KMC Reduces Open Space Norms and Regularisation Fees for Small Plot Owners

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has announced a set of relaxations for small plot owners, particularly in colonies and thika land areas. These changes include reduced requirements for mandatory open space and a lower regularisation fee for structures built without prior building plan approvals. The KMC aims to streamline the approval process and ensure that building plans are sanctioned within 15 days.

The revised norms apply to plots ranging from 300 sq ft to 2,100 sq ft. Under the new provisions, even owners of plots between 300 and 450 sq ft will be permitted to construct three-storey buildings. This measure is expected to encourage small landowners to formalize their properties within the legal framework.

Mayor Firhad Hakim stated that the KMC will reduce the upper limit of the regularisation fee from Rs 3.2 lakh to Rs 42,000. The objective is to bring more structures under regulatory oversight, thereby improving safety and structural integrity. Many unauthorized constructions in the city have been flagged for safety concerns due to deviations from established guidelines. The revised fee structure aims to incentivize property owners to seek approvals and ensure compliance with municipal regulations.

The KMC has been facing challenges in curbing illegal constructions, with many structures built without professional oversight. Some of these buildings have been reported to tilt due to poor foundation work and non-adherence to safety norms. To counter this issue, the new rules emphasize that all construction projects must involve certified architects or structural engineers. Plans submitted for approval will require detailed documentation, including structural assessments. Foundations will be monitored by structural engineers empanelled with the KMC to ensure that safety standards are met.

The initiative is designed to encourage compliance among small plot owners who may have avoided seeking approvals due to concerns about land loss or bureaucratic hurdles. By simplifying the process and offering relaxations, the civic body hopes to reduce unauthorized constructions and improve urban planning.

Property owners who submit their building plans will be subject to inspections by KMC officials. If necessary, additional relaxations may be granted after verifying that new structures do not encroach on adjacent properties. Officials will assess site conditions and ensure that the proposed buildings align with urban development guidelines.

Mayor Hakim highlighted that the fear of regulatory processes has often led landowners to proceed with constructions without following due procedure. Many small landowners avoid compliance due to the limited size of their plots, which they believe may restrict development potential. The new relaxations aim to address these concerns while maintaining oversight on safety and legality.

Another key concern addressed by the new rules is the risk of exploitation by promoters and developers. In cases where landowners bypass regulations, developers may take advantage of the situation by using substandard materials or violating building norms. By ensuring that owners seek proper approvals and follow structural guidelines, the KMC aims to mitigate risks associated with poor construction quality.

The changes introduced by the KMC reflect a shift toward more inclusive urban planning policies. By making the approval process more accessible and reducing financial barriers, the civic body expects greater participation from small plot owners. The new framework also ensures that urban expansion occurs in a structured manner, reducing the prevalence of unsafe and unauthorized buildings.