Office Order No. 09/2018, Simplification of Processing of Reclassification Proposals
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, Administration Division, issued Office Order No. 09/2018 dated 29 May 2018 to simplify and speed up the processing of land reclassification proposals in the Chennai Metropolitan Area. The order took immediate effect and partially modified Office Order No. 9/2011 dated 24 June 2011 by changing site inspection responsibilities.
What the office order does
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, Administration Division, issued Office Order No. 09/2018 dated 29 May 2018 to reduce the time taken to process land reclassification proposals. It changes application admission, document scrutiny, Public Works Department consultation and site inspection procedures.
Who is affected
Office Order No. 09/2018 affects people applying to reclassify land within the Chennai Metropolitan Area. It also directs Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority planning officers and the executive authorities of local bodies in the area.
Applicants should note that approval of a land use variation does not establish ownership. Any dispute about ownership, rights or title must be proved before the appropriate competent court.
Key processing changes
Office Order No. 09/2018 provides that:
- Reclassification proposals may be submitted directly to the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority with all checklist enclosures, as an alternative to submission through the relevant local body.
- Once online admission is introduced, reclassification applications must be submitted only online.
- Detailed scrutiny of registered documents for unauthorised subdivision and open space reservation requirements may be deferred from the reclassification stage to the development stage.
- A patta and the legal opinion of the Government Pleader are sufficient for processing a reclassification proposal.
- A variation notification may include a disclaimer stating that land use variation approval does not confirm the applicant's ownership rights.
Public Works Department remarks
Office Order No. 09/2018 removes the requirement to obtain a Public Works Department no objection certificate at the reclassification stage for inundation issues or for crossing channels through culvert construction.
Specific Public Works Department remarks on those matters must instead be obtained when development of the site is considered. Such remarks will be required where a Public Works Department lake adjoins the site or an active channel passes through it.
Site inspections
Office Order No. 09/2018 partially modifies Office Order No. 9/2011 dated 24 June 2011, which required inspection of every reclassification site at Deputy Planner level. Reclassification cases may now be handled for inspection by a Deputy Planner or Assistant Planner. The Deputy Planner and Senior Planner may decide on inspection based on the site's extent and nearby development.
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 submit a reclassification proposal directly to the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority?
Yes. Office Order No. 09/2018 allows direct submission with all checklist enclosures, in addition to submission through the relevant local body. After online admission is introduced, applications must be submitted only online.
Does land use reclassification approval prove that I own the property?
No. The approval does not confirm the applicant's ownership rights. Any claim concerning ownership, rights or title must be proved before the appropriate competent court.
Is a Public Works Department no objection certificate required during reclassification?
The requirement is dispensed with at the reclassification stage for inundation issues or channel crossings involving culverts. Public Works Department remarks are required at the development stage, including where a Public Works Department lake adjoins the site or an active channel passes through it.
Will every reclassification site be inspected by a Deputy Planner?
Not necessarily. Office Order No. 09/2018 allows reclassification cases to be inspected by a Deputy Planner or Assistant Planner, with the Deputy Planner and Senior Planner deciding based on site extent and nearby development.
