Karnataka government makes amends for commercial developments

BENGALURU: A mandatory sanction has been scrapped off by the government of Karnataka for commercial development plans of plots that are measuring up to 20,000sqm (nearly 5 acres) and have been exempted to select common areas from floor area ratio (FAR) rules in both residential and commercial high-rises.

FAR is the ratio of the built-up area to the size of the plot of the building.

The sanction has been obtained from the BDA to verify that layout that has earmarked spaces for amenities. Within BDA 16 approvals are involved.

Anuj Puri, chairman of property consultancy Anarock had said, "A commercial hub like Bengaluru attracts all types of occupiers and the resultant spaces can cater to many of the startups that are thriving in the city. There will need to be some regulations in place."

As per the new changes, the residential and commercial properties are allowed to accommodate within the setback area a watchman's cubicle (not more than 4-square meter area) at the entry and exit points and a fire-control room (maximum 4x4 metres).

For high-rises theFAR (floor area ratio) norms have been excluded from its purview of common areas such as electrical substation or panel rooms, generators, pump rooms, AC plants, solid waste management facilities, fire control rooms, security or CCTV rooms.