The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has implemented major changes to the Building and Town Planning Regulations 2022 to enhance fire safety standards and ensure stricter compliance in construction projects across Sindh. These amendments, introduced in response to the Gul Plaza tragedy, are effective immediately and are designed to improve emergency access, safety infrastructure, and oversight in both commercial and industrial buildings.
Under the new regulations, builders are required to allocate an additional 16 percent of project space specifically for motorcycles and vehicles, with separate parking areas for motorcycles and visitor parking to ensure clear access for emergency and rescue services. Licensing procedures have been centralized, with all new and renewal construction licenses now being issued exclusively through the SBCA headquarters, streamlining approvals and monitoring.
Firefighting infrastructure is now mandatory for public projects, industrial buildings, and welfare plots, including dedicated underground and overhead water tanks that must be incorporated permanently into building designs. Certified mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings related to fire safety must also be submitted to the SBCA before construction approval is granted.
No commercial or industrial project will receive a completion certificate without obtaining the required no-objection certificates from civil defense and fire departments. Retail and commercial properties must meet stricter internal fire safety standards, requiring at least one fire extinguisher per shop and one extinguisher for every 400 square feet in departmental stores.
These amendments apply to all new developments as well as projects currently under review. By enforcing these measures, the SBCA aims to close gaps in fire safety enforcement, enhance building supervision, and ensure the protection of residents and visitors in Sindh.
