# Home Renovation Approvals and the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC)

> Most renovation work that alters the structure, layout or external appearance of a house requires written approval from the Local Authority. The Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC), meanwhile, is the document that confirms a building has been completed in accordance with the approved plans and is safe to occupy.

- Category: property
- Language: en
- Status: published
- Updated: 2026-08-08
- Canonical: https://negaraku.md/en/property/renovation-permits-and-ccc

---

You want to add a kitchen at the back of the house or build an upper floor — and suddenly a neighbour says "you have to apply to the council first". Is that true? For most renovation work, yes.

## When does a home renovation need Local Authority approval?

The basic rule is clear. Under **Section 70(1) of Act 133 (the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974)**, no one may erect a building without first obtaining written permission from the Local Authority (PBT). "Building" here includes additions and alterations that affect the structure.

Generally, work is divided into three categories:

| Type of work | Examples | Approval required |
|---|---|---|
| Additions / structural | Kitchen, bathroom, roof, car canopy, fence, front wall additions | Local Authority building plan approval |
| Minor works | Repainting, retiling, wiring, cabinets, solar panels (roof structure remains) | Minor works permit (area limits vary by Local Authority) |
| Exempt | Interior painting, wallpaper, changing a door/pipe, decorative lighting, small fish pond | None, if the structure is not affected |

Bear in mind: the definition of "minor works" and any area limit distinguishing minor works from work requiring full approval are set by each Local Authority's by-laws and can differ between councils. Check with your Local Authority for the exact figures before starting work.

For terraced houses, some Local Authorities provide a **Standard Plan (Pelan Setara)** — a standardised plan for kitchen, bathroom, roof or fence additions — so that owners can build directly without engaging a consultant. The condition is usually that the original wall may not be demolished or broken through. Availability of this scheme varies by Local Authority.

## What is the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC)?

The CCC is a document that confirms a building has been **completed in accordance with the approved plans** as well as Act 133 and the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (UBBL). It replaced the old Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (CFO) from **12 April 2007**, the effective date on which the system switched to *self-certification*.

The key difference: the CCC is **not** issued by the Local Authority. It is issued by the **Principal Submitting Person (PSP)** — the architect, professional engineer or registered building draughtsman who submitted the original plans. The PSP signs **Form F** (full CCC) or **Form F1** (staged CCC) only after 21 **Form G** certificates are completed. Some of the Form G certificates require confirmation from external agencies such as the fire department, water authority, sewerage and electricity supply.

The Local Authority's role is now one of check and balance: carrying out inspections during construction and able to withhold the CCC if there is any non-compliance.

## Why is the CCC important at key handover?

For buyers of a new home, the CCC is the official proof that the house is **fit for occupation**. Without the CCC, the building officially cannot yet be occupied, and utility connections can still be delayed. At key handover, ask the developer for a copy of the CCC (Form F/F1) and keep it — you will also need it later if you want to apply for a minor renovation permit for that house.

## What are the penalties for renovating without approval?

Building without approval is no small matter. According to MBPJ's guidance, the actions that may be imposed include a compound of up to **RM25,000** for deviating from the approved plans, and a compound of up to **RM50,000** for non-compliance, in addition to a stop-work order or a demolition order. Fees for unauthorised work may also be charged at up to 10 times the normal rate.

## What's next

- Check your Local Authority's website (e.g. MBPJ, DBKL, MBSA) for the list of works requiring approval and the application forms.
- For structural additions, engage an architect or engineer to submit the plans through the One Stop Centre (OSC).
- When buying a new home, confirm the CCC status (Form F/F1) before key handover.
- Keep a copy of the CCC — you will need it for future renovation applications.

## Sources

- Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) FAQ — https://jkt.kpkt.gov.my/about-lgd/faqs/certificate-of-completion-and-compliance-ccc-faq (Jabatan Kerajaan Tempatan (JKT), KPKT)
- Soalan Lazim Jabatan Kawalan Bangunan — https://www.mbpj.gov.my/en/node/1344 (Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ))
- Kelulusan Kerja — Panduan Pemilik Rumah — https://www.cidb.gov.my/jombinasempurna/panduan-kontraktor/kelulusan-kerja/ (Lembaga Pembangunan Industri Pembinaan (CIDB))
- Law & Realty: Understanding the New CCC — https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/conveyancing_practice/law_realty_understanding_the_new_ccc.html (Majlis Peguam Malaysia (Malaysian Bar))

---
Source of truth: https://github.com/negaraku-md/NegaraKu.md
License: CC BY-SA 4.0