Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority: CMDA Projects, Approved Layouts

Like any other development authority within the country, CMDA Chennai also looks after affordable housing and other development projects in the region. The main function of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority is to conduct a survey of the Chennai Metropolitan planning area and prepare reports on the survey so carried out. 

The authority ensures that the Chennai Metropolitan Region citizens receive a better quality of life through economically progressive, environmentally sustainable programs, etc. 

To know more about the CMDA, let’s dive deeper into the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority basics. 

Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority

Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, also known as CMDA, was established as an ad-hoc body in 1972. In 1974, the authority transitioned to a statutory body vide the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971. The authority was launched under sub-section 1 of section 9 – A (2) of the Act. 

CMDA envisions offering people-friendly administration to guarantee a better quality of life in the Chennai Metropolitan Area through technologically innovative management policies and programs, economically progressive, and environmentally sustainable. 

Projects Under CMDA Chennai

In 1984, CMDA got its Engineering Wing that can look after various infrastructure development projects. Here are a list of some completed and proposed projects being taken care of by the CMDA’s Engineering Wing. 

Completed Projects

● Perishable Market at KWIC

● CMDA Tower I

● CMDA Tower II

● Bus and Truck Terminal at Madhavaram

● Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal (CMBT) at Koyambedu

● Iron and Steel Market Complex at Sathangadu

● Chennai Contract Carriage Bus Terminus

● Certain developments in Maraimalai Nagar

Proposed Projects

● Whole Sale Food Grains Market

● Multilevel Car parking Complexes

● Textile Market

● SEIAA Clearance

● Air space exploitation over MRTS stations in phase II

Approved Layouts by CMDA

Every year, CMDA approves various layouts submitted by the applicants. However, if we talk about 2022, the authority has approved 21 layouts. The list of those has been mentioned in the table below:-

 For other approved layouts in different years or CMDA approved plots in Chennai, visit the official website of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. 

CMDA Online Portal

You can visit the CMDA online portal at the following address: http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/index.html. 

CMDA online portal allows applicants to register for development projects online. They can file online Permission Planning Applications, view the approved layouts, make online appointments, file an application of regularisation of unapproved layouts, and discover any details relating to the CMDA.

If you want to view CMDA approved plots for sale in Chennai /CMDA approved plots in Chennai /CMDA plots for sale in Chennai /CMDA approved plots in Chennai Avadi, the portal can render you all the particulars of the same. 

CMDA Online Appointments

For video conferencing or any queries associated with the Planning Permission Application (PPA) or any other issues, you can book an appointment with the CMDA officials. You can do it either via email or calling on the phone or by sending a message on WhatsApp.

Email: onlinequeries.cmda@gmail.com 

Phone: 044-28410191

Whatsapp: 9150064456, 9150064457

CMDA Registration

Currently, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority isn’t allowing any registration. Nevertheless, you can visit its official website, click on the “Apply Online” button, and proceed further. 

Regularisation of Unapproved Plots and Layouts

The regularisation of unapproved plots and layouts is done in two stages. In the first stage, the CMDA or the concerned department examines and issues an in-principle approved layout framework plan to the respective local body. 

While in the second stage, the concerned local body issues a regularisation plan and order or the plot as per the in-principle approved layout plan.

To apply for the regularisation of unapproved plots and layouts, follow the steps as described below:

Step 1: Visit the website of TN registration http://www.tnlayoutreg.in/home.aspx. 

Step 2: Select the right agency, i.e. CMDA or DTCP, in whose jurisdiction the layout or plot is situated. Click on the ‘User Registration’ option.

Step 3: A user registration form will appear. Fill it up and click on the ‘Submit’ option. 

Step 4: Upon the successful submission of the application, you will receive a User ID and password on your registered phone number. 

Step 5: Log in with the User ID and password and proceed with the application filing.

Step 6: You will be directed to a new page where you have to choose from the following three categories based on your eligibility-

● Regularisation of Plot in a Layout

● Regularisation of Plot in a Sub-Division

● Regularisation of Layout

Step 7: A new application form will appear on the screen based on your selection choice. Fill it up and proceed further with the payment. 

Step 8: You will be taken to the ‘Payment Page’ where you have to make an online payment of ₹ 500/- per plot as a Scrutiny Fee. Click on the ‘Pay Now’ option. 

Step 9: A payment gateway page will pop up. Choose your payment mode (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net banking, etc.)

Step 10: Once you have paid the amount, a payment confirmation will display on the screen. Click on the ‘Payment Completed, Submit My Application’ button. 

Step 11: Eventually, you have to generate the ‘Registration Slip’, which must be produced with the hard copies of the plan and required documents to the concerned authority. 

