The recent incident at a coaching institute in Old Rajinder Nagar underscores the prevalent disregard for building regulations in Delhi NCR. Before commencing operations for commercial or professional purposes, all building permits must comply with established guidelines. But what are these regulations? Continue reading to learn more about basement usage, permissible activities, and the building plan rules applicable in Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon.

Is it legal to use basements for residential and commercial purposes?

According to the National Building Code (NBC), which serves as the foundation for building regulations in most cities, basement usage is highly limited. Basements are typically allowed for storage, darkrooms, bank vaults, parking, or housing equipment that needs constant air conditioning. Renting out basements for residential purposes is strictly prohibited, and kitchens or bathrooms are only allowed if sewer levels support them without the risk of backflow or flooding. Although builders are expected to comply with the NBC, local state regulations can sometimes differ. In such instances, the stricter code applies.

For commercial use, basements can be utilized as offices, provided the proper permits are obtained. Local state laws must be followed, and approval from the municipal authority is required before initiating any commercial activities. According to building by-laws, basement areas used for storage or parking are not included in the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculation, but any commercial use of the space is factored into the FAR.