Planning Permission

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority regulates developments in Chennai Metropolitan Area through issue of Planning Permission (PP) under section 49 of the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act 1971.

Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority has delegated powers to the Local Bodies within the Chennai Metropolitan Area to issue planning permission for ordinary buildings and buildings under normally permissible categories of Industrial, Residential,Institutional and Commercial use zones and also sub-divisions & small layouts.  Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority issues planning permissions to major developments like Special buildings and Group Developments and other buildings under special sanction of the Authority by itself, layouts for which powers were not delegated to Local Bodies and for Multi-storeyed / IT Buildings (MSB) with Government’s approval.

The ‘B’ Channel is in-charge of processing PP applications for Special Buildings and Group developments.

The ‘C’ Channel is in charge of processing PP applications for major Industries and Institutional buildings for which powers were not delegated to local bodies.

The Layout channel is in charge of processing PP applications for major sub-divisions and layouts for which powers were not delegated to local bodies.

The MSB & IT MSB channel is in charge of processing PP applications for all types of Multi- storeyed buildings including IT and ITES.Non MSB IT or ITES buildings are also dealt in this channel

The details of the Norms set by CMDA for execution of Planning Permission

The First essential requisite follows the procedure

It’s a lot easier to get permission to construct a building now.  Those tedious delays are things of the past.  The new streamlined procedure of the CMDA ensures that you get your permission early.

What is Planning Permission?

Before you undertake any development you have to obtain Planning Permission from theCMDA, which is a must under the Town and Country Planning Act.  The permission is valid for 3 years from the ate of issue.

How do you obtain Planning Permission?

Two categories of applications have been prescribed. Form ‘A’ for laying out of lands for building purposes Form ‘B’ & Form ‘C’ an undertaking from the applicant/owner.

You can get an application form from the office of CMDA. Chennai Corporation, Municipalities, Town Panchayats and Panchayat Union Offices.

What are the documents to be attached to the application?

Form ‘A’ for laying out of lands and Form ‘B’ &‘C’ for building construction. Form ‘B’ duly filled in signed by the owner and Licensed Surveyor,Architect and Power of attorney holder/lease holder along with the documents, plans and other particulars detailed out in the checklist.

With whom should you file the application?

With Chennai City Municipal Corporation / Municipality / Town Panchayat / Panchayat Union as the case may be depending upon location for all ordinary buildings and other buildings for which powers to issue planning permission has been delegated.

In case of Special Buildings (Ground + 3 floors) group development or Multi-storeyed building (more than 4 floors), applications directly admitted in CMDA.

On what basis is planning permission issued?

Your application will be scrutinized for its conformity to the land use for which the site has been designated under the Master Plan or the Detailed Development Plan, compliance of the Development Regulations.  If it satisfies the Development Regulations, planning permission will be issued, and if not, planning permission will be refused by the local Authority / CMDA.

Will the site be inspected?

Your site will invariable be inspected by the Building Plan Inspector / TownPlanning Officer of the Local Body /Officers of CMDA.

What are your rights if you are aggrieved by the decision?

If permission is refused by the local body or CMDA you can prefer an appeal to theGovernment.

What happens if you do not apply for Planning Permission at all?

If you carry out any development without proper permission it will be an unauthorized development.  Construction made without permission can be demolished or kept under lock and seal under the Act.

In case of deviation to be made with reference to an approved plan also, permission is to be obtained.  A revised plan showing the deviations should be submitted and the procedure for the approval of the original plan will apply to all such deviation plans also.

Should you pay a licence fee / Development charge?

If your application is fit to be approved a demand will be sent to you by CMDA / the local body for payment of development charge. The rate will depend on the location of the site, proposed use and the floor area.

What is your obligation as a developer within the CMDA?

Obtain permission for any development / construction you decide to carry out. Complete development as per the approved plan within the time prescribed in the planning permit.

Where you can get details on land use and clarification on Development Regulations?

At the Counseling and Consultancy Counter in the first floor of CMDA’s Office complex at Thalamuthu-Natarajan Maligai, No.1, Gandhi-Irwin Road, Egmore, Chennai-600 008.

What services are rendered at the counseling and consultancy counter?

• Information of Land use both oral as well as in writing across the table.

• For copies of plans approved by CMDA both for plots as well as buildings (Approval Number .to be given and fees to be paid depending on size).

• For copies of Development Regulations (Master Plan), Application forms, check lists.

• Clarifications on applicability of Development Regulations.

• Admission of planning permission application for Special Buildings / Group developments and Multi-storeyed / IT buildings, also ordinary buildings with stilt parking floor.

• Sale of other forms and publications of CMDA.

• Advise on the preparation of plan in accordance with the Development Regulation.