Model Building Bye-laws, 2016
Urban development minister released the model building bye-laws 2016, which aim to boost ease of doing business in the construction sector. The new bye-laws provide a structural framework for single window integrated building plan approval process and set the maximum time limit for all kind of building approvals at 30 days, after which the approval can be considered 'deemed'. The mechanism creates a single window approval system that eliminates man to man interaction and there by reduces corruption. The model building bye-laws provide for the integration of various types of environmental considerations. Once implemented, there will be no requirement for any separate environmental clearance or permission. The new laws has catagorised buildings into three categories based on the built-up area -- 5,000 to 20,000 square meters, 20,000 to 50,000 sq mt and 50,000 to 150,000 sq mt. All the approvals for such buildings can be obtained from the state urban local bodies now. The laws also provide for mandatory provisions for rain water harvesting for various types of buildings and new provisions regarding solar roof top power generation in cities. There are also provisions for local body to provide incentives to individuals for rain water harvesting and roof top solar power generation by various mechanisms including discounts and rebate in property tax.