Tamil Nadu Regularisation of Unapproved Layouts and Plots Rules, 2017 (2017)
The Tamil Nadu Regularisation of Unapproved Layouts and Plots Rules, 2017, made by the Governor of Tamil Nadu with an effective date of 1 January 2017, establish a process for regularising eligible unapproved layouts, subdivisions and plots across Tamil Nadu. The supplied text does not identify an issuing department or order number, but it limits eligibility mainly to layouts or plots sold and registered on or before 20 October 2016 and excludes specified protected, public and encroached lands.
What the rules govern
The Tamil Nadu Regularisation of Unapproved Layouts and Plots Rules, 2017 provide a statewide process for dealing with layouts, subdivisions and plots created without prior approval or concurrence from the Director of Town and Country Planning or the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. The rules aim to protect purchasers while enabling roads, circulation, open spaces, public-purpose areas and basic infrastructure to be improved where feasible.
Regularisation of a layout framework does not automatically regularise each plot. After the framework is regularised, each plot owner, or the promoter for unsold plots, must apply separately for plot regularisation.
Who may be eligible
Eligibility under the Tamil Nadu Regularisation of Unapproved Layouts and Plots Rules, 2017 includes:
- An unapproved layout where at least one plot was sold through a registered sale deed on or before 20 October 2016.
- Unsold plots within an eligible layout where at least part of the layout had been sold by that date.
- An individual plot in a subdivision registered through a sale deed or title deed on or before 20 October 2016.
- A layout application made by the promoter, registered cooperative society or plot holders' association where more than two-thirds of the plots were sold before the cut-off date.
A sale agreement or General Power of Attorney is not accepted as proof of sale.
Land that cannot be regularised
The Tamil Nadu Regularisation of Unapproved Layouts and Plots Rules, 2017 exclude:
- Public water bodies, including channels, canals, tanks, lakes and rivers.
- Government poramboke land.
- Reserved open space, parks and playgrounds in approved developments.
- Vacant plots blocking the only access to surrounding land.
- Land affected by proposed road, railway or street alignments in development plans.
- Encroachments on public roads, streets or land not owned by the applicant.
- Land affected by the repealed Tamil Nadu Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1978.
- Land below high tension or extra high voltage electricity lines, including tower lines.
Applications and authorities
Eligible owners and promoters must apply online within six months from commencement, with self-assessed fees and charges. Individual plot applications go to the Commissioner of the relevant City Municipal Corporation or Municipality, the Executive Officer of a Town Panchayat, or the Block Development Officer (Village Panchayats).
Layout applications in the Chennai Metropolitan Planning Area go to the Member-Secretary of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. Elsewhere, they go to the relevant planning authority or designated officer of the Town and Country Planning Department.
Applications require plans and sketches, ownership documents, land records and a recent encumbrance certificate. An applicant without rights over the land must be rejected.
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 approval of an unapproved layout automatically regularise my plot?
No. Regularisation of the layout framework does not regularise individual plots. Each plot owner must apply separately after in-principle approval of the layout framework.
Can I use a sale agreement or General Power of Attorney to prove that the plot was sold before the cut-off date?
No. The Tamil Nadu Regularisation of Unapproved Layouts and Plots Rules, 2017 require a registered sale deed or title deed. A sale agreement or General Power of Attorney is not accepted as proof of sale.
Can a plot on Government poramboke land or in a water body be regularised?
No. Plots and layouts located wholly or partly on Government poramboke land or public water bodies are not eligible.
Where should I apply to regularise an individual plot?
Apply to the Commissioner for a City Municipal Corporation or Municipality, the Executive Officer for a Town Panchayat, or the Block Development Officer (Village Panchayats) for a Village Panchayat.
