Fire NOC in Karnataka: the KSFES high-rise NOC and Clearance Certificate
Updated By Flamekite Editorial DeskFacts checked against official sources on
Quick answer
Karnataka requires a KSFES fire NOC for buildings of 21 m or more. Seva Sindhu lists a ₹35 or ₹60 per m² fee and 60 working days. The duty is section 13(3) of the Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964, in force since 24 March 2023, and it applies whatever the building is used for.
The NOC comes before construction. A second KSFES paper, the Clearance Certificate, comes after the fire systems are installed: Seva Sindhu lists it at no charge, in 45 working days. No official validity period for either was published on 24 October 2026.
Free, on WhatsApp. Or set a renewal reminder
Karnataka fire NOC at a glance
| What | The rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services (KSFES), headed by a Director General of Fire and Emergency Services of DGP rank | Wikipedianews report |
| The Act | Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964 (Karnataka Act 42 of 1964), extending to the whole State | CaseMinestudy |
| Where the NOC duty sits | Section 13(3), inserted by the 2023 amendment, deemed in force from 24 March 2023 | Karnataka LA Bill 3 |
| High-rise in the Act | A building of 21 metres or above, irrespective of its occupancy | Government of Karnataka |
| High-rise on Seva Sindhu | Both fire services list eligibility as building height above 15 m | Seva Sindhu |
| NOC fee | Residential ₹35 per m² or ₹2,50,000; non-residential ₹60 per m² or ₹5,00,000; whichever is higher, on total built-up area | Seva Sindhu |
| Fee order | Government Order of 13 September 2019, cited on the Seva Sindhu page | Seva Sindhu |
| Clearance Certificate fee | Nil application fee and nil service charge | Seva Sindhu |
| Service times | NOC 60 working days; Clearance Certificate 45 working days | Seva Sindhu |
| Building code the Act names | National Building Code 2016, fire and life safety provisions (section 13(4)) | Government of Karnataka |
| Fire cess | 1% surcharge on property tax of new high-rises under Act 59 of 2025; no start notification found | Karnataka DPAL |
| Validity | No official period published; certificates seen in practice run 1 or 2 years | NoBrokerHoodnews report |
| Fine for ignoring a fire-precaution order | Up to ₹500 under section 25 | CaseMinestudy |
Karnataka high-rise NOC against the Clearance Certificate
| Option | High-rise NOC | Clearance Certificate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| When you apply | Before construction, on the plans | After the fire systems are installed and checked | NoBrokerHoodnews report |
| Legal basis | Section 13(3) of the 1964 Act, from 24 March 2023 | Not named on the Seva Sindhu page | Karnataka LA Bill 3 |
| Application fee | Nil | Nil | Seva Sindhu |
| Service charge | ₹35 per m² (residential) or ₹60 per m² (other), with ₹2,50,000 and ₹5,00,000 floors | Nil | Seva Sindhu |
| Service time | 60 working days | 45 working days | Seva Sindhu |
| Eligibility as listed | Building height above 15 m | Building height above 15 m | Seva Sindhu |
| Documents | The same 9 drawings and papers | The same 9 drawings and papers | Seva Sindhu |
| What it unlocks | Plan sanction for the high-rise | The occupancy certificate application | NoBrokerHoodnews report |
How to get a fire NOC in Karnataka, step by step
Measure the building against 21 m and 15 m
At 21 m or more the Act makes the NOC compulsory. Between 15 m and 21 m the Seva Sindhu pages still list the building as eligible, so ask KSFES in writing before you rely on an exemption.
Prepare the 9 drawings and papers
A covering letter, site plan, ground floor plan, typical floor plan, elevation, section, fire schematic, built-up area statement and ownership document.
Apply for the NOC on Seva Sindhu before plan sanction
Choose the Fire & Emergency high-rise NOC service. The service charge is worked out on the total built-up area: ₹35 per m² for residential and ₹60 per m² for other buildings, with ₹2.5 lakh and ₹5 lakh floors.
Allow 60 working days and answer observations
That is the service time Seva Sindhu lists. Files of 21 m and above go to KSFES head office for the Director General's signature.
Build to the NOC and apply for the Clearance Certificate
Install the systems the NOC lists and keep the 8 m setbacks free. Then apply for the Clearance Certificate, listed at no charge with a 45 working-day service time.
