LUCKNOW: Challenges have arisen in the enforcement of the newly notified building bylaws in several cities. Key concerns raised by housing development authorities to the government include the parking requirements for hotels, the calculation of open space in layouts exceeding 300 square meters on a telescopic basis, and the potential for establishing hospitality and hotel facilities on agricultural land, among other issues.
Currently, the approval process for building plans submitted by property owners has stalled in some areas.
On July 3, the state government approved new building bylaws designed to be implemented by housing development authorities within regulated areas. This new set of regulations will replace 21 laws that have been in effect for the last 15 years, prompting three authorities to seek clarification from the housing department prior to enforcing the updated rules.
Complications have arisen particularly in Varanasi, Mathura, Ayodhya, Bareilly, Moradabad, and Rampur, as most roads within urban limits are narrower than nine meters.
A senior official from the department noted that the Varanasi Development Authority has requested clarity on permissible compoundable constructions.
“In Varanasi, numerous hotels, homestays, and guest houses have sprung up in residential areas, with some even excavating basements to accommodate the increasing tourist population. The current bylaws from the state are very restrictive and do not allow property owners the option to change residential buildings to commercial classifications,” the official stated.
The official further emphasized that achieving compliance and providing adequate accommodations for visitors will be challenging; therefore, allowing some degree of compounding in crowded and religious towns could enable local authorities to generate revenue.
Another critical issue pertains to parking requirements for hotels of various sizes, which also requires further discussion.
Additionally, authorities are debating whether to use the current road width or the proposed future width in the master plan when approving building applications.
