Gujarat: New building rules aim to smooth the way for PGs, preschools

Ahmedabad: There are indications that after the civic body polls, new Comprehensive General Development Control Regulations (CGDCR) with updated construction rules will be implemented for Ahmedabad and other cities in the state. The rules will likely include new construction regulations for paying guest facilities, preschools, and miniplexes in Ahmedabad.A controversy over miniplexes has simmered for the past year. The new CGDCR is expected to include regulations for approving miniplexes within commercial complexes. Additionally, it is expected that paying guest accommodation may be allowed on one or two floors of commercial complexes. Furthermore, new rules for permitting preschools in residential constructions are likely to be developed. Sources from the state's urban development department indicate that in 2017, the state govt implemented CGDCR for all cities, including Ahmedabad. These regulations were applied to construction in urban areas, including provisions for cinema, multiplex, drive-in cinema, and theatre construction plans. Specific rules were established for building multiplexes or cinemas. If someone wants to open a cinema, the building must be constructed according to these regulations. However, under the Gujarat Cinema (Regulation of Exhibition by Video) Rules, licences for video cinemas with one screen and up to 125 seats are issued, even in commercial complexes with valid BU permissions and fire NOCs. These video cinemas do not require separate building plans or fire NOCs. Sources said that licences for miniplexes with 125 seats are issued in commercial complexes as stipulated by the Gujarat Cinema (Regulation of Exhibition by Video) Rules, 1984. Currently, there are no separate rules for multiplex cinema constructions in the existing CGDCR, leading to technical disputes. In 2024, the AMC sealed miniplexes operating within commercial complexes, but they were reopened after representations from miniplex operators. The new CGDCR are expected to include regulations for approving miniplex cinemas within commercial complexes, potentially allowing them on one or two floors. Additionally, the current CGDCR includes rules for hostel construction but not for paying guest accommodation in commercial complexes. There was a controversy over paying guest accommodation in Ahmedabad for the past two years. The new CGDCR may include provisions for allowing paying guest accommodation in new commercial complexes. Two years ago, the AMC sealed preschools operating in residential units, but they were reopened. The new CGDCR is expected to include rules for permitting preschools in residential units. Box Removing complications 1. The 2017 Comprehensive General Development Control Regulations (CGDCR) do not include the term ‘paying guest'. A year ago, the AMC issued guidelines under the head ‘paying guest', which actually pertained to hostel/boarding construction rules. However, the definition of ‘paying guest' was not established. 2. Private university campuses are opening in Ahmedabad, leading to an increased demand for hostel buildings in the city's western area. New hostel buildings are being constructed on both new and existing university premises. Various social organizations are also building hostels for students. In 2021-22, on average, four to five applications for building hostels were approved annually. But in 2025-26, 15 hostel building construction plans were approved 3. In 2025, the AMC identified 401 PG units across the city, issuing notices to 385 units operating without police and society NOCs. All PG units were instructed to obtain NOCs promptly, with a warning of sealing if not submitted within the stipulated time. In 2025-26, over 25 illegal PG units operating in residential societies were sealed
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