The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has notified amendments to the Unified Building Bye-Laws 2021 under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Development Act, 1970 and the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000.
The reforms aim to promote ease of doing business, rationalize development controls, and introduce a fully digital system for processing building permits across Urban Local Bodies and Development Authorities in the Union Territory.
According to officials, the amendments simplify land use regulations by merging several sub-categories into four broad primary uses and allow Affordable Group Housing in industrial zones to encourage inclusive land utilisation. Setback norms have also been rationalized, while the Commercial Floor Area Ratio (FAR) has been enhanced up to 400, subject to applicable norms.
To facilitate economic activity, particularly in smaller urban areas, the minimum Right of Way requirement for certain commercial and industrial activities has been reduced from 12 metres to 6 metres.
The government has also launched an Auto Scrutiny Based Building Permission and Change of Land Use (CLU) portal with Auto-DCR technology. The digital platform introduces a rule-based and time-bound system for processing building permits online.
Under the system, building plans submitted online are automatically examined against the provisions of the bye-laws, master plans, and zonal plans. The portal generates instant compliance reports, ensuring transparency and uniform interpretation of regulations.
The integrated portal reduces approval timelines for CLU and building permits from 60–90 days to about 30 days. It also enables self-certification and auto-approval for low-risk buildings by registered architects and engineers.
Officials said the amendments also introduce provisions for energy efficiency and environmental compliance, including norms under Eco Niwas Samhita, with incentives such as additional FAR and fast-track approvals.
The reforms are expected to strengthen transparent, technology-driven, and citizen-centric urban governance across Jammu and Kashmir.
