Navigating Lift Installation Permission from MCD / SDMC – Complete Guide by ShuttleSky Lifts
Installing a lift in Delhi, particularly in DDA or group housing flats, is a life-changing decision for residents. It makes buildings accessible for elderly citizens, children, and individuals with mobility issues, while also increasing property value and convenience. But before beginning such a project, it is mandatory to secure official permission. In Delhi, this means obtaining a lift installation NOC from MCD or SDMC, or in some cases, from DDA.
Over the years, the responsibility of granting permission has shifted. Earlier, DDA managed approvals for lifts in DDA flats and group housing blocks. However, after several denotification orders, many areas now come under MCD or SDMC. This change means that in large parts of Delhi, residents approach the municipal corporation directly for permission, rather than the DDA. Where the area still falls under DDA, the application continues to be submitted there. Understanding whether your colony is under DDA jurisdiction or municipal control is therefore the very first step.
Why Permission / NOC Is Essential
Before diving into the procedural details, it is crucial to understand why you need lift installation permission or NOC:
DDA / Municipal / local bodies enforce strict regulations on altering buildings, especially in multi-storey complexes, to ensure structural safety, fire safety, electrical safety, and to avoid encroachments or violation of building norms.
Unauthorized installation can lead to legal notices, orders for removal, fines, or even reversal of the work.
A valid NOC / permit places responsibility in the right place, ensuring you meet all safety, structural, and statutory obligations.
When you sell or lease your unit, a properly permitted lift enhances property value and mitigates legal risk.
In Delhi, depending on whether a locality is denotified or under direct municipal control, the authority for issuing NOC / lift permission may shift between MCD, SDMC, and DDA. Understanding who to approach (and when) is half the battle.
Jurisdiction & Legal Framework in Delhi: DDA, MCD & SDMC
DDA’s Original Role
Delhi Development Authority (DDA) originally exercised control over buildings in DDA housing and group housing flats. Historically, any lift installation in DDA flats (or connecting bridges) required NOC from DDA, and approvals from other authorities (fire, electrical, etc.).
However, over time, due to changes in governance and “denotification” of certain areas, the direct control by DDA in certain zones has waned, with municipal bodies like MCD and SDMC assuming more regulatory authority.
MCD’s July 2022 Office Order
A critical change came through the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) Office Order dated July 7, 2022:
The order clarifies that for denotified areas, MCD will issue the lift NOC / permission directly, bypassing the need to approach DDA.
The order applies to both DDA-built flats and CGHS flats.
The NOC / permission thus granted carries a validity of 5 years, but can be revoked if any violations or deviations occur during construction.
Thus, if your area has been denotified, you may only need to deal with MCD (or relevant municipal authority), rather than going through DDA again.
DDA’s Remaining Role
In areas still under DDA jurisdiction (i.e., not denotified), DDA continues to issue NOCs for lift installations, with all the associated checks and procedures. The NOC is generally valid for 5 years.
Therefore, as an applicant, you must first confirm whether your housing block is in a denotified area (where MCD applies) or under active DDA control.
SDMC / South Delhi Municipal Corporation
In many cases, lift permission in South Delhi / SDMC zones (especially denotified areas falling under SDMC) will follow similar municipal procedures. You may have to approach SDMC for the local building permit / permission after or in parallel with MCD / DDA NOC.
Key Steps to Obtain Lift Installation Permission / NOC
Step 1: Verify Jurisdiction — DDA vs. MCD / SDMC
Check whether your area is denotified: If yes, you may deal directly with MCD / SDMC instead of DDA.
Confirm local municipal body: Are you in North / South / East / West Delhi under which MCD zone or under SDMC?
Consult local building or planning office to verify which body now handles lift NOC in your area.
Step 2: Obtain Consent from Flat Owners / Staircase Users
You must obtain written consent from the owners / legal representatives of at least 50% of the flats served by the staircase (block) where lift installation is proposed.
While consent from ground-floor owners is desirable, it is not mandatory under current policy.
These consents must specifically mention that they agree to share benefits / costs and accept the installation.
