AP eases building rules to speed up approvals, boost investments
The Andhra Pradesh government has amended the Andhra Pradesh Building Rules, 2017, to speed up building approvals, attract investment and promote safe, sustainable urban development.
The amendments, issued through G.O.Ms. No. 161 by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department on July 29, simplify approval procedures while maintaining strong standards for structural safety, fire safety and environmental protection.
The revised rules are in line with the Centre’s deregulation guidelines and were finalised after consultations with Urban Local Bodies, Urban Development Authorities and the public.
Speaking to The Coastal Times, MA&UD Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar said the reforms support Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Swarna Andhra@2047 vision by creating a transparent, technology-driven urban development system that is globally competitive.
Among the key changes, buildings measuring 24 metres or more, including the stilt floor, will now be classified as high-rise structures.
The revised rules require structural designs based on soil-bearing capacity for buildings taller than 10 metres. Developers must also obtain an All Risks Insurance Policy during the construction period. In addition, the documents required for building approvals have been standardised.
To ease the financial burden on developers, the City-Level Infrastructure Impact Fee can now be paid in six equal instalments over three years. Building permissions that have lapsed can also be revalidated under the prescribed framework.
Buildings used exclusively for public worship have been exempted from building permit fees. However, applications must continue to be processed through the online approval system.
The government has also introduced phased fire clearances for high-rise buildings. Developers can construct up to 24 metres before obtaining a Fire No Objection Certificate for the upper floors, provided the structural design covers the entire building.
The revised rules also require large residential and commercial projects to provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Major housing projects must include common amenities such as crèches. The amendments also expand the use of Transferable Development Rights under prescribed safety norms.
Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Ponguru Narayana said the reforms would remove unnecessary delays in the approval process without compromising planning and safety standards.
Mr. Suresh Kumar said the revised framework establishes a transparent, risk-based regulatory system that will ensure faster and more predictable approvals while strengthening investor confidence in Andhra Pradesh.