G.O. (Ms.) No. 161, Change of Use of Land Amendments, 2025
The Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, issued G.O. (Ms.) No. 161 on 15 October 2025 to amend the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019 and revise the documents used for land use change applications. The amendments introduce a separate Form IA for Change of Use of Land applications, require ownership proof and site and topography plans, and remove land use change details from Form A.
What the amendments do
G.O. (Ms.) No. 161, issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, on 15 October 2025, changes the application process under the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019. The notification was directed to be published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette Extraordinary dated 16 October 2025.
The terminology in the rules is also standardised. References to "Conversion of Land Use" and "Reclassification" are replaced with "Change of Use of Land" in the identified provisions.
Who is affected
The amendments affect owners, developers and power agents applying to the competent authority for a Change of Use of Land. They also affect registered architects, engineers and town planners who prepare the required site and topography plans.
Property buyers may find the new declarations relevant when checking whether a site's land use approval was based on accurate ownership, site classification and development information.
Application documents and information
A Change of Use of Land application must be submitted in the new Form IA in Annexure IA, accompanied by proof of ownership and a site cum topography plan. Form IA asks for:
- The applicant's name, correspondence address and contact details.
- The site address and extent.
- The present use of the land and any existing building.
- The proposed land use and proposed construction or development.
- Whether the site is part of an approved layout and, if so, its approval details.
- The width and private or public status of the abutting road where a road field measurement book is unavailable.
Declarations and consequences
Form IA requires the applicant to confirm that:
- The applicant has an absolute right over the land and has not encroached on government land.
- A registered architect, engineer or town planner prepared the plans according to the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019 and its amendments.
- The applicant will pay excess newspaper publication costs, Gazette notification costs and other charges levied by the competent authority.
- The site is not a water body or poromboke land and is not covered by the listed land ceiling, land reforms or land acquisition laws.
If submitted information is false, incorrect or misleading, any resulting approval or sanction will stand 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 must I use for a Change of Use of Land application?
You must use Form IA in Annexure IA and submit it to the competent authority.
What supporting documents are required with Form IA?
The amendments require proof of ownership and a site cum topography plan. Form IA also states that the site and topography plans must be prepared by a registered architect, engineer or town planner.
Can Form IA be used for 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.
What happens if information in the application is false?
Any approval or sanction based on false, incorrect or misleading information will stand revoked without further notice. The applicant may also be subject to legal, penal or administrative action by the competent authority.
