The revised guidelines, to be added as Chapter XIV of AP Building Rules, 2017, reduce compliance burdens and support SASCI 2025–26 goals by delegating enforcement to citizens and Licensed Technical Personnel
Published Jul 13, 2025 | 4:06 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 13, 2025 | 4:06 PM
Ease of doing business: Andhra Pradesh government liberalises rules governing self certification scheme -2025
Synopsis: To boost ease of doing business, the Andhra Pradesh government issued revised guidelines on July 13 for self-certified building permissions under the Self Certification Scheme (SCS)–2025. Aimed at streamlining construction approvals, the scheme promotes hassle-free development permissions and faster clearances
In a move to further liberalise norms and improve ease of doing business, the Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday, July 13, issued revised guidelines for self-certified building permissions under the Self Certification Scheme (SCS)–2025.
According to Municipal Administration and Urban Development Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar, the updated rules are expected to streamline and accelerate construction activities across the state.
Introduced as a strategic initiative, SCS-2025 aims to simplify the process of obtaining development permissions, making it more citizen-friendly and enhancing the “Speed of Doing Business” in Andhra Pradesh.
The scheme also promotes a participatory approach to development and is expected to provide a significant boost to the real estate and construction sectors, Kumar added.
The core objectives include making the building environment safe, inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and contributing to economic development by enhancing Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and cultivating an investment-friendly environment.
This initiative also proactively addresses the reduction of compliance burden and deregulation, aligning with efforts to avail incentives under Government of India’s scheme like Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2025-26. These revised guidelines will be integrated as Chapter – XIV into the existing Andhra Pradesh Building Rules, 2017.
A fundamental aspect of the SCS 2025 is the proactive devolution of enforcement power and responsibilities for adhering to approved building permissions directly to Licensed Technical Personnel (LTPs) and citizens on a trust basis. This trust-based mechanism is designed to significantly reduce processing time and regulatory hurdles:
The Online Building Permission System (OBPS) is equipped to scrutinize applications and issue building permission proceedings instantaneously after the payment of necessary fees and charges, operating on a trust basis. This rapid approval process is a cornerstone of improving the speed of doing business.Upon obtaining permission through OBPS, applicants are authorized to commence construction immediately.
A key highlight is that supervisory checks by Town Planning functionaries for self-certified buildings are hereby dispensed with. While a random selection of 10 percent to 15 percent of total files will still undergo inspection, this significant change drastically reduces the compliance burden on the public and developers.
All building plan applications, along with essential documents, fees, and mortgage details, must be submitted through the Online Building Permission System (OBPS) by a Licensed Technical Person (LTP). A crucial addition to the process is a signed Self Certification Proforma by both the applicant and the LTP, affirming the authenticity and accuracy of all submitted information and documents.
In its initial phase, the Self Certification Scheme 2025 is applicable to specific categories of construction projects. They are:
Non-high-rise residential building plan permissions for plot areas up to 4000 sq.mt. This includes plots in approved layouts, layouts regularized under LRS – 2008 and LRS 2020 schemes, Village sites and Gramakantam, areas with approved circulation patterns, and redevelopment of existing buildings with prior approved plans or those existing before 1985.
The scheme also covers the establishment of White Category industries, as defined by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), provided they have a site extent of 500 sq.mt or below.
These guidelines are applicable across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Andhra Pradesh and for Gram Panchayats within Urban Development Authorities (UDAs) jurisdiction, including APCRDA (excluding the Capital City area), for sites 300 sq.mt or larger.
The SCS 2025 clearly outlines the responsibilities of all stakeholders to ensure compliance and maintain integrity:
Owner’s Primary Responsibility: The building owner bears the sole responsibility for adhering to the approved building plan throughout the construction process.
Under the new dispensation, Licensed Technical Personnel (LTP) play a pivotal role. They are mandated to ensure that no misrepresentation of documents or facts occurs, and that all plans comply with master plan, zoning regulations, and the Andhra Pradesh Building Rules 2017.
LTPs must promptly submit all required reports, including the Plinth level Inspection (PI) report within 7 days of completing the plinth beam, confirming site setbacks are maintained. Failing to upload this report within the stipulated time means it is deemed certified by the LTP that the inspection was completed and construction is as per the approved plan. LTPs are liable for any misrepresentation, which can lead to the revocation of their license in OBPS for a period of five years.
If any deviations within permissible limits are identified at the occupancy stage by the LTP, they must raise a payment challan online and ensure payment before applying for occupancy. Furthermore, if an LTP discovers that a building is being constructed in violation of the approved plan, they are required to intimate the concerned authority and cease further supervision, making the owner fully responsible for irregularities.
Leveraging technology and empowering professionals and citizens through a trust-based system, the state is poised to significantly enhance the ease and speed of doing business, contributing to accelerated economic growth and planned urban development, said Suresh Kumar.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
