Hyderabad: January 8, Posted at 7:20 PM IST
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has issued uniform guidelines for the processing and issuance of Occupancy Certificates (OC) to non-high-rise buildings constructed as per sanctioned plans, even if the validity of building permissions has lapsed.
In a circular issued on January 8, 2026, the GHMC Commissioner stated that the guidelines apply to buildings sanctioned under G.O.Ms No.168 (MA&UD, dated April 7, 2012). These are cases where construction was completed according to approved plans, but Occupancy Certificates were not obtained within the prescribed validity period.
The absence of an OC has caused difficulties for property owners, purchasers, and prospective buyers, particularly in securing water and electricity connections from agencies such as HMWSSB and TSSPDCL. It has also affected access to bank loans and led to additional penalty charges.
Under the new procedure, applications for OC submitted within two years from the date of lapse of building permission will be processed after collecting pending building permit fees and other applicable charges, including Link Road Charges and CRMP charges, as per Rule 26.
For applications submitted after two years, all charges applicable to the total built-up area as on the date of OC application will be levied. In both cases, Occupancy Certificates will be issued only if construction deviations are within permissible limits, allowing up to 10 percent deviation in mandatory setbacks, excluding the front setback.
GHMC clarified that these guidelines are applicable only to non-high-rise buildings. The move is expected to benefit a large number of citizens by enabling them to regularise their properties and gain access to essential civic services.
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