The Karnataka government’s recent move to introduce a premium Floor Area Ratio (FAR) policy, which permits developers to construct additional floors by paying 28% of the guidance value, has sparked unease among urban planners and citizen groups.
While this regulation could benefit the real estate sector, concerns are mounting over potential misuse. Activists fear the policy’s vague clauses may allow developers to regularise unauthorised structures or exploit it for ongoing projects. Experts stress the need for clear guidelines, warning that ambiguity might lead to misinterpretation by officials.
One of the 24 policy conditions specifies that premium FAR applies to future developments. The rule states that the certificate for Premium FAR, obtained by paying the required charges, must be submitted before plan approval under the KTCP Act, 1961. However, it remains unclear if builders can modify approved plans or apply the premium FAR to structures still under construction.
Homebuyers who have partially or fully paid for apartments but are yet to take possession may be significantly affected. Government bodies like BDA and BBMP remain uncertain about its impact on unfinished projects.
A retired revenue official noted that buildings with occupancy certificates cannot extend further, citing K-RERA guidelines, which require approval from two-thirds of homebuyers.
Anil Kalgi of the Flat Owners Welfare Association warns that applying premium FAR to incomplete buildings could lead to severe infrastructure failures, affecting parking, water supply, and sanitation.
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