#Title AP govt relaxes building norms to spur investments Reforms focus on ease of doing business, safety, sustainability and faster approvals Objections and suggestions received from the public, urban local bodies and urban development authorities were examined before the final rules were issued. The reform package reflects the government’s commitment to catapulting investment

Bizz Buzz Bureau Amaravati

Ina significant step towards improving the Ease and Speed of Doing Business, Andhra Pradesh Government has notified comprehensive amendments to the AP Building Rules, 2017, through GO Ms.No.161, Municipal Administration and Urban Development (M) Department, dated 29.07.2026.

The reforms are aimed at creating a safer, more inclusive, environmentally sustainable and investment-friendly building environment while removing avoidable procedural constraints. The amendments have been framed in accordance with the guidelines of the Deregulation Cell, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India, covering 23 priority areas and five optional priority areas, with emphasis on liberalisation of standards, legal safeguards, effective enforcement and risk-based regulation. The notification follows a consultative process in which draft amendments were published in the AndhraPradesh Extraordinary Gazette.

Objections and suggestions received from the public, urban local bodies and urban development authorities were examined before the final rules were issued. The reform package reflects the government’s commitment to transforming Andhra Pradesh into a preferred destination for housing, real estate, institutional and commercial investment.

It is aligned with the vision of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to establish transparent, technology-driven and investor-responsive governance and to develop sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive cities under the broader Swarna Andhra@2047 vision.

The amended rules define buildings of 24 metres or more, including the stilt floor, as high-rise buildings. They also formally recognise creches and buildings used for public worship, bringing greater clarity and uniformity to the approval process. The documentation required for building permissions has been standardised. For buildings above 10 metres, structural designs must consider soil-bearing capacity and be certified by qualified structural engineers or licensed consultant firms.

Builders and developers are also required to submit an All Risks Insurance Policy for the construction period, strengthening professional and structural accountability.