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Owning a home in Bengaluru has long been a dream for thousands of residents, a symbol of stability, pride, and personal achievement. That dream just got easier to realize. The Karnataka government has announced a major relief measure for small homeowners within the limits of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA): houses built on plots of up to 1200 square feet will no longer need an Occupancy Certificate (OC).
This exemption has been welcomed as a game-changer for families constructing small houses in the city, where delays and paperwork around building permissions have often become a major hurdle.
No OC Required for Small Residential Buildings
The state government has officially stated that an Occupancy Certificate will not be required for houses
built on 1200-square-foot plots within GBA limits. The decision applies to homes built on 30×40 feet plots, allowing up to Ground + 2 floors (G+2) or Stilt + 3 floors constructions.
Previously, obtaining an OC was mandatory for all new constructions. The process involved multiple stages — from inspection and plan verification to approval from various departments — often leading to months of delay. The new rule eliminates these steps for smaller residential buildings, reducing both the cost and time required to occupy a new home.
What the OC Rule Means
An Occupancy Certificate serves as an official clearance stating that a building has been constructed according to its approved plan and is safe for occupation. Without it, homeowners often face delays in obtaining electricity, water, and sanitation connections.
The process also created a backlog — as of this year, nearly one lakh applications were pending at BESCOM for electricity connections due to the lack of OCs. The government’s new decision is expected to unclog that system, allowing families to move into their homes without waiting months for final clearances.
Officials clarified that the exemption is valid only for buildings constructed according to an approved plan sanctioned by the BBMP, BDA, or GBA. Builders must still secure plan approval before starting construction. Once approved, they can occupy, sell, or register the property even without an OC.
Legal Backing and Scope of the Rule
The decision was made under Section 241(7) of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024, which empowers the government to grant exemptions from OC requirements. The announcement came after a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaia, following a proposal from the GBA Chief Commissioner.
The new exemption applies strictly within the GBA’s jurisdiction — the extended boundary covering the Bengaluru metropolitan region. It covers small houses only up to three floors. Any construction on plots larger than 1200 square feet will still require an OC.
Amendments are also being made to related laws, including the BBMP Act, the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976, and the Panchayat Raj Department’s model building by-laws, to ensure consistency across departments.
Faster Approvals and Less Red Tape
The Greater Bengaluru Authority has also introduced a more efficient “trust map” system for approving building plans. Applicants receive a draft plan on the same day of application, and final approval is issued within 15 days. This is expected to significantly cut down waiting periods for small builders and individual homeowners.
Officials estimate that over 4,000 small houses are built every year within GBA limits. The new rule will simplify their approval process and reduce the workload for both officials and applicants.
A Boost for Homeowners and Builders
For many families who have been unable to get their houses documented or connected to utilities due to OC delays, the move brings long-awaited relief. With this reform, a three-storey house on a 30×40 plot can now be legally occupied once its plan is approved.
The exemption came into effect in September 2025, marking a major shift in the city’s construction regulations. Homeowners can now approach BBMP or GBA offices for clarification or assistance.
By removing one of the biggest bureaucratic hurdles in Bengaluru’s housing process, the government has not only simplified home ownership but also given a boost to the construction and real estate sectors. For thousands of aspiring homeowners, it’s a move that brings them one step closer to their dream — a home they can finally call their own.
