Thiruvananthapuram: The state government is revising the building permit rules to simplify the application process. Self-permits for constructing houses up to 3,000 square feet will be allowed without considering height limitations.

Currently, the self-permit system is restricted to houses with a maximum height of 7 meters and two floors. However, the Local Self-Government Department's amendment committee has granted in-principle approval to eliminate height as a criterion. This decision considers evolving architectural designs and the practice of increasing building heights to improve ventilation and reduce heat.

Under the new system, applications submitted through Ksmart will be scrutinised using AI tools. Permits will be issued immediately upon payment of the required fees. This reform aims to reduce corruption and long delays in building permit approvals.

The updated rules will also examine multiplex permit applications within the Ksmart software. This category includes buildings with a minimum of three screens and a width of over 12,000 square meters.

The government also plans to move a large portion of applications in the general permit category, which currently requires direct inspection, to the self-permit category. For instance, large houses or commercial buildings on plots with no surrounding structures or disputes could bypass direct inspection. This change could reduce direct inspections to only 25 per cent of applications, making 75 per cent eligible for self-permits.

These recommendations were submitted by a committee chaired by the Principal Director of the Local Self-Government Department, with the chief town planner as its convenor.

Ksmart expansion plans
Meanwhile, the state is all set to expand the Ksmart system from urban civic bodies to three-tier panchayats. A pilot project will launch in Thiruvananthapuram on January 1, with services extended to the Thiruvananthapuram district panchayat, Nedumangad block panchayat, and Karakulam gram panchayat. A full-scale implementation of this plan is expected by April.