Gurgaon: Residential plot owners in Haryana could get greater construction potential. The state govt has proposed to increase the maximum permissible floor area ratio (FAR) to 264% for plots measuring up to 250 square metres. The proposed changes to the Haryana Building Code, 2017 could allow homeowners to build more floor area on their plots and provide greater scope for redevelopment and construction of independent floors. For larger plots, the proposed maximum permissible FAR will be 240%.On Nov 2, the directorate of town and country planning (DTCP) issued a public notice inviting objections and suggestions from the general public and stakeholders on the proposed amendments. The deadline for submitting feedback is Dec 1. The higher FAR could benefit existing plot owners planning to reconstruct or expand their houses, while also providing developers with greater scope to utilise residential plots for independent floors. For prospective homebuyers, this could potentially translate into more housing options and larger built-up areas.A person owning a 300 sq yard (approximately 251 sq metre) residential plot will fall under the 250-350 sq metre category. Under the proposed norms, ground coverage will remain 66% and base FAR 130%, allowing construction of 3,510 sqft. However, the maximum permissible FAR, including additional purchasable FAR, will be 240%, taking the potential construction area to 6,480 sqft. This translates into an additional construction potential of 2,970 sqft, subject to applicable charges and building regulations. The maximum permissible height will remain 16.5 metres, with a provision for a single-level basement. The proposal does not increase base FAR but incorporates the maximum FAR limits into the Building Code table.Under the proposed norms, plots measuring up to 100 square metres will have a maximum permissible ground coverage of 75%, a single-level basement and a base FAR of 165%. The maximum permissible FAR, including additional purchasable FAR, will be 264%. For plots measuring above 100 square metres and up to 250 square metres, the proposed ground coverage will also be 75%, while the base FAR will be 145%. The maximum permissible FAR for this category will be 264%.As for larger plots, those measuring above 250 square metres and up to 350 square metres will have 66% ground coverage and a base FAR of 130%. For plots between 350 and 500 square metres, the base FAR will be 120%, while plots measuring above 500 and up to 1,000 square metres will have a base FAR of 100%. Ground coverage for both categories will remain 66%. The proposed framework retains a maximum building height of 16.5 metres across all five plot-size categories. The notice describes this as G+3 floors, including stilt parking and four floors (S+4). A single-level basement has also been specified for all categories.However, increased construction potential could also add to residential density in established colonies. More dwelling units on existing plots may put additional pressure on neighbourhood roads, parking, water supply, sewerage and other civic infrastructure. The proposed notice does not spell out any corresponding changes to infrastructure or parking requirements. The amendments seek to replace the existing table under sub-clause (a) of Clause (i) of Sub-code 6.3(3) of the Haryana Building Code, 2017. The public notice, signed by DTCP director general Dr J Ganesan, states that the proposed amendments have been approved by the govt and objections and suggestions are being invited before further action.
