Delhi DDA revises construction, alteration rules: What's allowed, what's not, and how residents can apply

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has revised its policy on permission and regularisation of additions and alterations to its flats. Under the new rules, owners of upper-floor flats in low-rise housing blocks can now construct certain permanent structures, subject to conditions, a TOI report stated. This is DDA's first housing policy revision since 2007.

The revision was framed in consultation with the ministry of housing and urban affairs and has been approved by it. DDA said the move is meant to give residents extra usable space while keeping a uniform look across its housing colonies. Officials added that the policy will also make it easier to regularise construction already carried out by residents and help check whether such additions are safe.

What construction is now allowed

Owners of flats in two-, three- and four-storey buildings can build permanent structures over an area created by covering a courtyard, or over the terrace formed on the floor below.

Conditions attached

Such construction will be allowed only if it does not block common circulation areas or affect existing utility services. It must also match the approved layout plan of the housing pocket and follow technical and planning norms.

Officials explained the reasoning behind the change: "All cases henceforth will be processed in accordance with the revised policy. Its implementation will be done by DDA or MCD depending on the area. The initiative aims to simplify regularisation process in cases where people have carried out additional construction. Also, it will help check if these additions ensure the safety of a building," TOI quoted an official.

Three categories of work:

• The revised policy sorts additions and alterations into three categories.
• The first category covers work that does not need any permission or intimation to DDA.
• The second category includes work that needs prior permission or intimation. This covers structural changes, changes in service lines, or additional coverage.
• The third category covers additional coverage that is permitted only after prior approval.

Bathroom and WC now allowed in rear courtyard

DDA has also relaxed rules to permit construction of a bathroom and WC in the rear courtyard of eligible flats. This will be allowed only if residents install proper plumbing with direct connections to the existing drainage, sewage and water supply systems, without disturbing the utility infrastructure.

Where the policy applies

DDA has clarified that the revised policy covers only housing structures up to G+4 storeys, meaning ground plus four floors. In multi-storey DDA housing complexes, residents can carry out only the minor modifications listed under the first category.

How residents can apply

Officials laid out the steps applicants must follow: "Applicants must obtain the approved architectural plan of the flat from DDA or MCD, get the proposals prepared by an architect, pay the prescribed building plan scrutiny fee and additional floor area charges, and carry out construction in accordance with building bye-laws and other applicable norms."

Approval and inspection process

DDA will examine a proposal and give its decision within 30 days. Once work is complete, the owner must inform DDA, which may then carry out random inspections. The completed work must also be reported within three years of getting the initial permission.