The Tamil Nadu Regularization of Unapproved Layouts and Plots in Hill Areas Rules, 2020
The Housing and Urban Development [UD4(3)] Department issued G.O. (Ms.) No. 66, dated 30 March 2020, notifying the Tamil Nadu Regularization of Unapproved Layouts and Plots in Hill Areas Rules, 2020. The rules create a process for considering eligible unapproved layouts, subdivisions and plots in specified hill areas for regularisation, while excluding identified elephant corridors, ecologically sensitive areas, landslide prone areas and hill areas listed in Annexure II.
What the rules do
The Tamil Nadu Regularization of Unapproved Layouts and Plots in Hill Areas Rules, 2020 provide for case by case regularisation of eligible unapproved layouts, subdivisions and plots in hill areas. The stated purpose is to protect purchasers and enable basic infrastructure, while improving roads, circulation, open space and land reserved for public purposes where feasible.
The Governor of Tamil Nadu granted an exemption from the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971 for qualifying unapproved layouts and plots, subject to the exclusions and conditions in the notification.
Areas covered and excluded
The Tamil Nadu Regularization of Unapproved Layouts and Plots in Hill Areas Rules, 2020 apply to:
- Hill areas specified in Annexure I.
- Hill stations listed in Schedule II to the Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Act, 1920.
- Other local bodies to which Chapter X-A of that Act has been extended.
- Listed villages or taluks in the hill areas of The Nilgiris, Dindigul and Salem districts.
The rules do not apply to hill areas specified in Annexure II. The exemption also excludes elephant corridors identified by the Environment and Forest Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu, ecologically sensitive areas notified by the Government of India, and landslide prone areas identified by the Geology and Mining Department.
Eligibility and approvals
The Tamil Nadu Regularization of Unapproved Layouts and Plots in Hill Areas Rules, 2020 allow consideration only where part or all of the plots in an unapproved layout were sold through registered sale deeds on or before 20 October 2016. A plot holder is defined as a person whose plot was registered through a sale deed or title deed executed on or before that date.
Key requirements include:
- Regularisation is considered case by case.
- No objection certificates are required from specified district officials dealing with forests, agricultural engineering, geology and mining, and revenue administration.
- Forest approval differs according to whether unsold plots cover up to five acres or more than five acres.
- Charges for regularisation and infrastructure development are contemplated, but the supplied text does not state the rates.
Layout and plot regularisation
Regularisation of an unapproved layout framework does not automatically regularise individual plots. After the layout framework is regularised, each individual plot owner must apply separately for the plot. A promoter must separately apply for unsold plots.
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 regularisation of the layout automatically regularise my plot?
No. The Tamil Nadu Regularization of Unapproved Layouts and Plots in Hill Areas Rules, 2020 require an individual plot owner to apply separately after the layout framework is regularised.
Is a plot purchased after 20 October 2016 eligible?
The supplied notification limits eligibility to layouts where part or all of the plots were sold by registered sale deed on or before 20 October 2016, and defines a plot holder by reference to a sale deed or title deed executed on or before that date.
Can an unapproved plot in an elephant corridor be regularised?
No. Elephant corridors identified by the Environment and Forest Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu are excluded from the exemption.
Which authority handles an individual plot application?
For an individual plot, the competent authority is the Corporation Commissioner, Municipal Commissioner, Town Panchayat Executive Officer or Block Development Officer (Village Panchayats), depending on the local body.
