What Is CMDA Approval?
CMDA (Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority) approval means that a land parcel or layout complies with urban planning rules such as:
-
Zoning regulations
-
Building norms
-
Development Control Rules
-
Open space reservation
CMDA approval is mandatory for:
-
Layouts (subdivision of land into plots)
-
Multistorey buildings
-
Large land development projects
Documents You Need to Verify CMDA Approval
Before verifying, collect the following:
Document | Why It's Needed |
---|---|
Patta/Chitta/Field Map | Identifies the legal owner and survey number |
Survey Number & Subdivision Number | Needed to search layout records |
CMDA Layout Approval Copy | Shows the layout is approved with official seal |
Building Plan Sanction (if construction exists) | Confirms approval for building |
Sale Deed or Title Deed | Confirms ownership and transfer history |
Step-by-Step: How to Verify If a Land Is CMDA Approved
Step 1: Check the Approval Copy from Seller/Developer
Ask the landowner for:
-
CMDA Layout Approval Number (e.g., LP/DDTP No. XX/Year)
-
Copy of the layout plan with CMDA seal
-
Date of approval
Verify:
-
Whether your plot number is shown clearly
-
Open spaces and roads are marked
-
CMDA’s official stamp is present
Step 2: Verify Online on the CMDA Website
Go to: https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in
-
Navigate to:
-
Services → Planning Permission → Approved Layouts / Subdivisions
-
-
Enter:
-
Layout number or
-
Village name, Survey number, Zone
-
-
Click Search or Check Status
-
Cross-verify:
-
Layout number
-
Survey number
-
Approval date
-
Plot details
-
CMDA also provides links to land-use zoning maps under “Land Use Information System (GIS)”.
Step 3: Check Land Zoning (Very Important)
Even if land is not part of a layout, it should still conform to zoning rules.
-
Go to CMDA's GIS Land Use Map:
? https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/landuse.html -
Enter your area or survey number
-
Check zoning:
-
Primary Residential (R1) = Good for housing
-
Agricultural or Industrial = Not eligible for residential use unless converted
-
Step 4: Visit the CMDA Office (Offline Verification)
If online information is unclear:
-
Go to the CMDA office in Egmore, Chennai
-
Carry:
-
Patta/Chitta copy
-
Layout number
-
Survey number
-
Owner details
-
-
Ask to verify:
-
If layout/land is approved
-
If building plans are sanctioned
-
If land is under litigation or OSR (Open Space Reservation)
-
CMDA Head Office:
CMDA, Gandhi Irwin Road, Egmore, Chennai - 600008
Step 5: Apply for Legal Opinion or Professional Verification
Hire a:
-
Real Estate Lawyer: To verify title, approval, and encumbrance
-
CMDA Registered Architect: To verify layout compliance
-
Licensed Surveyor: To match on-ground survey with layout map
https://www.livehomes.in/blogs