Punjab okays stilt-plus-4 floors in new urban areas

In an effort to unlock the value of land, the Punjab Government has approved a policy allowing stilt-plus-four floors in all new residential areas coming up in urban areas. The move will pave the way for the government to implement the Apartment Act in the state, which will allow people to buy separate floors in houses, as subdivision of land is currently not permitted.

Higher coverage under new rules

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An additional 10% increase in floor area ratio (FAR) has been allowed for all plot sizes

Those opting for it will have to pay a fee of 5% of the collector rate for every 0.25% hike

Anyone owning a minimum plot size of 250 sq yds can now construct stilt-plus-four floors, following the Punjab Cabinet’s approval of the Punjab Unified Building Rules, 2025. The scheme is applicable only where plots are located along roads with a minimum width of 40 ft.

Initially, the government planned to allow the scheme in all urban areas. However, after receiving feedback from stakeholders, it was decided to restrict the provision to newly constructed licensed colonies and sectors in urban estates to avoid overburdening the existing civic infrastructure. The decision is expected to significantly impact housing in cities like Mohali, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar.

In old and existing urban areas, owners can construct stilt-plus-three floors, with the maximum permissible building height revised from 11 metres to 13 metres, Housing Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian told The Tribune.

Under the new rules, similar to those adopted by neighbouring Haryana, the permissible height for the stilt-plus-four floors scheme in new settlements has been increased from 15 metres to 21 metres. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the move aimed at easing the housing pressure in major cities. “We have also given a go-ahead for deemed approval of building plans for all new residential constructions. Empanelled architects will just need to stamp and submit the building plans, which will be considered approved,” he said, adding that this would help curb corruption related to plan approvals.

The government has also permitted an increase in ground coverage for residential plots, with an additional 10 per cent increase in floor area ratio (FAR) allowed for all plot sizes. For instance, a person owning a 500 sq yd plot can now cover up to 65 per cent of the ground, compared to 55 per cent limit. This will, however, be on a chargeable basis. For every 0.25 per cent increase in the FAR, the owner will have to pay an additional fee amounting to 5 per cent of the collector rate, with a maximum cap of 25 per cent of the collector rate.