Preliminary Design Approval

The Preliminary Design Approval (PDA) is the first step in Eko Atlantic City’s two-stage planning approval process administered by Eko Atlantic City Management Limited (EACML). It serves as the formal assessment and authorization of a developer’s Concept Design, ensuring that all proposed developments align with the city’s urban design vision, planning principles, and regulatory requirements. The PDA validates that the proposed project conforms to the Lot Regulation Sheet, which stipulates key planning parameters such as plot coverage, setbacks, height restrictions, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), parking provisions, and land-use allocations specific to each plot. Through this stage, EACML ensures that a development is viable, contextually appropriate, and aesthetically compliant before any detailed design work proceeds.

Developers are required to submit a Concept Design Package (referenced in Appendix C of the PABR) that visually communicates the project’s architectural intent, functionality, and site layout. This submission must demonstrate compliance with zoning and planning parameters provided by South Energyx Nigeria Limited (SENL). The EACML technical team then reviews this submission for regulatory and aesthetic compliance, issuing comments or corrections as needed. Developers are allowed up to three design revisions within the initial application fee.

Compulsory Requirements

1. Deed of Assignment – Proof of legal ownership or development rights to the plot.
2. Certificate of Survey – Verified plot survey approved by EACML (refer to Chapter 8, Section 8.1).
3. Concept Design Drawings – Architectural concept plans, including site plan, floor plans, elevations, and 3D views, as specified in Chapter 6, Section 6.2 and Appendix JJ (Package A).
4. Concept Design Fire Requirement – Completed Appendix 1 form as per the Building Fire Standards (refer to Chapter 14).
5. Project Details Sheet – Summarizing gross and net floor areas, number of floors, FAR, setbacks, and parking calculations.
6. Rendered Images and Visuals – Computer-generated renderings and optionally 3D animation to illustrate design intent.
7. Receipt of Payment of Statutory Deposit– Proof of payment of the Planning Assessment Deposit.
8. Format of Submission – Two digital copies (PDF and DWG), in black and white, properly stamped and signed by Nigerian-registered consultants.
9. Compliance with Lot Regulation Sheet – Demonstrating conformity with plot-specific parameters such as setbacks, FAR, height limits, and land-use provisions.
10. Additional Studies (if applicable) – For special-use developments such as data centers, shopping malls, event centers, or places of worship, EACML may require supplementary documents such as Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA), Acoustic/Noise Study, or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).