Ahmedabad: In response to rising disputes linked to paying guest (PG) accommodations in residential areas of Ahmedabad, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has announced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate them. Under the new rules, no PG will be allowed to operate without first obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the respective housing society.

Additionally, approvals from the fire department, police, and AMC’s estate department have been made mandatory to operate a PG. According to the SOP, PG accommodations fall under the definitions of hostels, lodging, and boarding facilities. These facilities must also allocate 20% of the Total Utilised Floor Space Index (FSI) as parking space—a condition that may make it difficult for PGs to secure approval in densely populated residential areas.

In recent years, PG accommodations have rapidly sprung up in residential societies across Ahmedabad, often without regulation. This has led to frequent complaints from residents about disturbances and security concerns, sometimes escalating to police complaints. The AMC claims the new SOP will help address these issues and bring much-needed relief to affected societies.

The following regulations apply for using premises as HOSTEL, LODGING AND BOARDING within AMC limits:

– According to the provisions of CGDCR-2017, the use of a HOSTEL is permitted only on plots abutting TP roads or private roads with a minimum width of 9 meters (30 feet). The use of LODGING AND BOARDING is permitted only on plots abutting TP roads or private roads with a minimum width of 18 meters (60 feet), subject to compliance with regulations.

– For HOSTEL use, parking must be provided at 20% of the Total Utilised FSI. For LODGING AND BOARDING use, parking must be provided at 30% to 50% of the Total Utilised FSI.

– Parking must be within the premises itself, so public roads remain clear and neighbours are not inconvenienced.

– Fire safety measures, as per current regulations, must be followed, and an NOC must be obtained from the Fire & Emergency Services Department.

– Adequate sanitation and ventilation facilities must be planned based on the number of rooms.

– If the property is part of a Co-operative Housing Society, an NOC from the society must be submitted.

– An NOC must also be obtained from the Police Department for such use.

– Owners or operators of existing HOSTEL, LODGING AND BOARDING buildings who have not yet obtained development/use permission from AMC must apply in the prescribed form. Use of the premises should commence only after receiving BU Permission or a regularisation certificate.

– Anyone currently running HOSTEL, LODGING AND BOARDING premises without authorisation must apply for development/use permission or regularisation within 30 days. Failure to do so will result in legal action.

– For buildings used as HomeStay under the domestic use category, approval must be obtained from the relevant government department as per the Gujarat Government’s Policy for Registration of HomeStay Establishments (Revised-2020). A copy of this approval must be submitted to AMC.