In a sweeping enforcement drive this week, the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), Gurgaon, has issued 266 show-cause notices to property owners in Sushant Lok Phases 2 and 3. The reason: unauthorized commercial activity inside residential premises, a violation of the Haryana Building Code and local zoning laws.
The action spans across Sectors 55, 56, and 57—prime residential zones that have seen a rapid rise in unregulated salons, tuition centers, PGs, clinics, and other business activities operating out of homes.
Can You Run a Business from Your Home in Gurgaon?
Yes, but only under specific conditions laid out by the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act. Any commercial activity from a residential property must comply with land use rules, safety norms, and receive explicit permissions from the DTCP. Activities must not disrupt the residential character of the area or compromise fire safety and infrastructure capacity. In reality, many homeowners have ignored or bypassed these rules, turning residences into full-fledged commercial hubs—often without any documentation or structural safety approvals.
What the DTCP Found in the Field
The enforcement team, led by the District Town Planner, found a wide range of commercial setups illegally operating out of residential buildings. These included beauty parlors, car service garages, physiotherapy clinics, boutique studios, coaching centers, printing units, and multi-bed PG accommodations.
Beyond misuse, there were structural violations as well. Officials found that basements meant for parking were converted into shops and salons. Rooftops were enclosed without approvals. Stilt areas were commercialized. In some cases, cut-outs meant for ventilation were covered up, posing safety hazards. Several homes had bypassed all DTCP checks.
“We had no idea even something as simple as a boutique could require permission,” said a resident of Sector 57 who received a notice. “Our builder never told us these things during purchase.”
How Many Properties Have Been Targeted?
The crackdown resulted in 183 notices issued in Sushant Lok Phase 3 and 83 in Phase 2. Each homeowner has been given seven days to respond. Failure to respond or to stop commercial activity may lead to sealing of the property, cancellation of the Occupancy Certificate (OC), and registry restrictions at the tehsil level.
Officials said the notices are based on ground surveys and photographic proof. The DTCP has clarified that this is not a one-time drive. More such actions are planned across other residential colonies in Gurgaon.
Why the DTCP Is Taking This Seriously
Officials say unchecked commercialization in residential colonies leads to significant urban problems. Increased traffic in internal lanes, water and sewage overload, illegal construction, blocked fire exits, and disputes between neighbors have become common in areas like Sushant Lok.
“The problem isn’t just about businesses operating from home. It’s about how these changes disrupt the city’s planned infrastructure. Fire safety is compromised. Parking vanishes. Noise complaints rise. And basic services suffer,” said a DTCP official during the inspection drive.
What Should Homeowners and Tenants Do Now?
If you own or rent a property in Gurgaon and are using it for any commercial purpose, you should first check whether the activity is legally allowed under your zoning category. Make sure your property has a valid Occupancy Certificate. Review whether you’ve made any structural modifications that violate the approved building plan. If you are running a PG or clinic, ensure that fire safety, access, and parking norms are being followed. Non-compliance is no longer being ignored.
Tenants who are running businesses from residential homes also need to be cautious. If the landlord is non-compliant, even your business operations may be shut down without notice.
What Happens If You Violate DTCP Rules?
Penalties include immediate sealing of the premises, cancellation of your building’s Occupancy Certificate, and the possibility of your property being marked as non-registrable for sale or lease. In some cases, the DTCP can issue a restoration order that forces you to reverse any illegal construction at your own cost. These consequences apply even if you were unaware of the violation.
This Is Just the Beginning
The 266 notices in Sushant Lok are part of a larger citywide crackdown. More than 650 such notices have been served in Gurgaon over the past week alone. The DTCP has confirmed that future enforcement drives will focus on PG accommodations operating commercial kitchens, basement clinics in residential areas, and illegal structural modifications across private colonies and builder floors.
Final Note for Gurgaon Residents
Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or investor, it’s time to pay attention. Commercial activity in residential zones is under scrutiny like never before. If you’re uncertain about your compliance status, consult with a property lawyer, your local RWA, or visit the DTCP Haryana website for zoning and building code information.
This isn’t just about regulation. It’s about preserving the safety, functionality, and future livability of Gurgaon’s residential neighborhoods.
Know someone running a business from their home in Sushant Lok or anywhere in Gurgaon? Share this information with them. It might just save them from legal trouble or property devaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a salon or boutique from my home in Gurgaon legally?
Only if you obtain a Change of Land Use (CLU) or necessary conversion approvals from the DTCP and meet structural, safety, and zoning guidelines. Most residential zones do not allow full-fledged commercial activity without these permissions.
What if I have just one paying guest or run a home office?
Limited personal use like a single PG room or home-based freelance work is generally tolerated, provided it does not involve customer footfall, signage, or alterations. However, DTCP’s recent actions show even small setups may come under scrutiny if violations are found.
How do I know if my property has an Occupancy Certificate (OC)?
You can check this through your builder, RWA, or by filing an RTI or online request with the DTCP. The OC is proof that your property follows approved building plans and is ready for legal use.
What is the penalty for running a business in a residential home without permission?
Penalties may include sealing of the property, cancellation of OC, registry restrictions at the tehsil level, and mandatory reversal of unauthorized modifications. In some cases, fines or legal proceedings may follow.
Are PGs and clinics allowed in plotted colonies like Sushant Lok?
Only under specific approvals. Medical clinics may be allowed in some mixed-use zones with proper licenses, but most plotted residential areas do not permit PGs or clinics without DTCP clearance and fire safety certification.
What should I do if I received a notice from DTCP?
You must respond within the given timeframe—usually seven days—and either restore the property to its approved status or apply for regularization if eligible. Ignoring the notice can result in sealing or legal action.