Karnataka’s Urban Development Department (UDD) has proposed exempting residential buildings constructed on plots measuring up to 1,200 square feet from the mandatory requirement of obtaining Occupancy Certificates (OCs).
While homebuyers are joyous over the announcement experts caution on regulated development. There are no two ways that the exemption could ease regulatory burdens on thousands of small property owners, especially in Bengaluru’s dense and unplanned neighbourhood, but urban planners feel the move may lead to unsafe, unregulated construction and further strain the city’s fragile infrastructure.
Occupancy Certificates are required to ensure a completed building adheres to approved plans, municipal by-laws, and safety norms. Without an OC, a property is technically unfit for occupation and is ineligible for utilities such as water and electricity from government agencies.
If approved, the exemption would offer relief to homeowners of plots under 1,200 sq ft, who struggle with compliance or whose builders failed to secure the necessary approvals. The move could also reduce red tape for first-time homebuyers or those constructing budget homes.
But, on the other hand under the new amendment, individuals will be allowed to construct on plots below 1,200 sq ft without an occupancy certificate, and the corporation will no longer be held accountable for any deviations. Although as per the Supreme Court’s directives, it is the responsibility of the city corporation to regulate and take action against development violations.
What experts debate is that instead of actually enforcing stricter zoning regulations and ensuring planned development, this move may be counterproductive and builders may exploit the exemption to erect structures without adhering to any formal approval norms.
The planning experts agree that this move will almost certainly lead to a rise in illegal constructions and knowing that no occupancy certificate will be required to validate, deviations from the approved plan will go unchecked. In the long run, it might impact the city's planning and safety of the occupants.
