What is CMDA Approval?

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) oversees the planned development of Chennai city. Over the past 20 years, CMDA has spearheaded significant changes in Chennai by establishing a vision and agenda for the city’s growth. CMDA is tasked with planning and regulating the development of 1,189 square kilometres of land, comprising parts of the Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur districts. The CMDA was originally formed in 1972 as an interim body called the Madras Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA), CMDA was established with the aim of providing a blueprint for the orderly urbanisation of Chennai.

The CMDA has also delegated its power to local authorities within the Chennai Metropolitan Area for issuing Planning Permissions to small/ordinary projects in several real estate categories, including residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and other subdivisions. Specific guidelines have been set up by the CMDA for executing Planning Permissions, which must be followed strictly before a builder commences development for their project. Builders can conveniently apply for the CMDA approval online.

Importance of the CMDA Building Approval

Acquiring CMDA approval is mandatory for all real estate projects in Chennai. Obtaining CMDA approval for land should be a builder’s first step in their property development plans, ensuring compliance with all urban planning regulations. Knowledge of the set standards, the process for CMDA approval, what is the fee, and so on, is important for builders and developers, buyers, real estate agents, and promoters alike. The benefits of having CMDA approval for the building plan include:

Legal Compliance

Plots with CMDA approval undergo strict legal vetting to ensure that the land or property in question is being developed in keeping with the approved land use limitation. Buying a CMDA-approved plot ensures that there are no risks of any encumbrance or legal issues that may crop up later.

Infrastructure & Amenities

A CMDA approval for a building plan is typically provided to real estate projects that are located in areas that have a proper infrastructure, with proper roads, water supply, sewerage management system, power supply, etc. are already in place or are planned for development. Such areas are also more likely to allow easy access to amenities, such as parks, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.

Verified Titles

If a property or plot has CMDA approval, it means that it has already undergone a thorough verification for land titles. So, when you purchase a CMDA-approved plot or property, you can be certain that the land title is clear and free from disputes. The title verification procedure protects your investment and reduces the risks of any legal issues arising in the future. You can confirm any real project’s CMDA approval online as well.

Resale Value

Another reason why you should check if a project has CMDA approval online is because real estate projects that are approved by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority tend to have better resale potential. When you want to sell the property in the future, having the CMDA stamp of approval adds credibility and makes the property more desirable for prospective buyers. It has a positive impact on the property's resale value as buyers recognise the fact that the property meets all legal and developmental standards.

Obtaining Building Permits

If you have plans to construct your own house or building on the plot, purchasing CMDA-approved land is advisable. If the CMDA approval for the land has been attained, you will find it much easier to obtain building permits and get plans approved for it. Local authorities typically issue building permits much more smoothly for properties that are situated in CMDA-sanctioned areas and have the proper approvals in place. This helps ensure that your construction can commence without undue delays.

Financing & Bank Loans

Banks and financial institutions are more open to granting loans for properties with proper approvals from authorities, such as the CMDA. Purchasing an approved plot can make availing a home loan easier for you as most lending institutions recognise the process of CMDA approvals as a risk mitigator.

Zoning Regulations

For any project, plot or building, CMDA approval is a verification that the property conforms to the state’s zoning rules, which means that its intended usage as a residential or commercial property is as per the area's development plan. Buying a plot that meets these norms helps avert potential issues regarding land use coming up later.

The Approval Process for CMDA Approvals

Site Inspection

The first step in the CMDA’s approval process is an on-site assessment that is conducted by CMDA officials to review the feasibility of the projects and ensure that they meet zoning regulations and land use laws. CMDA personnel conduct an initial site visit to verify the proposal's viability vis-a-vis the developmental norms for that zone or area.

Application Submission

After site inspection, the applicant is required to submit a formal application for CMDA approval. The application should contain all relevant information about the project, such as the intended property use, building designs, specifications, etc.

Technical Review

CMDA officials then study the technical facets of the project to ensure alignment with set construction standards and regulations. This may entail verifying the specifications, structural computations, and building plans as per the norms.

Fee Payment

If CMDA approves a project after ensuring that it meets all criteria, they will issue an approval letter. The applicant is then required to pay the applicable fees to obtain their CMDA approval. Once CMDA sanctions the proposal, the applicant has to pay the applicable charges to receive the final approval.

Document Submission

The applicant is then required to furnish the required documents to the CMDA, including the project’s layout plan, encumbrance certificate, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local authorities.

Plan Approval

After the documents have been submitted and verified, the CMDA issues a letter approving the plan. This contains details regarding the sanctioned building design, specifications, and other relevant information.

Building Permit

After obtaining plan approval, the applicant should apply for the building permit. Additional documentation like a structural stability certificate, electrical layout, fire safety plan etc. will be required.

Final Inspection

After construction has been completed, CMDA officials will conduct a final inspection to verify adherence to all relevant rules and regulations.

Opting for CMDA-approved plots offers buyers legal, financial, and infrastructural protection. It safeguards your investment, ensures clear titles, and guarantees that the property meets relevant norms, bringing security and credibility to the purchase. If any discrepancies are found in statutory approvals or land records, the CMDA can withhold sanction. Construction without CMDA permission risks demolition, sealing, or application of stay orders. Overall, this validates adherence to regulations, reducing risks and uncertainties for buyers of commercial or residential plots for sale in Chennai. If you are looking for plots for sale in Kundrathur, Madhavaram, Poonamallee, or any other location in Chennai, make sure to check if the project is CMDA-approved or not.