RMP-2015 and Zonal Regulations Set Development Rules Across Bangalore Local Planning Area

The Revised Master Plan 2015 (RMP-2015) and the Zonal Regulations under the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961, govern zoning and development across Bangalore's Local Planning Area. These documents establish the permitted uses and parameters that apply to all new layouts and building proposals within the defined boundaries.

The rules divide the city into three concentric rings that carry different density and regulation standards. Ring I covers the area inside the Core Ring Road. Ring II covers the area between the Core Ring Road and the Outer Ring Road. Ring III covers the area beyond the Outer Ring Road. Each ring applies its own limits on development intensity and activity types.

Land Use Categories and Layout Requirements

Primary land use categories listed in the regulations include Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Public and Semi-Public, Traffic and Transportation, Park and Open Space, Agricultural, and Unclassified. Each category carries defined permissible uses and development standards that developers and property owners must follow when submitting plans.

For non-residential layout sanctions, the rules require reservation of 10 percent of total area for parks and civic amenities, a minimum road width of 12.0 metres, and allocation of 5 percent of the area for parking. Commercial activity is not allowed in residential zones where road width falls below 12.5 metres. These parameters directly influence where shops, offices or other non-residential uses can be placed near existing homes.

Approval Processes and Resident Implications

Any change in land use requires DC Conversion approval. All building plans must obtain a Building Licence from the relevant engineering department of BBMP or BDA. The BDA Act, 1976, further requires that 10 percent of land in locality development be set aside for civic amenities. Residents seeking to understand what can be built near their homes or on their own properties must check these approvals against the ring and zone rules that apply to their location.

The framework determines the placement of new commercial services, the amount of open space retained in developments, and the road standards that govern access in different parts of the city. Property owners and neighbourhood associations therefore review the applicable ring classification and land use category when assessing proposed projects in their area.

Future proposals will continue to be assessed under the same RMP-2015 provisions and the linked Zonal Regulations. Applicants must complete the required conversion and licensing steps before construction can proceed.