Himachal’s Urban Blueprint 2025: A New Chapter in Smart Development

Himachal Pradesh is gearing up for a major urban transformation. The Town and Country Planning Department has rolled out a draft of the Sixteenth Amendment to the 2014 Planning Rules, signaling a comprehensive overhaul of building regulations across the state. Published in the State Gazette, this proposal is now open for public feedback for the next 30 days.

What’s Changing?

The amendment introduces updated norms for a wide range of structures — from homes and shops to multiplexes and public facilities. Here’s a snapshot of the key updates:

• Building Heights: Residential buildings will be limited to 21 meters, while multi-level parking can go up to 25 meters. For commercial and tourism buildings, height allowances will be tied to road width — up to 21 meters on roads at least 5 meters wide.
• Parking Overhaul: To ease urban traffic woes, large commercial and tourism buildings (over 4,000 sq. m.) must now offer three parking spots per 100 sq. m. of built-up space. Multiplexes and cineplexes must sit on plots of at least 4,000 sq. m., with room for restaurants, gyms, and entertainment zones.
• Ownership & Certification: All new constructions must carry ownership certificates. The process for obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs), occupancy, and completion certificates will be streamlined to ensure transparency and curb unauthorized development.

Setback Standards: Breathing Room for Buildings

The amendment lays out clear setback rules to ensure adequate open space around buildings:

Residential Units

• Detached homes (150–250 sq. m.): 2 meters front, 1.5 meters sides and rear.
• Semi-detached (120–250 sq. m.): Same as detached.
• Shared-wall homes (90–120 sq. m.): 2 meters front, 1.5 meters rear.

Commercial Spaces

• Small shops (10–30 sq. m.): 2 meters front, 1 meter rear.
• Showrooms (up to 500 sq. m.): Up to 3 meters front, 2 meters sides, depending on size.

Tourism & Public Buildings

• Tourist plots (250–500 sq. m.): 3 meters front.
• Larger plots (2,500–4,000 sq. m.): 9 meters front, 5 meters sides and rear.
• Cinemas/Cineplexes: 15 meters front, 7.5 meters all sides.
• Multiplexes: 9 meters sides and rear.

Multilevel Parking Facilities

• Up to 1,500 sq. m.: 5 meters front, 4 meters sides.
• 1,500–4,000 sq. m.: 10 meters front, 5 meters sides and rear.
• Over 4,000 sq. m.: 12 meters front, 7.5 meters all sides.

Why It Matters

Officials say these changes are designed to promote organized growth, improve safety standards, and align construction practices with modern urban needs. Once the public consultation wraps up, these new norms are expected to replace the existing 2014 rules — setting the stage for a smarter, more sustainable Himachal.