Note: The registration of regularisation has been closed. However, if the portal opens for registration in the future, you can proceed with a similar procedure. 

Planning Permission Application

The CMDA governs developments in Chennai Metropolitan Area via the Planning Permission (PP) issuance under Section 49 of the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971.

The Planning Permission is specifically required by those undertaking any development projects. The provision for obtaining the PP under the Town and Country Planning Act is mandatory. The PP remains valid for three years from the date of issuance. 

For Planning Permission, two categories of applications have been defined. Form A is for laying out lands for building purposes. While Form ‘B’ & Form ‘C’ acts as an undertaking from the owner or applicant. 

The applicant can get the application form directly from the official website of CMDA or from the office of CMDA, Town Panchayats, Chennai Corporation Municipalities, and Panchayat Union Offices. 

For more info, visit the official portal of CMDA. 

Completion Certificate under CMDA   

The current owner/ developer/ builder or the person who has obtained Planning Permission shall file an application with the Competent Authority to issue the Completion Certificate. The request for the completion certificate should be put only when the construction work is entirely completed without any need for further civil works. The application must be enclosed with a plan or drawing demonstrating the actual construction made at the site. 

The Competent Authority itself or via the empanelled professionals will cause the site inspection to scrutinise whether the construction is according to the approved plan. If the construction site and the drawing match completely, the authority will stamp the drawing as “plan of the building as constructed” and issue the Completion Certificate. 

The applicant will have to pay a separate scrutiny fee for the Completion Certificate of ₹ 3/- per sq. Ft. of the built-up area during the issuance of planning permission towards the completion certificate cost. 

Layout Application  

The layout application consists of a total of four applications. They are as follows:-

● Planning Permission Application

● Commencement, Plinth, Last Storey

● Completion Certificate Application

● Layout and Sub Division Application

For layout application, visit the https://onlineppacmda.tn.gov.in/ website address. 

If you undertake any development in Chennai, you must obtain Planning Permission from the CMDA. Under the Town and Country Planning Act, obtaining approval for the layout is mandatory. Moreover, this permission stays valid for three years from the issue date.

If you want to apply for layout approval, you need to download ‘Form A’ from the official website of CMDA, fill it up, and submit it with authority. 

You have to affix your stamp size photograph in the application form, fill up the required details, and put your signature at the bottom of the application form.

Reclassification of Land Use Zone 

The Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, provides land-use variations under Section 32 (4). The evaluation of any request for reclassification of land use zones of DDP or Master Plan is done based on suitability of the site, impact on the environment, accessibility, compatibility with the adjoining developments, etc. 

The following procedure is being followed for the reclassification of land use:

a) The applicant submits the reclassification application to the concerned local body.

b) The local body forwards the application to CMDA and their recommendation in the specified questionnaire form. A DD (Demand Draft) for Scrutiny Fee ₹ 30,000 and cost of Publication ₹ 35,000 is also enclosed. 

• CMDA receives the application and registers it after the initial scrutiny of land use details. 
• The authority publishes the reclassification request in the newspapers, calling for suggestions or objections from the public within 21 days from publication. 
• CMDA examines the suggestion or objection on its merits from the general public, if any, with reference to the notification
• The officials of CMDA inspects the site.
• The authority runs a stringent inspection of the Reclassification case and looks for all the details such as the Ownership document, Topo plan, Adangal, Patta, Chitta, etc. 
• If any particulars are missing or additional document or info is required, the authority will ask the applicant to provide them. 
• The applicant will have to obtain clearance from TNHB, TNPCB, PWD, CMWSSC, etc. 
• The obtain the recommendation for approval, the applicant has to place the subject before the Technical Committee and the Authority. 
• The CMDA will publish the variation notification to the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette.
• As per rules, notification will be republished. 

How to File a Complaint with the CMDA?

There could be various stances where you may need to file a complaint to the CMDA Chennai. Some may include illegal construction, corruption and malpractices within the CMDA organisation, and more. 

In such cases, you can directly talk to the officials of CMDA and register your complaint with them. 

If you want a quick redressal of any grievances, you can write an email to the CMDA officials at mscmda@tn.gov.in.

However, suppose you want to inform the authority about any malpractices or corruption in any organisation’s dealings. In that case, the authority requests the citizens to drop an email directly to the Chief Vigilance Officer at ceocmda@tn.gov.in. 

If you wish to talk to the core members of the authority, you can connect to them via phone. The phone numbers of such members are available on CMDA’s official website in the Contact us section. 

CMDA Chennai Address

If you want to send an application, submit any missing documents, or inform the authority of anything, or if you want to visit the CMDA office Egmore Chennai, then you need to follow the postal address as mentioned below:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):-