Common Zoning Regulations 2025 Launched To Boost Ease Of Doing Business

: In a path-breaking move to facilitate urban growth, the Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday announced the Common Development Regulations – 2025, which introduces a unified urban planning framework across all urban local bodies (ULBs) and urban development authorities (UDAs).

For the first time, a single set of development norms will apply to every urban area in the state, replacing previously inconsistent master plans that often led to uncertainty in land use and development permits.

The new policy, introduced by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) department, aims to bring uniformity, transparency and technology-driven management to urban development.

The reform will not only ease compliance but also align the state’s planning standards with national benchmarks such as URDPFI guidelines and Ease of Doing Business principles, officials said.

Describing the reform as a “paradigm shift in urban governance”, Chief Secretary (MA&UD) S. Suresh Kumar said the unified system will boost investor confidence and speed up digital approvals through Online Building Permit System (OBPS).

“The initiative reflects Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision of a ‘Future Ready State’ where urban planning, infrastructure and citizen services come together through technology, transparency and efficiency. The regulations are designed to promote uniform land use policies, reduce manual discretion and balance development and environmental protection,” said Suresh Kumar.

One of the key issues highlighted is the rationalization of land use categories from 16 to nine: Residential, Commercial, Public and Semi-Public, Industrial, Recreational, Transportation, Mixed Use, Agriculture and Development Restricted/Protected Use Zones. Each category now contains clear definitions of permitted, restricted and prohibited activities based on environmental safety standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The chief secretary noted that the regulations integrate directly with the province’s Ease of Doing Business agenda by minimizing procedural redundancies and enabling faster, rules-based approvals. He also stated that stringent measures have been taken to protect water bodies, eco-sensitive zones and heritage sites and regulated tourism and recreation is allowed only in sensitive areas.

Suresh Kumar pointed out that all previously approved layouts and permitted developments will remain valid to ensure a smooth transition. “Citizens and developers can access zoning maps, land use rules and building norms online, marking a significant shift towards transparency and digital governance,” he emphasized.