File the clearance with your occupancy application
In Bengaluru the corporation issues the occupancy certificate only after the fire clearance. Note the expiry date printed on your certificate, because no statewide validity rule is published.
What section 13(3) of the Karnataka Fire Force Act says
Two sub-sections and one explanation, inserted on 24 March 2023, are the whole statutory basis of the Karnataka high-rise fire NOC. The line is 21 m.
Word for word
(3) Any person proposing to construct a high rise building shall obtain a No Objection Certificate from the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services department. (4) Subject to the provisions of the National Building Code 2016 relating to Fire and life safety, while issuing a No objection certificate for construction of a high rise building, the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services department shall follow such procedure and collect such amount of fee as may be prescribed. Explanation: A high rise building means a building of 21 meters or above in height irrespective of its occupancy as defined in the National Building Code 2016.
Three points follow from the text. The duty falls on anyone proposing to construct, so it bites at plan stage. The 21 m line ignores occupancy, unlike most states, which set different heights for homes, schools and shops. And the fee and procedure are left to rules under section 13(4); the only published fee Flamekite found is the 2019 order on Seva Sindhu.
Karnataka height lines: 15 m, 21 m and the 2011 Bengaluru rule
Three official or reported lines apply to a Karnataka building, and they do not agree for a building between 15 m and 21 m.
| Fire Force Act, section 13(3) | Seva Sindhu service pages | 7 July 2011 Bengaluru notification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 15 m Government of Karnataka | No NOC duty under section 13(3) | Not eligible for either fire service | Not a high-rise |
| Above 15 m, under 21 m Seva Sindhu | No NOC duty under section 13(3) | Eligible: height above 15 m | High-rise: fire NOC before BBMP plan sanction |
| 21 m and above Government of Karnataka | NOC compulsory before construction | Eligible | High-rise |
| Does use change the line? Seva Sindhu | No: irrespective of occupancy | No, but the fee differs: residential ₹35, other ₹60 per m² | Not stated in the report of the notification |
| Who signs inside KSFES NoBrokerHoodnews report | Not stated in the Act | Not stated | Reported: Regional Fire Officers below 21 m, the Director General at 21 m and above |
The 2011 notification (HD 33 SFB 2011) is known from a 2011 news report; its official text was not found online. Whether it still applies alongside the 2023 Act is not settled.
Does your Karnataka building need a KSFES fire NOC?
Find the line that matches your premises. Each says which Karnataka route applies.
If It will be 21 m or taller, for any use, anywhere in Karnataka
You need the KSFES NOC before construction and the Clearance Certificate before occupation. Fire NOC guide Karnataka LA Bill 3
If It is between 15 m and 21 m
The Act does not require the NOC, but both Seva Sindhu services list buildings above 15 m as eligible. Ask KSFES in writing which applies to your plan. Seva Sindhu
If It is a multi-storey private hospital
At 21 m or more it needs the NOC, and as a non-residential building it pays ₹60 per m² with a ₹5,00,000 minimum. Seva Sindhu
If It is a government building of 21 m or more
The NOC duty still applies. Only the 1% fire cess, once in force, exempts State and Central Government buildings. Karnataka DPAL
If You sell firecrackers from a shop in a city corporation
The High Court held in 2026 that a corporation may insist on a fire department NOC before you trade, even without an express statutory provision. LiveLawnews report
If It is a house or shop of 15 m or less
No high-rise NOC applies, but a section 13(1) notification can still require precautions from a class of premises. CaseMinestudy
Karnataka fire NOC fees under the 13 September 2019 order
The NOC fee is a service charge on the whole built-up area, with a floor. The Clearance Certificate is free.
As published
- High-rise NOC, residential building₹35 per m²Or ₹2,50,000, whichever is higher Seva Sindhu
- High-rise NOC, non-residential and other buildings₹60 per m²Or ₹5,00,000, whichever is higher Seva Sindhu
- Application fee for the NOCNil Seva Sindhu
- Clearance CertificateNilNo application fee and no service charge Seva Sindhu
- Fire tax under section 15(2)Up to 10% of property taxA cess collected with property tax at a notified rate, not a NOC fee CaseMinestudy
- Fire cess on new high-rises1% of property taxAct 59 of 2025; not payable until its start is notified Karnataka DPAL
- Regularising an existing Bengaluru high-rise without NOC, 2011 regime4 times the current feeOnly where there are no violations, as reported in 2011 Citizen Mattersnews report
- Renewal feeNot publishedSeva Sindhu lists no renewal service
The Government Order is cited on Seva Sindhu by its Kannada number, dated 13-09-2019; Flamekite has not read the order itself. Consultants' charges are not KSFES fees. For every state's fees, see the fire NOC fees table.
