DHA Multan Building Guide:
Complete Construction Reference 2026

DHA Multan Covered Area — All Residential Plot Sizes

The table below is the single authoritative reference for allowed covered area in DHA Multan, derived directly from Table 2 (Residential Building Standards) and the official fee schedule in the DHAM Construction & Development Regulations 2020. All figures are in square feet.

Table 1 — DHA Multan Residential Covered Area Reference (DHAM Byelaws 2020)

How DHA Multan Calculates Covered Area — The Exact Formulas

Understanding the formula protects you better than memorising numbers, because your plot may not match the standard area exactly. Here is the precise calculation chain:

Covered Area Definition (from the Byelaws)

The Byelaws define covered area as: "the sum of the gross horizontal areas of the floor/floors, including verandas, 25% of the area covered by pergolas, but excluding shades/projections not exceeding the maximum permissible limits." Stair towers, overhead water tanks, electrical plant rooms, parking, ramps, solar energy systems and open balconies over streets are exempt from FAR.

DHA Multan 1 Kanal Covered Area & Building Rules

The 1 Kanal plot is the most searched and most built category in DHA Multan. A kanal equals 4,500 sq ft (500 sq yards or 20 Marla). The Byelaws allow 65% ground floor coverage on this size.

Compulsory Open Space — 1 Kanal

Key 1 Kanal Permissions

• Swimming pool permitted (basement or 1st floor, with structural certification)
• Grey water collection tank mandatory
• One entry gate on title road (corner plots: additional gate up to 12 ft with special permission)
• Guard room maximum 65 sq ft in front COS
• Box stair tower maximum 225 sq ft, dogleg 180 sq ft, straight flight 150 sq ft, spiral 120 sq ft
• Mumty of 400 sq ft allowed under solar/cul-de-sac conditions

What is NOT Allowed on 1 Kanal

• Servant quarters in COS (must be part of main building)
• Duplex design of any kind
• Any commercial activity or office in residential building
• Car porch with terrace in COS
• Second entry gate without special permission

DHA Multan 2 Kanal Covered Area & Building Rules

A 2 Kanal plot is 9,000 sq ft (1,000 sq yards). DHA Multan allows 65% ground floor coverage on this size, giving a generous 5,850 sq ft footprint. This is the most popular choice for large family homes and private farmhouses within DHA.

Compulsory Open Space — 2 Kanal

Additional 2 Kanal Permissions

• Two entry gates allowed on title road with special permission
• Additional gate with car porch and independent guard room permitted (2 Kanal & above only)
• Swimming pool permitted (same conditions as 1 Kanal)
• Grey water collection tank mandatory
• Mumty of 400 sq ft allowed under solar/cul-de-sac conditions (fee schedule shows 600 sq ft including stair tower)

DHA Multan 4 Kanal Covered Area & Building Rules

A 4 Kanal plot is 18,000 sq ft (2,000 sq yards). DHA Multan allows only 55% GF coverage on this size — the largest plots have the lowest percentage because DHA mandates generous open landscaped areas on premium plots. Note: 4 Kanal is not listed in Byelaws Table 2; figures come from the fee schedule only.

DHA Multan 10 Marla Covered Area & Building Rules

10 Marla is the entry-level premium residential plot in DHA Multan. A 10 Marla plot is 2,250 sq ft (250 sq yards). The Byelaws allow 75% ground floor coverage.

Compulsory Open Space — 10 Marla

DHA Multan 8 Marla Covered Area & Building Rules

An 8 Marla plot is 1,800 sq ft (200 sq yards). The Byelaws allow 90% GF coverage — the same as 5 Marla — but COS rules are stricter, requiring a 3 ft setback on one side.

Compulsory Open Space — 8 Marla

DHA Multan 5 Marla Covered Area & Building Rules

A 5 Marla plot is 1,125 sq ft (125 sq yards). DHA allows the highest coverage percentage — 90% — because 10% COS would leave only 112 sq ft unusable. The 1st floor equals the GF (100% ratio), unlike all other plot sizes.

