buildingcell department

Coochbehar Municipality – Building Cell

Building Cell

The Building Cell examines building plans, grants construction permissions, and monitors compliance with municipal building rules so that development inside the municipal area remains safe, planned and lawful.

What the Building Cell Handles

The cell processes applications for new buildings, additions and alterations, checks drawings against building rules and zoning regulations, inspects construction at site, and takes action against unauthorised or unsafe structures. It works closely with planning, fire safety and other concerned agencies wherever required.

Important Building Rules & Guidelines (Indicative)

► All new constructions, vertical extensions and major alterations within municipal limits require prior building plan approval from the municipality.

► Plans must be prepared and signed by a licensed architect / engineer along with structural stability certificate, wherever applicable.

► Setbacks (front, side and rear open spaces) have to follow municipal building rules; construction is generally not allowed on mandatory open spaces.

► Maximum building height, number of floors and coverage depend on plot size, road width and land use category of the plot as per the applicable rules.

► No construction is permitted on roads, drains, public land, waterbodies or land reserved for parks, playgrounds or civic utilities.

► Basements, stilt floors and parking areas have to be used only for the approved purpose; conversion of required parking into rooms or shops is not permitted.

► Staircases, common passages and exits must be kept free from obstruction to ensure emergency movement and fire safety.

► Rainwater, sewage and waste from the building must be connected to approved drainage / sewer lines or on-site systems as per municipal guidelines.

► Boundary walls, gates and ramps should not block public footpaths, road space or access to neighbouring properties.

► Any change of use (for example, residential to commercial) requires permission where such change is allowed under land use and building rules.

► Temporary sheds, hoardings and rooftop structures also need to follow safety norms and may require municipal permission depending on size and purpose.

► Construction must follow approved drawings; major deviations in height, coverage, built-up area or use may attract penalty, demolition or regularisation as per rules.

► During construction, material, scaffolding or debris should not create danger or long-term obstruction on public roads and drains.

► Citizens are advised to verify ownership documents, land use and road width before investing in major construction or purchase of property.

► The municipality may issue notices and take action against illegal, unsafe or encroaching structures in the interest of public safety and proper town planning.

The above points are only a simplified summary. For exact legal provisions, citizens should refer to the applicable building rules / bye-laws and sanctioned plan documents.

Officers – Building Cell

Officer Name	Designation	Role / Section	Contact Number
Shri A. B. Example	Municipal Engineer (Building)	Head of Building Cell	0XXX-XXXX01
Smt. C. D. Example	Assistant Engineer	Scrutiny of building plans & estimates	0XXX-XXXX02
Shri E. F. Example	Sub-Assistant Engineer	Site inspections & measurements	0XXX-XXXX03
Shri G. H. Example	Building Inspector	Field-level enforcement & notices	0XXX-XXXX04
Building Helpdesk	Support / Enquiry	Citizen queries on plan sanction	0XXX-XXXX05