Two-thirds owner consent now mandatory for post-OC plan changes; revised approvals barred where FAR is exhausted.

BDA Tightens Building Plan Rules to Protect Apartment Owners.

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has introduced stricter rules to prevent unauthorised modifications to residential projects after Occupancy Certificates (OCs) are issued. Under a July 15 circular, any revised building plan in projects where third-party rights exist will require the consent of at least two-thirds of apartment owners. Additionally, revised sanctions will not be permitted if the permissible Floor Area Ratio (FAR) has already been fully utilised. The move follows a legal dispute involving residents of the 241-unit HM Tambourine apartment complex, who challenged BDA's approval of an additional building without their consent. Residents argued that the developer attempted to use land and development rights that had already been transferred to apartment owners through registered sale deeds. The matter is currently before the Karnataka High Court. Resident associations have welcomed the circular, saying it strengthens apartment owners' rights and helps prevent builders from misusing land, FAR, and development rights after project completion.