Building Plan Approval Process

Obtaining approval for your building plan is the initial step in the construction process in Tamil Nadu. This approval is necessary to proceed with your project legally. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the approval process:

1. Prepare your building plan, ensuring it complies with all relevant rules and guidelines.
2. Submit the application form along with the required documents to the Local Planning Authority (LPA). The application form is available on the LPA’s website.
3. The LPA will verify your plan, check its compliance with regulations, and may request a site inspection.
4. Based on the verification, the LPA will either approve or reject your building plan.

Key Building Plan Approval Rules in Tamil Nadu

Building projects in Tamil Nadu must comply with the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules (TNCDBR), which outline essential guidelines:

• Minimum Plot Size: Varies by jurisdiction and building type. For example, 32 square meters for economically weaker sections and 72 square meters for other categories. Refer to TNCDBR for detailed requirements.

• Setbacks: The required distance between the building and property boundaries or roads, crucial for ventilation, safety, and light. Specific requirements depend on factors like building height and road width.

• Building Height Restrictions: Vary by zone:  

1. Non-high-rise buildings: Up to 18.3 meters (60 feet)   
2. Stilt+2 floors: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)   
3. Stilt+3 floors: Up to 14 meters (46 feet)   
4. Refer to TNCDBR for detailed height restrictions.

• Zoning Regulations: Ensure your building plan aligns with local zoning laws, which designate land use (residential, commercial, or industrial) in specific areas.

Documentation Required to Submit a Building Plan in Tamil Nadu

To obtain building plan approval, submit the following documents:

• Ownership Documents: Prove your legal rights to the land with documents such as the sale deed, patta, and encumbrance certificate.
• Site Plans: Provide an aerial view showing the building layout, road width, plot boundaries, and surrounding structures.
• Architectural Drawings: Include detailed floor layouts, room dimensions, utility placements, elevations, and structural sections.
• Structural Calculations: These must demonstrate the building’s safety and stability, including load-bearing calculations and material strength.
• Additional Documents: Depending on the project, you may need additional documents like a non-objection certificate, land use certificate, or soil test report.

Authorities for Building Plan Review and Approval

Approval depends on whether the location is within a planning or non-planning area:

• Planning Area:

  • Local Planning Authority (LPA)
  • Chief Town Planner/District Town Planner
  • Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP)

• Non-Planning Area:

  • Local Planning Authority (LPA)
  • Minor Settlement Board (MSB)
  • Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO)
  • Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP)