Official guidance, Tamil Nadu land law
Operational guidelines
The Housing and Urban Development [UD4(3)] Department, through G.O.(Ms)No.53 dated 16.4.2018, amends the Development Control Regulations by introducing Construction Continuance Certificates and Completion Certificates in areas under the Directorate of Town and Country Planning. The requirements apply prospectively to planning permissions issued from the date of the order, except for industrial buildings and residential buildings with up to three dwelling units. A covered building cannot be occupied, or receive a regular utility connection, without a valid Completion Certificate.
What the guidelines govern
G.O.(Ms)No.53 of the Housing and Urban Development [UD4(3)] Department, dated 16.4.2018, introduces certificate checks during and after construction in areas under the Directorate of Town and Country Planning. The Development Control Regulations are varied by inserting provisions for Construction Continuance Certificates and Completion Certificates.
The requirements cover all building categories except:
- Industrial buildings.
- Residential buildings with up to three dwelling units.
The Completion Certificate requirements apply prospectively to planning permissions issued from the date of G.O.(Ms)No.53.
Construction Continuance Certificate
A person who obtained planning permission, or the current owner, builder or developer, must apply for a Construction Continuance Certificate when construction reaches plinth level. The application goes to the competent authority and must include a plan showing the site boundary, building dimensions and setbacks, authenticated by the applicant and an architect, structural engineer or licensed surveyor.
Key requirements include:
- Inspection of the site to compare construction with the approved plan.
- Verification of building size and setbacks.
- A date stamped photograph taken during inspection.
- Disposal of the application within 15 days from receipt.
- Enforcement action where construction exceeds the permitted tolerance limits.
Completion Certificate
A person who obtained planning permission, or the current owner, builder or developer, must apply when construction is complete and no further civil works are required. The application must include a drawing showing the building as actually constructed.
The competent authority must:
- Inspect the site and check compliance with the approved plan and tolerance limits.
- Confirm that required compliance certificates have been received from authorities that earlier issued no objection certificates.
- Stamp the verified drawing as the plan of the building as constructed.
- Collect applicable charges for excess floor area that remains within tolerance limits.
- Take enforcement action if deviations exceed tolerance limits.
No applicant, buyer, worker or other person may occupy a covered building without a valid Completion Certificate. Temporary utility connections must be disconnected after construction, and regular connections may be provided only after receipt of the certificate.
Fees and professional inspections
A scrutiny fee of Rs.3 per square foot of built up area is collected when planning permission is issued. Where an empanelled professional conducts inspections, Rs.1 per square foot of plinth area is payable for the plinth level report and Rs.1.50 per square foot of built up area for the structural completion report.
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 house with three dwelling units need these certificates?
No. Residential buildings with up to three dwelling units are excluded from the certificate provisions described in G.O.(Ms)No.53.
When should I apply for a Construction Continuance Certificate?
Apply when construction reaches plinth level. The application must include an authenticated plan showing the site boundary, building dimensions and setbacks.
Can a buyer occupy the building before a Completion Certificate is issued?
No. An applicant, buyer, worker or any other person must not occupy the building without a valid Completion Certificate from the competent authority.
Will a regular utility connection be given without a Completion Certificate?
No. Temporary connections must be disconnected after construction, and a regular utility connection is provided only after a valid Completion Certificate is received.
