The Tamil Nadu Panchayats Building Rules, 1997 (1997)
The Governor of Tamil Nadu made the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Building Rules, 1997 through G.O. (Ms.) No. 255, Rural Development (C2) Department, dated 18 August 1997, replacing the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Building Rules, 1970 and regulating layouts, site approvals and building work in covered Panchayat areas. The rules require approval from the President of the Village Panchayat before land is subdivided or used for building sites, or a building or hut is constructed, reconstructed, altered or extended.
Scope and legal effect
The Tamil Nadu Panchayats Building Rules, 1997 apply throughout areas covered by the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994, except areas where Chapters IX and X of the Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Act, 1920 have been extended and apply. The rules came into force at once and replaced the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Building Rules, 1970.
Who is affected
The Tamil Nadu Panchayats Building Rules, 1997 affect landowners, registered power of attorney holders and other applicants proposing layouts, subdivisions, buildings or huts in covered Village Panchayat areas. The President of the Village Panchayat is the Executive Authority responsible for approvals.
Layout and subdivision approval
The Tamil Nadu Panchayats Building Rules, 1997 provide that land must not be subdivided or used for building sites until the layout plan is approved by the Executive Authority.
Key requirements include:
- Prior concurrence from the Director of Town and Country Planning, or an authorised Joint Director or Deputy Director.
- Additional concurrence from the relevant Divisional Engineer for layouts adjoining National highways, State highways or bypass roads.
- Three copies of the layout plan, a current encumbrance certificate showing ownership, and an authenticated survey sketch.
- An application made by the owner or a person holding a duly registered power of attorney.
- A consent letter relinquishing land required for streets, lanes, passages, common construction and pathways to the Executive Authority.
- Formation and construction of streets, passages and pathways by the owner at the owner's expense.
An unanswered request for further information may result in rejection if it is not complied with within one month. After sixty days from receiving the application, the Executive Authority may grant approval, impose conditions or refuse approval where the work conflicts with the approved plan.
Building and site controls
The Tamil Nadu Panchayats Building Rules, 1997 require an application before constructing, reconstructing, altering or adding to a building or hut. The application must include three copies each of the site plan, building plans and specifications, together with the proposed use. It must be signed by the owner or supported by the owner's authority or consent.
Other controls include:
- Prior District Collector approval for sites intended for public worship or religious purposes.
- Restrictions on construction within ninety metres of a burning or burial ground.
- Minimum clearances from low tension and high tension aerial lines.
- Special approval for buildings exceeding 250 square metres in Panchayats of the Nilgiris district.
- Rainwater collection, storage, filtration or groundwater recharge arrangements, including percolation pits for specified building categories.
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
Can I divide Panchayat land into house plots before layout approval?
No. The land must not be subdivided or used for building sites until the layout plan has been approved by the President of the Village Panchayat with the required planning concurrence.
What ownership documents are required for a layout application?
The application must include an up-to-date encumbrance certificate specifying ownership and an authenticated survey sketch. It may be submitted by the owner or by a person holding a duly registered power of attorney.
Do I need approval to alter or extend an existing house in a Village Panchayat?
Yes. A person intending to reconstruct, alter or add to a building or hut must apply to the President of the Village Panchayat for site approval and permission to carry out the work.
Can a building be constructed near a burial or burning ground?
A site within ninety metres requires previous approval from the President of the Village Panchayat. A building intended for human habitation cannot be built within that distance unless the burial or burning ground has remained closed for at least five years, as confirmed by Village Panchayat records.
