Are small houses (< 80 sq.m) exempt from permit fees in Kerala?

Yes, residential buildings under 80 sq.m (approximately 860 sq.ft) are exempt from the permit FEE. However, a small application fee (₹500-₹1,500) still applies, and you must still apply for a permit. The exemption is on the construction area-based fee, not the permit requirement itself.

What is the regularization penalty for unauthorized construction?

For Municipality and Corporation areas, the regularization fee is typically 3x the standard permit fee. For Panchayat areas under KPBR 2024, the calculation is more complex—it includes a base rate plus a percentage of the Land Fair Value, which varies by location. This makes simple multiplier estimates inaccurate for Panchayat regularization.

How long is a building permit valid in Kerala?

Building permits in Kerala are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. If you need more time: apply for Extension (10% of current fee) BEFORE expiry, or apply for Renewal (50% of current fee) AFTER expiry. Note: fees are calculated at current rates, not your original permit rates.

What is the difference between Panchayat, Municipality, and Corporation rates?

Corporation rates are highest (urban centers like Trivandrum, Kochi, Kozhikode), Municipality rates are moderate (towns), and Panchayat rates are lowest (rural areas). For residential: Panchayat ₹25/sq.m, Municipality ₹30/sq.m, Corporation ₹35/sq.m. Commercial and industrial rates are proportionally higher.

Kerala Building Permit Fee Calculator

Q: Are small houses (< 80 sq.m) exempt from permit fees in Kerala?

Yes, residential buildings under 80 sq.m (approximately 860 sq.ft) are exempt from the permit FEE. However, a small application fee (₹500-₹1,500) still applies, and you must still apply for a permit. The exemption is on the construction area-based fee, not the permit requirement itself.

Q: What is the regularization penalty for unauthorized construction?

For Municipality and Corporation areas, the regularization fee is typically 3x the standard permit fee. For Panchayat areas under KPBR 2024, the calculation is more complex—it includes a base rate plus a percentage of the Land Fair Value, which varies by location. This makes simple multiplier estimates inaccurate for Panchayat regularization.

Q: How long is a building permit valid in Kerala?

Building permits in Kerala are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. If you need more time: apply for Extension (10% of current fee) BEFORE expiry, or apply for Renewal (50% of current fee) AFTER expiry. Note: fees are calculated at current rates, not your original permit rates.

Q: What is the difference between Panchayat, Municipality, and Corporation rates?

Corporation rates are highest (urban centers like Trivandrum, Kochi, Kozhikode), Municipality rates are moderate (towns), and Panchayat rates are lowest (rural areas). For residential: Panchayat ₹25/sq.m, Municipality ₹30/sq.m, Corporation ₹35/sq.m. Commercial and industrial rates are proportionally higher.

LSGD 2026 Rates (Effective August 1, 2024)

⚠️ Liability Disclaimer: For Estimation Only (Click to Read)

This tool provides estimates based on general algorithms. It does NOT constitute professional engineering advice. Structures must be verified by a licensed engineer per IS Codes. By using this tool, you agree to indemnify K-First against any financial losses.

LSGD Building Permit Fee Rates (August 2024)

