Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced an Occupancy Certificate (OC) amnesty scheme to help eligible residential buildings obtain their long-pending Occupancy Certificates. The initiative aims to simplify the regularisation process for buildings that were occupied before the specified cut-off date but did not receive their OC due to pending formalities or certain construction-related deviations.
🏠 1. Who Can Benefit from the Scheme?
The scheme covers eligible residential buildings, hospitals and schools that were occupied before November 17, 2016, and had the necessary development permissions but did not obtain an Occupancy Certificate.
Buildings must meet the conditions prescribed by the BMC to qualify for the scheme.
📋 2. Necessary Approvals and Documents
Housing societies must have the required approvals, including the Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) and Commencement Certificate (CC), wherever applicable.
Applicants may also need to submit approved building plans and other documents to establish that the construction had the necessary permissions.
📑 3. Proof of Occupation
Societies may be required to provide documents proving that the building was occupied before the cut-off date.
Documents such as property tax records, electricity bills and other accepted municipal records may be used as supporting evidence, subject to BMC requirements.
📐 4. Carpet Area Conditions
The scheme provides specific concessions for eligible properties based on their carpet area before regularisation.
In general, properties with a carpet area of up to 80 sq. m. may qualify for specified concessions, subject to the applicable conditions. The area may exceed this limit after regularisation in eligible cases.
🏪 5. Eligibility of Commercial Premises
Certain shops and offices located within predominantly residential buildings may also be eligible to apply.
However, commercial premises may not qualify for financial concessions under the scheme. The building must also meet the prescribed residential-use criteria.
💻 6. How Can Societies Apply?
Housing societies can initiate the application process through the BMC’s AutoDCR system under the relevant amnesty OC proposal category.
Societies may seek assistance from a licensed architect or surveyor to prepare the required documents and submit the proposal. BMC will examine the application and provide an opportunity to address objections or submit missing documents.
💰 7. Concessions on Regularisation Charges
Eligible applicants can receive a 50% concession on specified regularisation charges, including certain penalties related to eligible deviations, such as balcony enclosures, otlas and lofts.
However, the scheme does not automatically legalise unauthorised construction. All applications remain subject to BMC scrutiny and applicable regulations.
🏙️ Conclusion
The BMC’s OC amnesty scheme provides eligible housing societies with an opportunity to address pending Occupancy Certificate requirements and complete the regularisation process. Societies should carefully review the eligibility criteria, collect the necessary documents and consult qualified professionals before submitting their applications.
For housing societies, obtaining an OC can help formalise building approvals and support smoother property-related transactions and administrative processes.
🏢 BMC’s OC Amnesty Scheme: Eligibility, Application Process and Concessions for Housing Societies