The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is the regulatory body for Islamabad, alongside Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICT). The CDA specifically overseas planning, development, construction, and administration of the city, working under the ICT.
The capital is divided into eight zones which include; Administrative Zone, Commercial District, Educational Sector, Industrial Sector, Diplomatic Enclave, Residential Areas, Rural Areas, and Green Area. These are more generic zones, each detailing a specific purpose, however, primarily there are four zones, (Zone I, II, III, and V) where most of the construction is taking place. What has attracted a lot of attention by developers and buyers is Zone III primarily because of its scenic beauty and the serenity it offers, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you are looking to buy in Zone III, here are the CDA bylaws you should know about before going ahead.
Zone II’s construction bylaws are also worth going over due to the zone’s popularity.
Zone III consists of Margalla Hills, Margalla Hills National Park, and Rawal Lake as specified under section 21 of the Islamabad Wild Life Ordinance 1979. In addition to this, all unacquired land falling between the Margalla Hills and north of Murree Road will be a part of this zone. According to CDA Zoning Regulations of 1992, the following construction prohibitions have been levied:
- 1. In this zone, no change in land use is permissible except preservation, afforestation and recreation, because this is supposed to be covered area.
2. No sale/purchase of land, which entails change in some of the existing rural settlements, is allowed.
3. The existing rural settlements aren’t allowed to expand.
4. No residential scheme can be floated in this zone.
For the unacquired land, the following provisions have been highlighted:
1. Land currently in use for agriculture shall be remitted for this purpose to retain the existing agricultural character of the area.
2. No agro industry, livestock, and poultry farming scheme can be allowed to operate in this zone.
3. Schemes of orchards/vegetable farms by private developers can be permissible, only if these are under 20 kanals and a No Objection Certificate has been given by the Authority.
i)For such an orchard/vegetable farm on not more than 20 kanals, a farmhouse having a total covered area not
exceeding 2,250 ft2 will be allowed.ii) Schemes of cluster housing and community farming, one under which houses and farms cluster under one
unified scheme would also be permitted if the house covers a maximum of 2,250 ft2 of the total
farmland.a)The area of such a cluster scheme cannot be less than 50 acres.
b)The overall layout and development specifications have to be approved by the CDA, prior to
construction, and a completion certificate also has to be sought from the same.4. The farmhouse or any other construction within the farm should be located at a minimum distance of 100 feet from the edge of Right of Way* of the road/street.
5. All the buildings to be constructed in this zone would have to follow Islamabad Building Regulation, 1963; and the Islamabad Residential Sectors Zoning Regulation, 1985.
6. All of the aforementioned provisions are subject to payment of Scrutiny Fee/ service charges on account of appraisal of the proposals as determined and levied by CDA from time to time.
7. No private scheme is permissible to be constructed here. However, the repair of old houses and expansion of existing houses can be done, subject to CDA approval. The approval will be given under the following conditions:
i)Allowed for native residents if the site is located within the main body of the village as defined in the revenue record.ii) The covered area of such construction doesn’t exceed 1,000 ft2.
iii) The CDA can acquire the property whenever needed.
iv) All of these requests have to come through the concerned Union Council.
8. Construction and expansion of settlements cannot be undertaken in areas close to water bodies, lakes, and reservoirs – the extent of which can be determined after proper hydrological surveys.
These are the regulations which have to be followed for building and construction in Islamabad’s Zone III. If you’re planning on venturing in the beautiful Margalla Hills, keep these provisions in mind.
*Right of Way; An area to be left open for pedestrians and vehicles to move freely around the building.
If you have any questions or feedback, please comment below.
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I have heard the supreme court has formed a commission to regularize the zone 3 housing within six months. What is expected from this regularization ?