Effective: August 1, 2024 | Source: Kerala Local Self Government Department

Local Body	Type	Rate	Note
Panchayat	Residential	Free / ₹25 / ₹50 / ₹75/ Slab-based	0-80sqm: Free \| 81-150sqm: ₹25 \| 151-300sqm: ₹50 \| >300sqm: ₹75
Panchayat	Commercial	Free / ₹35 / ₹75 / ₹100/ Slab-based	0-80sqm: Free \| 81-150sqm: ₹35 \| 151-300sqm: ₹75 \| >300sqm: ₹100
Panchayat	Industrial	Free / ₹25 / ₹50 / ₹75/ Slab-based	0-80sqm: Free \| 81-150sqm: ₹25 \| 151-300sqm: ₹50 \| >300sqm: ₹75
Municipality	Residential	Free / ₹35 / ₹60 / ₹100/ Slab-based	0-80sqm: Free \| 81-150sqm: ₹35 \| 151-300sqm: ₹60 \| >300sqm: ₹100
Municipality	Commercial	Free / ₹45 / ₹75 / ₹125/ Slab-based	0-80sqm: Free \| 81-150sqm: ₹45 \| 151-300sqm: ₹75 \| >300sqm: ₹125
Municipality	Industrial	Free / ₹35 / ₹60 / ₹100/ Slab-based	0-80sqm: Free \| 81-150sqm: ₹35 \| 151-300sqm: ₹60 \| >300sqm: ₹100
Corporation	Residential	Free / ₹40 / ₹70 / ₹100/ Slab-based	0-80sqm: Free \| 81-150sqm: ₹40 \| 151-300sqm: ₹70 \| >300sqm: ₹100
Corporation	Commercial	Free / ₹50 / ₹85 / ₹150/ Slab-based	0-80sqm: Free \| 81-150sqm: ₹50 \| 151-300sqm: ₹85 \| >300sqm: ₹150
Corporation	Industrial	Free / ₹60 / ₹75 / ₹100/ Slab-based	0-80sqm: Free \| 81-150sqm: ₹60 \| 151-300sqm: ₹75 \| >300sqm: ₹100

Permit Fee Calculation Formulas

Standard Permit Fee (LSGD 2024 Bracket Method)

Total Area (sq.m) × Slab Rate

The 'Cliff Edge' System: 1) If Total Area ≤ 80 sq.m, Permit Fee is ₹0 (Free). 2) If Total Area > 80, the ENTIRE area is charged at the applicable slab rate (e.g. ₹25/sq.m). The exemption is a threshold, not a deduction.

Where: Exemption = ≤ 80 sq.m = ₹0, Chargeable = > 80 sq.m = Full Area × Rate

Regularization Fee (Municipality/Corporation)

Standard Fee × 3

Penalty for unauthorized construction. 3x the normal permit fee for completed structures.

Where: Standard Fee = Normal permit fee amount

Extension Fee (Before Expiry)

Current Permit Fee × 10%

Applied when requesting extension before the 5-year permit validity expires.

Where: Current Permit Fee = Fee calculated at current rates (not original permit rates)

Renewal Fee (After Expiry)

Current Permit Fee × 50%

Applied when permit has already expired. Significantly higher than extension fee.

Where: Current Permit Fee = Fee calculated at current rates

Worked Examples

Calculate Permit Fee for 1500 sq.ft House in Panchayat

New residential construction in a Panchayat area

Convert area to sq.m

1500 sq.ft ÷ 10.764 = 139.4 sq.m

Check Exemption (Cliff Edge)

139.4 > 80 sq.m, so NOT Exempt. Full area is chargeable.

Find Rate Slab

139.4 falls in '81-150 sq.m' Slab. Rate = ₹25/sq.m.

Calculate Permit Fee

139.4 sq.m × ₹25 = ₹3,485

Add Application Fee

139.4 is in 101-300 slab: ₹3,485 + ₹1,000 = ₹4,485

Result: ₹4,485

Calculate Fee for 800 sq.ft Shop in Municipality

Small commercial building in Municipality

Convert area to sq.m

800 sq.ft ÷ 10.764 = 74.3 sq.m

Check Exemption Limit

74.3 sq.m ≤ 80 sq.m. Base Permit Fee is ₹0.

Calculate Total

Permit Fee (₹0) + Application Fee (₹300) = ₹300

Result: ₹300

⚠️

The < 80 sq.m exemption applies to the PERMIT FEE only. You still need to apply for a permit and pay application fees.

📍

Panchayat regularization fees include Land Fair Value calculations. Online estimators may be inaccurate—consult your local Panchayat office.

📅

Rates shown are from LSGD August 2024 notification. Check for updates as rates may change annually.

Permit Extension vs. Renewal

Building permits in Kerala are valid for 5 years.

Extension: If applied before expiry, fee is 10% of current permit fee.
Renewal: If applied after expiry, fee jumps to 50% of current permit fee.

Note: Fees are calculated based on rates active at the time of payment, not your original permit date.

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