BMC to Proceed with Amnesty Scheme for Buildings Without OC

The BMC is going forward with the implementation of an occupancy certificate (OC) amnesty initiative, which will provide relief to thousands of individuals living in buildings without a valid OC. The proposal, which will be presented to the civic standing committee on Thursday, complies with guidelines issued by the urban development department (UDD) on December 11, 2025.

Approximately 25,000 occupied buildings in Mumbai lack an OC because to builders’ procedural errors, pending compliances, infractions, or variations from approved plans. Residents who do not have an OC typically have difficulty receiving property-related services and approvals, despite the fact that the local body is not intended to authorize occupation without one.

Following the state government’s request, the BMC developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and implementation guidelines. However, during meetings with elected representatives, various ideas were made. At a meeting on February 19, 2026, corporators asked the BMC to expand the benefit to flats of all sizes, rather than the original rule of 80 square metres, and to cover all commercial buildings rather than only schools and hospitals. They also asked that all residential constructions with approved blueprints become eligible for OCs.

A draft proposal was then presented to the BMC’s standing committee in April 2026. However, due to concerns and suggestions from corporators, the idea was not taken up for consideration and was eventually withdrawn, seeking additional advice from the state government. To address the issues mentioned, the BMC sent a new proposal to the UDD on April 15, 2026, requesting changes and additional guidance. The government’s response is yet awaited.

Meanwhile, complaints from impacted homeowners and local representatives continue to stream in, putting increasing pressure on the BMC to start implementing the scheme under current government directions while waiting for further instructions.

The new planned approach will apply to residential structures, hospitals, and schools that were occupied before to November 17, 2016, and have valid planning authority approval. Residential units with a carpet size of up to 80 square meters will be eligible for incentives. Applicants must provide legitimate documentation to verify the legitimacy of approvals and proof of occupation.

Approximately 25,000 occupied buildings in Mumbai lack an OC because to builders’ procedural errors, pending compliances, infractions, or variations from approved plans. Residents who do not have an OC typically have difficulty receiving property-related services and approvals, despite the fact that the local body is not intended to authorize occupation without one.

Following the state government’s request, the BMC developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and implementation guidelines. However, during meetings with elected representatives, various ideas were made. At a meeting on February 19, 2026, corporators asked the BMC to expand the benefit to flats of all sizes, rather than the original rule of 80 square metres, and to cover all commercial buildings rather than only schools and hospitals. They also asked that all residential constructions with approved blueprints become eligible for OCs.

A draft proposal was then presented to the BMC’s standing committee in April 2026. However, due to concerns and suggestions from corporators, the idea was not taken up for consideration and was eventually withdrawn, seeking additional advice from the state government. To address the issues mentioned, the BMC sent a new proposal to the UDD on April 15, 2026, requesting changes and additional guidance. The government’s response is yet awaited.

Meanwhile, complaints from impacted homeowners and local representatives continue to stream in, putting increasing pressure on the BMC to start implementing the scheme under current government directions while waiting for further instructions.

The new planned approach will apply to residential structures, hospitals, and schools that were occupied before to November 17, 2016, and have valid planning authority approval. Residential units with a carpet size of up to 80 square meters will be eligible for incentives. Applicants must provide legitimate documentation to verify the legitimacy of approvals and proof of occupation.

The plan also accepts applications from builders, landowners, registered housing organizations, and, in some situations, individual flat owners via registered architects or licensed surveyors. A dedicated online gateway within the Auto-DCR system is suggested to allow applications to be submitted and processed.

As part of the relief measures, the BMC has recommended a 50% discount on various regularisation fees, including those for enclosed balconies, lofts, and other acceptable changes. Additional concessions have been offered for the regularisation of livable areas previously exempt from FSI calculations.

Civic officials have underlined that issuing OCs under the amnesty scheme does not erase developers or owners of their legal responsibilities, and that action against infractions can still be taken under applicable legislation.

The proposed policy is based on a previous OC amnesty scheme launched by the BMC in 2004, which applied to properties occupied prior to March 25, 1991. Residents’ subsequent demands resulted in suggestions to extend the eligibility period to January 6, 2012, and then to November 17, 2016. The state government has now largely agreed to the updated framework and directed the BMC to carry out the strategy with appropriate amendments.