Karnataka govt. exempts G+2 buildings on plots up to 1,200 sq. ft. from OC

The Karnataka government has issued an order exempting buildings constructed on plots measuring up to 1,200 sq. ft. (ground floor plus two upper floors, or stilt plus three floors) within the jurisdiction of the Greater Bengaluru Authority from the requirement of obtaining an Occupancy Certificate (OC).

The matter was first discussed in the Karnataka Cabinet on July 3 and was later finalised at a meeting chaired by Tushar Giri Nath, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Urban Development Department (UDD). In this meeting, the UDD decided to propose amendments to the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024, the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976, and the model building by-laws of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department.

The proposal sought exemption from OC for buildings consisting of a ground floor plus two additional floors, or a stilt plus three floors, constructed on plots of up to 1,200 sq. ft. It noted that processing OC applications after carrying out the necessary checks placed an undue burden on civic officials, leading to delays and causing inconvenience to citizens. To address this issue, the amendment was proposed.