Karnataka fire NOC fee worked out for five buildings
Flamekite’s working from the official rules; no government publishes this figure.
Flamekite's arithmetic on the Seva Sindhu rates. The floor decides the fee for any residential building under 7,143 m² and any other building under 8,334 m².
Case 1
A 6,000 m² apartment block, 22 m
Flats on 7 floors in Mysuru, built-up area 6,000 m².
What applies 6,000 × ₹35 is ₹2,10,000, below the floor, so the fee is ₹2,50,000. At 22 m it crosses the Act's 21 m line. Seva Sindhu
Case 2
A 25,000 m² residential tower in Bengaluru
A 30-storey tower, built-up area 25,000 m².
What applies 25,000 × ₹35 is ₹8,75,000. The file goes to KSFES head office because it is above 21 m. Seva Sindhu
Case 3
An 8,000 m² office, 24 m
A business building in Hubballi, built-up area 8,000 m².
What applies 8,000 × ₹60 is ₹4,80,000, below the ₹5,00,000 floor, so the fee is ₹5,00,000. Seva Sindhu
Case 4
A 15,000 m² private hospital
A multi-specialty hospital of 9 floors, built-up area 15,000 m².
What applies Non-residential: 15,000 × ₹60 is ₹9,00,000. Its Clearance Certificate costs nothing. Seva Sindhu
Case 5
An 18 m school block
A 5-storey school, under the Act's 21 m line.
What applies No NOC duty under section 13(3), but Seva Sindhu lists buildings above 15 m as eligible. Confirm with KSFES before plan sanction. Seva Sindhu
Karnataka fire law from 1942 to 2026
Karnataka's fire NOC is young: the statutory duty dates only from March 2023, 59 years after the Act.
1942
Fire services are first set up in Bengaluru city, under the police. Wikipedianews report
1964
The Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964 (Act 42 of 1964) is passed, with the section 13 precaution powers and the section 15 fire tax. CaseMinestudy
5 November 1965
A separate Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services is created. Wikipedianews report
7 July 2011
After a High Court PIL by the Beyond Carlton group, a notification brings Bengaluru buildings above 15 m under a NOC and 2-yearly inspection regime. Citizen Mattersnews report
13 September 2019
The Government Order behind today's NOC service charge is issued. Seva Sindhu
24 March 2023
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot promulgates Ordinance No. 01 of 2023, inserting section 13(3) and (4). Government of Karnataka
27 July 2023
The Amendment Act replacing the Ordinance is notified, deemed in force from 24 March 2023. TeamLease RegTechnews report
15 May 2025
The Greater Bengaluru Authority replaces BBMP as the city's apex civic body. Wikipedianews report
10 September 2025
Act 59 of 2025, the 1% fire cess on new high-rises, receives assent and is gazetted. Karnataka DPAL
27 April 2026
The High Court upholds demolition of construction in a Rajarajeshwari Nagar project's fire setback. LiveLawnews report
30 April 2026
BIS withdraws NBC 2016, which section 13(4) still names. Only Assam had written NBCS 2026 into its fire law by 24 October 2026. Gazette of India
5 August 2026
The High Court upholds a Mangaluru fire NOC condition for firecracker traders. LiveLawnews report
The six Karnataka instruments behind a fire NOC
Two are Acts in force, one is an Act waiting for its start date, and three are orders known only in part.
