Building a residential property involves many complex rules and regulations determined by local authorities and government bodies. CMDA is the primary organization that governs these regulations to ensure sustainability, safety, and urban development. These rules were established in 1975 for the construction and development of residential buildings within the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
This majorly covers a total area being around 1189 sq. kilometers which includes three administrative districts – Kancheepuram, Chennai, and Thiruvallur.
People involved in residential construction, like homeowners, developers, or architects, are essential to get CMDA Approval. It helps maintain the quality of buildings with regulated land use, building height, and density.
Based on the location, the rules and regulations for residential buildings vary. If you are about to learn particularly about Chennai Metropolitan City, here are the key essentials:
Key CMDA Regulations for Residential Buildings
Below are the crucial parameters that the builders or developers need to follow:
1) Zoning Regulations
Zoning regulations determine how much land should be used in the specified city. It actively controls the building of structures, and land usage, and properly checks and validates documents like structural stability certificate to make sure they stick to the ground rules. Based on the density and type of residential area, the land use patterns will be dictated. Real estate investors must be aware of the land zoning classifications before starting construction.
2) Plot Coverage
The percentage of the plot that can be covered by the building (including all structures) is regulated.
Depending on the zone, typical plot coverage for residential buildings might range from 50% to 75%.
3) Building Height and Classification
Generally, the height of the building is measured from the ground level. As per the CMDA regulations, the determined height range is 12m, and it shouldn’t exceed 3 dwelling units. The maximum height of residential buildings is regulated based on the width of the abutting road and the FSI/FAR.
Generally, a height restriction of 15 meters is common for residential buildings, but this can vary.
4) Floor Space Index (FSI)
As per the norms, the FSI for residential buildings shall not exceed 0.03, whereas the buildings other than residential shall not exceed 0.015. However, the FSI for commercial buildings is higher than for residential buildings and it can range from 2.0 to 3.0. It may vary based on the location and type of commercial activity.
The permissible FSI/FAR varies based on the zone and plot size.
Typically, FSI for residential buildings ranges from 1.5 to 2.5, but it can vary.
Ensure the total built-up area does not exceed the permissible FSI/FAR.
5) Setbacks
Setback spaces are the open areas located at the sides, rear, or front of a plot or property. The height of the building is a deciding factor for setback spaces in residential buildings. It should be a minimum of 1.35 mts on all sides. The reduction of 0.30 mts from the mentioned setback space is permissible.
| Building Height | Rear Setback / Side Setback |
| Upto 7 meters | 1.0m |
| 7 to 12 meters | 1.5m |
| 12 to 16 meters | 2.5m |
| 16 to 18.30 meters | 3.0m |
6) Parking Requirements
A certain percentage of the plot must be left as open space which is not built upon. According to the CMDA regulations, the car parking space in residential buildings should be 5 m long and 2.5 m wide. CMDA officials do not permit the space below this value.
Parking spaces must be provided based on the number of dwelling units or built-up areas. For example, one parking space per dwelling unit or a specified number of square meters.
Environmental regulations, such as rainwater harvesting, waste management, and energy efficiency, are mandatory.
Green building practices and sustainable materials are encouraged.
Conclusion
These regulations are designed to ensure the safety and sustainability of the buildings. Following the estimated process helps to avoid legal complications and ensure safety and comfort. It is also recommended to stay updated on the guidelines of The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority.
FAQs
1. What is the Minimum Land Required for a Residential Layout?
Most custom home builders start by calculating what is known as the “Land-To-Building-Ratio.” This ratio would be calculated by taking the total square footage of a land lot and dividing it by the square footage of the future home. The CMDA regulations allow applicants or builders to construct houses on land even in less than 860 sq. ft.
2. How many floors can be built in Chennai?
Residential buildings can go up to 4-5 floors, depending on the FSI, road width, and other regulatory factors. Commercial buildings can often reach 7-10 floors or more.
3. What is the Plot Size for a Residential Building?
The minimum plot size of an independent house or bungalow is typically around 60 square meters (approximately 645 square feet). In contrast, apartments have a common requirement of around 240 square meters (approximately 2,583 square feet) or more.
4. What is the floor area ratio in chennai?
The Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in Chennai ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 for primary residential areas and can be higher in mixed-use zones. Commercial zones generally have a higher FAR, ranging from 2.0 to 3.25, while industrial zones typically range from 1.5 to 2.0. Special buildings like IT parks and institutions can have FAR as high as 3.5 or more, subject to additional approvals.