In Tamil Nadu, constructing a small residential building (up to 2,500 sq.ft. plot area and a built-up area of up to 3,500 sq.ft.) has become notably easier with the introduction of the Self-Certification Scheme (SCS). Announced during the 2024–2025 Budget session and officially launched on July 22, 2024 by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, this scheme allows ground or ground + one residential constructions—up to 7 meters in height—to be self-certified via a single-window online portal. Here’s everything you need to know to leverage this simplified permit process.
Contents
1. What Is the Self-Certification Scheme?
- Objective
- To streamline building plan approvals for small-scale homes up to two dwelling units (Ground or Ground + One Floor) without exceeding a 7-meter height.
- Key Benefits
- Faster Approvals: Applicants can secure a permit by self-declaring compliance with existing rules.
- Reduced Charges: Traditional scrutiny fees and certain infra/amenities charges are waived, replaced by a simplified Consolidated Fee.
- Instant Downloads: After e-signing declarations and making a flat-rate payment, applicants can download their permit and building plan instantly (unless an NOC is required based on the GIS location).
2. Who Is Eligible Under SCS?
- Plot Ownership
- You must be the owner, leaseholder, or power of attorney holder of the land, with legal rights to develop it.
- Plot & Built-Up Limits
- Plot size: Up to 2,500 sq.ft.
- Built-up area: Up to 3,500 sq.ft.
- Building height: Maximum 7 meters, limited to ground or ground + one floor.
- Approved Plots Only
- Valid for plots in approved layouts, layouts regularized under the 2017 Unapproved Layouts rules, or plots registered before October 20, 2016.
3. Non-Applicability of the Scheme
This scheme does not apply to areas or plots under:
- CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone)
- HACA (Hill Area Conservation Authority)
- Lands designated for agricultural, institutional, special/hazardous, or other restricted zones
- Areas falling under road widening or public purpose reservations in Master Plans, Detailed Development Plans, etc.
4. Consolidated Fees & Charges
- Flat-Rate Fee
- All planning-related charges (Development Charge, Building Licence Fee, TN Construction Workers Welfare Fund, Road Cut Restoration, etc.) are combined into a single per sq.ft. rate.
- For Chennai, it’s ₹100/sq.ft. built-up area. Elsewhere, rates differ based on municipalities and town panchayats(Refer the PDF attached below for exact rates).
- No Scrutiny or Amenities Charges
- The usual scrutiny fees and certain other charges are waived under SCS.
- Transparent Payment
- All fees are paid online during the application, ensuring immediate clarity on total costs.
5. Step-by-Step Online Application
- Register on Single Window Portal
- Go to onlineppa.tn.gov.in and register with your Aadhaar.
- Log in to access the self-certification application.
- Upload Documents
- Site Photographs
At least two clear images showing key views of the plot, including any existing structure and road frontage. - Sale Deed / Ownership Proof (Self-Attested)
Document proving you are the rightful owner, leaseholder, or Power of Attorney holder authorized to develop the land. - Patta / Town Survey Land Register (TSLR) (Self-Attested)
Must be in the applicant’s name and updated.
Any discrepancy between Patta records and your sale deed can lead to delays or rejections. - Approved Layout / Subdivision Plan / FMB / Plot or Layout Regularized Under 2017 Rules
Demonstrates the plot is part of an officially sanctioned or regularized layout.
Alternatively, a link document proving the plot existed before October 20, 2016. - Building Plan with Site Plan, Specifications & Key Plan
Prepared and signed by an architect or registered engineer, in PDF format.
Must reflect compliance with SCS guidelines (e.g., height ≤7m, G+1 floors, mandatory setbacks). - Encumbrance Certificate (Optional, But Recommended)
Not strictly mandatory under SCS, but an EC ensures no existing liens or loans on the property. - NOC (If GIS System Flags It)
If your plot is auto-detected in CRZ, HACA, or other restricted zones, an NOC is required. In such cases, you must switch to the normal application path. - Self-Certification Declarations (E-Sign)
A set of checkboxes confirming your plan and site comply with building rules.
E-signed via the Government of India’s C-DAC e-sign service.Tip: For the complete updated list, see the official “Documents Needed” reference at onlineppa.tn.gov.in/document-needed.
- Site Photographs
- GIS Mapping & NOC Check
- The system automatically checks your plot’s geo-coordinates.
- If you’re in an NOC-required zone (like CRZ), you’ll be guided to the normal application path.
- E-Sign Declarations
- Confirm compliance with planning parameters.
- Tick the checkboxes and e-sign via the government’s C-DAC e-sign service.
- Fee Payment
- Proceed to “Make Payment.”
- After paying the consolidated fee, you’ll be able to download the permit letter, approved plan, fee receipt, and inspection letter.
6. Planning Parameters
- Plot & Building Limits
- Road width: Minimum 1.5 meters for EWS areas; 3 meters otherwise.
- Max. height: 7 meters (Ground + One Floor only).
- FSI: 2.0 (actual usage depends on road width, plot frontage, etc.).
- Setbacks
- Vary based on plot width and local rules. Some exceptions for EWS neighborhoods.
- Validation & Inspection
- The permit is generated instantly.
- Officials conduct random inspections for at least 10% of monthly applications.
- Violations must be rectified; otherwise, demolition or penalty actions may follow.
7. Penalties & Validity
- Validity
- The issued plan is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
- One extension for an additional 3 years can be applied for before expiry.
- Misrepresentation
- Fraudulent information can lead to legal penalties, including prosecution under relevant Indian penal codes and the Tamil Nadu Town & Country Planning Act, 1971.
8. Related Services for a Smooth Process
- Building Plan Approval
- For those needing traditional or detailed plan sanctions beyond the scope of self-certification or need help with self-certification, Building Plan Approval handles end-to-end documentation.
- Architectural Design
- If you want to ensure your plan meets Vaastu or modern design standards, Architectural Design offers customized layouts.
- Zone Conversion
- If your plot is zoned for agriculture or other uses, Zone Conversion can assist in shifting to residential classification.