Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required for building approval in Chennai?
Broadly: ownership papers (sale deed, patta, encumbrance certificate), land records (survey sketch), plans prepared by licensed professionals, and NOCs for certain categories. The exact list depends on the authority and building type — see the full documents guide.
How long does building approval take in Chennai?
It depends on the authority, the project category and the completeness of the file. Complete applications with prompt responses to authority queries move fastest. We tell you a realistic path for your specific project at the feasibility stage rather than quoting a generic number.
What is the difference between CMDA and GCC approval?
CMDA is the planning authority for the Chennai Metropolitan Area — planning permission for layouts and larger or special buildings runs through it. The Greater Chennai Corporation issues building permits within city limits and handles completion certificates and property tax assessment. Many projects involve both. See the CMDA and GCC guides.
Do I need approval before starting construction?
Yes. Construction should begin only after the plan is sanctioned. Building without approval can be treated as unauthorised construction and can create problems with loans, utility connections, registration and enforcement action — and fixing it afterwards is harder than approving it first.
What is self-certification approval?
A simplified route for eligible small residential buildings — broadly plots up to 2,500 sq.ft., built-up area up to 3,500 sq.ft., up to 2 dwelling units, G+1/S+2 floors and maximum 10 m height, subject to the applicable rules. We confirm eligibility during the feasibility check.
Can you check whether a property is feasible before I buy or build?
Yes — that is our site feasibility study. We examine the land records, zoning and development rules and tell you what can be built and which approvals it would need, before you commit money.
Can Trusted Walls help with an existing building that has approval issues?
We review such cases individually. Whether an issue can be resolved depends on the nature of the deviation and the rules in force. After studying the papers we tell you the honest position and the available options.
Do you handle water, sewer and electricity connections?
Yes. We handle CMWSSB water and sewer connections and TNEB services — new connections, load changes and name transfers — alongside the building approval itself.
When is TNRERA registration required?
Real-estate projects that meet the thresholds under the Act need TNRERA registration before sale. We handle registration, quarterly updates, renewals and related compliance for eligible projects.
Do you work outside Chennai?
Our focus is Chennai — CMDA and GCC. We also handle DTCP plan approvals and completion certificates for projects elsewhere in Tamil Nadu.