Introduction
Building your dream home no longer takes years in Tamil Nadu. As per Housing and Urban Development [UD4(1)] Department – G.O.(Ms).No:133 dated 18.04.2024, small residential projects can now obtain instant building approvals through self-certification.
This scheme applies to residential plots up to 2,500 sq.ft and buildings up to 3,500 sq.ft with Stilt + 2 Floors or Ground + 1 Floor, and a maximum height of 10 meters. It speeds up approvals, reduces paperwork, and ensures compliance with building rules.
Benefits Of Fast Approval
- Quick Start: No delays – approvals are instant.
- Easy Process: Less paperwork and fewer permissions needed.
- Saves Money: Shorter timelines mean lower holding costs.
- Perfect for small/medium Homeowners: Especially useful if you’re building your first or individual home.
- Approach road: Continuous building zones and EWS areas require a minimum width of 1.5 m, while all other areas require at least 3 m.
Eligibility for No-Wait Approval or Self certification Approval
Your building plan can be approved immediately if it meets following criterias:
- Plot Size: Up to 2,500 sq.ft
- Total Built-Up Area: Up to 3,500 sq.ft
- Building Height: Up to 10 meters max
- Floors: Stilt + 2 Floors or Ground + 1 floor
- Maximum FSI : 2.0
If your plan meets these conditions, you can start construct your dream house without any waiting period.
Non-Eligibility of Self Certification
- Plots in unapproved layouts are not eligible for building plan approval under the Self Certification scheme.
- Plots in HACA areas, Costal Regularisation zone (CRZ) and other development prohibited / restricted areas. ( Refer: https://propdoc.in/property-acquisition-guide/ )
- These rules will not be applicable for Gated Community/Group development Projects.
Document Requirements
- Site Photographs
- Sale deed Document
- Patta/ TSLR
- Approved/ Regularized layout plan
- FMB/approved subdivision
- All building drawings duly signed by Registered Engineer
- Vacant land tax receipts (Optional).
Fees Structure
The Government has fixed the building licensing fee under this scheme based on the locality of the site.
The following table outlines the area-wise category and corresponding rate in rupees per square foot:
Fees structure for different localities | Rate/ sq.ft(Rs) |
| Special grade “A” municipal corporations | 88 |
| Special grade “B” municipal corporations | 84 |
| Selection grade municipal corporations | 79 |
| Grade “I” and “II” municipal corporations | 74 |
| Special and Selection grade municipalities | 74 |
| Grade “I” and “II” Municipalities | 70 |
| Special grade town Panchayats | 70 |
| Selection grade town Panchayats | 65 |
| grade “I” town Panchayats | 55 |
| grade “II” town Panchayats | 45 |
| Village Panchayats | 37 |
Things to Keep in Mind for Self-Certified Building Approval in Tamil Nadu
- This approval applies only to residential buildings meeting the above limits.
- Only two dwellings (houses/flats) are permitted under this scheme.
- You must still follow building rules like proper setbacks, FSI, and safety guidelines.
- If any information or documents in the application are found false or incorrect, penal action will be taken under the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Act, 1998, the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994, and related rules.
- The Permission if secured by any person by any misrepresentation or by production of false documents, such permission will be cancelled after issuing a show cause notice.
- Maximum permissible FSI 2.0
Conclusion
The Tamil Nadu Quick Building Permit – Self-Certification Scheme makes small residential construction faster, easier, and cost-effective. By meeting eligibility criteria, submitting required documents, and following building norms, homeowners can secure approvals instantly — saving both time and money.
FAQ
1) Q: Are there any size limits for plots and buildings and how long it takes to get instant approval through self-certification?
A: Yes. Instant approval is available for plots up to 2,500 sq.ft with a maximum built-up area of 3,500 sq.ft and It usually takes about 2 to 3 hours once all required documents are submitted correctly.
2) Q:What is maximum FSI allowed in this scheme?
A:The maximum allowable FSI is 2.0 but it should not exceed 3500sq.ft for example, in 1500sq.ft plot you can built 3000sq.ft (FSI 2.0) but in
3) Q: Can I build a 3000sq.ft building in a 4000sq.ft plot?
A: No. This scheme applicable only plots up to 2500sq.ft in size and maximum building area of 3500 sq.ft.
4) Q: What is the building approval cost for constructing a 3,000 sq.ft building in self-Certification scheme?
A: The cost depends on the plot’s location within the respective local body category. In Special Grade ‘A’ Municipal Corporations, it is ₹88 per sq.ft (₹2,64,000 total). In Special and Selection Grade Municipalities, it is ₹74 per sq.ft (₹2,22,000 total). In Grade II Town Panchayats, it is ₹45 per sq.ft (₹1,35,000 total).
5) Q: How long is an instant building approval valid, and can it be extended?
A: This approval is valid for 5 years from the date of issue, and construction must be completed within this period. It can be extended once for up to 3 years if you apply before the approval expires.
6) Q: Can the competent authority inspect my building after instant approval, and what happens if there are violations?
A: Yes. The competent authority can randomly check the building plans and construction of your buildings at any stage. If any violations are found, the owner must rectify them. If the owner fails to do so, the authority may take necessary action to remove the violations.
7) Q: What happens if false or incorrect information is submitted for instant building approval?
A: If any information or documents in the application are found to be false or incorrect, the competent authority will take penal action under the relevant Tamil Nadu laws. If approval was obtained through misrepresentation or false documents, it will be cancelled after issuing a show cause notice.
8) Q: Can I apply for Self Certification by myself?
A: In the Self Certification process, you, as the applicant, personally declare that your building plan and site plan for construction or reconstruction comply with the provisions of the Act, the rules made under it, and all other applicable laws in force. It is advisable to do this under the supervision of a Registered Engineer.
9) Q: Is there a maximum limit on the number of dwelling units under this scheme?
A: Yes. Under the self-certified building scheme, the limit is up to 2 dwelling units for residential buildings on plots up to 2,500 sq.ft, with a maximum built-up area of 3,500 sq.ft, having either a Stilt + 2 Floors or Ground + 1 floor , and a height not exceeding 10meters.
