Karnataka Cabinet approves OC exemption for 1200 Sqft residential buildings in Bengaluru

In a major relief to Bengaluru’s lower and middle-class families, the state government has officially exempted 30x40 site (1200 sqft) residential buildings from obtaining Occupancy Certificates (OC), following cabinet approval.

In what is being hailed as a true Diwali gift for Bengaluru’s lower and middle-class citizens, the Karnataka government has issued an official order exempting small residential buildings, constructed on 1200 sqft (30x40) sites, from obtaining Occupancy Certificates (OC).

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The Urban Development Department issued the notification on 13th October, following cabinet approval, marking a significant policy shift that benefits homeowners within the jurisdiction of five Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) zones. The exemption applies to residential structures built on 1200 sqft sites, including ground plus two floors or stilt plus three floors.

Until now, the absence of OC had caused severe hardship to homeowners, as both the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and BESCOM denied water and electricity connections. Despite construction being completed for around 3.3 lakh buildings across the state, owners were unable to occupy them legally without the OC.

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This policy reversal, aligning with Supreme Court guidelines, brings long-awaited relief to thousands who struggled with bureaucratic hurdles. With the new order, homeowners of 30x40 sites can now directly obtain utility connections without producing an OC.

Officials said the move aims to regularize small residential constructions and ease the process for genuine homebuyers who built within approved plans. The cabinet’s approval now gives the Urban Development Department’s order full legal backing, offering long-term security to residents.