Colour Coded Zoning Map, Air Force Station Tambaram
The Indian Air Force issued the Colour Coded Zoning Map for Air Force Station Tambaram to help local municipal, town planning and development authorities decide whether a proposed building or structure requires Indian Air Force NOC for height clearance. It sets elevation limits by colour zone, requires NOC regardless of height in red grids, and identifies additional clearance requirements for certain airport, defence, danger and prohibited areas.
What the map governs
The Colour Coded Zoning Map for Air Force Station Tambaram regulates the height clearance process for buildings and structures around the aerodrome. The aerodrome elevation is 27 metres Above Mean Sea Level. The mapped area is divided into georeferenced grids measuring one minute by one minute.
The map is intended for the Local Municipal Authority and Municipal Commissioner, Tambaram. It is used under Gazette of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation, GSR 751(E), dated 30 September 2015, including its revisions and amendments.
Who is affected
The Colour Coded Zoning Map affects applicants proposing buildings or structures within the mapped grids, as well as municipal, town planning and development authorities processing their plans. Applicants must provide original documents, including site coordinates and a site elevation certificate issued by the Survey of India.
Top elevation means the site elevation plus the height of the highest point of the proposed structure. Water tanks, lightning arresters, lift rooms, cranes and other temporary or permanent superstructures must be included.
Height clearance rules
The colour of the grid containing the site determines the Indian Air Force NOC requirement:
- Red: NOC must be sought regardless of building or structure height.
- Pink: NOC is exempt if the top elevation is 69 metres Above Mean Sea Level or below. Higher proposals require NOC.
- Sky blue: NOC is exempt if the top elevation is 69 metres Above Mean Sea Level or below. Higher proposals require NOC.
- Yellow: NOC is exempt if the top elevation is 144 metres Above Mean Sea Level or below. Higher proposals require NOC.
- Green: NOC is exempt if the top elevation is 174 metres Above Mean Sea Level or below. Higher proposals require NOC.
Approval and additional clearances
The Colour Coded Zoning Map does not replace local building controls. Municipal, town planning and development authorities must apply their own building regulations and certify on the sanctioned plan that the building height, Floor Space Index or Floor Area Ratio is within the mapped permissible elevation.
Where an applicant is exempt from Indian Air Force NOC, the approving authority must send its approval letter, application and original documents to the Chief Operations Officer, Air Force Station, Tambaram within thirty days. The Indian Air Force may disapprove clearance if documents are missing or inconsistent.
Separate clearance is required where a site falls under a civil airport, another defence agency, or a danger or prohibited area. Proposals adjoining defence establishments governed by the Works of Defence Act 1903 require NOC from the Local Military Authority regardless of the map colour.
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 a property in a red grid need Indian Air Force NOC even for a low building?
Yes. A proposal in a red grid requires an Indian Air Force NOC regardless of the height of the building or structure.
How is the top elevation of my proposed building calculated?
Add the site elevation stated in the Survey of India elevation certificate to the height of the highest point of the proposed structure. Include water tanks, lightning arresters, lift rooms, cranes and all other temporary or permanent superstructures.
Can the local authority approve my plan without an Indian Air Force NOC?
Yes, if the proposal is exempt under the applicable colour and elevation limit. The authority must still apply its own building regulations and forward the approval, application and original documents to the Chief Operations Officer, Air Force Station, Tambaram within thirty days.
Does colour based exemption remove every defence clearance requirement?
No. Sites under another defence agency, in danger or prohibited areas, or adjoining defence establishments governed by the Works of Defence Act 1903 may require separate clearance regardless of the colour coding.
