To streamline urban development and encourage integrated townships, the Punjab government has notified the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Building (Amendment) Rules, 2026.Through the amendments, the housing department has introduced detailed provisions for mixed-use developments, ease approval processes through self-certification and update construction norms for residential and commercial buildings.A key highlight of the new rules is the formal definition and regulatory framework for “mixed-use project or site” — described as a single, integrated development on one parcel comprising multiple land uses that are physically and functionally interconnected.Such projects will be permitted on sites with a minimum area of 8,000 square metres and an approach road of at least 24 metres. The maximum ground coverage allowed is 45 per cent, while Floor Area Ratio (FAR) ranges from 1:2.5 (for 24m road) to 1:3.0 (30m road), with no upper limit for wider roads subject to airport clearance and other norms. Maximum height has no restriction except airport-related clearances.Restrictions include a ban on regular schools and colleges (crèches, play schools and nurseries allowed), hospitals with more than 10 beds, and polluting industries. White category industries and IT/ITES units are permitted.Projects must maintain a minimum 6-metre setback, 15 per cent organised green space, and adhere to parking, fire safety, and structural norms.For residential buildings, the plinth level has been allowed up to 600 mm from the crown of the adjoining road, with relaxations where basements are provided. The maximum permissible height remains 13 metres, with measurement adjustments for elevated ground levels.The amendments also introduce comprehensive parameters for standalone multi-Level Car Parking facilities, allowing up to 80 per cent ground coverage on a minimum 4,000 sq.m. site, with limited commercial use on two floors.Self-certification for smaller buildingsIn a bid to reduce delays, self-certification by empanelled architects has been allowed for all buildings up to 21 metres in height falling within approved layouts, irrespective of plot size or occupancy. Commercial plots like SCOs and SCFs in approved layouts are also covered if architectural controls are in place.The competent authority will issue an auto-generated receipt, with plans deemed approved if no objections are raised within seven days. Random checks will continue, and violations will invite strict action against both owners and architects.