Bengaluru: Govt's zoning rule tweak to aid highrises

Bengaluru: Bengaluru is all set to see changes in its construction regulations as builders will be able to purchase premium floor area ratio (FAR) to add more floors than what is permissible.

Earlier this week, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar approved a request from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to modify zoning regulations, facilitating vertical real estate development in the city.

The initiative comes months after Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot refused to grant his assent to the new legislation aimed at permitting taller buildings. While returning the legislation, he cited several concerns, including its implications on already congested areas.

Multiple sources told DH that Shivakumar chose not to pursue the legislation after it was brought to his notice that the BJP-led government had already amended the Karnataka Town and Country Planning (KTCP) Act in 2021 to allow high-rise constructions in the city.

Sources indicated that Shivakumar has given the go-ahead to operationalise the existing zonal regulations to allow high rise buildings.

Officials noted that the previous government had amended the KTCP Act to impose premium charges for granting additional floor area ratio in areas identified for this purpose in the zonal regulations of the master plan, thereby increasing the resources of the planning authorities.

“This is a win-win solution,” BDA chairman N A Haris said. “The government benefits by levying premium charges, while builders can earn profits by adding more floors instead of creating separate housing units far from the city, where there is no infrastructure.”

Officials noted that the maximum FAR will not exceed 0.6 times or 60% of the standard permissible FAR but the builders will get a quicker option to undertake vertical development.

While the premium FAR is limited to 0.4%, the remainder will be made available through a transferable development rights (TDR) scheme. The TDR is issued for individuals who relinquish their land for public projects. 

Builders, it is learnt, can acquire the premium FAR by paying 40% of the area’s guidance value. It is however not sure whether the provisions can be used to regularise existing buildings that have deviated from the sanction plan. Officials said it is meant only for new constructions. 

Shivakumar, who holds the Bengaluru development portfolio, was not available for comment.