G.O.(Ms.) No.53, Construction Continuance Certificate and Completion Certificate, 2018
The Tamil Nadu Housing and Urban Development Department issued G.O.(Ms.) No.53 dated 16 April 2018, introducing Construction Continuance Certificates and Completion Certificates for buildings under the Directorate of Town and Country Planning. The requirement applies prospectively to planning permissions issued from 16 April 2018, except for industrial buildings and residential buildings with up to three dwelling units.
What the government order governs
G.O.(Ms.) No.53 dated 16 April 2018 requires two stages of construction verification in areas under the Directorate of Town and Country Planning. It covers all categories of buildings except industrial buildings and residential buildings with up to three dwelling units. The requirements apply to planning permissions issued from the date of the government order.
Construction Continuance Certificate
A person who obtained planning permission, or the current property owner, must apply when construction reaches plinth level. The application is made to the Member Secretary of the Local Planning Authority, the Regional Deputy Director, or another person authorised by the Director of Town and Country Planning.
Key requirements include:
- A plan showing the site boundary, building dimensions and setbacks on all sides.
- Authentication by the applicant and an architect, structural engineer or licensed surveyor.
- Inspection to confirm that the building size and setbacks match the approved plan.
- A date stamped photograph of the building taken during inspection.
- Disposal of the application within 15 days from receipt.
Construction may continue after the competent authority issues the Construction Continuance Certificate.
Completion Certificate
A person who obtained planning permission, the current owner, builder or developer must apply after construction is complete and no further civil work is required. The application must include a drawing showing the construction actually made at the site.
The competent authority or an empanelled professional will inspect the site. If the construction conforms to the approved plan and applicable norms, the drawing is stamped as the plan of the building as constructed and a Completion Certificate is issued. Compliance certificates from authorities that issued no objection certificates at the planning permission stage must also be verified.
A covered building must not be occupied without a valid Completion Certificate. Utility agencies must disconnect temporary connections when construction ends and provide regular utility connections only after receiving a valid Completion Certificate.
Fees and implementation
A scrutiny fee of Rs. 3 per square foot of built up area is collected when planning permission is issued. Payments to empanelled professionals are Rs. 1 per square foot of plinth area for the plinth inspection report and Rs. 1.50 per square foot of built up area for the structural completion inspection report.
The Director of Town and Country Planning must empanel architects, structural engineers and licensed surveyors, and issue operational guidelines based on the National Building Code, 2016. Completion Certificate tolerance guidelines must follow the norms used by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority.
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 G.O.(Ms.) No.53 apply to a house with three dwelling units?
No. Residential buildings with up to three dwelling units are excluded, along with industrial buildings.
When must I apply for a Construction Continuance Certificate?
The planning permission holder or current owner must apply when construction reaches plinth level. The application must include the required plan and professional authentication.
Can a covered building be occupied before receiving a Completion Certificate?
No. The applicant, buyer, worker or any other person must not occupy a covered building without a valid Completion Certificate from the competent authority.
Does the Completion Certificate requirement apply to older planning permissions?
The requirement applies prospectively to planning permissions issued from 16 April 2018, the date of G.O.(Ms.) No.53.
