BMC's OC Amnesty Scheme: 5 Things Homeowners Must Know

The Mumbai civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is set to implement an amnesty scheme.

It will help eligible housing societies obtain long-pending Occupation Certificates (OCs).

The scheme received final approval from the BMC House on August 18. Civic officials are expected to begin implementation in the coming days.

The scheme aims to provide relief to thousands of housing societies in Mumbai that lack a valid OC. Eligible societies can obtain an OC by paying prescribed charges.

The amount will depend on factors such as the building's type and size and the nature and extent of approvals or violations. Currently, around 12 lakh homeowners in nearly 25,000 residential buildings across the city lack an OC.

Eligibility: cut-off date and required approvals

Two key conditions determine eligibility. The first is a cut-off date. The scheme will apply only to buildings occupied before November 17, 2016.

Housing societies will need to submit documents such as property tax receipts or electricity bills.

These must establish that the building was occupied before the cut-off date.

The second condition relates to approvals. Only buildings with a valid Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) and a Commencement Certificate (CC) will be eligible to apply.

Also Read: Seven Firms Compete for BMC's ₹1,000 Cr Green Bond

Unit size limits and which buildings qualify

The scheme also sets a size limit on eligible units. Residential units larger than 80 square metres, around 861 sq ft, will not be eligible for benefits.

An OC may be granted for an entire building, or only in part, depending on which units meet the eligibility conditions.

The scheme is primarily aimed at residential buildings. It also covers hospitals and schools.

Commercial units within predominantly residential buildings may be granted an OC. However, these units will not be eligible for the scheme's financial benefits.

To qualify at all, a building must have more than 50 per cent of its units designated for residential use.

Also Read: BMC Approves OC Amnesty Scheme for Pre-2016 Buildings

NOC requirement and what the scheme does not cover

Applicants will also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This must come from the original construction applicant or the holder of development rights.

This could be the property owner or developer. If the NOC is not submitted, the BMC may issue a notice to the developer, owner or original applicant.

The civic body has clarified an important limit on the scheme. It is only meant for obtaining an Occupation Certificate.

It cannot be used to regularise illegal construction or other violations within a housing society.

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