Introduction
A Completion Certificate (CC) is an official document that the local authority issues after completing the construction of a building. It confirms that the builder followed the approved plan and obeyed all building rules and regulations. In addition, the certificate shows compliance with important norms such as FSI, height, setbacks, safety, and basic infrastructure facilities.
Without a Completion Certificate, authorities consider the building as unauthorised construction. Consequently, the owner cannot easily get an Occupancy Certificate, complete property tax assessment, or apply for utility connections like water and electricity. Therefore, obtaining a Completion Certificate becomes essential for anyone who wants to use or sell the property legally.
When is a Completion Certificate Mandatory?
- Residential buildings above 750 sq.m or 14m in height.
- Commercial buildings above 300 sq.m or 14m in height.
- All institutional, high-rise, and public buildings.
Note: Must be applied before getting service connections (electricity, water, sewerage).
Exemptions from Completion Certificate
- Residential buildings up to 14m height and not exceeding 8 dwelling units or 750 sq.m.
- All industrial buildings.
- Commercial buildings up to 14m height and not exceeding 300 sq.m.
Completion Certificate Norms in Tamil Nadu
For Non-High Rise buildings with GF + 2F or Stilt + 3F (up to 14m height with 16 dwelling units), as well as buildings up to 18.30m height or exceeding 16 dwelling units, and High-Rise or multi-storied buildings above 18.30m height, the norms are regulated as per government guidelines. (Refer)
The Completion Certificate (CC) ensures that construction is carried out exactly as per approved plans and legal norms. It acts as proof that the building is:
- Structurally safe
- Equipped with water supply, parking, sewage, and electricity
- Eligible for utility connections, property tax assessment, and resale
Without a CC, a property may be treated as unauthorised and unsafe for occupancy.
The building regulations will not be implemented with 100% accuracy, as the government allows certain variations in parameters as shown in the table below:
Factors Permitted at the Time of Completion Certificate | |||
Parameters | Buildings Up to 14m Height & up to 16 dwellings | Buildings Above 14.0m & below 18.3m Height (or) above 16 dwellings | Multi storied Buildings Above 18.3m Height |
Dimension of the Building | Increase allowed up to 0.30m in length and width. | Increase allowed up to 0.30m in length and width. | Increase allowed up to 0.30m in both length and width. |
Set Backs / Distance Between Blocks. | reduction up to 0.30m on all sides (minimum 1.20m if 1.50m prescribed, or 0.80m if 1.00m prescribed). | similar allowance of 0.30m or 0.20m depending on prescribed minimums. | reduction allowed up to 0.30m, with a minimum of 6.70m for buildings up to 30m height. Beyond 30m, proportional increase required. |
Height of the Building | 3% increase allowed, provided no extra floor is added. | 3% increase allowed, no additional setbacks required. | 5% increase allowed, but additional setbacks must be provided proportionally (e.g., 30m building with 5% increase = 0.25m extra setback). Must comply with AAI/IAF height limits. |
FSI Tolerance Limit (Refer) | Tolerance up to 15 sq.m. | 0.03 of FSI or 50 sq.m, whichever is higher. | same rule (0.03 of FSI or 50 sq.m, whichever is higher). |
Change in the position ofthe columns andintroduction of newcolumns in the stilt floor | Permissible if minimum parking, movement, and driveway provisions are maintained, even with deviations from the approved plan. | Allowed if a minimum 3.00m driveway and required parking spaces (as per the approved plan) are provided. | Permitted if a minimum 3.00m driveway for vehicular movement and the required number of parking spaces are maintained as per the approved plan. |
Variation betweendocument dimension andsite dimension | If on-site measured areas are smaller than the approved plan (from the PLR line), they are still permissible, provided that the reduced setbacks conform to the prescribed building rules. | If on-site measured areas are smaller than the approved plan (from the PLR line), they are still permissible, provided that the reduced setbacks conform to the prescribed building rules. | If on-site measured areas are smaller than the approved plan (from the PLR line), they are still permissible, provided that the reduced setbacks conform to the prescribed building rules. |
Structures permitted in the set back area | Null | Access steps to Ground floor and ramps, (without affecting ventilation of Basement Floor) closed Well, Water and Sewage Treatment Plant, Generator, Box type transformers are permitted in the set back area subject to availability of minimum driveway of 3.00 mts. and parking requirements as per the approved plan. | AC Plant and Two toilets in every block are permitted in the Terrace Floor. Architectural feature in the periphery on the top most floor (Terrace Floor) up to 3.00 mts. height is permissible subject to the condition that the portion constructed over allowable 1.5 mts. height parapet wall shall be non continuous with solid portion not exceeding 50% of the surface area. |
Conclusion:
A Completion Certificate in Tamil Nadu is a crucial document that proves your property is legally valid, structurally safe, and ready for occupancy. It helps you secure essential approvals such as DTCP approval, CMDA plan sanction, or panchayat approval, while also simplifying property resale, loan approvals, and utility connections like water and electricity. By working with expert document approval consultants in Tamil Nadu, you can avoid delays and rejections, ensuring your application aligns with the approved building plan and compliance rules. Obtaining a Completion Certificate on time not only safeguards your investment but also provides peace of mind, knowing your building fully meets all legal and safety standards.
