The Andhra Pradesh (AP) government has launched the Common Zoning Regulations – 2025, a historic step aimed at uniform, technology-driven urban planning across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Urban Development Authorities (UDAs) in the State.
The regulations, framed by the Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD) Department, are part of the State’s larger vision to transform Andhra Pradesh into a future-ready, investor-friendly state with planned and sustainable urban growth.
Uniformity across urban jurisdictions
For the first time, a single zoning regulation will apply to all urban areas, replacing inconsistent local rules that often caused confusion among developers and citizens.
“The Common Zoning Regulations – 2025 represent a paradigm shift in urban governance. By integrating all local planning norms under a unified framework, the State has simplified compliance and aligned practices with national benchmarks such as the URDPFI Guidelines,” said MA&UD Principal Secretary S Suresh Kumar.
“This will enhance investor confidence and streamline approvals across Andhra Pradesh,” he added.
Chief Minister’s vision for smart and inclusive cities
The initiative reflects Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s vision to create smart, efficient, and economically vibrant urban centres.
The regulations aim to:
- Promote uniform land-use policy across urban areas.
- Ensure digital transparency, reducing manual interpretation.
- Facilitate ease of living and business with clear land-use permissions.
- Encourage responsible urbanisation with environmental safeguards.
Previously, different towns under different master plans followed different rules, creating ambiguity and inefficiencies. The new framework also enables full digitisation of urban approvals through the Online Building Permission System (OBPS).
Key Highlights of the Common Zoning Regulations – 2025
1. Rationalised Land Use Categories
The number of categories has been reduced from 16 to 9:
- Residential Zone (R)
- Commercial Zone (C)
- Public & Semi-Public Zone (PS)
- Industrial Zone (I)
- Recreational Zone (RE)
- Transportation Zone (T)
- Mixed Use Zone (M)
- Agriculture Use Zone (A)
- Development Restricted / Protected Zones (SA/PR)
Each zone specifies permissible, restricted, and prohibited activities, including environmentally sensitive restrictions per CPCB guidelines.
2. Integration with Ease of Doing Business
The framework simplifies approvals, reduces redundancy, and minimises manual intervention for faster, rule-based clearances.
3. Environmental Safeguards
Water bodies, heritage sites, and eco-sensitive zones are strictly protected, while regulated recreation and tourism activities are allowed.
4. Continuity of Existing Permissions
All previously approved layouts and development permissions remain valid for a seamless transition.
5. Citizen-Friendly and Digitally Accessible
Zoning details, permissible uses, and building norms are now accessible online, improving understanding for citizens, developers, and professionals.
Driving reform-oriented urban growth
The regulations are part of Andhra Pradesh’s Urban Reforms Agenda, aimed at modernising planning systems, standardising infrastructure delivery, and aligning with national and international best practices.
“Urban reforms are central to the Chief Minister’s vision of transforming Andhra Pradesh into an economically strong and resilient State. The Common Zoning Regulations will provide a predictable and transparent environment for citizens, developers, and planners,” Suresh Kumar added.
By harmonising norms and leveraging digital tools, the state expects accelerated infrastructure investment, improved urban livability, and adherence to environmental safeguards.
