Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has carried out spot inspections of PG/Hostel-type constructions across different zones of the city and issued notices to a majority of the identified units.

According to official data, a total of 401 PG/Hostel units were identified during the inspections. Out of these, 385 units have been served notices for violations or irregularities.

Zone-wise details show that all 334 units in the North-West Zone and all 23 units in the South-West Zone were issued notices. In the West Zone, 41 units were identified, of which 25 received notices. Similarly, nine units were identified in the North Zone, but only one was served a notice. In the East Zone, one unit was identified and issued a notice.

The Central Zone and South Zone figures were not specified in detail, but the overall tally confirms notices against 385 out of 401 units across Ahmedabad.

These notices come months after the AMC issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for PG/Hostel, Lodging, and Boarding within its limits.

Guidelines:

AMC had announced that specific rules are applicable within city limits for buildings being used as Hostel or Lodging/Boarding facilities. As per the Comprehensive General Development Control Regulations – 2017 (CGDCR-2017), hostel usage is categorized under Residential Dwelling 3 (DW3), while lodging and boarding falls under Hospitality (HO) use.

According to CGDCR-2017 provisions and the 2nd Revised Development Plan-2021, hostels are permitted only on plots located on roads with a minimum width of 9 meters (30 feet), while lodging and boarding facilities are allowed only on plots adjoining roads with a minimum width of 18 meters (60 feet). Parking provisions are mandatory—20% of the total utilized FSI for hostels, and 30% to 50% for lodging/boarding units, as per Clause 6.15 of CGDCR-2017. Users/owners must ensure parking within premises to avoid inconvenience to nearby residents or public roads.

Further, compliance with applicable fire safety regulations is mandatory, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) must be obtained from the Fire and Emergency Services Department. Adequate sanitation and ventilation must be provided according to the number of rooms. In cases where such buildings are situated within co-operative housing societies, a “No Objection Certificate” from the respective society is required. Additionally, users must also obtain NOC from the Police Department for such usage.

AMC has clarified that if the owners or users of such hostel or lodging/boarding buildings have not obtained development/use permission (BU permission) or a regularization certificate, they must apply in the prescribed format within 30 days to regularize usage. Failing this, the corporation will initiate legal and administrative action.

Additionally, for homestay establishments, the Gujarat State Government, Industries & Mines Department has issued Resolution No. PVS-102020-HS-2-S, dated 21/12/2020 (Policy for Registration of Homestay Establishments Revised-2020). As per this policy and its amendments, owners must apply for permission with the concerned state department and provide a copy to the respective AMC office.

For more details, citizens can refer to the Comprehensive General Development Control Regulations – 2017 (CGDCR-2017) available on AMC’s official website: www.ahmedabadcity.gov.in.