The Uttar Pradesh Housing and Urban Planning Department has recently announced the draft of the new Uttar Pradesh Building Construction and Development Bylaws 2025, marking a significant step toward modernising the state’s urban planning framework. Set to replace the existing bylaws introduced in 2008, the new draft has been released for public feedback, with officials seeking suggestions and objections from citizens within the next 15 days.
This initiative is expected to bring substantial changes to the way urban development and construction are carried out across the state. A major highlight of the 2025 draft is the allowance for more commercial activity within residential zones. Under the new regulations, the concept of “Bazaar Streets” will be introduced, which allows commercial activity to extend across the entire plot depth. For these streets, the minimum right-of-way has been set at 12 metres, in line with the proposed master plan. This change will permit commercial usage on both the ground and first floors of buildings, with residential use allowed on the upper floors. Additionally, there will be no height restrictions for buildings along Bazaar Streets, although certain statutory limitations will still apply, such as regulations concerning heritage sites, airport funnel zones, and protected monuments.
This modification in building norms represents a significant shift from previous policies. Until now, commercial activities were only permitted on roads with a minimum width of 12 metres, but the new bylaws have lowered this threshold to roads as narrow as 6 metres in certain cases. Retail shops will now be allowed not only on the ground floor but also on the first floor, even in built-up areas. This change is expected to have a considerable impact on both the retail and residential markets, as it offers greater flexibility for businesses to set up shop in residential areas.
The draft also includes updates for mixed-use development, particularly in Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zones. These zones are designed to encourage development near mass transit stations, allowing both residential and commercial uses within a 1.5-kilometre radius of stations connected to the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). The new bylaws set specific Floor Area Ratios (FAR) for TOD areas, helping to promote efficient land use while facilitating better connectivity and reduced congestion. This is in line with the national TOD policy of 2017, as well as state revisions made in 2022.
A major player in the real estate sector, the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), has expressed support for the draft bylaws, viewing them as a step in the right direction for affordable housing. According to a CREDAI representative, the updated regulations are “people-friendly” and are expected to help developers plan projects more efficiently. Moreover, the new regulations allow for the construction of multiple units on smaller plots, which could potentially reduce housing costs and encourage more widespread access to affordable housing.
The Uttar Pradesh Housing and Urban Planning Department has emphasised the importance of public participation in shaping the new regulations. Citizens are invited to submit their objections or suggestions in writing, either at the department’s office in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, or via email. This move aims to ensure that the final regulations reflect the needs and concerns of the public while fostering sustainable and inclusive urban growth. Once the feedback period concludes, the department will review the suggestions and make any necessary revisions before finalising the bylaws.
The updated building bylaws for 2025 signify a notable shift in urban development policy in Uttar Pradesh. If implemented successfully, they could reshape the state’s real estate landscape, promoting a more integrated approach to residential and commercial development. However, it remains to be seen how well the public responds to the proposed changes and whether they will meet the long-term goals of sustainable and equitable urban growth. As stakeholders across various sectors weigh in, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the future of urban development in Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh Drafts New Building Bylaws for 2025
