Odisha Seeks Simplified Building Plan Approval Rules
The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Odisha Chapter, has proposed amendments to the Odisha Development Authorities (Planning and Building Standards) Rules to ease the plan approval process for low-risk buildings and make construction regulations more people-centric.
Building ApprovalReal EstateOdishaUrban DevelopmentIiaReal Estate NewsJun 11, 2025
IIA Odisha chapter chairperson Swopnadutta Mohanty said the draft Odisha Development Authorities (Planning & Building Standards) Rules, 2025, was submitted to Housing and Urban Development secretary Usha Padhee, on Monday.
“The proposed rules seek to ease procedural hurdles faced by the public during plan approval. Rather than burdening citizens with multiple layers of restrictive regulations, the draft rules aim to empower them through simplified and accessible procedures which will encourage them to comply with the building plan norms during construction,” Mohanty said.
Under the draft planning and building standard rules, the department has been proposed to allow plan approval of plots up to 5,500 sq ft in size and buildings up to three-storey by registered architects in a single-window service. Currently, empanelled architects are allowed to give plan approval for plots up to 3,000 sq ft.
“The change will help a greater segment of the general public who are tired of chasing procedural barriers to get plan approval for construction of low-risk buildings (having a height of maximum 10 metres) in plots up to 550 sq mtr,” she said.
The draft rules also propose an extension of the validity of the building plan approval to five years with an easy renewal procedure. The IIA state chapter has also recommended the introduction of an External Infrastructure Development Plan (EIDP) for the systematic development of roads, drainage, water supply, and other such infrastructure.
IIA Odisha chapter VC Mousumi Nanda said the draft ODA (Planning and Building Standards) Rules 2025 have been prepared in consultation with the public as well as CREDAI Odisha, Association For Odisha Real Estate Developers (AFORD), National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), Odisha, and other stakeholders. The government has also been proposed to publish it in both Odia and English, she said.
Architect Nishith Nanda from AFORD said the draft rules also suggest the removal of terms having dual interpretation, for better clarity. The proposed rules present a reform-driven framework for better service delivery and coordinated urban development across Odisha.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changes are being proposed in the Odisha Development Authorities Rules?
The proposed changes include simplifying the plan approval process for low-risk buildings, extending the validity of building plan approval to five years, and introducing an External Infrastructure Development Plan (EIDP) for systematic infrastructure development.
Who has submitted the draft rules to the Housing and Urban Development secretary?
The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Odisha Chapter, has submitted the draft rules to Housing and Urban Development secretary Usha Padhee.
What is the maximum plot size for which registered architects can give plan approval under the proposed rules?
Under the proposed rules, registered architects can give plan approval for plots up to 5,500 sq ft in size and buildings up to three-storey.
What is the External Infrastructure Development Plan (EIDP)?
The External Infrastructure Development Plan (EIDP) is a proposed plan for the systematic development of roads, drainage, water supply, and other such infrastructure.
How will the proposed rules benefit the public?
The proposed rules aim to ease procedural hurdles, simplify the plan approval process, and extend the validity of building plan approvals, making it easier for the public to comply with building norms and reducing the burden of multiple layers of restrictive regulations.
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