Aiming to make optimum use of costly and scarce land in view of rapid urbanisation, Punjab government on Friday announced a major shift in the building bylaws by allowing the construction of highrise buildings.
Local Government Minister Manoranjan Kalia said at present the height of commercial buildings, multiplexes and group housing projects was restricted in accordance with the road width.
“The previous bylaws did not allow commercial and multiplex structures higher than 70 feet. Henceforth, there will be no restriction on the height, subject to air safety regulations, traffic circulation and fire safety norms. This will also facilitate more open space around the buildings,” the minister said while addressing the media here.
In the case of residential buildings, the new bylaws would allow construction to a height of 50 feet, which was earlier restrict- ed to 38 feet and 6 inches.
The government also increased the floor-area ratio (FAR) for multiplexes from 1:1.5 to 1:1.75, which means builders can now increase the height and save more area around the structure for green space.
The parking norms for the covered area constructed under the categories of commercial, multiplex and cinema have also been relaxed. Now, covered area of every 120 square yards will need parking space for two cars.
Earlier, the same parking space was required for 80 square yards.
To encourage group housing projects, the government has reduced the minimum plot size required for this category from 3,500 square yards to 2,500 square yards. Moreover, there will be no restriction on the number of dwelling units per acre, against the current ceil- ing of 60 units.
To create more utility area in flats, the government has allowed balconies extending to 6 feet, instead of the 4 feet ear- lier. The construction coverage area has also been increased depending on the size of the plot.
Kalia said the government had also introduced a self-cetification scheme. Under this, a registered architect can clear the building plan on his own without having to get it approved from the municipal authorities.
The scheme would be appli- cable to residential plots being constructed on city improve- ment trust lands or areas falling under urban estate, industrial focal point and certain other categories, which would later get transferred to the munici- pal authority.
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