The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is set to introduce deemed No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for highrise buildings (HRBs), particularly those over five floors or 18 meters tall. This initiative aims to streamline the approval process, which has been a significant bottleneck due to the involvement of multiple departments.
Current Approval Process
Since the introduction of online plan permission in May 2022, CMDA has been approving an average of 70 plans per month and more than 70 highrise buildings annually. Previously, these numbers were 35 and 60, respectively. However, the approval process still takes at least 45 days, primarily due to the need for NOCs from 21 different stakeholder departments, including state and Union government agencies.
Integrated Departments and Required Approvals
Most departments are integrated with the CMDA’s online portal, cmdaonlineppa.tn.gov.in. For highrise buildings, developers only need approvals from the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS), Airports Authority of India (for buildings 30.5 meters high or above 10 floors), Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL, if the building is within the metro alignment), and the Water Resources Department (WRD, if near water bodies). Additionally, a structural stability report from the Public Works Department (PWD) and environmental clearance (for buildings measuring 20,000 sq m or more) are required.
Non-Highrise Building Requirements
For non-highrise buildings (public, commercial, and institutional) between 12 meters and 18 meters tall, an NOC from TNFRS is mandatory. Depending on the location, NOCs from CMRL and WRD may also be required. Obtaining these NOCs, especially from departments like WRD and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), can take months.
Proposed 30-Day Timeframe for NOCs
CMDA has proposed a 30-day timeframe for issuing NOCs. The first seven days will be for inspection and document scrutiny by the relevant department. Applicants must then furnish the required documents and details within two weeks. The department must issue the NOC within the following 10 days, or it will be deemed granted if not provided on time. The NOC status will be reflected in the plan permission portal, with random inspections to ensure compliance.
Stakeholder Reactions
Recently, a meeting at the secretariat included CMDA and other stakeholder departments. S. Sridharan, Vice-President of Credai National, South, stated that this initiative, if implemented, will be a major breakthrough for the housing and construction industry, benefiting home buyers through quicker delivery and attracting large investments from other states to Tamil Nadu. A. Mohamed Ali, President of Credai Chennai, welcomed the move, noting that timely approvals will help meet growing demand and expedite construction processes.