In a bid to simplify the building plan approval process and bringing in greater transparency, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) launched the automatic building plan approval system on Monday.
BBMP Commissioner N. Manjunath Prasad said that the new system will come into effect from April 1. With the entire process now online, citizens need not visit the civic body’s offices.
Under the new system, citizens can just apply from anywhere, upload the scanned documents and drawings, pay the requisite fees, after which the BBMP will verify the proposal and documents before granting approval. The entire process will take 30 months, he said.
“Citizens can monitor the progress of their applications online. They will also receive timely SMS / email during the process. Once approved, citizens can download or print the approved plan and licence,” he said.
The Commissioner said that citizens could apply for the Commencement Certificate (CC) and Occupation Certificate online. After erecting columns, citizens must apply for the CC before proceeding with construction above the ground level. After completion of construction, they must apply for OC before occupying the building.
He said that the new system will be applicable for sites that are bigger than 60x40 square feet. For smaller sites, the architect will have to apply for self certification while stating that bye-laws and zoning regulations have not been violated. This is as per the Trust and Verify approach approved by the State government.
Mahendra Jain, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department, said that enforcement to ensure that there are no deviations from the approved plans will be made strict. “With this system, citizens need not approach any BBMP office or official,” he said.
