Haryana Revamps Building Code: A Game Changer for Real Estate and Industry
Haryana has taken a decisive step toward faster and smarter urban development. The state government has overhauled the Haryana Building Code (HBC), 2017. These amendments liberalise FAR norms, simplify occupation certificate procedures, and remove long-standing regulatory hurdles.
As a result, developers, industries, and investors now get more flexibility and faster execution. At the same time, the government has reinforced safety and transparency safeguards.
Let’s understand why this reform matters.
Unrestricted FAR for Commercial Buildings Sparks Vertical Growth
One of the biggest changes allows unrestricted FAR and height for major commercial buildings. This category includes shopping malls, multiplexes, offices, hotels, restaurants, banquet halls, guest houses, and integrated commercial complexes.
Earlier, FAR caps limited design and scale. Now, developers can build vertically, provided they comply with fire safety and parking norms.
Consequently, land use efficiency will improve across cities like Gurugram and Faridabad. Vertical growth will reduce horizontal expansion and ease pressure on peripheral land. This shift supports compact, well-planned urban centres.
Industrial and Data Centre Projects Get a Massive FAR Boost
The amendments strongly favour industrial growth. Haryana now allows significantly higher purchasable FAR:
- General industries can exceed 150%
- Apparel and footwear units can go beyond 250%
- Data centres can reach up to 500% FAR
This move directly benefits manufacturing corridors and emerging data centre hubs in NCR districts.
As a result, industries can scale operations on existing plots. Land constraints will no longer slow down expansion. Haryana now positions itself as a serious competitor for high-value industrial and digital infrastructure investments.
Extra FAR Benefits for Existing and Legacy Projects
The government has also addressed long-pending concerns of older developments.
Projects approved before June 30, 2016, can now avail additional FAR for industrial, commercial, institutional, and resort uses. Developers only need to pay proportionate infrastructure and external development charges.
Educational and institutional buildings get even more relief. If authorities approved them after June 30, 2016, they can avail up to a 50% FAR increase without additional charges.
Therefore, redevelopment of ageing properties will accelerate across NCR.
Occupation Certificates Become Faster and Predictable
Occupation certificates often cause project delays. The revised code directly fixes this issue.
Haryana has expanded third-party and self-certification systems:
- High-risk buildings will receive OCs through empanelled architects and engineers within defined timelines
- Low-risk buildings, including plotted residential units and select industrial projects, can opt for self-certification
As a result, developers can plan possession schedules with greater certainty. Buyers will also benefit from reduced waiting periods.
Flexible FAR, but Zero Compromise on Safety
Although FAR norms have become flexible, safety rules remain strict.
Developers can use additional or purchasable FAR only after full compliance with:
- Fire safety norms
- Parking adequacy
- Structural stability
- Ventilation standards
Special buildings such as malls, IT parks, and high-rises must secure fire safety clearance before approvals and occupation certificates.
This balance ensures that higher density does not weaken urban safety or emergency preparedness.
Online E-Register Brings Transparency to Approvals
To improve accountability, Haryana will soon launch a public online e-register. This digital record will display all building plan approvals and occupation certificates.
The system will integrate with the HOBPAS portal. Buyers, investors, and authorities will access searchable records easily.
The government expects full public access by early 2026. This step will reduce disputes and strengthen trust in the approval process.
GRIHA Rule Change Simplifies Environmental Compliance
The amendments also remove the environmental clearance exemption earlier linked to GRIHA-certified buildings.
This change aligns Haryana’s rules with updated national policies. It also removes confusion during approvals. Developers now follow a clear and uniform environmental framework.
Expert Advice: What Developers and Investors Should Do Now
According to Sanjeev Singh, Managing Director, SKJ Landbase, this reform creates opportunity, but only for well-prepared players:
“Haryana’s FAR liberalisation marks a structural shift in urban planning. Developers can now unlock hidden land potential and redevelop assets faster. However, success will depend on strict adherence to fire safety, parking, and structural norms. Projects that plan compliance from day one will gain faster approvals, stronger buyer confidence, and better long-term value.”
His advice highlights a clear takeaway. Strategic planning and regulatory discipline will decide who benefits most from this reform.
A Confidence-Boosting Reform for NCR Real Estate
The revised Haryana Building Code has already come into force. It sends a strong message to developers, investors, and end-users.
The state has chosen speed without ignoring safety. It has reduced friction without lowering standards. Most importantly, it has aligned regulation with real demand.
If enforcement stays consistent, Haryana could set a benchmark for urban development across India.
