Bengaluru Govt Relaxes Rules: Homes on 30×40 Plots in Greater Bengaluru No Longer Need Occupancy Certificate for Ground-Plus-Two & Stilt-Plus-Three Constructions

The Karnataka government has introduced a relief for homeowners in Greater Bengaluru: individual residences on plots measuring 30×40 feet (1,200 sq ft) — specifically those built with ground-plus-two floors or stilt-plus-three floors — will no longer need to secure an Occupancy Certificate (OC). This change is part of an effort to simplify compliance and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for smaller residential projects.  

What has changed?

• OC requirement dropped for specific small homes: houses on 30×40 plots undergoing ground-plus-two or stilt-plus-three floor construction.  

• The exemption is valid within the limits of the Greater Bengaluru Authority.  

• Larger buildings, commercial and mixed-use projects, or those exceeding specified thresholds still require OC.  

Why this matter?

Acquiring an occupancy certificate can be time-consuming and filled with red tape, especially for small homeowners. This move is expected to:

• Reduce bureaucratic delays and cost for smaller residential builders.

• Encourage legal compliance and formal building practices by lowering the burden of regulation.

• Prevent smaller projects from being adversely affected by stricter norms originally imposed for larger developments.

Limitations / What to check

• The rules apply only to the specific plot size (30×40 ft or 1,200 sq ft) and specified floor-height criteria (ground-plus-two, stilt-plus-three). If your plot or design differs, OC may still be needed.  

• The exemption is limited to the Greater Bengaluru Authority area; projects outside those limits may not benefit.  

• Even with exemption, other approvals and compliance with building bylaws, safety, structural norms etc. will still apply.

What to do if you’re a homeowner planning a small residential build

1. Confirm plot size and floor type to see if you qualify under the new rule.

2. Check with local authority (e.g., BBMP or other municipal/Greater Bengaluru regulatory body) to ensure this exemption has been correctly adopted in their processes.

3. Maintain proper documentation (plans approved, structural safety, utilities etc.) even if you don’t need OC — this can avoid future legal or resale issues.

4. If planning a larger or mixed-use project, don’t assume exemption — verify the requirement for OC.