The Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) reviews the visual and urban design quality of important projects in Delhi. Since the Unified Building Bye-Laws 2016, DUAC is part of the single-window online building permit system: your architect submits once to the local body, and DUAC's comments come through the same process.

Which projects need DUAC review

According to DUAC, its review covers:

  • Large public or residential complexes – on more than 2 hectares, or taller than 26 m, or plots of more than 1,000 sq m on roads 24 m or wider.
  • District centres, community centres and civic centres, and other areas earmarked by the government.
  • Special areas: the NDMC area, Central Vista, Lutyens' Bungalow Zone and historic areas such as Shahjahanabad, and redevelopment near monuments such as Jama Masjid and Red Fort.
  • Infrastructure such as metro and railway stations, flyovers, bridges, major roads, water towers and communication towers.
  • Statues, fountains, street furniture and hoardings.

An ordinary house on a residential plot generally does not need DUAC approval unless it falls in one of the special areas or crosses these thresholds.

What DUAC looks at

  • How the building looks from the street and fits its surroundings (massing, height, skyline).
  • Elevations, materials and colours.
  • Site planning, open spaces, landscaping and pedestrian movement.
  • Treatment of services such as water tanks and equipment on the roof.

Tips for a smooth DUAC approval

  1. Present clear 3D views of the building in its real context.
  2. Hide roof services and keep the building's top clean.
  3. Follow the special-area guidelines where they apply.
  4. Respond to DUAC observations quickly through the same online system.

Sources: DUAC – functions and project categories (duac.org.in); PIB – Unified Building Bye-Laws for Delhi 2016 (30 March 2016).

Need DUAC approval? Design Tech+ prepares DUAC presentations and follows up on observations. See our DUAC approval service or talk to us.