The Tamil Nadu government has amended the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019, easing the parking space requirements for large new homes. According to the amendment issued on October 10, homes built on plots measuring 3,200 sq ft (or 300 sq m) and above must now provide parking space for at least four cars and four two-wheelers. This updated rule applies to residential buildings in corporations, municipalities, and town panchayats. For smaller plots, the earlier rule remains unchanged—homeowners must still allocate space for two cars and two two-wheelers. S. Ramprabhu from the Builders Association of India said the change effectively increases the usable Floor Space Index (FSI)—which means builders now have more flexibility in how they use the total buildable area. FSI defines how much floor area can be constructed on a plot relative to its size. Previously, parking spaces, staircases, and other service areas were excluded from the buildable limit. Under the 2019 rules, one car parking space was needed for every 75 sq m of built-up area. So, a 5,000 sq ft house needed five car parking spaces, which often reduced the usable living area. With the relaxed rule, builders can now reclaim some of that space for additional rooms or other living features. However, some urban planners have raised concerns. R. Naveen, a city planner, warned that the reduced parking requirements could lead to more vehicles being parked on the streets, worsening traffic and reducing public space. Many residents already park extra or unused vehicles on the roads, and this change could increase that problem.

https://www.livehomes.in/news_letter