UT allows more relaxations

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 19

In a major relief to owners of commercial and residential properties, Punjab Governor and UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore today approved the notification for giving more relaxations in building bylaws.

Besides allowing relaxations, ambiguities related to the bylaws have also been removed, paving the way for approval of building plans held up due lack of clarification.

The new amendment will be called the Chandigarh Building Amendment Rules (Urban), 2019. Sources said while notifying the Chandigarh Building Rules (Urban), 2017, these issues were not touched and it was decided to issue a separate clarification after detailed consideration. The sources said approximately 40 additions/alteration were allowed and clarified in the notification.

As per the notification, the upper floor of SCOs will be allowed for shopping (display and sale of goods) and restaurants (sale and service of prepared foods and beverages, including banquet facilities). However the permission for conversion of trade will have to obtained where necessary. Glazing of the compulsory verandah on the first and the second floors, both on the front and rear sides, of the SCOs and lodging-cum-restaurants in Sector 22 A, B and C has been allowed. Covering of the rear courtyard of bay shops (single storey) in Chandigarh shall be allowed in conformity with the building rules. If the bay is also going to have a basement while covering the rear courtyard, a setback of 2.25 m shall be left. There shall be no bar henceforth on providing an additional staircase in commercial buildings, including SCOs and SCFs, to meet the fire safety requirements as per the national building code.

As per the fire safety norms, a minimum of two staircases are to be provided in old and new buildings above 15 m height. If the fire safety staircase in old buildings cannot be provided within the existing buildings, it can be allowed beyond the architectural controls/zoned area within the plot subject to an NOC from the Chief Fire Officer and prior approval of the Estate Officer. These staircases shall be open and hence shall not be counted towards FAR.

While providing the extra staircase, uniformity shall be maintained. All shop owners desirous of installing air conditioners in the verandah shall fix these above the false ceiling in the verandah.

While hailing the notification Charanjiv Singh, chairman of the Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, said, “It will provide relief to residents.”

Two staircases must in high buildings

• As per the notification, the upper floor of SCOs will be allowed for shopping (display and sale of goods) and restaurants (sale and service of prepared foods and beverages, including banquet facilities)
• Glazing of the compulsory verandah on the first and the second floors, both on the front and rear sides, of the SCOs and lodging-cum-restaurants in Sector 22 A, B and C has been allowed
• Covering of the rear courtyard of bay shops (single storey) in Chandigarh shall be allowed in conformity with the building rules
• As per the fire safety norms, a minimum of two staircases are to be provided in old and new buildings above 15 m height