The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Saturday issued a public notice listing building works that can be undertaken without prior permission, while clarifying that the exemptions do not extend to unauthorised construction or violations of building norms. The list of exempt works includes plastering, cladding and patch repairs; re-roofing at the existing height; flooring and re-flooring; repairs to damaged bricks, stones, pillars and beams; and internal partitions permitted under the bye-laws. Owners can also undertake whitewashing, painting and false ceiling installation, provided the ceiling is not used to create a loft or mezzanine. It also exempts specified public utility structures, including public toilets, traffic control rooms, solar panels and waste management facilities, from building permits, subject to applicable limits and requirements.
Other exemptions cover boundary walls permitted under the bye-laws, parapets, sunshades up to 75cm wide within the owner’s land, landscaping and public art. Installation or relocation of fixtures and equipment is also permitted if it does not encroach on another person’s property or public land. Installation of lifts in existing low-rise residential plotted buildings is among the listed exemptions.
The NDMC said property owners must continue to comply with structural and fire safety norms, heritage regulations and other applicable rules. The exemptions do not permit additional floors, unauthorised extensions or deviations from sanctioned building plans, the civic body clarified. The NDMC advised residents to consult detailed notice on its website before undertaking any such work.
Under the notice, qualifying public utility structures measuring up to 25 square metres and executed or promoted by government agencies for public safety, health, pollution control, transport, water supply, sewage disposal and solid waste management do not require building permits.
No notice and building permit is required from the sanctioning authority for erection/ installation of PSA Plant/ Liquid Medical Oxygen Plant and similar related infrastructure in Hospitals on ground, only in open/ setback area subject to Fire Safety clearance, PESO and other mandatory clearances, wherever applicable. Refilling of oxygen cylinders within hospital premise shall not be permitted. NDMC clarified that exemptions do not permit unauthorised construction, additional floors, changes in land use or violations of sanctioned plans, setbacks, other statutory terms.
Owners, architects and engineers will remain responsible for structural defects arising from exempt works.
The notice further states, ‘where a property is a Heritage Building, falls within the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone (LBZ), or where the proposed work may affect structural members, external openings, public property or fire access, the owner shall ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, guidelines and conditions and obtain all permissions or clearances expressly required under the applicable provisions before commencing any work”.
“In the event of any dispute or inconsistency, the official information and applicable provisions published or notified by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and other competent statutory authorities, as applicable, shall prevail in accordance with law. NDMC shall not be responsible for any claim, dispute or consequence arising from any misinterpretation or unauthorized reliance on this notice, subject to applicable law,” it said.