When building regulations become less complicated

A building permit from the relevant local body is mandatory to construct a building in Kerala. Many people realise the problems of their land only when they are ready to build a building. Many things, like whether it is wet land or dry land, whether it is in the green belt, etc. may arise. In the past, building construction could only be started after resolving all these issues by applying with the necessary documents and finally getting permission. The construction work will be delayed again if the rainy season starts by the time the permission is received. More than fifty percent of those who construct buildings in Kerala are expatriates working in the Gulf and other countries. Therefore, they cannot come back home often to supervise the construction work.

The local self government department must have decided to issue building permits through self-certification of the owner without a site inspection, considering many such factors. The plan to amend building regulations to permit automatic approval of building permit applications if no errors are detected during digital inspections conducted via the K-Smart system is a reform that is welcome in the new era. The results of this are expected to be available in full once the Revenue Department's digital survey is completed. Similarly, the method of issuing permits immediately upon application for two-storey houses up to 300 square meters (3229.17 square feet), regardless of height, will benefit the majority of people in Kerala who are planning to build houses.

Most of the buildings constructed by the common people and the middle class are less than 3000 square feet. Currently, houses up to seven meters high are included in the category that can get self-certified permits. This height requirement is being removed as it is considered a major obstacle. The area for which permits can be issued for commercial buildings will also be increased. The 100 square meters will be increased to 250 square meters (2690.98 square feet). This amendment will benefit those who are planning to open commercial establishments on the sides of the road once the construction of the national highway is completed.

Although excessive requirements are imposed with good intentions, in reality, they lead to corruption and ensnaring the common people. Many people from the building permit issuing department have been caught by the vigilance for accepting bribes. Anyone who has undertaken a building project knows that the cost increases as the construction process is delayed. The prices of building materials have only increased every year, but never decreased. Those who have taken loans from banks have to pay interest from the day they are received. Therefore, it is a good idea to make comprehensive changes in the building construction rules by eliminating unnecessary conditions.