Express Lane to Building Dreams: Accelerating Commencement Certificate Acquisition in 24 Hours or Less

Investing in an under-construction project can be a great way to save money, as the cost of purchasing a flat during this stage is usually lower than after the completion of the project. However, there are some risks involved, which can be minimised by partnering with a reputable and trustworthy developer and ensuring that all necessary documents required for construction are in order.

If you are planning to buy a home that is currently under construction, it is crucial to check the commencement certificate. This document verifies that the developer or builder has obtained the necessary approvals from the local municipal corporation to begin construction work. It is worth noting that many urban municipal corporations now issue commencement certificates much faster than before. If you are a builder or developer, it is important to keep this in mind. Here is how to get the commencement certificate in one day.

What is a commencement certificate?

The commencement certificate, also known as the Building or Construction Commencement Certificate, is an official document issued by the local municipal corporation. This document confirms that the developer has acquired all the necessary clearances and permissions required to commence building the project. Additionally, the certificate grants approval to the builder to initiate construction work in compliance with the approved plans. The commencement certificate usually specifies details such as the location of the project, the builder or the developer authorised to undertake construction work, and the validity period of the certificate.

Why is this certificate important?

• The commencement certificate is a crucial document that serves as proof that a builder has obtained all the necessary approvals for the construction of a project.
• Without obtaining this certificate, any construction activity on a commercial or residential project is considered illegal.
• The certificate verifies that the developer's plans comply with the National Building Code of India, designed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
• It is mandatory to furnish the commencement certificate for obtaining the completion certificate and for utility connections such as water, drainage, and electricity.
• Additionally, if you are a homebuyer applying for a home loan for an under-construction property, you will need to provide the commencement certificate to obtain financing.

Fast track system for obtaining a commencement certificate

Typically, most municipal corporations or development authorities take about 60 days from the time of application to issue the commencement certificate. Since 2014, however, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) introduced a Fast Tract System that will enable the developer to obtain the commencement certificate very quickly, thereby reducing the wait time to begin construction work.

Before we go on to see how to get the commencement certificate in one day, let us take a look at the Automatic Development Control Rules (Auto DCR) approval system and the eligibility for fast-track approvals.

Eligibility for obtaining commencement certificate within 24 hours

To get the commencement certificate within a day, these eligibility criteria must be met.

For properties with a plot of up to 2000 square metres or 21527.8 square feet, the construction commencement certificate can be issued quickly for up to 1.0 Floor Area Ratio (FAR). The FAR is the ratio between the building area and the usable area. In other words, for a building area of 2000 square metres, approval can be provided for the entire construction. If there is legal access to the property, the construction certificate can approve up to 75% of the construction, even if the building layout has yet to receive approval.

If the project falls under R7 of the Development Control Regulations or requires special permits and approvals, it cannot be considered for the fast-track commencement certificate system.

How to get the commencement certificate in one day

To apply for a commencement certificate, it is necessary first to obtain approval of the building plan. The land title and registration documents must also be submitted along with an NOC from the local corporation. The application should include three copies of the approved plan and all other relevant documents. The developer will now need to pay a fee, which includes a scrutiny cost. Now, a site inspection will be conducted by an inspector from the Pune Municipal Corporation. If the inspection is cleared, the commencement certificate is issued.

The commencement certificate is a crucial document for both the developer and the homeowner. The new 24-hour system streamlines construction and hastens property handover.