Proceedings No. RT/6398/09, Revised Delegation of Planning Permission Powers, 2009
The Member-Secretary of CMDA issued APU, RT & A Division Proceedings No. RT/6398/09, dated 23 June 2009, revising the earlier delegation of planning permission powers for ordinary building applications to all local bodies within the Chennai Metropolitan Area. Effective from 25 May 2009, local bodies may process and decide these applications even in listed special category areas, while previously delegated enforcement powers remain unchanged.
What the proceedings govern
APU, RT & A Division Proceedings No. RT/6398/09 authorises all local bodies within the Chennai Metropolitan Area to issue or refuse planning permission for ordinary building proposals classified as A Channel cases. The purpose stated by CMDA is quicker disposal of ordinary building proposals and greater empowerment of local bodies.
The delegation applies to local bodies including town panchayats, municipalities, panchayat unions and the Chennai Corporation. Applications that local bodies previously forwarded to CMDA must instead be processed and disposed of by the concerned local body under the Development Regulations of the Second Master Plan.
Applications covered
The A Channel applications identified in Proceedings No. RT/6398/09 include:
- Ordinary residential buildings falling under B category of the Development Regulations in PR, MR and Commercial parameters.
- Ordinary commercial buildings falling under B category of the Development Regulations in PR, MR and Commercial parameters, up to 300 square metres.
- Other A Channel applications that local bodies had previously forwarded to CMDA.
The local body is responsible for considering both approval and refusal under the applicable procedures and guidelines.
Special category locations
Proceedings No. RT/6398/09 allows the covered ordinary building applications to be considered by local bodies without the earlier restrictions based on special category locations. The listed locations include:
- CRZ areas.
- Aquifer recharge areas.
- Catchment areas.
- Land within 1.5 kilometres of the proposed airport boundary.
- Land within 50 metres on either side of the proposed Metro Rail Corridor.
- Land along main transportation corridors.
- Land falling within acquisition by government agencies.
The proceedings still require applications to be handled under the Development Regulations of the Second Master Plan and the prescribed procedures and guidelines.
Enforcement and local body capacity
Proceedings No. RT/6398/09 do not change the earlier delegation of enforcement powers, including locking and sealing premises. Those powers continue for all development types, including ordinary buildings, special buildings, group developments and multistoreyed buildings.
CMDA also directed local bodies to build urban planning capacity by recruiting specialised staff where necessary and providing training with CMDA assistance. CMDA is to streamline its review mechanism so that delegated planning and enforcement functions are properly exercised.
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Common questions
Where should I submit an A Channel ordinary building application in the Chennai Metropolitan Area?
Proceedings No. RT/6398/09 assigns processing and disposal of covered A Channel applications to the concerned local body rather than CMDA.
Can a local body consider an ordinary building proposal in a CRZ or aquifer recharge area?
Yes. The proceedings delegate planning permission powers for the covered ordinary buildings without restrictions based on listed special category areas, including CRZ and aquifer recharge areas. The application must still be considered under the Development Regulations of the Second Master Plan and the applicable procedures and guidelines.
Does the delegation cover ordinary commercial buildings of any size?
No. The identified category covers ordinary commercial buildings falling under B category in the stated parameters only up to 300 square metres.
Did the proceedings remove local body powers to lock or seal unauthorised premises?
No. The previously delegated enforcement powers, including locking and sealing, continue without change for all types of development.
