Now, architects, surveyors can grant building approvals

Mumbai: The state government’s urban development department has come up with a notice that will empower architects and licensed surveyors to grant building approval in certain cases. This will eliminate the role of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Coporation’s (BMC) building proposal department in giving approvals in such cases. 

As per the notice, architects are being given the power to grant construction permit for ease of doing business in the real estate sector. However, the permission comes with a set of riders.

The notice has been put up for suggestions and objections and people can have their say for a month, starting from March 22. The modification proposed is in the Development Control Regulation of Greater Mumbai and is a risk-based building permission. 

If implemented, a builder will not have to go to the building proposal department of the BMC as architects or licensed surveyors will be empowered to give all permissions. The notice reads, “The approval of building proposal will be inclusive of all type of approvals, such as amended plan approval, commencement certificate, building completion certificate cum occupation certificate.”

The criteria is clear that the plot should be vacant and includes, residential plots, industrial and commercial places. The risk base matrix is low risk and moderate risk, and includes ground storied as well as ground plus one storied. In cases of residential buildings, the architect is allowed to give permission for a single building up to 7.80 meters. Also if the total built-up area is up to 1,000 square meters, the architect shall be allowed to approve building permissions. 

To see to it that the work done is properly, the government has put clauses like, “On completion of work, Architect/Licensed Surveyor shall submit the building completion certificate to MCGM and shall issue building completion cum occupation certificate as required as per the provision of acts. The architect shall submit site inspection report along with photographs, video clips at stages.”

For example, while submitting the building proposal after completion of various stages like plinth work, first floor level, second floor level and finally at the time of submitting the building completion certificate, the architect shall have to furnish video and photographic evidences. 

The state govt said the Centre and World Bank are insisting on  introducing this approval.