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The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has introduced deemed No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for residential buildings taller than five floors or 18 metres, aiming to streamline approvals and accelerate construction. Since launching its online system in May 2022, CMDA's monthly approvals have doubled, but delays of up to 45 days were common. The new process reduces approval time to 30 days, with automatic NOC issuance if departments fail to respond within 10 days. This change is expected to speed up project timelines, benefiting developers and addressing Chennai's growing housing demand.
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has announced the introduction of deemed No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for residential structures taller than five floors or 18 metres. This change aims to streamline the approval process and reduce the time it takes for developers to begin construction.
Since the launch of its online plan permission system in May 2022, CMDA has been approving around 70 plans each month, including more than 70 high-rise buildings each year. This is a considerable increase from earlier figures, which averaged about 35 plans and 60 high-rise projects annually before the introduction of the online system. Nevertheless, despite these advances, obtaining approvals has historically taken up to 45 days. This delay often stems from the need to secure NOCs from various governmental departments involved in the approval process.
The CMDA stated that 21 departments, spanning both state and central government agencies, contribute to the issuance of NOCs for both high-rise and non-high-rise buildings in the Chennai area. With the upcoming changes, developers of high-rise buildings will primarily need to obtain approvals from a few essential agencies, including the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services, the Airports Authority of India (for buildings over 10 floors), the Chennai Metro Rail Limited, and the Water Resources Department (for constructions near water bodies).
To expedite the timeline for receiving NOCs, CMDA officials have outlined a new 30-day process. The initial seven days will be allocated for inspections and document reviews. Within the following two weeks, applicants must submit any necessary documents. If departments fail to issue an NOC within 10 days after this period, the NOC will be deemed as granted. This significant shift could lead to a quicker start for many construction projects, reducing the waiting period for developers and improving project delivery for homebuyers.
Real estate industry leaders have welcomed this move. S. Sridharan, vice-president of Credai National, South, remarked that the streamlined process could greatly impact the housing and construction sector, promising quicker project completions and potentially attracting more investments to Tamil Nadu. According to A. Mohamed Ali, president of Credai Chennai, the faster approval system aligns well with the state's increasing demand for housing as the population continues to grow.
Moreover, the new system not only benefits developers but is also expected to enhance the overall real estate landscape in Chennai. With quicker approvals, builders can better meet market demand and homebuyers can expect to move into new residences sooner. Investing in infrastructure and facilitating smoother regulatory processes are crucial for sustaining growth in the real estate sector.
As CMDA prepares to implement these changes, it is essential to monitor their effectiveness and ensure that increased efficiency does not come at the expense of thorough inspections or safety regulations. Random inspections will continue to be carried out to maintain a standard of quality in the constructions that rise in this rapidly developing city.
Overall, the introduction of deemed NOCs for high-rise buildings marks a promising development for Chennai's real estate sector, potentially leading to a more dynamic housing market and a better living experience for its residents. The changes reflect a commitment to more efficient governance and responsiveness to the needs of the construction industry in Tamil Nadu.
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