Bengaluru Housing Boost: No OC Required for Ground + 2 or Stilt + 3 Floor Homes

The Karnataka government has announced a major relief for homeowners and builders in Bengaluru. As per the new order, buildings constructed on plots measuring up to 1,200 sq. ft. will no longer need to obtain an Occupancy Certificate (OC). This exemption applies to structures with a ground floor plus two additional floors, or stilt plus three floors, within the jurisdiction of the Greater Bengaluru Authority.

Decision Finalised After Cabinet Discussions

The issue was initially raised during a Karnataka Cabinet meeting on July 3. It was later finalized at a high-level meeting chaired by Tushar Giri Nath, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Urban Development Department (UDD).

At the meeting, officials reviewed the challenges posed by OC applications, including lengthy checks and delays faced by homeowners. To simplify the process, the UDD recommended amendments to the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024, the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976, and the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj model building by-laws.

Why The Amendment Was Needed

According to the proposal, processing OC applications for small buildings placed an undue burden on civic officials, often causing delays and inconveniencing citizens. By exempting smaller plots from this requirement, the government aims to reduce red tape while easing the approval process for residents.

What The Exemption Covers

Plot size limit: Up to 1,200 sq. ft.

Permitted structure: Ground + 2 floors OR Stilt + 3 floors

Jurisdiction: Greater Bengaluru Authority

Larger residential and commercial buildings, however, will still require OCs to ensure compliance with safety and planning standards.