Complete Guide to Andhra Pradesh Building Regulations 2025 for Homeowners & Builders

The Andhra Pradesh Building Rules 2025 represents a significant evolution in the state's construction regulations, designed to streamline approvals while ensuring safety and uniformity across residential, commercial, and industrial properties. This comprehensive guide explores the key aspects of these rules to help property owners and developers navigate the construction process efficiently.

Understanding the Foundation of AP Building Rules

The Andhra Pradesh Urban Planning Authority (APUPA), in collaboration with local municipal bodies, has crafted these rules after carefully studying best practices from states like Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and others. The Director of Town & Country Planning AP amended the previous 2017 rules on January 10, 2025, with immediate implementation to create a more efficient construction framework.

Low-Rise Buildings: Simplified Approvals

What Constitutes a Low-Rise Building?

Buildings measuring up to 15 meters in height fall under the low-rise category in Andhra Pradesh. The permitted height varies based on plot size and road width. For instance, plots smaller than 100 square meters have a height limit of approximately 7 meters with a front setback of 1.5 meters.

Single-Window Approval System

In a revolutionary move to ease construction processes, the Andhra Pradesh government has implemented a single-window system (effective December 31, 2024) for building permissions, eliminating the need for approvals from multiple departments such as stamps, registration, revenue, and fire wings.

Key features of this system include:

• No pre-construction approvals required for buildings up to five floors (15 meters)
• Simple submission of building plans to local municipal bodies with payment of appropriate fees
• Provisions for constructing up to two additional floors or obtaining setback relaxations subject to maintaining minimum setbacks

Setback Requirements Based on Road Width

Residential Building Guidelines

Height and Setback Specifications

The construction coverage permitted on a plot decreases as plot size increases to ensure adequate ventilation and setbacks. For group housing developments, a minimum plot size of 3,000 sqm with an abutting road width of at least 12m is required.

Parking Regulations

• Individual Housing Units: One car parking space required for all units over 200 sqm
• Group Housing: 1.25 equivalent car spaces must be provided per unit
• Podium Parking: Horizontal platforms extending beyond the building footprint, potentially across multiple levels, can be utilized for parking

High-Rise Buildings: Enhanced Safety Measures

Definition and Requirements

Buildings measuring 18 meters or higher (including stilt floor) are classified as high-rise structures in Andhra Pradesh. These buildings have specific Floor Area Ratio (FAR) requirements and need multiple clearances before construction can begin.

The FAR depends on plot size and location, with some areas permitting an FAR of up to 2.5. Developers can also receive FAR bonuses for eco-friendly projects.

Essential Clearances and Safety Measures

• Approval from Airport Authority of India (particularly for buildings near airports)
• Fire department clearance
• Minimum 10m open spaces around the building for fire safety
• Compliance with National Building Code (NBC) fire safety standards
• Emergency exits, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems
• Specific staircase width and tread-to-riser ratios
• 10% space designated for green cover in residential complexes above certain limits
• Connectivity to main roads and highways
• Helipad provisions on terraces for buildings above 200m (subject to AAI approval and structural safety certification from IIT/NIT)

Construction Permit Application Process

Obtaining a construction permit is mandatory for all building types in Andhra Pradesh. It's advisable to apply well in advance to avoid delays.

The application requirements include:

• Proof of land ownership
• Online submission of building plans for assessment
• Compliance with zoning codes
• Assurance that construction won't impact local/public infrastructure

Project Approval Criteria

Building Master Plan Requirements

• Zoning code compliance
• Structural design standards
• Environmental regulations and fire safety adherence

Layout Proposal Considerations

• Plot size, open spaces, and road width
• Availability of basic utilities (water, electricity, sewage drainage)
• Green cover provisions

Sustainability Requirements

The rules emphasize sustainable building practices including:

• Natural ventilation systems
• Mandatory rainwater harvesting facilities
• Solar power utilization and energy efficiency measures
• Environment-friendly construction materials

Renovation Guidelines

For property modifications, owners must:

• Submit proposed layout changes to local authorities
• Obtain permission before proceeding with renovations
• Ensure compliance with building design and safety standards
• Seek comprehensive approval for extensive modifications affecting external structures

Fee Structure

Various fees payable during the building plan approval process include:

• Admission fee
• Scrutiny fee
• Development fee
• Regularization fee
• Building license fee
• Demolition fee (if applicable)

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Despite the streamlined approval process, adherence to Andhra Pradesh Building Rules remains mandatory. Violations can result in:

• Stop-work orders
• Heavy fines (ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 depending on the violation)
• Daily penalties for continuing violations
• Possible demolition of unauthorized portions that violate zonal regulations, structural design standards, or safety aspects

Legal and Grievance Redressal System

The town planning department maintains an effective legal and grievance redressal mechanism to:

• Respond to court cases
• Address citizens' concerns
• Handle complaints filed with the LokAyukta

Occupancy Certificate: The Final Step

After construction completion, obtaining an occupancy certificate is mandatory. This certificate:

• Serves as a final compliance check
• Is issued only when all regulations have been followed
• Is legally required before occupying any building

Conclusion

The Andhra Pradesh Building Rules 2025 represent a significant step toward simplifying construction processes while maintaining high standards of safety and design. The single-window system for low-rise buildings particularly demonstrates the government's commitment to reducing bureaucratic hurdles. However, the effectiveness of these rules ultimately depends on awareness and compliance. Property owners, developers, and citizens must familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure uniform design, enhanced safety, and improved living standards across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a low-rise building as per AP Building Rules 2025?
A building measuring up to 15 meters in height, with specific regulations based on plot size and road width.

2. Do I need multiple approvals for constructing a building up to 5 floors?
No, the new single-window system eliminates the need for multi-departmental approvals for buildings up to 15 meters.

3. What is the minimum plot size required for group housing development?
A minimum plot size of 3,000 sqm with an abutting road width of at least 12 meters is required.

4. Are there any parking requirements for individual housing units?
Yes, one car parking space is required for all units over 200 sqm in size.

5. When is a helipad provision mandatory for high-rise buildings?
Buildings above 200 meters must have helipad provisions, subject to AAI approval and structural safety certification.

6. What happens if I make unauthorized modifications to my building?
Penalties include stop-work orders, fines between ₹10,000-₹50,000, and possible demolition of unauthorized portions.

7. Can I occupy my newly constructed building without an occupancy certificate?
No, it is illegal to occupy any building without obtaining the mandatory occupancy certificate.

8. Are there any incentives for constructing eco-friendly buildings?
Yes, developers can receive FAR bonuses for implementing eco-friendly features in their projects.