Understanding Recent DCPR 2034 Changes & Their Impact on Redevelopment: What Happened?

The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (BMC) has issued a public notice inviting objections/suggestions on certain proposed modifications to DCPR 2034. These changes relate specifically to:

1. Regulation 31(1)(xxi) – Entrance lobbies in stilt portion / multi-level clear height lobbies & atriums

2. Regulation 31(1)(xvii) & 37(28) – Use of Fitness Centres / Yogalaya / Meditation Centres & Recreational Facilities for Co-op Housing Societies or Apartment Owners’ Associations

The proposals aim to provide clarity, flexibility, and proper utilization of building spaces without misinterpretation.

Key Changes in Simple Language

1. Entrance Lobbies & Atriums (Reg. 31(1)(xxi))

• Earlier Rule: Entrance lobbies in stilt portion – height not exceeding 7.2m or equivalent to two floors (whichever is more).

• New Proposal: Multi-level clear height entrance lobbies or atriums of any height up to terrace level will be allowed free of FSI at ground and podium top levels.

👉 Impact: Developers can now create grand, open entrance spaces (like double-height atriums) without consuming FSI. This improves aesthetics, circulation, and luxury feel in redevelopment projects.

2. Fitness / Yogalaya / Recreational Centres (Reg. 31(1)(xvii) & 37(28))

• Earlier Rule: One fitness centre or Yogalaya could be allowed in a society/apartment association.

• New Proposal:

• In every residential building, fitness/yoga/meditation/recreational centres can be constructed free of FSI up to 200 sq.m. per building (subject to conditions).

• For larger layouts with clubhouses, additional BUA can be allowed, subject to 4% cap of proposed/existing BUA.

• Use restricted only to members of the concerned society/association.

• Centre cannot be used for commercial renting.

👉 Impact: Redeveloped societies will get exclusive fitness and recreational spaces without FSI burden. This increases lifestyle value for members while reducing disputes about using sale FSI for amenities.

Impact on Redevelopment Projects

1. Better Amenities Without Extra FSI Cost

• Developers can now provide yoga/fitness centres, meditation halls, and recreation areas free of FSI.

• Societies benefit with added lifestyle amenities at no hidden cost.

2. Grand Entrances as a Selling Point

• Multi-level lobbies & atriums allowed free of FSI mean projects can showcase premium design (like mall-style entrances or double-height lobbies).

• This enhances property value & resale appeal for members.

3. Clarity on Society-Exclusive Use

• Fitness/yoga centres are restricted for society members only → avoids misuse for commercial renting.

• Ensures that redevelopment benefits remain with the residents.

4. Encouragement for Quality Redevelopment

• These changes align with modern housing expectations (wellness, lifestyle, aesthetics).

• Redevelopment projects can be marketed not just on area/corpus but also on premium amenity experience.

Pro Tip for Society Members

When negotiating with developers, ensure your Development Agreement includes these updated DCPR provisions:

• Ask for a fitness/yoga centre of 4% in the new building subject to height restriction.

• Insist on grand entrance lobbies or atriums that don’t eat into your FSI entitlement.

• Confirm that such centres remain exclusive for members and are handed over with OC.

Final Word

These proposed changes in DCPR 2034 are not just technical tweaks – they directly improve the quality of life in redeveloped societies. If you are a managing committee member, submit your society’s suggestions/objections to BMC before the deadline, so your voice is counted in shaping Mumbai’s redevelopment future.