The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly recently took a significant step by passing a new Bill aimed at updating critical urban planning and municipal regulations. This legislation specifically redefines what qualifies as a high-rise residential building in the state.
Previously, under the Andhra Pradesh Building Rules of 2017, any structure exceeding 18 meters in height was classified as a high-rise. This classification necessitated compulsory approval from the State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department.
During the presentation of the Bill, P. Narayana, the Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, emphasized the expected positive impacts. He stated that this amendment would stimulate investment, simplify administrative processes, and help meet the increasing housing demands driven by the state’s rapid urbanization. The new Bill proposes modifications to four key Acts, officially raising the high-rise definition to structures taller than 24 meters.
This new proposal to elevate the height threshold to 24 meters aligns Andhra Pradesh with other progressive states like Maharashtra, ensuring consistency in building standards.
This revision comes after appeals from prominent industry bodies, including the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) and the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO). They contended that the previous 18-meter rule caused significant delays in project approvals, discouraged the construction of mid-rise developments, and ultimately hindered overall construction activities, especially in smaller and developing urban areas.
Extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including CREDAI, NAREDCO, technical specialists, and the Fire Services Department, showed strong support for the proposed change. According to Minister Narayana, fire authorities approved the amendment, provided that all essential safety protocols, such as structural integrity, sufficient staircases, and appropriate corridor dimensions, are rigorously upheld in new constructions.