Greater Bengaluru Authority Issues Business Licence Renewal Guidelines for 2026–27; 100% Penalty After April 1
Bengaluru, February 2: The Greater Bengaluru Authority has issued detailed guidelines for the renewal of trade licences for the financial year 2026–27 across the five Bengaluru City Corporations under its jurisdiction.
The circular has been issued by Maheshwar Rao, Chief Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority, outlining renewal timelines, penalties, zoning restrictions and compliance requirements related to building norms, solid waste management and public health.
As per the guidelines, business owners may renew their trade licences for a period ranging from one to five financial years (April to March), depending on their requirement. Licence fees will be payable only for the selected financial year(s).
Similar to the previous year, licence fees must be paid online or through bank challan at Canara Bank. The entire renewal process has been mandated to be completed exclusively through the online system.
Penalty Structure and Deadlines
- February 1 to February 28, 2026: Licence renewal without penalty
- March 1 to March 31, 2026: Licence renewal with 25% penalty on the licence fee
- From April 1, 2026 onwards: Licence renewal with 100% penalty on the licence fee
Zoning and Land-Use Restrictions
In accordance with zoning classification rules, the circular states that:
- Trade licences for businesses started after 2015 on residential roads narrower than 40 feet must be withheld and rejected with endorsement.
- In residential areas with roads wider than 40 feet, only notified and permitted businesses may be renewed, subject to area restrictions. All other business renewals must be withheld and rejected with endorsement.
Building Regulation Compliance
Trade licence renewal must be denied if complaints are received regarding businesses operating:
- In buildings constructed in violation of approved plans
- In unauthorised structures
- In parking areas or rooftop spaces
Such cases must be endorsed and rejected as per building by-laws.
Solid Waste Management and Public Health Norms
The circular mandates strict compliance with waste and health regulations, including:
- Businesses generating over 100 kg of waste per day must submit proof of on-site waste processing or agreements with empanelled vendors for disposal.
- Kalyana Mantapas (function halls) must submit a written declaration confirming compliance with official orders and provide photographic proof of displaying the order at the premises.
- Hotels, restaurants and food-related establishments must submit written undertakings confirming adherence to the plastic ban.
- Display of signage prohibiting single-use plastic is mandatory at business premises.
- Mandatory segregation of waste using green bins for wet waste and blue bins for dry waste, with scientific disposal.
Implementation Directions
Health Officers, Deputy Health Officers and Medical Health Officers of the five Bengaluru City Corporations have been instructed to ensure strict implementation of these guidelines without ambiguity. The Authority has also directed that necessary updates be made in the trade licence software system to facilitate renewals for the 2026–27 financial year.
The Greater Bengaluru Authority has stated that these measures are aimed at ensuring regulatory compliance, public health safety and uniform enforcement across all city corporations.
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