Compulsory Open Space — 5 Marla

Compulsory Open Space (COS) Rules — DHA Multan

COS is the minimum portion of a plot that must remain completely open to sky. No structure — not even a temporary one — is permitted in COS, with specific exceptions listed below.

What IS Permitted in COS

• Boundary walls and gate columns (in line with boundary wall)
• Steps leading to ground floor (no superstructure over them)
• Ramp and stairs to basement in rear and side COS (no roof over them, 3 ft clear space maintained)
• Car porch pergola (75% open) in side COS — transparent covering allowed
• Guard room in front COS (65 sq ft max for 10M–1K; 125 sq ft with toilet for above 1K)
• Underground water tank, septic tank, grey water tank
• Generator with architectural enclosure not exceeding boundary wall height
• Dog/bird cage, fountains, flower beds (max 2 ft raised, max half the COS width)
• Sunshades up to 2 ft projection at lintel level
• 3 ft wide balcony or bay window toward road (max 20 ft length)
• Open metallic stair in rear COS (for servant room/roof access)
• Swimming pool in front COS only where Byelaws permit and with 5 ft clearance

What is NEVER Permitted in COS

• Servant rooms, bathrooms or living spaces of any kind
• Car porch with solid terrace (pergola only)
• Spiral staircase in front COS
• Air raid shelters or basement excavation in front COS
• Sunshades exceeding 2 ft projection
• Guard/sentry post exceeding 65 sq ft (10M–1K) or 125 sq ft (above 1K)
• Any structure outside property line

Rear/Side COS Basement Light Wells

For plots with minimum 10 ft side COS, up to 50% of the COS width may be used for basement ventilation open-to-sky. A fibre glass shade (three sides open) may be constructed over the well to stop rain water. For plots with 5 ft minimum COS, a light well may be provided leaving at least 3 ft clear from the boundary wall.

DHA Multan Building Height Standards

All residential buildings must comply with the height standards in Table 4 of the DHAM Byelaws. Heights are measured from the crown of the front road (reference point).

Table 4 — Residential Building Height Standards (DHAM Byelaws 2020)

Minimum Room Dimensions (Table 3 — Byelaws)

Max stair riser: 7 inches. Min stair tread: 11 inches.

Mumty Rules in DHA Multan — 2nd Floor Allowance

The mumty is the only structure permitted above the 1st floor on a residential plot. It sits above the main staircase and is explicitly not a full storey. DHA Multan Byelaws restrict it strictly as an incentive under two conditions.

Condition 1 — Cul-de-Sac (Round/Dead-end) Plots

Only for plots in selected sectors falling on a cul-de-sac layout. The allowable mumty size under this condition is fixed at: room 14 ft × 16 ft with bathroom 8 ft × 10 ft (maximum).

Condition 2 — Solar / Renewable Energy (30% of Load)

If the owner provides at least 30% of their electrical load through alternate energy (typically solar panels), the following mumty areas apply:

Mumty Area by Plot Size — Solar Condition

What Can the Mumty Contain?

• Bedrooms with attached bathrooms
• Storage rooms
• Servant room with bathroom
• Barsati with maximum 6 ft projection from stair tower (3 sides open)

Mumty Restrictions

• No window on sides facing a neighbouring plot
• Internal clear height capped at 8 ft from top of 1st floor slab
• Must be adjacent to primary or secondary staircase
• Cannot be used as regular living quarters for servants (by undertaking signed at submission)
• Both conditions (cul-de-sac AND solar) cannot be claimed simultaneously

Solar Panel Installation Rules

Solar panels on rooftops are provisionally allowed. However, raised solar panel structures on top of the mumty or overhead water tank are not permitted. Panel details (layout, dimensions, heights) must be shown on the roof plan submitted with building drawings. Solar systems are excluded from the overall height calculation.

Basement Regulations in DHA Multan

A basement is permitted on all residential plot sizes up to the allowable footprint of the ground floor. The owner must submit an indemnity bond before plan approval.

