Mandatory OC Proposed for Buildings on Plots Over 1200 Sq. Ft

Quick Summary

• The Karnataka government plans to introduce amendments to state laws following confusion from the Supreme court’s order in December 2024 mandating occupancy certificates (OC) for utility connection approvals.
• New rules propose requiring OCs only for buildings constructed on plots larger than 1200 sq. ft (30×40 ft) across the state,exempting smaller structures.
• Currently, more than 1 lakh applications for power connections are pending in Bengaluru due to lack of OCs.
• No clear legal exemptions currently exist under state municipal acts; practical exemptions have only been applied on-site by urban authorities.
• The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Panchayat Raj Department have recommended exemption rules for smaller plots of up to 1200 sq. ft with specific building configurations (e.g., ground +2 floors).
• Section 241(7) of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024 allows notification of categories exempted from obtaining OCs, influencing proposed amendments.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The move by Karnataka’s government to bring clarity on occupancy certificate requirements reflects a pragmatic approach amidst increasing administrative delays caused by stringent legal mandates. Exempting smaller buildings addresses concerns over feasibility while easing stress on utility providers like bescom that face mounting request backlogs. ensuring consistency between governing laws and practical implementations will likely prevent future disputes and confusion among stakeholders.

While larger structures remain subject to OC mandates-aligned with urban planning standards-the exemption could spur smoother advancement in rural or suburban areas where smaller plot sizes are common.However, proper enforcement mechanisms must accompany these changes to avoid misuse or loopholes within construction practices.

Read More: Link