Introduction
Starting a small factory or workshop in Tamil Nadu has become significantly easier and faster.
The Government of Tamil Nadu has launched a Self-Certification Scheme for small industrial buildings through G.O.(Ms).No.153, Housing and Urban Development [UD4(1)] Department, dated 07.10.2025.
Under this scheme, eligible Green and White category industries an now get instant online building plan approval without any pre-scrutiny by officials. You upload the self-certified plan prepared by a licensed professional, pay the applicable charges, and receive the approved plan immediately with a QR code and digital signature.
This initiative is a major step towards Ease of Doing Business for small entrepreneurs.
Key Benefits
- Instant approval — minutes instead of months
- Zero scrutiny fee (only standard development charges apply)
- Fully online and paperless process
- No need for prior official inspection
- Covers new construction as well as reconstruction
- Approval valid for 5 years (extendable by 3 years)
- Fire NOC not required before starting construction
Eligibility Criteria
Your industrial building qualifies for self-certification only if all the following conditions are satisfied:
- Plot area: Up to 7,500 sq.ft
- Total built-up area (FSI): Up to 5,000 sq.ft
- Maximum building height: 10 metres (including mezzanine floor)
- Industry category: Green or White category only
- Applicant is the owner, leaseholder, or holds Power of Attorney
Common Eligible Industries: Food processing, light engineering, packaging units, printing presses, IT hardware assembly, small textile/garment units, leather goods, rubber products, etc.
Where This Scheme is NOT Applicable
The self-certification facility cannot be used if the land is located in:
- Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)
- Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA) zones
- Aquifer Recharge Areas / Red Hills Catchment Area
- Ecologically sensitive areas
- Agricultural / Wet land (as per revenue records)
- Institutional, Open Space, or Recreational zones
- Land reserved for road widening or public purposes
- Unapproved layouts / Non-Planning Areas
Recommendation: Always verify land zoning and classification with the local DTCP / CMDA office before proceeding.
Planning Parameters & Construction Standards
| Parameter | White Industries | Green Industries |
| Minimum Road Width (Corp/Muni) | 7 metres | 7 metres |
| Minimum Road Width (Panchayat) | 6 metres | 6 metres |
| Maximum Height | 10 metres | 10 metres |
| Permissible FSI | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Front Setback | 1.5 metres | As per road width |
| Side Setback | 1.5 metres | 2.0 metres |
| Rear Setback | Nil | 2.0 metres |
| Plot Coverage | No restriction | No restriction |
Parking Requirements: 1 Car space per 150 sq.m of floor area + 1 Two-wheeler space + 1 Cycle space per 75 sq.m of floor area.
Other Mandatory Requirements: Rainwater Harvesting.
Documents Required
- Site photographs (current)
- Registered sale deed / lease deed
- Patta / TSLR in the applicant’s name
- Adangal copies for the last 3 Fasli years
- Building drawings (prepared & signed by Licensed Architect / Registered Engineer) in PDF
- Other documents as per the portal
Important Notes
- The approval is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
- Extension of 3 years can be applied for before expiry.
- The department may randomly verify up to 10% of applications.
- Site inspections can occur at any stage of construction.
- Misrepresentation or false documents will attract strict penalties including permit cancellation, prosecution under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and other Tamil Nadu planning laws.
Conclusion
The Tamil Nadu Industrial Self-Certification Scheme is a landmark reform that removes unnecessary red tape for small and medium industries. Entrepreneurs can now focus on business growth instead of bureaucratic delays.
If you are planning a small-scale Green or White category industrial unit on a plot up to 7,500 sq.ft, this is the fastest and most convenient route available today.
Ready to start your project? Consult a licensed architect and apply through the Single Window Portal immediately.
FAQ
1. What is the maximum size allowed? Plot up to 7,500 sq.ft and built-up area up to 5,000 sq.ft (max height 10m).
2. Is scrutiny fee applicable? No. Scrutiny fee is fully waived. Only standard development charges apply.
3. Do I need a Licensed Architect/Engineer? Yes. The building plan must be prepared and certified by them.
4. Can I start construction immediately? Yes. Fire NOC is not required to begin construction.
5. How long is the approval valid? 5 years, extendable by another 3 years.
6. Does this apply to residential buildings? No. This scheme is only for Green & White category industrial buildings. A separate self-certification scheme exists for small residential buildings.
7. What if violations are found later? You will be required to rectify them. Failure to do so may lead to cancellation of approval and legal action.