Act 42 of 1964
Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964
Extends to the whole State. Section 13 lets the government order precautions, section 15 levies a fire tax of up to 10% of property tax, and sections 24 and 25 set the penalties. CaseMinestudy
24 March 2023
Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023
Ordinance No. 01 of 2023 first inserted the high-rise NOC in section 13(3) and the 21 m definition. Government of Karnataka
LA Bill 3 of 2023
Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Act, 2023
Replaced the Ordinance with the same text, deemed in force from 24 March 2023. Its delegated-legislation memo says fee and procedure rules are to follow. Karnataka LA Bill 3
Act 59 of 2025
Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Act, 2025
A 1% fire cess on the property tax of newly built high-rises, with State and Central Government buildings exempt. It starts on a date to be notified; none found by 24 October 2026. Karnataka DPAL
HD 33 SFB 2011
The 7 July 2011 Bengaluru high-rise notification
Fire NOC before plan sanction, Clearance Certificate before OC, inspection every 2 years. Known from a 2011 report; the official text is not online. Citizen Mattersnews report
G.O. of 13-09-2019
The NOC fee order
Fixes the ₹35 and ₹60 per m² service charge cited on Seva Sindhu. Not itself published online. Seva Sindhu
How a Bengaluru high-rise moves from plan to occupancy
Every fire paper for a Bengaluru tower comes from KSFES, the state service, while the city corporation holds the plan and the OC. The path has 6 stops.
1. Fire NOC before plan sanction
Since the 2011 notification, a builder files the KSFES fire NOC with the corporation before it sanctions a high-rise plan. Citizen Mattersnews report
2. KSFES head office decides
For a building of 21 m or more the file goes to head office and the Director General signs; below that, Regional Fire Officers handle it. NoBrokerHoodnews report
3. Plan sanction from the city corporation
BBMP sanctioned plans until 15 May 2025; the Greater Bengaluru Authority and its 5 city corporations have replaced it. Wikipedianews report
4. Build with fire access intact
The High Court enforced an 8 m minimum setback and a 9 m turning radius for aerial ladders in April 2026. LiveLawnews report
5. Clearance Certificate, then the OC
KSFES inspects and issues the Clearance Certificate, listed at 45 working days; the occupancy certificate follows only after it. Seva Sindhu
6. Inspection every 2 years
Under the 2011 rules an officer of District Fire Officer rank or above inspects with a residents' representative, given 7 days' notice. Citizen Mattersnews report
Karnataka fire NOC online: Seva Sindhu and the KSFES portal
The KSFES website failed with a TLS error again on 24 October 2026. Seva Sindhu, the state's service portal, carries both fire services.
Start here
Seva Sindhu: high-rise NOC
Lists the 9 documents, the ₹35 and ₹60 per m² service charge and the 60 working-day service time, with the apply link. Seva Sindhu
sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in/category/Application%20for%20No%20Objection%20Certificate%20(High%20rise%20Building)%20-%20Fire%20&%20Emergency.htmlAfter building
Seva Sindhu: Clearance Certificate
The post-construction clearance: nil fee, 45 working days, same 9 documents. Seva Sindhu
sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in/category/Application%20for%20Clearance%20Certificate%20(High%20rise%20Building)%20-%20Fire%20&%20Emergency.htmlService list
Seva Sindhu: Police and Security Services
The category where Karnataka lists its 2 Fire & Emergency services. Seva Sindhu
sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in/Category/Police_Security_Services.htmlLaw
Karnataka Act 59 of 2025
The fire cess Act as published by the Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation. Karnataka DPAL
dpal.karnataka.gov.in/uploads/media_to_upload1759555279.pdf
The 9 documents Seva Sindhu lists for a Karnataka fire NOC
The NOC and the Clearance Certificate ask for the same 9 papers. Flamekite found no longer official list.
- 1. Covering letter Seva Sindhu
- 2. Site plan Seva Sindhu
- 3. Ground floor plan Seva Sindhu
- 4. Typical floor plan Seva Sindhu
- 5. Elevation Seva Sindhu
- 6. Section Seva Sindhu
- 7. Fire schematic: the drawing of the fire-fighting and detection systems Seva Sindhu
- 8. Built-up area statement, which also sets the fee Seva Sindhu
- 9. Ownership document Seva Sindhu
- Guides also mention structural stability and electrical certificates; Seva Sindhu does not list them in 2026 NoBrokerHoodnews report
Karnataka fire NOC in numbers
21 m
Height from which section 13(3) makes the NOC compulsory, whatever the use Government of Karnataka
15 m
Height above which both Seva Sindhu fire services list a building as eligible Seva Sindhu
60 working days
Seva Sindhu service time for the high-rise NOC Seva Sindhu
45 working days
Seva Sindhu service time for the Clearance Certificate Seva Sindhu
7,143 m²
Built-up area below which a residential building pays the ₹2,50,000 floor (Flamekite arithmetic) Seva Sindhu
8,334 m²
Built-up area below which any other building pays the ₹5,00,000 floor (Flamekite arithmetic) Seva Sindhu
Penalties under the Karnataka Fire Force Act 1964
The Act's fines are among India's lowest, at ₹500. Bengaluru enforcement leans on power cuts and sealing instead.
