Frequently Asked Questions

Planning permission, also known as building plan approval, is a necessary authorization required before commencing any construction project in Chennai. This approval must be obtained from the CMDA, Municipality Township, or Panchayat Union, as mandated by the Town & Country Planning Act. It serves as the essential permit allowing the transformation of agricultural land into a suitable site for building development.

 Employing a planning consultant before purchasing a plot can result in significant savings by avoiding investments in unfeasible projects. These consultants possess comprehensive expertise in the field, enabling them to recommend the most suitable options. Additionally, obtaining government approval can often be a time-consuming and stressful process, making it advantageous to entrust such responsibilities to skilled professionals.

Planning permission is typically granted in accordance with either the Master Plan or the Detailed Development Plan, ensuring compliance with Development Regulations. Failure to satisfy these regulations may result in refusal of planning permission or building plan approval by the relevant government office.

The process involves two designated application categories: Form ‘A’ for land layout for building purposes, and Form ‘B’ & Form ‘C’, which require an undertaking from the applicant or owner. Application forms can be obtained from various offices including CMDA, Chennai Corporation, Municipalities, Town Panchayats, and Panchayat Union Offices.

Undertaking any development without obtaining proper permission results in unauthorized construction. Such construction can be subject to demolition or be locked and sealed under the Act. Additionally, any deviations from the approved plan require permission. A revised plan illustrating the deviations must be submitted, and the same approval procedure as the original plan will apply to these revised plans.

You can get information on land use and clarification on Development Regulations at the Counseling and Consultancy Counter located on the first floor of the CMDA Office complex at Thalamuthu-Natarajan Maligai, No. 1, Gandhi-Irwin Road, Egmore, Chennai-600 008.

Understanding your Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is crucial as it indicates the amount of buildable space available on a given plot relative to its total area. In cities and municipalities, the FAR is established by the Urban Planning Department to ensure adherence to zoning and planning regulations.

Verify that the land you are purchasing is free from legal disputes by conducting a comprehensive background check to confirm its legal status. Additionally, obtain a release certificate from all owners (if there are multiple) to avoid future complications and stress.

• Mother Deed: This is the primary document for determining property ownership, tracing the land’s chain of ownership, and providing historical information about the plot.
• Power of Attorney: If the seller is not the landowner, they must have a Power of Attorney authorizing them to sell the plot. Always verify the Power of Attorney when dealing with any seller.
• Sale Deed: This document records the transfer of land ownership from the seller to the buyer and can be validated at the sub-registrar’s office.
• Encumbrance Certificate: This certificate documents all transactions related to the land, serving as proof that the land is free of any financial or legal liabilities.
• Khata Certificate: This certificate is necessary to obtain a building license. It includes property details such as location, size, and built-up area, and is also required for paying property tax and obtaining a building license.

• After acquiring land and planning any development, you must obtain various No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from different authorities. These include NOCs from the Environment Department, Sewage Board, Traffic and Coordination Department, Pollution Board, and others.

Before purchasing land, it is crucial to verify if there are any outstanding loan statements with the bank. These statements serve as legal evidence of any due payments, ensuring transparency regarding any loans against the property.

Patta serves as the official document establishing land ownership, while Chitta is a government-maintained record containing essential land details like ownership information, property boundaries, and tax assessments.