G.O.(Ms).No.172, Regularisation of Unapproved Plots and Layouts Rules, 2017, Amendments

What the amendments govern

The Housing and Urban Development [UD4(3)] Department amendments apply to the regularisation of unapproved plots, layouts and subdivisions in Tamil Nadu. They affect plot owners, layout promoters, registered cooperative societies, associations of plot owners, local authorities and the competent planning authorities.

Plots in unauthorised layouts or subdivisions are eligible under the scheme if they were made during these periods:

• From 5 August 1975 to 20 October 2016 within the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
• From 29 November 1972 to 20 October 2016 in rural areas outside the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
• From 1 January 1980 to 20 October 2016 in urban areas outside the Chennai Metropolitan Area.

Earlier layouts are deemed approved where they were formed before 5 August 1975 in the Chennai Metropolitan Area, before 29 November 1972 in rural areas outside it, or before 1 January 1980 in urban areas outside it. Plots regularised under earlier government schemes are deemed regularised for residential use regardless of the relevant development plan land use zone.

Key changes for plots and layouts

• The application period stated in the rules is changed from six months to one year.
• A plot must abut a public street or have access from a public street through a private street over which the applicant has a right of access.
• Where listed layouts have no regularisation application, the competent authority must prepare and give in-principle approval to the layout framework as it exists on the ground, subject to connectivity modifications.
• If at least one plot has been sold, internal roads are regularised on an "as is where is" basis.
• Open Space Reservation must be provided from unsold plots, covering at least 10 per cent of their total area. It need not be one continuous area or have fixed dimensions.
• Individual plots already sold receive full exemption from Open Space Reservation requirements.
• Roads and Open Space Reservation areas shown in the layout framework are deemed vested in the local authority.

Charges and payment

Development charge per square metre is:

• Rs.500 in a City Municipal Corporation area.
• Rs.250 in a Special and Selection Grade Municipal area.
• Rs.150 in a Grade I and Grade II Municipal area.
• Rs.75 in a Town Panchayat area.
• Rs.25 in a Village Panchayat area.

An applicant must pay the demand within thirty days of communication. Late payment attracts six per cent annual interest, and failure to remit within 90 days results in rejection. Development charges must be used for infrastructure in the particular layout, including roads, drinking water and storm water drains.