Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Building Rules, 1972
The Government of Tamil Nadu, through the Rural Development and Local Administration Department, issued Government Order Ms. No. 1009 dated 19 May 1972 to regulate buildings and building sites in areas declared as municipalities under the Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Act, 1920. The Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Building Rules, 1972 superseded the earlier rules published in 1942, as amended, and the Rural Development and Local Administration Department notification issued in 1966.
Purpose and legal status
The Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Building Rules, 1972 regulate and restrict buildings and the use of sites for buildings throughout areas declared, or later declared, as municipalities under the Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Act, 1920. They came into force at once and replaced the earlier 1942 rules, as amended, and the relevant 1966 notification.
The supplied copy was placed online by the International Environmental Law Research Centre for information. The organisation states that it is not an official version and makes no claim about the accuracy of the reproduced text.
Who is affected
The Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Building Rules, 1972 affect owners and applicants who intend to construct, reconstruct, alter or add to a building or hut within a municipal area. They also affect licensed builders, surveyors, architects and engineers where municipal council byelaws require their compulsory employment.
The rules define terms including plot, building site, alteration, habitable room, storey, structure, floor area ratio, plot coverage and qualified engineer or architect.
Applications and supporting documents
The Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Building Rules, 1972 require an application to the Executive Authority for approval of the site and permission to carry out work on a building other than a hut. Key requirements include:
- A site plan in triplicate.
- Building plans in triplicate, including floor plans, elevations and sections.
- Specifications in triplicate.
- Signatures from the site and building owner, or the owner's authority or consent if the applicant is not the owner.
- Signatures from a licensed professional where municipal byelaws require one.
A separate application process applies to huts. The proposed use must be disclosed, including specified uses, use as a stage, or use as a cattle shed or cow house. Failure to provide requested information within one month results in rejection of a hut application.
Site and safety controls
The Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Building Rules, 1972 require the Executive Authority to consider nearby aerial electricity lines. Permission must be refused where required clearances are not available unless suitable arrangements meet the applicable electricity rules. The stated horizontal clearances vary according to line type and whether the building portion is accessible, while the stated vertical clearance is 2.5 metres.
A building, wall or other masonry construction within 30 metres of a railway boundary requires railway authority consent. A dwelling or dwelling house site generally must contain at least 95 square metres and have a minimum width of 9 metres, subject to the stated reconstruction exception. This minimum does not apply to shops, offices and godowns.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Do these building rules apply everywhere in Tamil Nadu?
No. The Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Building Rules, 1972 apply to the whole area declared, or later declared, as a municipality under the Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Act, 1920.
Do I need approval to alter or add to an existing building?
Yes. A person intending to construct, reconstruct, alter or add to a building other than a hut must apply to the Executive Authority for site approval and permission to carry out the work.
What is the minimum site size for a dwelling house?
A dwelling or dwelling house site generally must be at least 95 square metres with a minimum width of 9 metres. An exception applies to certain reconstructions in built-up areas or residential localities, and the requirement does not apply to shops, offices and godowns.
Is the International Environmental Law Research Centre copy an official version?
No. The International Environmental Law Research Centre states that its online copy is provided for information only, is not an official version and should not be treated as one.
