Patna: The Bihar government has prepared a draft of the Bihar Building Bye Laws 2026, proposing changes aimed at simplifying building construction and urban development regulations across the state.
If approved, the new framework is expected to alter the existing map approval process, particularly for small and medium-sized residential and commercial buildings. The draft has been opened for public feedback and expert objections before it is sent to the state cabinet for final approval.
Self-certification proposed for eligible buildings
A key provision in the draft is the introduction of a self-certification system for specified categories of buildings.
Under this system, property owners may no longer need to obtain prior map approval from municipal bodies if their projects fall within the prescribed category. Instead, they will be required to get their building plans prepared by a government-recognised architect or technical expert and upload them on an online portal.
Once the required fee is paid, the approval certificate can be downloaded immediately.
The draft proposes this facility for residential buildings up to 24 metres in height and with a maximum floor area of 750 square metres per floor. Certain schools, malls, factories and warehouses may also be covered under the system, subject to conditions.
Deemed approval after 30 days
The draft also includes a deemed permission clause aimed at reducing administrative delays.
According to the proposal, if an applicant formally applies for building approval and the concerned authority neither approves nor rejects the application within 30 days, the plan will be treated as automatically approved.
Officials say the provision is intended to improve efficiency and reduce file pendency.
Standardised dimensions for basic structures
The proposed bye-laws also set minimum standards for structural components, including room height, kitchens, bathrooms, staircases and balconies.
The government has additionally proposed easing some existing penal provisions and fines under earlier regulations.
Uniform implementation across urban Bihar
The new rules are proposed to apply uniformly across all urban local bodies in Bihar, including municipal corporations, municipal councils, nagar panchayats, metropolitan areas and planning zones.
The draft also clarifies that incomplete construction projects whose earlier permissions have expired will have to comply with the new 2026 regulations for the remaining work.
Similarly, large projects that had previously received approval but could not begin before their permits expired will also be brought under the new framework.
