To achieve uniform and safe design for properties- residential, commercial or industrial, the Andhra Pradesh Building Rules was drafted by the Andhra Pradesh Urban Planning Authority (APUPA) along with local municipal bodies in the state. This lists the construction parameters to be implemented such as use of land, design and safety measures. Check this detailed guide to know more about the key points covered in the Andhra Pradesh Building Rules 2025 with respect to construction framework.
What are low-rise buildings in Andhra Pradesh?
A building measuring upto 15 metres is defined as low- rise buildings in Andhra Pradesh. In this the height limit of the project depends on size of the plot and width of the road. For example, in case of a plot size that is less than 100 sqm, the permitted building height is around 7 m with a front setback of 1.5 m.
Andhra Pradesh Building Rules 2025: Permissions for low-rise buildings
To ease the process of construction in Andhra Pradesh, the state government has announced no multi-department permissions are required for the construction of buildings up to 15 meters.
Effective December 31, 2024, the Andhra Pradesh Government has put in place a single-window system that will grant permissions for the construction of buildings in the state. This streamlined method will replace the multi-departmental approval system that was being followed all these years, which required mandatory visits to various departments for clearance, including stamps, registration, revenue, and the fire wing.
- Under this, no pre-construction approvals are required for a building that will be constructed upto five floors (upto 15 m).
- The plan has to be submitted at the local municipal body and the corresponding fees has to be paid before starting the construction of the building.
What are the guidelines for construction of residential buildings in Andhra Pradesh?
| Plot size | Height permitted | Front setback | Rear setback | Side setback |
| 100-300 sqm | Upto 10 m | 2-3 m | 2 m | 1.5-2 m |
| 301-500 sqm | Upto 12 m | 3 m | 2.5 m | 2 m |
| 501-1,000 sqm | Upto 15 m | 4m | 3m | 3m |
| Over 1,000 sqm | Upto 18 m | 5m | 4m | 4m |
The permitted construction coverage on a plot depends on its size. As the plot size increases, the coverage gets reduced so that ventilation and setbacks can be part of it. Group housing can be developed if plot size is minimum 3,000 sqm and abutting road width of minimum 12m.
Andhra Pradesh Building Rules 2025: Parking
- Individual housing unit: For all units over 200 sqm, one car parking should be provided.
- Group housing: For every unit, the parking should include 1.25 equivalent car spaces.
What are high-rise buildings in Andhra Pradesh?
A building measuring 18 metres or above is defined as high rise buildings in Andhra Pradesh. These have specific floor-area ration (FAR) and need many clearances before starting the construction of the project. The FAR depends on the size of the plot and its location with some places having FAR of even 2.5. Also, one can avail of FAR bonuses in case of development of eco-friendly projects.
Andhra Pradesh Building Rules 2025: High-rise building clearances
- Before starting construction, approval is necessary from the Airport Authority of India (especially for buildings near the airport), fire department.
- The high-rise buildings should have a minimum of 10 open spaces around the building that will take care of fire safety.
- All building plans must follow fire safety standards as mentioned by the National Building Code (NBC). Housing projects should include emergency exits, fire alarms and sprinkler systems in place.
- The building staircases should have specific width and tread-to-riser ratios to comply with safety standards.
- Residential complexes above a certain limit should assign 10% space for green cover.
- Connectivity should be provided to all main roads and highways.
Andhra Pradesh Building Rules 2025: Application for permit
A permit is necessary for construction of a building in Andhra Pradesh- be it residential, commercial or industrial. It is recommended that one apply for a permit a little early so that delays are not encountered. To get a permit:
- Provide proof that you own the land on which construction is going to be done.
- Submit the building online that will be assessed.
- The plan should obey the zoning codes.
- Your plan should ensure that no local/public infrastructure is affected because of the construction.
Andhra Pradesh Building Rules 2025: How are projects approved?
For approving a design, the building master plan should include the following:
- Zoning code
- Design and structure
- Compliance to environmental regulation and fire safety
Andhra Pradesh Building Rules 2025: Layout proposal
Mentioned below are the layout proposals based on which approvals are done.
- Plot size, open spaces and the width of the road
- Availability of basic utility- water, electricity, sewage drain etc.
- Green cover
Andhra Pradesh Building Rules 2025: Sustainability rules
Mentioned below are sustainable practices that should be part of the layout proposals.
- Natural ventilation
- Rainwater harvesting
- Use of solar power and compliance to energy efficiency
- Use of environment-friendly construction materials
Andhra Pradesh Building Rules 2025: Renovation guidelines
In addition to construction of new projects, the Andhra Pradesh Building Rules also lay out rules for renovations and modifications in a project. It is mandatory for property owners to submit the layout change that they plan to the local body and seek their permission before proceeding.
The renovation plan should comply with the building’s design and safety standards. In case of extensive modification of the property including external structure, an elaborate approval is required.
Andhra Pradesh Building Rules 2025: Fees to be paid
The various fees that one has to pay while applying for building plan approval include:
- Admission fee
- Scrutiny fee
- Development fee
- Regularisation fee
- Building license fee
- Demolition fee
Andhra Pradesh: Penalty
While this policy has been implemented to speed up the process and reduce delay in construction, it is mandatory to follow all policies mentioned by the Andhra Pradesh Building Rules. Unauthorised construction of the project will result in stop work and major deviations from the approved plan will result in stop work, heavy fine and sometimes demolition of the unauthorised portions that are not compliant with zonal regulations, structural design or safety aspect. For instance, the fine for illegal construction may be around Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 depending on the violation and this will continue for each day the violation continues/ penalty not paid.
Andhra Pradesh Building Rules 2025: Legal and grievance redressal
The town planning department has an effective legal and grievance redressal system that respond to court cases, help solve problems highlighted by the citizens of the state and handle complaints filed with the LokAyukta.
Andhra Pradesh Building Rules: Occupancy certificate
Once the building rules have been and the project is constructed, it is mandatory for the project to get an occupancy certificate. This is a double check and is given only when all compliance matters have been followed. It is illegal to occupy the building space without having the occupancy certificate.
Housing.com POV
While the Andhra Pradesh Building Rules have been created for saving time by making the approval process very simple, it is a task to get these rules enforced. To avoid any kind of non-compliance, people in the state have to be educated about the Andhra Pradesh Building Rules. These if followed will ensure uniform design and safety leading to better living standards.
FAQs
Upto what floor does the Andhra Pradesh government exempt from taking building construction permission?
According to the Andhra Pradesh Building Rules, buildings with a maximum five floors do not require permission from the Andhra Pradesh state government for starting the project. The building plan and the corresponding fee has to be paid before starting construction.
How much time does it take to get building construction approval in Andhra Pradesh?
The time taken for approval varies depending on the complexity of the layout. It is recommended to apply for approval in advance to avoid any delay. In case of too much delay, one has to contact the town planning officer, know the reason and make modifications in plan if that is the reason cited.
What are the penalties for non-compliance of Andhra Pradesh Building Rules?
Penalties will include halting of construction and heavy monetary fine.
What are the various documents required for approval of building construction?
The various documents include: proof of ownership of land, documents showing that the land is complying with zoning regulations and the building plan layout.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |