Telangana’s Fire Services have raised the provisional Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) ceiling for new housing projects from 18 metres to 24 metres, a shift that becomes active on October 7.
Under the previous rule, residential buildings of 18 metres and taller, typically around G+5, needed a provisional Fire NOC before construction approval. The updated limit now includes buildings up to 24 metres, approximately G+7, depending on design specifics.
This relaxation applies exclusively to residential apartments. Other structures, such as schools, hospitals, hotels, and offices, will adhere to existing requirements. Officials noted that the change resulted from consultations with builders’ associations and aligns with the National Building Construction Standards (NBCS) 2026.
Fire safety checks will remain in place for apartments between 18 metres and 24 metres, despite the removal of the provisional NOC requirement. Fire officials will conduct periodic or surprise inspections during construction to ensure compliance with basic safety measures. These include proper exit routes, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, and safe electrical systems.
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Fire DG Vikram Singh Mann clarified that the change aims to streamline approvals and reduce regulatory burdens for lower and mid-rise residential buildings. However, fire safety experts warn that height alone should not determine fire risk. They emphasize other critical factors, such as occupant numbers, evacuation routes, smoke management, firefighting systems, and access for fire tenders.
Telangana reported over 8,860 fire incidents and more than 160 fire-related deaths in 2025, according to official data. Experts have also flagged risks like blocked staircases, locked terraces, storage in common areas, unsafe electrical modifications, and vehicles blocking fire tender access.
The revised threshold removes one approval requirement for mid-rise residential projects while retaining fire-safety inspections during construction. Provisional NOCs outline the fire-safety systems needed before construction, followed by occupancy and annual renewal checks post-completion.
The change shifts the focus for apartments between 18 metres and 24 metres from securing a provisional NOC based on height to inspections during construction. Its effectiveness will depend on the consistency of these inspections and the functionality of safety systems once residents occupy the buildings.
