G.O. (Ms) No. 86, Risk Based Classification, Delegation of Powers for Site Inspection
Housing and Urban Development Department, Government Order G.O. (Ms) No. 86 dated 14.6.2019 accepts a proposal from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority to use risk based classification for site inspection of building developments in the Chennai Metropolitan Area, and it also applies the same approach in Directorate of Town and Country Planning areas. The Government designates which level of official must inspect different categories of non high rise and high rise buildings, based on building height, dwelling units, built up area and site extent. The delegation is stated to be subject to later revision by Government.
What this government order does
Housing and Urban Development Department, Government Order G.O. (Ms) No. 86 dated 14.6.2019 deals with site inspection for planning permission and permit applications received through Single Window. It introduces a risk based classification for inspection and delegates inspection powers to different officials in the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority area, and adopts the same approach for Directorate of Town and Country Planning areas.
The source says this was linked to implementation of Ease of Doing Business, coordinated by the Guidance Bureau. It also says building classification in the Tamil Nadu Combined Development Building Rules, 2019 is based on density of development and site extent, with buildings categorized as non high rise buildings and high rise buildings.
Who it affects
This government order affects:
- applicants for planning permission or permits through Single Window
- property owners and developers in Chennai Metropolitan Area
- property owners and developers in Directorate of Town and Country Planning areas
- officials in Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, Directorate of Town and Country Planning and local bodies who carry out site inspections
How inspection responsibility is divided in Chennai Metropolitan Area
For non high rise buildings, inspection level depends on risk category and type of development.
- Low risk residential, up to 12 m height, not exceeding 3 dwelling units or 750 sq.m built up area, inspection by Assistant Planner or JE or AE at local body
- Low risk commercial, up to 12 m height, not exceeding 300 sq.m of built up area, inspection by Assistant Planner or JE or AE at local body
- Medium risk residential, more than 12 m height and less than 18.3 m height, inspection by Assistant Planner
- High risk residential and other developments move to Deputy Planner or Chief Planner depending on dwelling units, built up area or site extent
- For high rise buildings, all developments up to 30 m height are inspected by Assistant Planner, more than 30 m and 60 m height by Deputy Planner, and more than 60 m height or site extent more than 1 hectare by Chief Planner
How inspection responsibility is divided in Directorate of Town and Country Planning areas
Housing and Urban Development Department, Government Order G.O. (Ms) No. 86 dated 14.6.2019 says the same analogy is adopted in Directorate of Town and Country Planning areas.
- Assistant Director handles lower level categories
- Deputy Director handles higher risk categories
- Joint Director handles the largest non high rise categories
- For high rise buildings, Assistant Director, Deputy Director and Joint Director are assigned by height and site extent
Other points
- Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority stated that computerized auto allocation of inspectors was designed based on geographical location within the assigned unit or division
- Housing and Urban Development Department, Government Order G.O. (Ms) No. 86 dated 14.6.2019 says the delegation and powers for site inspection are subject to revision based on future Government orders
- The Principal Secretary or Member Secretary, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority and the Director of Town and Country Planning were asked to take action accordingly
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
Does this government order apply only in Chennai?
No. Housing and Urban Development Department, Government Order G.O. (Ms) No. 86 dated 14.6.2019 sets inspection delegation for the Chennai Metropolitan Area and also says the same analogy is adopted for Directorate of Town and Country Planning areas.
How is the inspection level decided for my building project?
The source says inspection is based on risk assessment, considering density of development and size of the site. The tables use building height, number of dwelling units, built up area and site extent to decide which official will inspect.
Does this change planning permission rules or only who inspects the site?
The source text is about delegation of powers for site inspection. It identifies which officials must inspect different categories of buildings for planning permission or permit applications received through Single Window.
Can these inspection powers change later?
Yes. Housing and Urban Development Department, Government Order G.O. (Ms) No. 86 dated 14.6.2019 says the delegation and powers for site inspection are subject to revision based on orders to be issued by the Government from time to time.
