G.O. (Ms.) No. 161, Reducing the Documents for Change of Land Use
The Housing and Urban Development [UD4(1)] Department issued Government Order G.O. (Ms.) No. 161 dated 15 October 2025, amending the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019. The amendments introduce a separate Form-IA for Change of Use of Land applications, specify the information and declarations required, and remove land use change details from Form-A.
What the document changes
Government Order G.O. (Ms.) No. 161 dated 15 October 2025 changes the terminology and application process under the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019. References to Conversion of Land Use, reclassification and re-classification are replaced with Change of Use of Land in the identified parts of the rules.
The notification was ordered to be published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette Extraordinary dated 16 October 2025.
Who is affected
The amendments made by the Housing and Urban Development [UD4(1)] Department affect owners, developers and power agents applying to a competent authority for a Change of Use of Land. Registered professionals who prepare and sign the supporting plans are also involved in the application.
A buyer or owner considering a different use for land should check whether a Change of Use of Land application is required and whether the property can satisfy the declarations in Form-IA.
Application requirements
A Change of Use of Land application must be submitted to the competent authority in Form-IA in Annexure-IA. It must be accompanied by proof of ownership, a site cum topography plan and the other material indicated by the rules.
Form-IA asks for:
- Applicant name, correspondence address and contact details.
- Site address and extent.
- Present use of the land and any existing building.
- Proposed land use and proposed construction or development.
- Whether the site is part of an approved layout, with approval details if applicable.
- Width and public or private status of the abutting road, where a road FMB is unavailable.
- Signatures of the applicant and a registered professional.
Declarations and consequences
Form-IA requires the applicant to declare absolute rights over the land and no encroachment on government land. The applicant must also state that the site is not a water body or poromboke land and is not covered under the Land Ceiling Act, Land Reforms Act or any Land Acquisition Act.
The applicant must confirm that site and topographical plans were prepared by a registered architect, engineer or town planner according to the applicable rules. The form also includes an undertaking to pay excess newspaper publication costs, Gazette notification costs and other charges levied by the competent authority.
False, incorrect or misleading information may result in approval or sanction being revoked without further notice. The applicant may also face legal, penal or administrative action.
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
Which form should I use to apply for a Change of Use of Land?
Government Order G.O. (Ms.) No. 161 requires a Change of Use of Land application to be made in Form-IA in Annexure-IA and submitted to the competent authority.
What ownership information must I provide?
The application must include proof of ownership. The applicant must also declare an absolute right over the land and confirm that there is no encroachment on government land.
Can I apply if the site is a water body or poromboke land?
Form-IA requires the applicant to declare that the proposed site is not a water body or poromboke land. It also requires confirmation that the site is not covered under the Land Ceiling Act, Land Reforms Act or any Land Acquisition Act.
What happens if information in Form-IA is false?
Any approval or sanction may be revoked without further notice if information is false, incorrect or misleading. The applicant may also be subject to legal, penal or administrative action by the competent authority.
