The amount of marginal open areas allowed on the sides and back of commercial buildings have been lowered by the BMC. That will help developers who are erecting office complexes if it is put into practice.
The BMC has given the public a month to comment on its proposal to change Section 41(2) of the Development Control & Promotion Regulations 2034. (DCPR 2034). The state department of urban development will then be contacted to request the relaxation.
The choice follows the state government’s January approval of a similar condonation for commercial development on airport land near Sahar, which is currently controlled by the Adani Group.
Currently, every building must have minor open areas on the sides and back for light & ventilation under construction regulations. The lowest height requirement for commercial structures is 4.5 metres, and the highest height is 6.4 m for a 32-meter building or nine stories.
A builder may currently request a reduction of the requirement for side & rear marginal open spaces under the new development controls guidelines. Nonetheless, the BMC commissioner is required to provide written justification for the allowances. Only after paying a premium equal to 50% of the Ready Reckoner Rate for construction is the concession granted.
The government will now be required by law to give concessions in marginal open areas, eliminating the requirement for the commissioner’s approval and premium payment.
