Plot Approval Rules in Chennai

Plot approval in Chennai is governed mainly by CMDA (Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority) and DTCP (Directorate of Town and Country Planning). These rules ensure that land is safe, legal, and suitable for construction

1. WHAT IS PLOT APPROVAL?

Plot approval means government permission to use a piece of land for building houses or buildings, after verifying:

• Land ownership
• Zoning classification
• Road access
• Infrastructure availability
• Environmental and safety norms

Without plot approval, construction is illegal, even if you own the land.

2. WHY PLOT APPROVAL IS MANDATORY

Plot approval ensures:

• Proper road access 
• Drainage & flood prevention 
• Fire safety 
• Water & sewage connection 
• Planned urban growth 
• Bank loan eligibility 
• Future resale value 

Unapproved plots may face demolition or disconnection of services.

Also Read: DTCP Approval Rules and Regulations for Layout

3. AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROVAL

A. CMDA

• Applies to Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA)
• Covers Chennai city + surrounding suburbs
• Most strict authority

B. DTCP

• Applies outside CMA limits
• For smaller towns and rural areas

C. Local Bodies

• Corporation / Municipality / Panchayat
• Issue building permit after plot approval

4. JURISDICTION CHECK (VERY IMPORTANT)

Before buying:

• Check whether land is under CMDA or DTCP
• Wrong approval = invalid plot

Example:

• Plot in Tambaram → CMDA
• Plot in Villupuram → DTCP

5. MINIMUM PLOT SIZE RULE

Residential Plot

• Minimum: 1200 sq.ft (111.48 sq.m)

Why?

• Space for ventilation
• Mandatory setbacks
• Parking provision

Smaller plots:

•  Cannot get approval
•  Cannot get building permit

6. ROAD WIDTH RULE

Road access is compulsory.
Minimum Road Widths
 

Rules:

• Road must be approved
• Encroachments invalidate approval
• Private narrow pathways not allowed

7. FLOOR SPACE INDEX (FSI / FAR)

FSI = Total buildable area ÷ Plot area
Example:

• Plot = 1200 sq.ft
• FSI = 2.0
• Max buildable = 2400 sq.ft

Factors affecting FSI:

• Zone type
• Road width
• Plot size
• Premium FSI payment

8. SETBACK RULES (OPEN SPACE)

Setbacks are mandatory empty spaces around the building.
Typical Residential Setbacks
 

Purpose:

• Air circulation
• Fire access
• Natural light

No construction allowed in setbacks.

9. OSR (OPEN SPACE RESERVATION)

Applicable when layout size > 3000 sq.m

• 10% land must be OSR
• Given free to government
• Used for parks & playgrounds

Without OSR:
 Layout approval denied

10. ZONING CLASSIFICATION

Land is classified into zones:

• Residential
• Mixed residential
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Institutional
• Agricultural

Construction allowed only as per zone.

11. AGRICULTURAL LAND RULES

Agricultural land:

•  Cannot build house directly
• Requires Change of Land Use (CLU)

Without CLU:

• No approval
• Illegal construction

12. WATER BODY & ENVIRONMENT RULES

Construction NOT allowed on:

• Lakes
• Rivers
• Canals
• Marsh lands
• OSR land
• CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone)

Violations may lead to demolition.

13. HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

Height depends on:

• Road width
• Zone
• AAI (Airport Authority of India)

Near airport:
Mandatory height clearance

14. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Ownership Documents

• Sale deed
• Parent deed (30 years)
• Patta
• EC (Encumbrance Certificate)

Technical Documents

• Survey sketch
• FMB
• Approved layout plan
• Land use certificate
• OSR gift deed (if applicable)

15. BUILDING PLAN APPROVAL PROCESS

• Buy approved plot
• Prepare building plan
• Submit to local body
• Pay fees
• Get building permit
• Start construction

16. BANK LOAN RULES

Banks require:

• CMDA / DTCP approval
• Approved layout plan
• Clear title

Unapproved plots:

• No loans

17. REGULARIZATION SCHEMES

The government occasionally announces schemes to legalize unapproved plots.
Risks:

• Not guaranteed
• High penalties
• Limited coverage

18. PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS

• Heavy fines
• Construction stop
• Utility disconnection
• Demolition orders
• Legal cases

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Q1. Is patta enough?
 No. Patta ≠ plot approval.

Q2. Can I buy unapproved plot cheaply?
You can, but high risk.

Q3. Can approval be cancelled?
Yes, if rules violated.

Q4. Is CMDA approval permanent?
Yes, unless violations occur.

Q5. How to verify approval?

• Check approval number
• Verify with CMDA/DTCP office
• Consult licensed planner

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