CMDA: What is it and why is CMDA Approval Important?

Chennai's real estate market has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, with high demand for residential properties in well-connected areas. Before purchasing land, buyers should ensure it has CMDA (Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority) approval, which regulates construction activities in the city. Understanding CMDA's role is essential for buyers.

The real estate market in Chennai has witnessed significant growth and development over the last two decades or so. There is a high demand for residential plots and other properties in the most well-connected and developed areas of the city. While buying a plot of land in the city would be a good idea, one must first make sure that it has CMDA (Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority) approval. The CMDA is a regulatory body that is responsible for administering all the construction activities that take place within Chennai. Keep reading to know exactly what is CMDA and what it does.

Introduction to CMDA

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority is an important organization that is dedicated to the systematic and planned development of the CMA or Chennai Metropolitan Area in Tamil Nadu, India. This organization has been established to cater to the burgeoning infrastructural and urbanization requirements of the region. CMDA has an important role to play in shaping the landscape of Chennai. Their mandate encompasses of policy formulation, environmental sustainability, infrastructure management, and urban planning. In many ways, CMDA acts as the steward of Chennai’s growth and takes part in a variety of developmental initiatives. They strive to focus on making sure that Chennai and its adjoining areas evolve coherently and efficiently.

CMDA was established in 1974 and has been instrumental in ensuring that the urban growth of Chennai is sustainable and well-regulated. Its key objectives involve planning, promoting, and securing the planned development of the Chennai Metropolitan Area. The CMDA operates under the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act of 1971.  It is responsible for formulating a variety of schemes and plans that help facilitate urban development. They also strive to balance the requirements of the rapidly growing population with environmental sustainability. Now that you know what CMDA is, it is time to gain a better understanding of CMDA approval.

What does CMDA approval indicate?

A CMDA-approved property or plot implies that it has already been thoroughly verified for land titles. Hence, when buying a CMDA-approved plot in Chennai, you would be assured that its land title is clear and free from any disputes. CMDA approval is necessary for all real estate projects in Chennai. Ensuring that a property is verified under all legal regulations is among the primary steps in property development plans. CMDA approval is important for all parties involved in a real estate transaction, including buyers, builders, real estate agents, promoters, and developers.

  • Benefits for property buyers: Choosing to buy CMDA-approved plots can provide you with a certain level of infrastructural, legal, and financial protection. This can help ensure clear land titles, safeguard investments, as well as provide security and credibility to the purchase.
  • Benefits for developers and builders: Getting approval for building permits and plans can be quite challenging for builders and developers.  However, things can get much easier with CMDA approval. Local authorities have higher chances of issuing approval in a smooth and hassle-free manner in case a property is situated in CMDA-sanctioned areas. This would help make sure that builders do not experience delays in construction projects.

CMDA approval is mandatory before undertaking any development projects in the domain of real estate. It confirms that an area is facilitated with proper water supply, power supply, infrastructure, roads, sewerage management systems, and more. CMDA approval is valid only three years from the date of issue.

CMDA approval involves several steps, including:

  • Site Inspection: CMDA officials tend to carry out an initial on-site assessment to make sure that a property meets estimated zoning regulations and laws. They thoroughly verify the zone or area of projects located within diverse parameters.
  • Application submission: After the site visit, the applicant has to submit a formal application form for CMDA approval. This must contain all the relevant information about the property, including the cost of budget, building design, property use, and more.
  • Technical review: Reviewing is an important step, under which the officials tend to look at the technical facets of the property to confirm whether or not it aligns with the estimated construction regulations and standards. They usually put extra effort into verifying the building plans, structural computations, and more.
  • Document submission: The applicant has to submit several vital documents to get CMDA approval for a property. These documents include the encumbrance certificate, the layout plan of the project, and the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the local authorities.
  • Plan approval and building permit: A plan approval letter is provided by the officials after the submission of the necessary documents. As the applicant reviews the plan approval, they must apply for a building permit with additional documentation, like a structural stability certificate, electrical layout, and fire safety plan.

Now that you understand what is CMDA and its importance, you need to check for CMDA approval, before buying any property in Chennai.

Author bio: Being a real estate developer, the author has vast knowledge of the real estate industry. With his knowledge, he helps people with their real estate-related concerns and queries through his blog.