Punjab Cabinet Clears Unified Building Rules 2025 — CM Mann Says Layout Approvals to Be “Corruption-Free”

The Voice of Chandigarh 

In a landmark move aimed at simplifying urban development and boosting industrial growth, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has approved the Punjab Unified Building Rules, 2025 — a comprehensive and uniform framework to govern all building and development activities across the state.

Announcing the decision, the Chief Minister said the new rules will ensure a corruption-free and transparent approval system for building layouts, bringing relief to citizens and investors alike. He added that relaxations in norms will save people lakhs of rupees while promoting ease of doing business.

The Punjab Unified Building Rules, 2025 will apply uniformly to both the Department of Housing & Urban Development and the Department of Local Government, ensuring consistency across approvals and enforcement.

Key Highlights of the New Rules

• Height limit for low-rise buildings raised from 15 to 21 meters.
• Third-party self-certification allowed for plan approval and completion.
• Simplified scrutiny for high-rise projects focused only on essential safety norms.
• Additional FAR and ground coverage allowed on payment basis.
• Relaxed norms for parking, setbacks, and open spaces.
• Inclusion of EWS, Affordable, and Rental Housing under one framework.
• Introduction of Mixed Land Use and Multilevel Parking categories.
• Permission for wider balconies, car lifts, and basement use.
• Exemption from on-site STP where city-level treatment facilities exist.

The Chief Minister said these reforms represent a progressive step toward sustainable, investor-friendly, and modern urban growth in Punjab.

Stamp Duty and Mortgage Fee Rationalised

The Cabinet also approved the rationalisation of Stamp Duty and Registration Fee on instruments of hypothecation and equitable mortgage under amendments to the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 (Punjab) and the Registration Fee Rules.
The reform aims to reduce financial burden on industries, promote ease of doing business, and improve access to affordable credit, thereby enhancing Punjab’s competitiveness.