In section 13 of the Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964 (Karnataka Act 42 of 1964) after sub-section (2), the following shall be 22 inserted, namely:- “(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.”
3. Repeal and savings.- (1) The Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 (Karnataka Ordinance No 01 of 2023) is hereby repealed.
(2) Notwithstanding such repeal anything done or any action taken under the principal Act, as amended by the said Ordinance, shall be deemed to have been done or taken under principal Act, as amended by this Act.
By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, G. SRIDHAR Secretary to Government Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation KARNATAKA ACT NO. 59 OF 2025 (First Published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the 10th day of September, 2025) THE KARNATAKA FIRE FORCE (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2025 (Received the assent of the Governor on the 10th day of September, 2025) An Act further to amend the Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964.
Whereas it is expedient further to amend the Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964 (Karnataka Act 42 of 1964), for the purposes hereinafter appearing;
Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the Seventy sixth 23 year of the Republic of India as follows:-
1. Short title and commencement.- (1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Act, 2025.
(2) It shall come into force on such date as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.
2. Amendment of section 15.- In section 15 of the Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964 (Karnataka Act 42 of 1964), after sub-section (2), the following provisos shall be inserted, namely:- “Provided that, the fire cess shall be levied in the form of a surcharge at the rate of one percent on the property tax of newly constructed multi-storied buildings (high rise building) as defined in section 13 of the Act, with effect from the date of commencement of the Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Provided further that, no fire cess shall be levied on any building vested in or under the control or possession of the State Government or the Central Government or any public authority owned by the State Government or the Central Government.” By Order and in the name of the Governor of Karnataka, G. SRIDHAR Secretary to Government Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation