Thiruvananthapuram: In a big move to ease the process of obtaining building permits, the Kerala government has decided to grant instant approval for constructing two-storey houses with a built-up area of up to 300 square metres (3,229.17 sq ft), irrespective of height.

Alongside this, a series of key amendments has been drafted to reform the building construction rules. A formal notification on these amendments will be issued once the Law Department completes its review.

At present, only houses up to 7 metres high are eligible for self-certified permits. Under the proposed changes, the permissible built-up area for commercial buildings eligible for self-certified permits will be increased from 100 square metres (1,076.39 sq ft) to 250 square metres (2,690.98 sq ft). Hence, permits for the construction of medium-scale commercial buildings will now be issued immediately upon submission of the application.

Further relaxations are being introduced for commercial and industrial constructions as well. For instance, the government has decided to liberalise the norms to facilitate the immediate issuance of permits for G1-category buildings with a built-up area of up to 200 square metres (2,152.78 sq ft), intended for industries classified under the white and green categories of the State Pollution Control Board.

Over 200 amendments proposed
The State Government is moving ahead with a comprehensive overhaul of the building construction rules, with over 200 amendments proposed across 117 rules. These reforms will include special exemptions considering Kerala’s limited land availability and unique geographical conditions.

The initiative stems from suggestions received during Local Body Adalats and Nava Kerala Sadas.