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Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (1)

CMDA (Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority) is a regulatory body that governs the construction and plans development activities within the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA). It was established in 1972 as MMDA (Madras Metropolitan Development Authority) and was later changed to CMDA.

What Is The Meaning Of CMDA Approved?

The CMDA controls the planning and development of the 1,189 square kilometers of the Chennai metropolitan Area, including parts of the Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts. 

A CMDA approval means that the CMDA has verified and authorized your plot of land or a building project. The CMDA has a set of rules and regulations that should be followed. You can get a CMDA approval once the organization has verified that your property follows them. 

Some factors that might be verified by the CMDA are

  • Confirming that the property is used as per the designated zoning regulations of the area.
  • Verifying whether the construction project meets environmental guidelines. 
  • Verifying whether the project adheres to the established safety standards of a construction project.

The Role Of CMDA (Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority)

The CMDA is responsible for the planning and development of Chennai and its surrounding metropolitan areas. Below are some of the CMDA’s roles and responsibilities.

  • Preparing comprehensive master plans outlining future development plans, including infrastructure needs, zoning regulations, population growth, etc.
  • Planning and coordinating the construction of essential infrastructure like transportation and water supply systems, sewage treatment facilities, etc. 
  • Issuing building permits after assessing whether a plot or construction project adheres to established rules and regulations. 
  • Implementing slum improvement programs and incorporating environmental sustainability practices into projects. 

Benefits Of CMDA-Approved Layouts

Benefits Of CMDA-Approved Layouts

Peace Of Mind

For property owners, having CMDA approval can provide great peace of mind and assurance that their plot or project has undergone a proper verification process and that they do not need to worry about any legal repercussions. 

Legality and Transparency

A CMDA approval is issued by the government and is legal. It is also transparent in its verification process. So, this can give buyers assurance that the property is safe to purchase or do a construction on.  

Planned Development

A CMDA approval also implies proper planning for essential infrastructure for roads, water supply, drainage systems, etc. This can improve the living conditions of future tenants and avoid issues like inadequate utilities or flooding. 

Enhanced Property Value

Getting a CMDA approval can considerably increase the value of your property. This will also serve as an assurance for buyers that the property is legal and safe to purchase. 

Approval Process and Documentation of CMDA

There are several steps you should follow to get approval from the CMDA. they involve site inspection, document verification, and so on. Below is the step-by-step process for CMDA approval. 

Site Inspection

The CMDA officials will first visit the site and do an inspection. They will assess the feasibility of the projects and ensure they adhere to the land use laws and zoning regulations. 

Submitting the Application

After inspection, you should submit a formal application for approval. The application should contain all the details of the project, such as building designs, intended property use, and other required specifications. 

Technical Review

The CMDA personnel will review the technical details of the application, such as structural calculations, building designs, and specifications. They will assess whether it complies with building norms and standards. 

Fee Payment

If the CMDA approves your project, they will issue an approval letter. You will then have to pay the necessary fees to get the final approval.

Submitting The Documents

You will then be required to submit the necessary documents. These include:

  • The project’s layout plan,
  • Encumbrance certificate, and
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local authorities. 

Plan Approval

After verifying all the relevant documents, the CMDA will issue a letter of approval. The letter will contain details regarding the approved building design, specifications, and other data. 

Building Permit

After getting CMDA approval, the next step is to apply for a building permit. To get this permit, you might need to submit documentation like a structural stability certificate, a fire safety plan, an electrical layout, etc. 

Final Inspection

After construction is complete, the CMDA officials will conduct a final inspection to verify whether the construction adheres to all the relevant rules and regulations. 

How To Find CMDA-Approved Layouts

CMDA Website

The first place you can go to search for a CMDA-approved layout is the CMDA website itself. The site had a separate section for CMDA-approved layouts. 

Visit the website and look for the “Approved Layouts” section on the Home page. You can also find them in the “Planning” or “Development” sections. Here, you can find the approved layout by the year of approval, specific areas, or locality. 

Online Real Estate Platforms

Many real estate websites have filters that you can use to narrow down your results. So, you can use these filters to narrow down your results to only CMDA-approved properties and choose the one that matches your desired location and price. 

Reputable Real Estate Agents

If you have trouble finding CMDA-approved layouts on your own, you can get the help of reputed real estate agents in the area. These agents will have a wide network that they can leverage to find CMDA-approved layouts that meet your expectations. 

Conclusion

Getting CMDA approval for a property is essential to ensure there are no issues with the property. So, if you have a property in Chennai, ensure you get CMDA approval for quicker selling. 

If you are looking to buy a property, ensure the property is CMDA-approved and has satisfied all legal requirements. 

FAQs

1. How Do I Find Out Whether A Plot Is CMDA-Approved?


You can visit the CMDA website and look for the “Approved Layouts” section. In that section, you can find CMDA-approved plots and even categorize them based on location, year, layout name, etc. You can also consult a reputed real estate agent or visit real estate platforms to find these layouts. 

2. What Is The Cost Of CMDA Approval In Chennai?


The cost of CMDA approval in Chennai is not fixed. The cost may vary depending on factors like plot size, project type, location, etc. 

3. What Is The CMDA Area Limit?


The CMDA area limit has expanded from its initial area. In 1974, the CMDA covered 1,189 sq. km. of Chennai. After a revision in 2022, the CMDA now covers approximately 5,904 sq km.