Key Basement Rules

• Maximum footprint = GF allowed footprint
• Clear height minimum 8.5 ft, maximum 10.5 ft
• Front COS must be left untouched (no basement extension under front setback)
• Side and rear COS may be excavated down to plot line ensuring neighbor safety
• Ramp/stairs to basement in side and rear COS with 3 ft clear space maintained
• RCC retaining walls mandatory for all open/closed basements
• Basement walls adjacent to completed houses must be completed within 15 days of excavation
• Minimum 1 emergency exit for closed basements, vaults and cellars
• Kitchen, toilet and bathroom allowed in basement with mechanical disposal
• Parking in basement is allowed and exempt from FAR

Four Conduits Rule

The driveway ramp to the basement must have four independent conduits (minimum 6 inch diameter) for services: telephone, gas, water supply and cable/ICT. This must be shown on the submission drawing.

Stair Tower Areas — DHA Multan (Table 1 of Byelaws)

The stair tower is strictly restricted to the staircase periphery and cannot be used for any living purpose. Any remaining space within the allowable area beyond the stair requirements may be used for storage only — no rooms, servant quarters or bathrooms — except under the mumty incentive conditions.

Table 1 — Maximum Stair Tower Area by Plot Size

If the main spiral staircase (minimum 3.5 ft width) continues all the way to the roof, the stair tower area is governed by the box stairs dimension (larger allowance).

A powder room of maximum 24 sq ft may be constructed within the stair tower area. A storage cabinet of 3 ft max width is permitted adjacent to one side of the stair tower.

DHA Multan Building Plan Submission Process

Every member intending to build in DHA Multan must submit plans through a DHA-registered architect and structural engineer. Here is the complete step-by-step process:

1. 1
   Get latest site plan & demarcation — Apply to DHAM for the site plan showing plot dimensions, road width, gate location and North direction. Pay demarcation fee (PKR 10,000). Arrange four 4"×4" concrete pillars for demarcation markers.
2. 2
   Engage DHA-registered architect & structural engineer — Both must be on DHAM's approved panel. The architect signs an Architect Stability Certificate; the engineer signs a Structure Stability Certificate — both are mandatory submission documents.
3. 3
   Bearing capacity test — Arrange soil investigation through DHA Lab or a DHA-approved geotechnical laboratory. Submit report with structural drawings.
4. 4
   Prepare architectural drawings — Sheet size 30"×40", minimum scale 1/8"=1'–0". Must include: all floor plans, elevations, sections, site plan with COS marked, boundary wall and gate details, schedule of open/covered areas, covered area calculation block plan, SMPIC facade compliance, roof plan with all structures, solar panel layout (if claiming mumty).
5. 5
   Pay drawing scrutiny fee — Scale: PKR 25,000 (5M) to PKR 4,00,000 (2K). Fee paid before submission. Plus possession letter fee (PKR 5,000–20,000 by plot size).
6. 6
   Submit 1 tracing cloth + 7 ammonia prints + 1 CD (AutoCAD format) — DHAM scrutinises within 20 days. Non-conforming plans returned by mail or hand. Approved drawings issued with Approval Letter.
7. 7
   Submit structural and MEP drawings — After architectural approval. For B+G+1: one set on A3 sheet. For multi-storey: two sets with vetting by a DHA-approved proof engineer.
8. 8
   Sign general undertaking — On PKR 50 stamp paper, sworn before Oath Commissioner. Covers Byelaws compliance, boundary wall timeline, inspection obligations, no deviation without approval, and no occupation before sewerage connection.
9. 9
   Commence construction — Drawing valid for 1 year, extendable to 2 years. Construction must start within 3 years of possession. Building must be completed within 2 years of drawing approval.
10. 10
    Submit completion plan — Within 30 days of completion. 5 drawing sets + inspection sheet + all engineer certificates. DHAM inspects; if no violations, the Completion Board issues a Completion Certificate. Only then may the building be occupied or utilities connected.