| Offence | Penalty | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Failing to take the precautions a section 13 notification or direction requires | Fine up to ₹500 | Section 25 CaseMinestudy |
| Failing to give information the Act requires | Simple imprisonment up to 1 month, a fine up to ₹500, or both | Section 24 CaseMinestudy |
| Not removing fire-risk goods when directed | Goods seized, detained or removed after a chance to object | Section 13(2) CaseMinestudy |
| A Bengaluru high-rise still non-compliant 3 months after notice | BESCOM power cut, sealing and suspension of the OC | 2011 notification Citizen Mattersnews report |
| A builder breaching fire norms after getting the NOC | Prosecution under the 1964 Act | 2011 notification Citizen Mattersnews report |
| Construction inside the fire setback of a Bengaluru high-rise | Demolition, with the modified plan held in abeyance | High Court, Writ Appeal 1637 of 2025 LiveLawnews report |
Section amounts are from a CaseMine copy of the Act; the India Code copy refused connection. The 2011 sanctions are as reported by Citizen Matters in 2011.
Karnataka High Court fire NOC rulings, 2025 to 2026
From news reports, not yet an official source.
Both 2026 rulings came from the Division Bench of Justice D.K. Singh and Justice T.M. Nadaf, and both side with the fire authority.
5 August 2026
In Mangaluru Mahanagara Palike v. Maya Traders (2026 LiveLaw (Kar) 281), the Bench set aside a single judge and let the corporation demand a fire NOC from firecracker traders within 2 weeks: the NOC condition "cannot be termed as arbitrary or unreasonable". LiveLawnews report
27 April 2026
In Vishnu Sri Builders v. Commissioner, BBMP (2026 LiveLaw (Kar) 164), the Bench rejected a builder's plea that the 2023 amendment could not apply retrospectively and kept a revised fire NOC's modified plan in abeyance. LiveLawnews report
March 2025
Kendriya Vihar in Yelahanka missed its clearance renewal; after a 7-day final notice KSFES asked BESCOM to cut power. The High Court stayed the cut-off and the OC cancellation. NoBrokerHoodnews report
Karnataka fire NOC mistakes that stall a Bengaluru project
Six traps drawn from the Seva Sindhu pages, the 2011 rules and the 2026 High Court cases: height, setbacks, revised plans, fees, validity and deadlines.
If Designing a 20 m building on the belief that only 21 m needs KSFES
Seva Sindhu lists buildings above 15 m as eligible. Get KSFES's answer in writing before plan sanction. Seva Sindhu
If Squeezing the setback below 8 m
The High Court upheld demolition where setbacks under 8 m blocked aerial ladders. LiveLawnews report
If Modifying a sanctioned plan without fire sign-off
A modified plan can be held in abeyance until fire norms are met; take every revision back to KSFES. LiveLawnews report
If Budgeting the fee on a small residential block at ₹35 per m²
The ₹2,50,000 floor applies to any residential building under about 7,143 m². Seva Sindhu
If Trusting a consultant's 1, 3 or 5 year validity
No official term is published; diary the expiry printed on your own certificate. NoBrokerHoodnews report
If Letting the 3-month cure period run out
Under the 2011 rules, the power cut and sealing follow once the 3 months lapse. Citizen Mattersnews report
Five myths about fire NOC in Karnataka
You may have read
Karnataka law renews a fire NOC every 2 years.
Myth
What the sources say
The 2-year cycle comes from the 2011 Bengaluru notification as reported. No statewide validity rule was published on 24 October 2026. Citizen Mattersnews report
You may have read
Only Bengaluru buildings need a KSFES NOC.
Myth
What the sources say
The 1964 Act extends to the whole State, and section 13(3) covers any high-rise of 21 m or more. CaseMinestudy
You may have read
Karnataka homes get a lower height limit than offices.
