In a major policy shift aimed at easing the housing process for property owners and small developers, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has announced that buildings constructed on plots measuring up to 1,200 square feet will no longer require an Occupancy Certificate (OC), provided they meet specific construction criteria. This exemption applies to structures that are either Ground + 2 floors or Stilt + 3 floors.
The move is expected to benefit thousands of homeowners, particularly in densely populated residential areas where small plots are common. An OC is typically issued by the municipal authority to certify that a building has been constructed in compliance with approved plans and is fit for occupancy. However, the process of obtaining an OC has often been time-consuming and riddled with bureaucratic delays.
With this new exemption, residents can now move into their homes immediately after construction, bypassing what was previously a critical but cumbersome step. Builders and independent property owners have long argued that the OC process, especially for small-scale projects, was unnecessary and obstructive. The BBMP’s latest decision is seen as a response to such concerns and aims to reduce red tape in the city’s real estate sector.
One of the most immediate advantages of this policy is the potential for faster utility connections. In the past, power utilities like BESCOM have required an OC before issuing electricity connections, leading to major delays. Earlier this year, nearly 50,000 applications for power supply were reportedly stuck due to the non-availability of OCs. By removing this requirement for smaller buildings, such backlogs could be significantly reduced.
However, authorities have made it clear that the waiver of the OC requirement does not mean a relaxation of safety or planning norms. Buildings must still comply with approved building plans, zoning regulations, and structural safety standards. Any deviation or violation of these norms can still invite enforcement action from the BBMP or other concerned agencies.
This policy change is expected to ease the burden on homeowners and promote smoother housing development, especially in areas with limited space. It reflects a broader trend toward simplifying procedures and making housing more accessible in rapidly growing urban centers like Bengaluru.
Also read, Excessive Deposits and Deductions Drive Bengaluru Tenants to Buy Property
