Uttarakhand has introduced a set of new regulations aimed at promoting sustainable construction and real estate development in the state. These updated rules, which modify the Building Construction and Development Bylaw Regulations, 2011, are designed to align with national green building standards and address long-standing issues related to parking and construction height in cities like Dehradun.

Key Changes to Uttarakhand’s Building Regulations

One of the notable changes is the increase in the height of stilt parking to 2.6 metres, which will not be counted towards a building’s overall height. This amendment is expected to resolve parking challenges and facilitate smoother construction processes. By introducing these changes, the state aims to boost real estate development and create more efficient urban spaces.

Green Building Norms and FAR Incentives

Uttarakhand’s new regulations now require all new constructions to meet national green building standards, including the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) rating system, the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (TERI), and the Eco Niwas Samhita for residential buildings. This initiative is part of the state’s push towards eco-friendly infrastructure, in line with the Centre’s environmental mandates.

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To further promote sustainable development, the state has introduced additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) incentives for buildings that meet green building criteria. These incentives are linked to the building’s green rating and also influence parking requirements.

FAR Incentives for Green Buildings

Plains:

• Platinum (4-5 star): 5% FAR

• Gold (3 star): 3% FAR

• Silver (1-2 star): 2% FAR

Hilly Areas:

• Platinum (4-5 star): 3% FAR

• Gold (3 star): 2% FAR

• Silver (1-2 star): 2% FAR

These incentives aim to encourage developers to adopt environmentally friendly practices by offering extra floor area and easing construction restrictions.

Changes in Resort and Hostel Regulations

The new norms also bring changes to the development of resorts and hostels in both plains and hilly regions. For plots up to 4,000 sq. metres with roads of 15 metres width or more, the government has removed the height restrictions on hotel buildings. Additionally, hostels have been moved out of the tourism category, and their parking requirements have been relaxed, with a 25% exemption on standard parking provisions.

Increased Stilt Parking Height for Builders

In response to long-pending demands from the construction sector, the government has raised the maximum permissible height of stilt parking from 2.4 metres to 2.6 metres. In hilly areas, parking built at road level will no longer be included in the FAR or the building’s overall height, providing considerable relief to builders and making construction in these regions more feasible.