Bhubaneswar, Jan. 17: The development authority will make changes in its building standard regulations with introduction of a new common application form rule in the city this year.

According to the plan, the new rule will be incorporated in the existing BDA (Planning and Standard) Regulations, 2008, and called the Odisha Development Authorities (Common Application Form) Rules, 2016.

Major buildings regulationsensuring public amenities.

"I hope the rules will be enforced correctly and the city will have a uniform look," said Trilok Sahoo, a resident of Damana.

The new rule also incorporates specific sections for various aspects of development, which includes provision for differently-abled and children, conservation of heritage site, green building and sustainability provision, provision for integrated township and fire and structural safety.

"Many people here take permission for something and do something else. I hope the authority will be strict with the new norm," said real estate developer Sangram Nayak.

Besides, the new regulation would lessen the period of building plan approval. The buildings, on a built-up area of up to 5,000sqft, will not need prior approval from the authority. Instead, architects or technical persons recognised by the authority can give the approval for such structures.