Govt introduces auto-approvals, digital scrutiny in building bye-laws

Jammu, Feb 27: The Jammu and Kashmir government has notified major amendments to the Jammu & Kashmir Unified Building Bye-Laws, 2021, aiming to simplify and speed up building approvals through a fully digital and time-bound mechanism.

Under the revised framework, all building permit applications must be submitted online through a designated portal using CAD-based plans. An online auto-scrutiny system will automatically verify proposals against Master Plans, examining parameters such as plot size, setbacks, Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and height limits. Applicants will be given 15 days to rectify any deficiencies, failing which applications will be automatically rejected.

The amendments introduce self-certification and auto-approval for low-risk buildings, including residential structures up to G+2 on plots below 500 square metres and certain commercial or industrial buildings up to 15 metres in height. Routine inspections will not be mandatory in such cases, though authorities may conduct random checks in 10 per cent of projects. Strict penalties have been prescribed for false declarations.

The rules also empower Registered Technical Persons to prepare and certify works across J&K. Online integration of NOCs from 22 departments has been mandated, with a 30-day deadline for issuing building permits.