Official guidance, Tamil Nadu land law
Simplification of Planning Permission and Issue of NOC
The Office of the Commissioner of Town and Country Planning issued Roc. No.10189/2009(1) BA1 and Roc. No.10189/2009(2) BA1, both dated 14 December 2009, to reduce delays in planning permission and related No Objection Certificates. The consolidated instructions require complete applications, checklist based scrutiny, disposal or referral of planning proposals within 30 days, and direct acceptance of eligible No Objection Certificate requests from applicants.
What the instructions govern
The Office of the Commissioner of Town and Country Planning issued Roc. No.10189/2009(1) BA1, dated 14 December 2009, after finding that earlier circular procedures had not produced the expected results and delays continued. It applies to development proposals including layout plans, building plans and changes of land use.
The related communication, Roc. No.10189/2009(2) BA1, dated 14 December 2009, asks District Collectors to direct district officials to accept No Objection Certificate applications directly from applicants.
Planning permission procedure
Key requirements for planning offices are:
- Final orders on planning permission proposals must be issued, or recommendations must be sent to the Commissioner of Town and Country Planning, within 30 days from receipt of the application.
- A Local Planning Authority meeting must be held at least once a month under the Tamil Nadu Planning Authority Procedure and Transaction of Business Regulations, 1980.
- If a meeting is not held within the stipulated time, the Member Secretary must decide the proposal on its merits under the rules in force, or send a report to the Commissioner without delay.
- Proposals requiring technical scrutiny and approval from the Director need not be placed before the Local Planning Authority or Collector for a resolution or approval.
Checklist and application documents
Every development proposal must include the departmental checklist. Part I lists the documents that applicants must provide. Part II contains scrutiny details to be completed when subordinate offices forward proposals to the head office.
A responsible technical employee must receive applications. An application satisfying Part I should be accepted. An incomplete application must be returned at the receiving point with proper guidance to the applicant. The instructions also require action against impolite or improper treatment of applicants.
The checklist must be displayed at Local Planning Authorities, New Town Development Authorities and regional offices. It must also be communicated to local bodies, licensed builders, promoters, interested associations and other stakeholders.
No Objection Certificates
District officials are asked to receive No Objection Certificate requests directly from applicants and issue certificates in eligible cases within a reasonable period. A departmental reference cannot be required because the applicant's own request is sufficient.
The communication identifies authorities including Tahsildars, Fire Services, the Civil Aviation Department, the Traffic Police Department, local bodies, the Public Works Department, Highways and other departments from which applicants may need certificates.
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
How quickly should my planning permission application be handled?
Final orders should be issued, or recommendations sent to the Commissioner of Town and Country Planning, within 30 days from the date the application is received.
Will an incomplete planning application be accepted?
No. The receiving office should accept only applications containing all enclosures listed in Part I of the checklist. An incomplete application should be returned at the reception point with proper guidance.
Can I apply directly to a department for a No Objection Certificate?
Yes. District officials are instructed to accept requests directly from applicants, and they should not insist on a departmental reference.
What happens if the Local Planning Authority does not meet on time?
The Member Secretary must decide the proposal on its merits and under the rules in force, or send a report to the Commissioner without fail and without delay.
