The Chandigarh Administration has finally notified the building bylaws to affect more than 75 per cent of the city’s population and area. The process of approval of revised building plans with increased coverage area in terms of floor-area ratio (from 1.5 to 2), lying pending with the building branch, will begin from Thursday.

Under the new plan, marla houses (5 to 10 marla plots) in the city will have a “five per cent single-storey zone option on the right or left side, at the discretion of the owner”. This provision will allow the plot-owner to cover an additional five per cent area in the backyard on either of the two sides.

Also, the ground floor has been allowed to cover 70 per cent of the plot area (65 per cent+five per cent single storey); besides 65 per cent coverage for both first and second floors.

According to the revised plans, all buildings or sites, except residential, in Sectors 1 to 30 will continue to be governed by architectural norms.

Due to increase in ground-coverage area, consequent to the fresh zoning plans, the façade is not expected to change. The increased area will be adjusted within the existing footprint of the building. If need be, increased coverage can be adjusted on the rear side or on either sides of the existing building.

Also, owners or lessee of those buildings who want changes in accordance with these orders will require fresh clearance and approval of the building plans. All such changes will be allowed on payment of fee (yet to be decided) as determined by the Department of Finance, Chandigarh Administration.

Buildings owners can also get violations (if permissible as per these orders now) approved by paying a compounding fee and penal charges.