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:

 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

1. Navigate to:

   • Services → Planning Permission → Approved Layouts / Subdivisions

2. Enter:

   • Layout number or

   • Village name, Survey number, Zone

3. Click Search or Check Status

4. 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.

1. Go to CMDA's GIS Land Use Map:
   ? https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/landuse.html

2. Enter your area or survey number

3. 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)

Also Read: Do You Know What is Patta Chitta and What is the Process to Apply Patta

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

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