The Karnataka Government has released a significant draft notification on April 14, 2026, under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), introducing major changes to building plan approvals, deviation regulations, FAR (Floor Area Ratio), and penalty structures in Bengaluru.
For property owners, builders, and anyone planning construction in Bengaluru, this update brings a mix of benefits and concerns—often described as “75% sweet and 25% bitter.”
What Are the Key Changes?
1. Relaxation in Building Deviations
One of the most notable changes is the relaxation of deviation limits for residential and commercial buildings.
Under the proposed rules:
- Up to 15% deviation is allowed in setbacks, ground coverage, and FAR calculations.
- Buildings up to 15 meters in height can receive a 7.5% height relaxation.
- High-rise buildings may also benefit from deviation regularization, subject to payment of applicable Premium FAR charges.
These relaxations are expected to help property owners who face minor deviations during construction and often struggle during approval or Occupancy Certificate (OC) processes.
How Does This Benefit Property Owners?
Many property owners unknowingly exceed approved dimensions during construction due to design modifications, site constraints, or execution challenges.
The revised framework aims to:
- Reduce approval-related disputes.
- Provide a legal route for regularizing minor deviations.
- Improve the chances of obtaining Occupancy Certificates.
- Bring more buildings into compliance instead of treating every deviation as a major violation.
For homeowners and developers, this could reduce uncertainty and make the approval process more practical.
The Costly Side: Increased Fees and Charges
While the relaxation provisions offer relief, the proposed fee revisions may significantly increase costs.
Inspection Fees Doubled
The government has proposed doubling inspection charges associated with building approvals and compliance verification.
Residential Deviation Charges Increased
Deviation regularization charges for residential properties are proposed to increase substantially:
- Earlier: 2.2%
- Proposed: 6%
This represents a significant jump for property owners seeking approval for deviations.
Higher Charges for High-Rise Buildings
For high-rise developments, deviation-related charges may increase up to 10%, depending on the nature and extent of violations.
Additional Penalties
The draft rules also introduce extra charges for deviations involving:
- Basements
- Terraces
- Mezzanine floors
Property owners with unauthorized construction in these areas may face higher financial liabilities while seeking approvals or regularization.
Impact on House Construction in Bengaluru
Anyone planning to build a house or apartment project in Bengaluru should carefully evaluate these proposed changes.
The relaxed deviation norms may provide greater flexibility during construction. However, the increased fees mean that deviations could become much more expensive to regularize.
As a result, property owners should focus on:
- Strict adherence to approved plans.
- Proper architectural supervision.
- Regular compliance checks during construction.
- Early consultation with planning authorities when modifications are required.
Occupancy Certificate (OC) Implications
Obtaining an Occupancy Certificate remains one of the most critical steps for any building.
The new framework could make it easier for buildings with minor deviations to qualify for approval. However, the higher charges mean owners may have to pay significantly more before receiving clearance.
For buyers, lenders, and future property transactions, a valid OC continues to be an essential document.
Important Deadline for Citizens
The notification is currently in the draft stage, and the government has invited public feedback.
Last Date to Submit Objections: April 30, 2026
Citizens, resident associations, builders, architects, and stakeholders can submit their objections or suggestions to the Urban Development Department (UDD) before the deadline.
This is an important opportunity for the public to express concerns regarding increased fees, implementation challenges, or any other aspects of the proposed regulations.
Final Thoughts
The proposed GBA rules represent a major shift in Bengaluru’s building approval system. On one hand, increased deviation limits and height relaxations offer practical relief to property owners. On the other hand, higher inspection fees, increased deviation charges, and additional penalties could raise the overall cost of construction compliance.
For most property owners, the message is clear: while approvals may become more flexible, non-compliance is likely to become more expensive.
As Bengaluru continues to grow, these proposed rules could significantly influence future construction, property development, and Occupancy Certificate approvals across the city.
Disclaimer: The notification discussed is a draft proposal. Final implementation will depend on the government’s review of public objections and the publication of the final rules.