LUCKNOW: The state government has announced a significant change regarding building permits. Residential plots measuring up to 1,076 square feet are now exempt from building permit fees.
This amendment to the building byelaws aims to relieve property owners and small shopkeepers from paying building permit and inspection fees for residential plots under 100 square meters (1,076 sqft) and commercial plots under 30 square meters (323 sqft).
On December 3, the housing department revised the UP urban planning and development fee regulations, instructing the 29 housing development authorities to implement the new rules for regulating construction activities.
Previously, property owners were required to pay Rs 5 per square meter as permit fees and Rs 20 per square meter for inspection fees to local authorities before starting construction. A senior official explained, “Deemed approval will now be granted for construction on these plots via our online platform, provided that the owners adhere to regulations.”
In addition to the permit fee changes, there have been updates to key definitions such as floor area ratio and layout plan, which play crucial roles in building design. Additionally, provisions for redeveloping existing buildings have been refined to support vertical growth in accordance with the new byelaws.
Notably, after a considerable duration, the definition of a building has been revised to better reflect current requirements. What was once defined simply as a structure for residential, industrial, or commercial use is now described as any structure built for any purpose, with no requirement for human habitation.
Furthermore, definitions for components such as foundations, plinths, roofs, floors, verandahs, balconies, tanks, and swimming pools have been clarified in the new rules. Moving forward, the department will consider built-up area rather than covered area during the approval process for plans and maps.