Documents Required for Submission

• Architect Stability Certificate (original + photocopy)
• Structure Stability Certificate (original + photocopy)
• 1 tracing cloth + 7 ammonia prints + 1 AutoCAD CD
• Photocopy of owner's CNIC
• Original paid challan of drawing scrutiny fee
• Soil investigation report (hard copy + PDF)
• General undertaking on stamp paper
• Temporary lavatory undertaking on stamp paper
• Own water supply undertaking on stamp paper
• Staking of material undertaking on stamp paper
• Fire extinguisher undertaking

Construction Inspection Stages — DHA Multan

DHAM requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at each defined construction stage. The owner is responsible for calling DHAM for inspection at every stage — if an anomaly is discovered later, the member bears full responsibility.

Deviation / Changes During Construction

Any changes from the approved plan require a Deviation Plan submitted to and approved by DHAM before implementing the change. Construction other than the approved plan or approved deviation is unauthorized and liable to demolition. If structural changes are involved, a full revised building plan — not just a deviation plan — is mandatory.

DHA Multan Building Fees & Charges 2026

All fees are payable to DHA Multan and are separate from construction costs. They are subject to change — verify the current rates with DHAM Finance Directorate before submission.

Drawing Scrutiny Fees (Plan Submission)

Other Standard Fees

Additional mandatory fees

Amalgamation Charges

DHA Multan Violations & Construction Fines

DHAM carries out periodic, occasional and complaint-based inspections of both residential and commercial buildings. The owner and representative must accompany DHAM inspection teams. Violations result in written notice, stop-work orders, demolition and possible plot cancellation.

Demarcation Violations

Non-Completion Fines (beyond 3 years)

Other Construction Fines

DHA Karachi vs DHA Multan — Covered Area & Building Rules Compared

DHA Karachi (PDOHA) operates under separate regulations — the PDOHA Building Control & Town Planning Regulations 2020 — and uses square yards as its primary unit. Here is a direct comparison of the two authorities:

Covered Area Comparison — Equivalent Plot Sizes

Key Regulatory Differences

DHA Lahore & DHA Islamabad — Key Differences from DHA Multan

Each DHA chapter operates under its own Regulations. While the overall framework is similar — same plot sizes, B+G+1 for residential, compulsory open spaces — there are meaningful differences in percentages, mumty rules, and COS setbacks. This section highlights the most important differences for architects and investors comparing chapters. Dedicated guides for DHA Lahore and DHA Islamabad are available separately on Arz.re.

DHA Lahore — 1st Floor Coverage is Higher Than Multan

The biggest practical difference is how the 1st floor is calculated. DHA Lahore's Regulations (2026) calculate the 1st floor as a percentage of the ground floor area, but the percentages are more generous than Multan:

DHA Lahore also allows a maximum residential height of 39 ft (vs 35 ft in Multan) from the crown of road, and its mumty area allowances are larger: up to 300 sq ft for plots up to 1 Kanal and up to 10 Marla, and 175 sq ft for up to 10 Marla plots without the solar/cul-de-sac conditions that DHA Multan requires.

DHA Lahore — COS Setbacks Compared

DHA Islamabad / Rawalpindi — Key Differences

DHA Islamabad and Rawalpindi operate under joint Revised Byelaws 2022. Their covered area system uses square yards as the primary measure and the 1st floor coverage rules are structured differently:

DHA Islamabad Notable Differences

• Maximum residential height is 37 ft (vs 35 ft Multan, 39 ft Lahore)
• Mumty area is calculated as a percentage of plot area — for 1 Kanal (500 sq yds): 9% = 405 sq ft
• Mumty height from top of 1st floor slab: 11 ft max (vs 8 ft in Multan)
• Mumty width cannot exceed half the average width of the plot
• Mumty can be used for habitation without the solar/cul-de-sac conditions required in Multan
• Sub-division of 1,000 sq yd+ plots is allowed (not permitted in Multan)
• Rainwater harvesting tank is mandatory for 1 Kanal and above (1,200 gallons min)
• Solar panels on roof: lower edge max 5 ft, upper edge max 10 ft from rooftop
• Minimum construction area: 2,000 sq ft — drawings not approved below this

Quick Chapter Comparison at a Glance

* DHA Lahore Byelaws specify covered area by leaving compulsory open spaces rather than a single GF percentage — the effective coverage varies by plot dimensions. Full analysis in the dedicated DHA Lahore guide on Arz.re.

Frequently Asked Questions