City pushed a floor closer to chaos

Those falling between these two categories will now be able to build a complete third floor, instead of a two-and-a-half, due to the additional floor area ratio (FAR) permitted. (The FAR denotes the extent of construction allowed on a given plot of land). And basements will no longer be taken into account in the total FAR in case of plotted (independent) housing.

Though the changes are going to have far-reaching implications, it would certainly not mean availability of an additional dwelling unit for the residents of plotted housing, since the fine print says increase in the FAR (or the permissible covered, liveable space) rather than an increase in dwelling units (another house) on a given plot.

It would, however, mean bigger dwelling units and indirectly more space available for rental and sale purposes. And for bigger plots, of 500 square metres and above, this could straightaway facilitate an additional dwelling unit (a complete house) due to the extent of increase in the permitted built-up space.

The rate of the FAR levy (or additional development charges) to be recovered from those who decide to take the benefit of the changes has also been lowered from Rs 1,550 to Rs 450 per square metre.

The residents who have already built more than the permissible limit in an unauthorised manner, but within the norms now notified, have been given a chance to get their property regularised by paying the above levy, besides the usual compounding fee and another 10 per cent of the total levy as surcharge.

“Those who do not comply with this will have to face demolition or sealing of unauthorised constructions,” Duggal said, adding that instructions were being issued to immediately refund the balance amount to people who had paid the additional FAR levy at the rate of Rs 1,550.

Duggal said the MCD is hoping to net about Rs 1,000 crore through the additional levy which will go into a separate “escrow account”. The amount will be used only for augmenting civic amenities like electricity, water, roads and sewerage in colonies where additional construction takes place following the order. And zonal committees comprising of representatives from MCD, Delhi Vidyut Board and Delhi Jal Board will be formed to suggest measures for augmentation of the civic services.

“The Centre’s clearance for a reduced FAR levy had come way back on September 25 but it could not be announced earlier because the elections to the Delhi Assembly were announced and the model code of conduct came into effect,” Duggal told reporters.

While the FAR in group housing colonies has been increased from 133 square metres to 167 square metres, the permissible height has also been increased from 26 metres to 33 metres. “This would facilitate two additional storeys within the existing plot area for all group housing societies,” Duggal said. An additional FAR up to a maximum of 400 square metres has been allowed to cater to community needs, such as community and recreation hall, creche, library, reading room and society office.

In addition, 25 per cent of the permissible FAR or 100 square metres, whichever is less, will be allowed for professional activity in residential plots and flats on any floor. However, this would be allowed only for professional activities of doctors, chartered accountants, advocates and architects etc, Duggal said.

The minimum area of land for farmhouses has been reduced from one hectare to 0.8 hectare, a demand that had been pending for long. The permissible coverage for farmhouses having an area between one and two hectares will be 500 square metres, including basement. Hitherto, it was only 100 square metres plus 100 square metres for basement.

For plots of two hectares and above, the permissible coverage will now be five per cent, subject to a maximum of 500 square metres. The number of storeys permissible has been increased from one to two.Duggal said in case of existing buildings constructed with proper sanction, residents can get sanction for extra coverage and FAR as per the relaxed norms, subject to a levy at the rate of Rs 450 per square metre on additional FAR.