Myth
What the sources say
The 21 m line applies irrespective of occupancy; only the fee differs, ₹35 against ₹60 per m². Government of Karnataka
You may have read
New high-rises already pay the 1% fire cess.
Myth
What the sources say
Act 59 of 2025 starts on a notified date, and Flamekite found no such notification. Karnataka DPAL
You may have read
NBC 2016's withdrawal in April 2026 ended the Karnataka NOC.
Myth
What the sources say
Section 13(4) still names NBC 2016, and only Assam had written NBCS 2026 into its fire law by 24 October 2026. Gazette of India
Karnataka fire terms, from section 13(3) to the fire cess
The 7 terms a Karnataka owner meets in the Act and on Seva Sindhu.
- High rise building
- In section 13, a building of 21 m or above, whatever its occupancy. Government of Karnataka
- No Objection Certificate (High rise Building)
- The KSFES approval before construction, charged on built-up area, 60 working days. Seva Sindhu
- Clearance Certificate (High rise Building)
- The KSFES certificate after installation, free, 45 working days, needed for the OC. Seva Sindhu
- Service charge
- Seva Sindhu's name for the NOC fee: ₹35 or ₹60 per m², with floors of ₹2,50,000 and ₹5,00,000. Seva Sindhu
- Fire tax
- Section 15's cess on lands and buildings, a surcharge of up to 10% on property tax. CaseMinestudy
- Fire cess
- Act 59 of 2025's 1% surcharge on the property tax of newly built high-rises, not yet in force. Karnataka DPAL
- Section 13(1) notification
- A government order requiring a class of premises likely to cause fire to take named precautions. CaseMinestudy
What Flamekite could not confirm about Karnataka fire NOC
Seven points no official Karnataka source we read settles, as of 24 October 2026.
The validity of a Karnataka NOC or Clearance Certificate. Neither Seva Sindhu page states one and there is no renewal service. The 2-year cycle rests on the 2011 Bengaluru notification as a 2011 news report describes it; certificates seen in practice run 1 or 2 years.
The rules under section 13(4). The 2023 Act says fee and procedure are to be prescribed. The only fee we found is the Government Order of 13 September 2019, which predates the Act; we have not read that order.
Which height KSFES applies between 15 m and 21 m. The Act says 21 m; both Seva Sindhu pages say above 15 m.
When the 1% fire cess starts. Act 59 of 2025 received assent on 10 September 2025; no commencement notification was found.
Whether the 60 and 45 working-day service times are notified under the Sakala Act, which fines officials ₹20 a day for delay, rising to ₹100 a day, capped at ₹1,500.
The KSFES headquarters address and station count. The KSFES site was unreachable, and secondary figures for the State range from 168 to 216 stations.
How the 5 Greater Bengaluru city corporations route fire NOCs into plan sanction. The plan portals load only in a browser and were not read.
Questions about Karnataka
Is fire NOC mandatory in Karnataka?
- Yes, for every building of 21 m or more, whatever its use: section 13(3) of the Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964, in force since 24 March 2023, requires a KSFES NOC before construction. Seva Sindhu lists buildings above 15 m as eligible, so check with KSFES for anything between 15 m and 21 m.
What is the fire NOC fee in Karnataka?
- ₹35 per m² of built-up area for residential buildings, minimum ₹2,50,000, and ₹60 per m² for other buildings, minimum ₹5,00,000, under a Government Order of 13 September 2019 cited on Seva Sindhu. The Clearance Certificate after construction is free.
How many days does a fire NOC take in Karnataka?
- Seva Sindhu lists 60 working days for the high-rise NOC and 45 working days for the Clearance Certificate. Files of 21 m and above are signed at KSFES head office by the Director General.
How do I apply for a KSFES NOC online?
- Through Seva Sindhu, Karnataka's service portal, under the Fire & Emergency high-rise NOC service. The KSFES website itself failed with a TLS error on 24 October 2026.
What is the validity of a fire NOC in Karnataka?
- No official validity period was published on 24 October 2026. The 2011 Bengaluru notification provided for inspection and renewal every 2 years, and certificates seen in practice run 1 or 2 years, so follow the date printed on yours.
Does BBMP issue the fire NOC in Bangalore?
