In a major legislative update, the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly has approved a bill that redefines high‑rise buildings as those exceeding 24 metres in height, departing from the earlier threshold of 18 m. This amendment to building norms seeks to align with the state’s ambitions for more vertical urban development and to better regulate multi‑storey construction.
With the new definition, many structures previously falling under “high‑rise” classification might now be treated under standard building rules, reducing regulatory burdens and compliance costs for developers. The government contends that this change will accelerate approvals, encourage infill development, and relieve growth pressure on horizontal expansion. Critics caution, however, that safety norms, firefighting infrastructure, and structural standards must keep pace with relaxed definitions to avoid compromising public safety.
The bill is part of a larger package of municipal reform laws passed concurrently. Alongside redefining heights, the assembly also approved amendments facilitating penalty‑based regularisation of violations, amendments in layout norms, and changes in local governance rules. Officials say the updated classification will provide clarity to builders, urban planners, and municipalities, and help harmonise regulations across Andhra Pradesh’s rapidly growing cities.
The redefinition of high-rise building norms marks a pivotal shift in urban planning policy, offering both opportunities and responsibilities in managing the state’s future skyline and infrastructure demands.
#HighRiseRedefinition
#AndhraPradesh
#HighRiseBuildings
#24MetresThreshold
#BuildingRegulations
#UrbanDevelopment
#MunicipalReform
#VerticalGrowth
#CityPlanning
#BuildingNorms