Step 3: Technical Feasibility & Structural Certification
Engage a registered structural engineer / architect to certify that:
A lift shaft can be constructed in a manner that does not compromise the existing structure’s integrity.
Location, size, clearances, load, vibration, and foundational capacity adhere to the National Building Code (NBC) and local building norms.
The engineer must provide a certificate on their letterhead confirming safety.
The lift manufacturing agency should also provide technical feasibility, locating the shaft, load calculations, safety clearances, etc.
Step 4: Prepare Detailed Plans & Drawings
Submit four sets of original architectural / structural drawings showing the building plan with lift well location, vertical section, machine room layout, connecting bridge (if any), electrical routing, etc.
The drawings must show that the lift shaft is independent and should not impose loads on the existing building.
If a connecting bridge / walkway is needed, include that in the drawings.
Step 5: Undertakings, Indemnity Bonds, Affidavits & Legal Declarations
You will typically need to submit:
Affidavit stating there is no unauthorized construction.
Indemnity bond indemnifying DDA / MCD / SDMC from any future claims.
Affidavit / legal document confirming shared responsibility for cost, safety, and compliance.
Undertaking to obtain NOCs from: Fire Department, Lift Inspector, Electricity Board, and local RWA.
Step 6: Processing Fee & Charges
Processing fee of ₹5,000 per lift is usually required.
Development charges may apply:
₹25,000 for A & B category colonies
₹15,000 for E, G & H categories
₹10,000 for others
Authorities generally issue the NOC within 45 days if documents are in order.
Step 7: Submission & Scrutiny by Authority
Submit the application with all documents, plans, undertakings, and fees to the relevant authority.
The authority scrutinizes documents, checks structural feasibility, and may ask for clarifications.
Step 8: Issuance of NOC / Permission
If everything is in order, the authority issues the No Objection Certificate / lift permission.
The NOC is valid for 5 years, and subject to revocation if guidelines are violated.
In denotified areas, you may also need to get modified drawings approved by MCD / SDMC.
Step 9: Execution, Inspection & Final Compliance
After NOC, actual construction and lift installation begin.
Authorities may inspect at key stages.
Final clearances from Fire Department, Lift Inspector, and Electricity Board are required before commissioning.
Key Considerations, Challenges & Best Practices
Structural Independence – Ensure the lift shaft is independent of the main building.
Unauthorized Constructions – Remove illegal floors or extensions to avoid rejection.
Consent Issues – Secure cooperation from residents early to prevent disputes.
Technical Gaps – Use professional architects and certified engineers.
Follow-ups – Actively track your application to avoid delays.
Why Trust ShuttleSky Lifts for Permission & Installation?
Regulatory Expertise – We know the DDA, MCD, and SDMC frameworks inside out.
Comprehensive Documentation – Consent forms, affidavits, indemnities, feasibility reports — all prepared correctly.
Structural & Technical Support – Shafts and bridges designed to meet codes.
Liaison & Follow-up – We interact with officials, track applications, and resolve queries.
Turnkey Execution – From permissions to installation and long-term AMC support.
Estimated Workflow Timeline
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Pre-application planning | 1–2 weeks |
| Design & drawing preparation | 1 week |
| Document preparation | 3–5 days |
| Submission & scrutiny | Up to 45 days |
| Construction & installation | 3–6 weeks |
| Final inspections & approvals | 1 week |
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who issues lift NOC for DDA flats in denotified areas?
A: MCD issues the lift NOC in denotified areas.
Q2. How long is the NOC valid?
A: Usually 5 years, revocable if guidelines are violated.
Q3. What consent is required from residents?
A: Consent from at least 50% of flats served by the staircase.
Q4. What are the fees?
A: ₹5,000 processing fee + development charges between ₹10,000–₹25,000.
Q5. Can the lift shaft transfer load to the existing building?
A: No, it must be structurally independent.
Contact ShuttleSky Lifts
ShuttleSky Lifts is your end-to-end partner for lift permissions and installations.
We are available 24/7 by e-mail or phone. You can also use our quick contact form to ask about our services and projects, or visit us:
Address: LGF, E-6, Greater Kailash Enclave 1, Delhi-48
Email: info@shuttlesky.in
Phone: +91 90909 00215
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