Karnataka Grants Occupancy Certificate Relief for Small Residential Buildings in Bengaluru

In a significant relief for homeowners, the Karnataka government has exempted certain residential buildings within the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits from the requirement of obtaining an occupancy certificate (OC) to secure electricity connections.

The order, issued on June 5, implements a decision taken at the first Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on June 3. Under the one-time measure , residential buildings up to Ground plus three floors or stilt parking plus four floors , constructed on plots measuring up to 2,400 square feet , will be eligible for electricity connections without producing an occupancy certificate.

According to the government order, the exemption applies to buildings completed and having applied for electricity connections on or before May 31, 2026 . The relaxation is subject to a 20 per cent variation limit and is intended to address long-pending issues faced by property owners who have been unable to obtain power connections due to the absence of occupancy certificates.

To prevent misuse of the provision, electricity supply companies have been directed to conduct site inspections , verify compliance with the prescribed conditions, and maintain photographic records of the buildings before granting connections.

The move is expected to benefit thousands of homeowners across Bengaluru, particularly those residing in smaller residential developments where regulatory approvals remain pending despite completed construction. It also reflects the government's effort to balance citizen convenience with administrative oversight.

The decision carries broader implications for urban governance in Bengaluru. While it offers immediate relief to residents and acknowledges ground realities in a rapidly expanding city, urban planners caution that repeated relaxations could weaken compliance with building regulations if not accompanied by stronger enforcement and streamlined approval processes. At the same time, the requirement for inspections and documentation seeks to preserve a degree of accountability while addressing practical challenges faced by homeowners.

The exemption highlights the growing need for reforms in Bengaluru's building approval and certification framework , as authorities attempt to reconcile regulatory compliance with the demands of urban growth and housing accessibility.