G.O.(Ms).No.04, Planning Permission for Religious Buildings, 2026
The Tamil Nadu Housing and Urban Development [UD4(1)] Department issued G.O.(Ms).No.04, dated 8 January 2026, allowing specified religious buildings and pending applications from 4 February 2019 to 6 March 2024 to be considered for planning permission without a No Objection Certificate from the District Collector. The exemption is not automatic approval, because every building must still comply with all requirements of the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019 for religious buildings.
What the government order does
G.O.(Ms).No.04, dated 8 January 2026, issued by the Tamil Nadu Housing and Urban Development [UD4(1)] Department, creates a limited exemption from the requirement to submit a District Collector's No Objection Certificate when seeking planning permission for certain religious buildings.
The exemption covers a defined period. The District Collector's No Objection Certificate requirement continues to apply to applications submitted from 7 March 2024.
Buildings covered
G.O.(Ms).No.04 applies to buildings that operated as religious buildings from 4 February 2019 to 6 March 2024 and already had valid planning permission for another use, such as:
- A residence.
- A hall.
- A multipurpose hall.
- Another purpose for which valid planning permission had been obtained.
These buildings must be considered for planning permission as religious buildings without insisting on a No Objection Certificate from the District Collector concerned. They must still satisfy every requirement applicable to religious buildings under the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019.
Pending applications covered
G.O.(Ms).No.04 also covers planning permission applications for religious buildings that:
- Were submitted between 4 February 2019 and 6 March 2024.
- Remained pending because a No Objection Certificate from the District Collector had not been provided.
The competent authority must consider these applications without insisting on that certificate, provided the buildings comply with all requirements of the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019 for religious buildings.
Applications from 7 March 2024
Clause 6 of Annexure XVII of the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019, which requires a No Objection Certificate from the District Collector concerned for religious buildings, applies to applications submitted from 7 March 2024.
Practical effect for owners and applicants
G.O.(Ms).No.04 removes one document requirement for eligible buildings and pending applications. It does not regularise a building automatically or guarantee planning permission. An owner or religious institution must show that the building falls within the specified dates and complies with all planning and building requirements for religious use.
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 every religious building qualify for planning permission without a District Collector's No Objection Certificate?
No. The exemption is limited to the buildings and applications covered by the period from 4 February 2019 to 6 March 2024, and all requirements of the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019 for religious buildings must still be met.
Can a residence already used as a religious building use this exemption?
Yes, if it operated as a religious building from 4 February 2019 to 6 March 2024 and had valid planning permission as a residence or another permitted use. It must also meet all rules applicable to religious buildings.
What happens if my planning permission application was pending only because the District Collector's No Objection Certificate was missing?
If the application for a religious building was submitted from 4 February 2019 to 6 March 2024, it must be considered without insisting on the certificate, subject to compliance with all applicable rules for religious buildings.
Is a District Collector's No Objection Certificate required for an application submitted after 6 March 2024?
Yes. The requirement under Clause 6 of Annexure XVII of the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019 applies to applications submitted from 7 March 2024.
