CMDA updates web portal to suit Combined Building Rules

“The new rules provide relaxation in FSI (floor space index), setback area and number of dwelling units across the State. To implement the rules and transfer the benefit of new relaxations, we have modified the web portal accordingly,” said Rajesh Lakhoni, member-secretary of the planning authority.

However, the CMDA is yet to receive planning permission applications based on the new rules as the gazette notification pertaining to the combined rules were released only on Thursday. “Even though the Government Order was released, a notification in the gazette is important to implement any GO,” said another CMDA official. Based on that, we start giving planning permission according to the new rules from now, he added. 

Meanwhile, many applicants, who had applied before the FSI relaxation, demand that the planning authorities such as CMDA and Corporation adjust the scrutiny fees as they have already paid to get planning permission.

“I have applied for the planning permission based on the old FSI. But, I am yet to start the construction. Meanwhile, the government relaxed the FSI and allowed us to re-apply for new plan approval. But, the officials are demanding scrutiny fee again. It will cost more than Rs 1 lakh,” a licensed surveyor, who had got planning permission from Corporation, said.

However, the official explained that they could forgo development charges and other charges but not the scrutiny fees. “If a builder intends to use the extra FSI, automatically built-up area would increase.

So, they have to pay development and other charges for the increased built-up area only. But, they must pay full scrutiny fees, as we have to process the application right from the beginning,” a Corporation official said.