LAYOUT PLAN
Blessed new week to everyone.
This week, I have decided to focus my write up on a very important document in real estate known as the layout plan.
Put simply, it's a map or drawing of a construction site showing the position of roads, buildings or other constructions.However, a more concise definition of a layout plan is
A layout plan is a graphic representation of the arrangement of buildings, parking, drives, landscaping and any other structure that's part of a development project.
A layout plan is often prepared by a design consultant who must either be a licensed engineer, architect or land surveyor.
It should be noted that different areas have their different regulations concerning the drawing of a layout plan.
In Lagos state for instance, one of the land regulations is that owners of plots from 10,000square metres (1 hectare) and above when applying for a Certificate of occupancy or Governor's consent must first of all prepare a layout for the land and get it approved by the government.
The reason according to the government is to ensure that developments of such large plots of land are properly coordinated & conform to the state's town planning regulations/standards in terms of plot delineation, provision & reservation of roads, drainages and necessary setbacks.
What a layout plan shows;
*Outline of existing & proposed buildings & structures
*Property lines
*Distance between buildings
*Distance between buildings & property lines (setbacks)
*Parking lots, indicating parking spaces
*Driveways
*Surrounding streets
*Landscaped areas
*Easements
*Utilities
Approval for a layout plan in Lagos state are gotten at the Ministry of physical planning & urban development, Alausa secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos.
It's also pertinent to note that developers of large residential/commercial estate schemes are not meant to commence development on the scheme before seeking & obtaining the Governor's prior approval of the scheme.
This is what is referred to as "Government approved layout plan"
The above paragraph is of utmost importance, because what it means is even if an estate company has an excellent land title like a certificate of occupancy or governor's consent, the company isn't allowed to commence development on the estate until their layout plan is approved by the government.
In the concluding part of this article, I will be discussing the documents required before a layout plan can be approved by the government.
DR. B.A. OYENEYIN
M.B.CH.B., A.C.S., A.C.S.I.(UK)
Medical doctor, Associate Chartered Stockbroker, Certified Financial & Investment analyst and Real estate consultant.
