Kerala govt extends construction permits to 15 years; eases parking, licence rules

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has announced relaxations in building regulations aimed at easing construction and parking requirements. Under the new rules, the duration of construction permits can now be extended up to 15 years.

Another major change is relaxation in parking requirements. Previously, commercial establishments were required to provide parking on the site itself. The new provision allows for up to 75% of the required parking space to be located on the owner’s land within 200 metres of the site.

To benefit from this change, property owners must enter into an agreement with the secretary of local self-government, ensuring that the parking area will not be used for other constructions or handed over to others.

Currently, building permits are valid for five years, with a possible five-year extension. The new rules aim to streamline the extension process, making it easier to extend the permit for a total of 15 years, according to Minister MB Rajesh. These changes address 351 amendment proposals affecting 106 rules. The new regulations will come into effect shortly.

Other exemptions and changes

Parking rules: Parking relaxations will now be provided for non-gallery turfs. There will be updates to the car parking requirements for school and college hostel buildings based on floor area.

Plot size changes: Currently, if the size of an existing plot changes due to reasons such as sale, donation, road acquisition, or additional land acquisition, the permit will be cancelled. However, conditions will be adjusted to ensure the permit remains valid despite changes in plot size, unless other conditions are violated.

Real estate regulations: To address issues with land being sold in small plots without development permits, leading to the loss of public amenities, measures will be implemented to prevent permit denials for small plot owners. Developers will face legal action if they violate regulations.

Appeal process: Previously, permit rejections had to be appealed to the Local Self-Government Tribunal in Thiruvananthapuram. Now, appeals will be handled by a newly formed appellate authority consisting of district-level officials.

Licence relaxations: The number of slabs for trade, commercial, and industrial service licence fees will be increased. Delays in obtaining licences will no longer incur double or triple penalties. However, penalties will be waived only if violations do not occur.

Home-based industries: The rules will be amended to allow licences for small industrial, manufacturing, and commercial establishments, which previously had no provisions.