G.O. Ms. No. 118, Amendments to the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019
The Housing and Urban Development Department, through G.O. Ms. No. 118 dated 8 August 2025, amends the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019 for self-certified residential buildings. It revises the qualifying building limits, applicant eligibility, required documents and drawings, and planning parameters including road width, height, Floor Space Index and setbacks.
What the amendment governs
G.O. Ms. No. 118 of the Housing and Urban Development Department, dated 8 August 2025, changes the rules for submitting residential building plans under the self-certification scheme. A self-certified residential building must meet all of these limits:
- Plot area up to 2,500 square feet.
- Floor Space Index area up to 3,500 square feet.
- Residential use with no more than two dwelling units.
- Ground floor plus one floor, or stilt plus two floors.
- Maximum building height of 10 metres.
Who can apply
G.O. Ms. No. 118 allows the landowner, leaseholder or power of attorney holder to apply when proposing to construct, reconstruct or develop an eligible self-certified residential building.
The amendment is relevant to applicants, property owners, architects and registered engineers preparing residential plans under the self-certification scheme.
Documents and plans required
G.O. Ms. No. 118 requires the applicant to upload details of the applicant, plot and proposed building, together with:
- Site photographs.
- A self-attested registered sale deed proving ownership.
- A self-attested Patta or Town Survey Land Register in the owner's name.
- An approved layout, approved subdivision plan, Field Measurement Book, regularised plot or layout record, or one link document proving that the site or plot existed before 20 October 2016.
- A building plan signed by an architect or registered engineer.
The building plan must be in PDF format and compiled in no more than three A4 sheets. Depending on the proposal, it must show the site, stilt or ground floor, upper floors, setbacks, adjoining land references, road width, parking, rooms, stairs, openings, services, area statement, achieved Floor Space Index, terrace, elevation, cross-section, specifications and key plan.
Every sheet must contain specified property and location details, north direction, an index, space for a QR code, and signatures of the applicant and architect or registered engineer. Dimensions must be shown legibly in metres.
Main planning limits
G.O. Ms. No. 118 sets these principal parameters:
- Minimum road width is 1.5 metres in continuous building areas and Economically Weaker Section areas, and 3 metres in other areas.
- Permissible Floor Space Index is 2.0.
- Maximum form is stilt plus two floors or ground floor plus first floor, subject to a 10 metre height limit.
- Front setback is 1.5 metres in continuous building areas, 1 metre in Economically Weaker Section areas and 1.5 metres in other areas.
- Side setbacks vary by area, building height and plot width.
Applicants must certify that uploaded information and documents are true and indemnify the competent authority against claims arising from permission based on the self-certified records.
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 my residential building qualify for self-certification?
It must be on a plot of up to 2,500 square feet, have Floor Space Index area up to 3,500 square feet, contain no more than two dwelling units, and be no higher than 10 metres. It may be ground plus one floor or stilt plus two floors.
Can a leaseholder or power of attorney holder apply?
Yes. G.O. Ms. No. 118 allows the owner, leaseholder or power of attorney holder to submit plans for an eligible self-certified residential building.
Who must sign the building plans?
The plans must be signed by an architect or registered engineer. The sheets must also carry the applicant's signature.
What responsibility does the applicant accept under self-certification?
The applicant must certify that the information and uploaded documents are true. The applicant must also indemnify the competent authority against claims arising from permission issued on the basis of those records.
