G.O.(Ms.) No.65, Delegation of Powers for High Rise Building Planning Permission, 2022

What the government order does

G.O.(Ms.) No.65 changes the administrative process for high rise building planning permission in the Chennai Metropolitan Area. The Government accepted the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority's proposal that applications should be processed and planning permission issued by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority itself, rather than recommendations being forwarded to the Government for approval.

The stated purpose is to expedite planning permission for high rise buildings. Under the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules referred to in the document, buildings exceeding 18.3 metres are treated as high rise buildings.

Who is affected

G.O.(Ms.) No.65 directly affects applicants seeking planning permission from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority for buildings exceeding 18.3 metres in the Chennai Metropolitan Area. It is also relevant to owners, developers, professionals and buyers involved in proposed high rise projects because it identifies the authority and review process responsible for planning permission.

The procedure is divided according to building height:

• For buildings from 18.3 metres to 30 metres, the existing Multi-Storeyed Building Panel scrutinises the application. Its recommendation is submitted to the Member Secretary of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority for approval and issue of planning permission.
• For buildings beyond 30 metres, the Multi-Storeyed Building Panel scrutinises the plans before they are placed before a specially constituted committee. The committee's recommendation goes to the Member Secretary for approval and issue of planning permission.

Committee for buildings beyond 30 metres

The committee for buildings beyond 30 metres is chaired by the Vice-Chairman of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. Its membership includes:

• The Member Secretary of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority as Vice-Chairman.
• The relevant corporation, municipality, panchayat union or town panchayat executive authority.
• Representatives of the concerned no objection certificate issuing departments and bodies listed in the document.
• The Chief Planner of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority as Member Convener.
• Any other expert selected by the Vice-Chairman.

The listed bodies include fire and rescue services, environment and forests, archaeology, water resources, the National Highway Authority of India and TANGEDCO.

Monitoring applications

G.O.(Ms.) No.65 directs the Member Secretary of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority to place progress reports before the Authority. These reports must cover the disposal status of high rise building applications received, using formats prescribed by the Authority.