KARACHI: Fire safety now mandatory for building approval and completion

KARACHI: Amendments have been made to the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) Building and Town Planning Regulations 2002.

Following these amendments, fire safety has been made a mandatory part of the building approval and completion process.

For public and industrial buildings, designated underground and overhead water tanks for firefighting are now compulsory.

Additionally, submission of certified mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings is mandatory.

For approval of the completion plan, NOCs from Civil Defense, Fire Brigade, and municipal authorities are required. Furthermore, every shop must have at least one fire extinguisher.

For departmental stores, one fire extinguisher is required for every 400 square feet, while commercial areas must provide motorcycle visitor parking in addition to general parking.