Fire Safety Norms Become Major Hurdle in Ahmedabad Impact Fee Clearances

Citizens are reportedly facing significant difficulties in obtaining approvals under the impact fee law introduced to regularise illegal constructions in the city. Applications, particularly for commercial properties and residential buildings above a certain height, have been stalled due to stringent requirements for obtaining fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs). 

The issue was strongly raised by members of the current party itself during a meeting of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s Standing Committee.

Taking serious note of the matter, Standing Committee chairman Kamlesh Patel stated that if any amendments to the law or regulations are required in the public interest, the civic body is fully prepared to approach the state government.

Standing Committee member Rakesh Parikh pointed out that owners of residential properties measuring around 16 to 16.5 metres in height are required to obtain fire NOCs while applying for impact fee approval for unauthorised constructions. He said that owners of four- and five-storey buildings are being asked to install expensive fire safety systems to secure the NOC.

Parikh suggested that if permissions could be granted by mandating simpler safety measures such as fire extinguishers instead, many such unauthorised properties could be regularised, while also generating additional revenue for the municipal corporation through impact fees.

Lack of coordination between estate and fire departments

Senior officials from the estate and TDO departments explained the legal framework, stating that under the revised fire safety regulations, all buildings taller than 15 metres are legally required to obtain a fire NOC. The impact fee approval process can proceed only after this requirement is fulfilled.

Meanwhile, senior officials from the fire brigade proposed an interim and more practical solution, saying that traders and residents need not spend heavily on elaborate systems. They suggested that the installation of essential facilities, such as pumps on the fourth or fifth floor of buildings, could be sufficient to meet regulatory requirements and obtain approval.

Rules should be simplified for public convenience: Chairman

With no clear policy emerging from the officials’ discussions, Standing Committee chairman Kamlesh Patel intervened and said that if any changes are required in such cases, the administration should identify them. He reiterated that the ruling establishment is willing to approach the state government on the issue.

He added that administrative rules should be simple enough to benefit thousands of citizens directly while also increasing revenue for the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.