As per the new rules, box-type structures with certain restrictions have been permitted. Basements beneath the verandah of the shop-cum-offices and shop-cum-flats (SCO/SCF) can also be dug.

According to the new rules, owners of the SCO/SCF shall be allowed to dig the one-floor basement, which could be extended beneath the verandah area (both front and back courtyard) as well.

A few prominent changes include installation of elevators and changing the internal planning of the SCO/ SCF, depending upon the need and the trade of the SCO/ SCF owner or occupant. City shopkeepers have been demanding the changes for over three decades. Depending upon their requirement, shopkeepers had changed the internal structures of the premises, which led to gross violation of the building bylaws in certain cases. They were hauled up by the UT Estate Office for violations. Hundreds of cases are pending either at the level of the estate officer, or in the courts of Finance Secretary or the UT Adviser on the matter. Some shopkeepers, who had approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking relief.

According to officials in the UT administration, the changes shall also bring an end to most litigations, between the administration and the shopkeepers, as far as building bylaws violations are concerned.

Certain specifications have also been prescribed in the new rules. For instance, the stairs to the basement have to be two feet and six inches wide. Mumtis on the top floor (providing space for stairs or elevators) have also been allowed.

The Sector 22-based traders’ association headed by Arvind Jain took up the matter with former UT Administrator General J F R Jacob.