Ebenezer News Explainer DeskExplainers are written from our published summary and its cited sources, then checked against them.17 Oct 2026, 04:26 amUpdated 1h ago4 min readIndiaIndia
New Fire Safety Rules for Residential Buildings in Telangana
The Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department has raised the height threshold for requiring a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) for residential buildings to 24 metres. This change aims to simplify compliance for developers while maintaining safety standards for taller structures.
Changes to safety requirements
Residential apartment buildings in the state that are below 24 metres in height no longer need to obtain a Fire NOC. Previously, this requirement applied to buildings starting from 18 metres in height.
This update is a significant shift in how the state regulates fire safety for housing projects. The previous threshold of 18 metres meant that a larger number of smaller buildings had to undergo the formal NOC process.
The new guidelines came into effect on October 7, 2026. These rules apply specifically to fresh applications for Provisional Fire NOCs submitted on or after that date.
Why it matters for residents
These revisions impact how builders and developers manage fire safety approvals for new projects. The department stated that the goal is to create a practical framework for processing applications.
Developers seeking new building approvals
Residents in buildings below 24 metres
Occupants of taller buildings requiring safety features
Builders associations involved in the consultation
State officials managing fire safety compliance
By streamlining these processes, the department intends to simplify compliance for developers. Officials maintain that these adjustments will not compromise essential fire and life safety measures across the state.
For residents, the changes mean that the regulatory burden on smaller residential projects is reduced. However, the department continues to enforce strict safety protocols for larger, taller structures.
Background of the policy
The revisions follow consultations between the department and major builders’ associations. Groups including CREDAI, NAREDCO, and the Telangana Builders Federation met with the Director General, Vikram Singh Mann, to discuss implementation issues.
These discussions addressed concerns regarding government order number 95, which was issued on March 21, 2026. The meeting specifically focused on building height restrictions and ventilation arrangements for basement generator rooms.
This dialogue was initiated to resolve practical difficulties faced by the construction industry. The goal was to ensure that safety regulations are both effective and manageable for those involved in real estate development.
What happens next
The department has instructed all concerned officers to implement these revised requirements immediately. As these rules are not retrospective, they only affect new projects moving forward.
Developers will submit fresh applications under the new height threshold.
Officials will process these requests based on the updated guidelines.
Construction projects will incorporate mandatory fire towers and command centres where applicable.
Builders will also need to follow the new ventilation rules for diesel generator rooms. These rooms must now feature louvres above a fire-rated wall of at least one metre, with a two-hour fire resistance rating.
As projects progress, the department will monitor compliance to ensure that these new standards are met. This process ensures that safety remains a priority while reducing administrative hurdles.
Key facts at a glance
The new height threshold for Fire NOCs is 24 metres.
Fire towers are mandatory for buildings 24 metres or taller.
Dedicated Fire Command Centre rooms are required for taller buildings.
New ventilation rules apply to basement diesel generator rooms.
Revisions apply only to fresh applications from October 7, 2026.
The department continues to oversee fire safety protocols for various building categories. Requirements for other types of buildings remain unchanged despite these specific updates for residential structures.
