You’ve planned your budget and have a vision for your dream renovation. But before you can start hacking walls, there’s a critical, often overlooked step: getting official approval from your local council, or Majlis Perbandaran. For many homeowners in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, navigating the permit process with authorities like MBSA (Shah Alam), MBPJ (Petaling Jaya), or DBKL (Kuala Lumpur) can seem intimidating.
This guide is here to demystify the process. At iDFAC Engineering Solutions, we manage these approvals as a core part of our integrated service. We understand that a permit is not just red tape—it’s a crucial step to ensure your renovation is safe, legal, and won’t cause problems down the line. Here’s your step-by-step guide to the paperwork path.
This is the first and most important question. The answer depends on the scope of your work.
You WILL likely need a permit for:
Structural Changes: Any work that involves hacking or removing load-bearing walls, extending your kitchen or any part of the house, or adding another floor.
Facade Modifications: Changing the look of your home’s exterior, including altering the roofline or changing the size of windows and doors.
Sanitary Ware Modification: Making significant changes to your plumbing and sewerage system.
You will likely NOT need a permit for:
Minor Cosmetic Work: This includes painting, installing built-in cabinets, replacing flooring with similar materials, and installing plaster ceilings.
Minor M&E Work: Simple wiring work for lighting or replacing an air-conditioning unit in the same spot typically does not require a permit.
When in doubt, it is always best to check with your local council or a professional contractor. Renovating without a required permit can lead to hefty fines or even demolition orders.
The permit application process is standardized across most local councils in Selangor and KL.
Step 1: Appoint a Professional You cannot submit renovation plans yourself. You must hire a registered professional—typically an architect or a certified draughtsman—to prepare and submit the plans on your behalf. This professional is known as the Principal Submitting Person (PSP).
Step 2: Prepare the Submission Documents: Your appointed professional will prepare a complete set of documents for submission. This typically includes :
Completed application forms from the local council.
Official renovation drawings (architectural and sometimes structural).
A copy of your land title (Geran).
A copy of your latest assessment tax (Cukai Taksiran) receipt.
Your NRIC copy.
Step 3: Submit via the OSC Online Portal: Most major councils, including MBSA, MBPJ, and DBKL, now use the OSC (One Stop Centre) 3.0 Plus online system for submissions. Your architect will handle this digital submission.
Step 4: Await Approval: Once submitted, the plans are reviewed by the council’s various departments. Be prepared to wait. The typical approval timeline for a standard renovation is 8 to 12 weeks. This timeframe must be factored into your overall project schedule.
The permit process can be complex, but with an experienced partner, it can be a smooth and seamless part of your renovation journey. At iDFAC, our team is well-versed in the specific requirements of local councils across the Klang Valley, ensuring your project starts on the right legal footing.
Planning a renovation and need help with the approvals? Contact iDFAC today for a consultation.
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We provide comprehensive M&E services in Kuala Lumpur, from complete system design and electrical wiring to critical troubleshooting for commercial facilities.
An integrated contractor like iDFAC manages all key services—building, civil, M&E, solar, and interiors—with our own in-house teams. This provides you with one point of contact, eliminating the risks, delays, and communication gaps common when juggling multiple companies. It’s a turnkey construction service designed for efficiency and peace of mind.
Absolutely. iDFAC Engineering Solutions is a registered company and holds a Grade G3 license from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) for Building (B04), Civil Engineering (CE21), and Mechanical & Electrical (ME) works. This ensures our operations meet strict national standards for quality and safety.
Our primary operational areas are Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (KL), including key locations like Shah Alam, Klang Valley, Putrajaya, and Ampang. We have also completed projects across Peninsular Malaysia, including in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Perak.
Our clients have seen their monthly TNB bills reduced by as much as 75%. For instance, a 9 kWp system we installed in Bukit Jalil took a client's bill from RM600 down to just RM150 per month. We provide a detailed ROI calculation as part of our free solar consultation.
The process generally involves design and planning, submission for local council (PBT) approval, financing, construction, and obtaining the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC). Our integrated service is designed to guide you through every step, making the journey clear and manageable.