- No. KSFES issues it; the city corporation sanctions the plan and issues the occupancy certificate only after the fire clearance. BBMP was replaced by the Greater Bengaluru Authority on 15 May 2025.
What is the 1% fire cess in Karnataka?
- A surcharge of 1% on the property tax of newly built high-rises, added to section 15 by Karnataka Act 59 of 2025. Government buildings are exempt, and it starts only on a notified date that Flamekite had not found by 24 October 2026.
Does a firecracker shop in Karnataka need a fire NOC?
- A city corporation may require one. On 5 August 2026 the High Court upheld Mangaluru's condition that firecracker traders get a fire department NOC, calling it a reasonable restriction.
Keep reading
- Fire NOC in India: the complete guideWho needs a fire NOC, how to apply, and the rules in every state.
- Fire NOC for PGBengaluru's PG trade-licence fire condition and the 2026 High Court orders.
- Fire NOC fees by stateKarnataka's ₹35 and ₹60 per m² rates beside every other state's.
- Fire NOC validity by stateHow long a certificate lasts in each state, and where no term is published.
- Fire NOC in Tamil NaduKarnataka's neighbour: its fire licence, thresholds and portal.
- Fire NOC in TelanganaThe 24 m residential threshold from 7 October 2026.
- Fire NOC in MaharashtraForm B every January and July, licensed agencies and fire audits.
- Documents for a fire NOCEvery state's official checklist, form by form.
Keep exploring
Fire NOC in other South Indian states
More in Fire NOC guide
Sources
Each source was opened and read on the date shown. How Flamekite checks its sources
- Government of Karnataka (PRS copy): Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023: section 13(3) high-rise NOC (opens in a new tab)
- Karnataka Legislative Assembly (PRS Legislative Research copy): Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (LA Bill No. 03 of 2023): section 13(3) and (4), deemed in force from 24 March 2023, repeal of Ordinance 01 of 2023 (opens in a new tab)
- Seva Sindhu, Government of Karnataka: Application for No Objection Certificate (High rise Building) - Fire & Emergency: documents, fee under G.O. of 13-09-2019, 60 working days (opens in a new tab)
- Seva Sindhu, Government of Karnataka: Application for Clearance Certificate (High rise Building) - Fire & Emergency: documents, nil fee, 45 working days (opens in a new tab)
- Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation, Government of Karnataka: Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Karnataka Act No. 59 of 2025), assent 10 September 2025, Gazette Extra-ordinary No. 567, Part IVA (opens in a new tab)
- Gazette of India (Bureau of Indian Standards notification): Gazette of India Extraordinary, Part III Sec 4, No. 299, 30 April 2026: SP 7:2026 established, SP 7:2016 withdrawn (Ref HQ-PUB013/1/2020-PUB-BIS (1529)) (opens in a new tab)
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- Seva Sindhu, Government of Karnataka: Police and Security Services: the two Fire & Emergency services listed (opens in a new tab)
- CaseMine (legal database): Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964: sections 24 and 25 (opens in a new tab)
- Citizen Matters: New fire safety norms for city high rises (6 September 2011): the 7 July 2011 Bengaluru notification (opens in a new tab)
- NoBrokerHood: Fire clearance certificate in Karnataka (8 October 2026): who signs below and above 21 m, certificate terms seen, Kendriya Vihar case (opens in a new tab)
- Wikipedia: Greater Bengaluru Authority: replaced BBMP on 15 May 2025 under the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024; five city corporations (opens in a new tab)
- Wikipedia: Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services (opens in a new tab)
- NewsBytes: Karnataka tightens Sakala Act, fines officials for delayed services (opens in a new tab)
- Lexplosion Solutions: Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 gains effect from 27th March, 2023 (17 April 2023) (opens in a new tab)
- LiveLaw: Mangaluru Mahanagara Palike v. Maya Traders, Writ Appeal No. 694 of 2025, 2026 LiveLaw (Kar) 281 (5 August 2026) (opens in a new tab)
- TeamLease RegTech: Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Act, 2023: notified 27 July 2023, Notification No. DPAL 12 SHASANA 2023 (opens in a new tab)
- LiveLaw: Vishnu Sri Builders and Developers v. Commissioner, BBMP, Writ Appeal No. 1637 of 2025, 2026 LiveLaw (Kar) 164 (27 April 2026) (opens in a new tab)