SBCA is a regulatory and supervisory body whose prime function is to ensure that the approval of building plans and NOCs etc. are in conformation with the existing Building & Town Planning Regulations. The quality, soundness and implementation of approved design/specifications is the sole responsibility of the concerned professionals licensed by SBCA under Karachi Building & Town Planning Regulations 2002 (Amendment up to date). The function may be summarized as follow:

• To regulate Town Planning and Building Control in accordance with Master Plan and Environmental Control (Building & Town Planning) Regulations, given legal cover under SBCO 1979.
• Approval of all type of building plans under the jurisdiction of SBCA.
• Approval of Structural Designs of the buildings.
• Issuance of NOCs for sale and advertisement for Public Sale Projects to the Builders and Developers i.e fixation/approval of unit price, time period and specifications of construction and development.
• To resolve public complaints against builders and developers regarding public sale projects within the purview of approved plans and specifications.
• To take action against the builders for violation of approved building plans.
• To identify, declare and demolish dangerous buildings in different parts of the city.
• To take legal action against the builders and developers involved in unauthorized construction and violations of building plan/NOC.
• To issue licenses to professionals, builders and developers under Karachi Building & Town Planning Regulations 2002. (Amended up to date).