Floor Eligibility and Legality in Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi

When it comes to building a home in Delhi’s unauthorised colonies, many residents ask the same question: how many floors can I legally build? Understanding floor eligibility is important. Exceeding the permitted limit can lead to fines or demolition notices, while following the rules ensures safety and legal recognition for your property.

What Determines Floor Eligibility?

Floor eligibility in unauthorised colonies is guided by Delhi’s building bylaws and DDA regulations, though enforcement can vary. Typically, the number of floors you can build depends on:

• Plot size
• Road width
• Regularisation status

For example, a smaller plot of around 60 to 100 square meters on a narrow road may be allowed up to two floors. Larger plots on wider roads could qualify for three or four floors. The logic is simple: wider roads can handle taller buildings, and bigger plots reduce congestion risks.

Types of Floors Residents Often Build

Many residents construct different types of floors depending on their needs:

Basement or semi-basement: Often used for parking or storage

Ground and first floors: Typically the main living area

Barsati or terrace floors: Extra floors built on the terrace. Many residents add these without approval, which makes them technically illegal

The government is gradually allowing certain terrace floors to be regularised, but this depends on the colony and plot size.

Legal Implications

Building more floors than allowed can lead to serious problems:

Demolition risk: Authorities can issue notices to remove illegal structures

No floor-wise registry: Additional illegal floors cannot be registered, affecting resale

Loan restrictions: Banks may refuse mortgages for unauthorised floors

Even if your colony is part of PM-UDAY or other regularisation schemes, following official floor limits helps protect your investment.

How Residents Can Check Eligibility

Residents can take several steps to confirm how many floors are allowed:

Check DDA notifications or visit the local SDMC office for sanctioned plans

Verify road width and plot size rules, which determine allowable floors

Consult a property lawyer before adding floors

Confirm whether your colony is under regularisation, which may increase allowable floors

Floor eligibility in Delhi’s unauthorised colonies depends on plot size, road width, and regularisation status. While adding extra floors may seem tempting for rental income or more space, sticking to legal limits protects your property from demolition, registry issues, and loan restrictions.

By understanding the rules and staying informed, residents can safely expand their homes while avoiding legal problems.