Chennai skyline
Chennai: All corporations and municipalities in Tamil Nadu can approve residential building plans with a total floor space index (FSI) area of up to 1,500sqm (16,140sqft) and a maximum of 16 dwelling units, said an order issued by the housing and urban development department. The earlier limit was 10,000sqft. For commercial buildings, all three categories of local bodies can grant permission for structures with an FSI area of up to 500sqm (5,380swft). The Greater Chennai Corporation earlier granted permission only for buildings of up to 3,280sqft, while other local bodies were limited to 2,000sqft.
Under the previous regime, people faced unnecessary hassles,” housing and urban development minister B Rajkumar told TOI. The latest decision will help prevent violations arising from misuse of buildings,” said S Ramaprabhu of the Builders Association of India-Southern Centre. FSI area is calculated by multiplying the plot area by the permissible FSI value. “We have simplified the process. The state govt has enhanced the powers of urban and rural local bodies to grant planning permission for residential and commercial buildings, in a move aimed at expediting approvals and decentralising decision-making. “This is a welcome move.