)

    Sources: 1, 11, 10

    If you are asked for more moneyIf anyone asks for a bribe, call the ACB toll-free on 1064, or write to complaints-acb@ap.gov.in.

    If anyone asks for a bribe, call the ACB toll-free on 1064, or write to complaints-acb@ap.gov.in.

    Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)

    Sources: 11, 10

    If you are asked for more moneyIf anyone asks for a bribe, call the ACB toll-free on 1064, or write to complaints-acb@ap.gov.in.

    If anyone asks for a bribe, call the ACB toll-free on 1064, or write to complaints-acb@ap.gov.in.

    Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)

    Sources: 11, 10

    If you are asked for more moneyIf anyone asks for a bribe, call the ACB toll-free on 1064, or write to complaints-acb@ap.gov.in.

    If anyone asks for a bribe, call the ACB toll-free on 1064, or write to complaints-acb@ap.gov.in.

    Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)

    Sources: 11, 10

    AlsoIf the LTP sees the building going against the approved plan, they inform the authority and stop supervising; the authority then serves a notice to stop work.

    If the LTP sees the building going against the approved plan, they inform the authority and stop supervising; the authority then serves a notice to stop work. Remove the violations and carry on as per the plan with an LTP, or get a revised plan.

    Municipal Commissioner / development authority (town planning)

    Sources: 1

    AlsoIf the LTP sees the building going against the approved plan, they inform the authority and stop supervising; the authority then serves a notice to stop work.

    If the LTP sees the building going against the approved plan, they inform the authority and stop supervising; the authority then serves a notice to stop work. Remove the violations and carry on as per the plan with an LTP, or get a revised plan.

    Development authority (town planning)

    Sources: 1

    AlsoA dispute over who owns the site or its boundary is a legal matter, and no permission is given on a site with a pending court case.

    A dispute over who owns the site or its boundary is a legal matter, and no permission is given on a site with a pending court case. For free legal help, go to the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) at your district court. Helpline: 15100.

    District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) · Open the official page

    Sources: 12, 1

    Official websites for this work

    All official websites →
    Find the office in your district →

    Related guides

    Report a mistake on this page
    The 12 official pages and papers this guide is written from
    1. G.O.Ms.No.120, 13.07.2025: Andhra Pradesh Building Rules, 2017 – Revised Guidelines for Self Certified Building Permissions under Self Certification Scheme (SCS) – 2025 (Chapter XIV of the Rules)Municipal Administration and Urban Development (M) Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh (A.P. Government Orders Issue Register), Annexure, rule 181: paragraphs 1.1–1.4, 2.2–2.6, 3, 4.1–4.7, 5.1–5.3, 6, 7.2–7.4, 9; Annexure 9 (Self Certification Proforma); Annexure 10 (plinth level inspection report) (13-07-2025) · read on 31-10-2026
    2. G.O.Ms.No.114, 26.06.2025: Andhra Pradesh Building Rules, 2017 – Amendments – Final NotificationMunicipal Administration and Urban Development (M) Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh (A.P. Government Orders Issue Register), Amendments I.1 (rule 3(17)(f): UGD connection), I.2 (rule 3(17)(g): plots up to 60 sq yards), I.3 (rule 3(20)(d): mortgage) (26-06-2025) · read on 31-10-2026
    3. G.O.Ms.No.273, 19.12.2025: Andhra Pradesh Building Rules, 2017 – Amendments – Final NotificationMunicipal Administration and Urban Development (M) Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh (A.P. Government Orders Issue Register), Amendments I.1 (rule 2(17)(h): high rise building, 24 m) and II.2 (rule 3(10)(d)(xx): fire clearance, high-rise permission up to 24 m before the Fire NOC) (19-12-2025) · read on 31-10-2026
    4. G.O.Ms.No.255, 16.10.2026: Building Permissions – Andhra Pradesh Development Permission Management System (APDPMS) – Simplification and streamlining the procedure for issue of Occupancy Certificate (OC) and release of mortgageMunicipal Administration and Urban Development (M) Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh (A.P. Government Orders Issue Register), Paragraphs 1 and 3: A (Type I) (i)–(xv), B (Type II), C (Type III, partial occupancy) (16-10-2026) · read on 31-10-2026
    5. G.O.Ms.No.86, 21.04.2026: Amendments to Levy and Assessment of Property Tax Rules, 2020 – NotificationMunicipal Administration and Urban Development (C2) Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh (A.P. Government Orders Issue Register), Amendment to rule 7(1): proviso on 50% waiver of Vacant Land Tax during the construction period (21-04-2026) · read on 31-10-2026
    6. G.O.Ms.No.26, 12.04.2018: The Andhra Pradesh Gram Panchayat Land Development (Layout and Building) Rules, 2002 – AmendmentPanchayat Raj and Rural Development (Pts.III) Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh (A.P. Government Orders Issue Register), Paragraphs 1–2 and the Notification (rules issued in G.O.Ms.No.67 of 26.02.2002 under section 268 of the A.P. Panchayat Raj Act, 1994; Director of Town and Country Planning) (12-04-2018) · read on 31-10-2026
    7. APDPMS (Andhra Pradesh Development Permission Management System) portalDepartment of Town and Country Planning / MA&UD Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Helpdesk panel: "CALL US NOW" numbers, "Contact Between (10:00 AM TO 6:00 PM Monday to Friday)", online ticket (helpdesk.apdpms.ap.gov.in); notice "Self Certification Process is enabled." (read in the portal's page code) · read on 31-10-2026
    8. Village Secretariat & Ward Secretariat System (GSWS): common job chartAnakapalli District Administration, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Common job chart: the office of the Gram Panchayat termed "Village Secretariat"; the Panchayat Secretary as its secretary/convener · read on 31-10-2026
    9. G.O.Ms.No.1, 09.02.2026: Prescribing roles and responsibilities of District Swarna Gramam & Swarna Wardu Officers and Mandal / Urban officersDepartment of Swarna Gramam and Swarna Wardu, Government of Andhra Pradesh (A.P. Government Orders Issue Register), Paragraph 2 (Village/Ward Secretariats renamed Swarna Gramam and Swarna Wardu Offices, Ordinance No. 2 of 2026) (09-02-2026) · read on 31-10-2026
    10. PGRS: FAQ'sPublic Grievance Redressal System (PGRS), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Who can register and how (1100); status with the Grievance No; re-opening a grievance twice; corruption and bribe grievances (ACB helpline) · read on 31-10-2026
    11. MeeSeva Official Portal, home pageElectronic Services Delivery (MeeSeva), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Notice "Asking Bribe? – Call ACB 1064 or send a mail to complaints-acb@ap.gov.in" · read on 31-10-2026
    12. APSLSA: home pageAndhra Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, "NALSA Helpline Number 15100"; free legal aid; District Legal Services Authorities · read on 31-10-2026