Karnataka Exempts 1200 sq ft Residential Layouts from Occupancy Certificate under Greater Bengaluru Authority Act
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Government has issued a notification under the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024, exempting specific residential layouts from the mandatory requirement of obtaining Occupancy Certificates (OCs).
The order, published as Government Order No. 334 on September 9, 2025, follows deliberations held across multiple official meetings earlier this year.
Key Directives
- Residential Layouts Exempted
Residential layouts developed and approved by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), covering sites up to 1200 sq. ft. in area, and constructed with a maximum of Stilt + 2 floors, will not require an occupancy certificate. - OC Exemption Extended
The exemption will also apply to GBA-approved layouts with Stilt + 3 floors, provided construction complies with sanctioned plans and building safety norms. - Notification Powers
The Government has retained the right to notify categories of buildings that may be exempted from OC requirements in the future.
Rationale and Impact
The state government argued that smaller residential units and layouts in Bengaluru face bureaucratic hurdles and delays due to OC requirements. By streamlining the process, the move is expected to reduce compliance burden, speed up housing approvals, and provide relief to thousands of homeowners in Bengaluru’s extended urban areas.
Background
The order refers to several preceding government decisions and committee meetings held between July and September 2025. Officials clarified that the exemptions are meant to simplify governance under GBA, while ensuring compliance for larger and high-rise developments remains intact.
The government emphasized that citizen convenience, housing regularisation, and effective urban governance are central to this decision.
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