Master plan · Tamil Nadu
Master Plan of Chennai
See Chennai's master plan mapped on the ground, compare it with satellite imagery, and find the zone of your property — with the plan documents and the building rules that apply in Chennai.
See the mapped master plan
The Chennai plan sits at its true place on the map, from the whole planning area down to a single street.
Compare it with the ground
Drag the Compare divider across the plan, or fade it with the opacity slider, to check it against satellite imagery of what is there today.
Find the zone of your property
Search for your locality or landmark. The pin lands on the plan, and the colour under it is the land use the plan gives that ground.
Which plan applies in Chennai today
The Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) of 1,189 sq km is governed by CMDA's Second Master Plan, in force since 2 September 2008. The Third Master Plan for 2027-2046 is still being drafted and has been delayed. In 2022 the CMA was enlarged to about 5,904 sq km, and a separate regional plan is to be made for the added areas. Building rules come from the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules 2019 and their amendments. CMDA issues planning permission for larger or special buildings, and Greater Chennai Corporation or other local bodies issue it for ordinary ones, all through the state single-window portal.
The plans on our map
- Open on the map
Chennai City Master Plan 2026
- Open on the map
Chennai Region Master Plan 2036
Master plan documents
The plans in force, the drafts and the maps, at the authority that publishes them.
Second Master Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area, 2026
in forceThe statutory master plan for the 1,189 sq km CMA, in three volumes with land-use maps and development regulations. It replaced the First Master Plan of 1975.
Note: Its horizon year was 2026, but it applies until the Third Master Plan is notified.
CMDA master plan overview page
referenceCMDA's summary of the First and Second Master Plans and the local bodies inside the CMA.
Third Master Plan 2027-2046: vision document terms of reference
in preparationCMDA's terms of reference for the visioning study behind the Third Master Plan. The draft plan itself had not been released by September 2026.
Note: An August 2026 news report said the release would slip by at least a year. The enlarged 5,904 sq km CMA is to get a separate regional plan.
Building rules in Chennai
What decides how much you may build, how far back from the road and how high: the rules of Tamil Nadu, on top of the national codes below.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971
The state planning law under which master plans, detailed development plans and planning permissions are made.
Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019
One set of rules for the whole state covering FSI, setbacks, height, parking, layouts and the approval process. It replaced the earlier separate rules for Chennai and the rest of the state.
TNCDBR 2019: amendments (gazette notifications)
Gazette notifications that amend the 2019 building rules.
Note: May not include every recent amendment. Check the single-window portal for the latest.
Self-certification for small homes (G.O. 133, H&UD, 18 July 2024)
Lets owners get an instant online permit by self-certifying homes on plots up to 2,500 sq ft, with up to 3,500 sq ft built-up, at most two units and ground plus one floor. It does not apply in restricted zones.
Tamil Nadu RERA
Tamil Nadu's RERA portal for checking registered projects and agents.
National codes, everywhere in India
National Building Code of India 2016 (SP 7:2016)
The national model code for how buildings are planned, built and made safe. It covers structure, fire and life safety, plumbing, electrical work and accessibility, and states base their building rules on it.
Model Building Bye-Laws 2016
A template set of building bye-laws. States and cities adapt it into their own rules on setbacks, FAR, parking, green building and approval steps.
Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016
Larger real-estate projects and agents must register with the state RERA. The Act sets builders' obligations and gives buyers a fast way to file complaints.
Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India 2021
Design standards that make buildings and public spaces usable by persons with disabilities, older people and children. The RPwD rules make them binding for many buildings.
Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines 2014
National guidance on preparing master and development plans. It includes the land-use categories and amenity standards that most state plans follow.
Eco Niwas Samhita 2018 (Energy Conservation Building Code - Residential)
An energy-efficiency code for homes. It limits heat gain through walls, roofs and windows, encourages daylight and ventilation, and states adopt it into their bye-laws.
NOCAS - Height clearance NOC around airports
The online system for getting the height No Objection Certificate needed for buildings near civil airports. The height allowed depends on how far the site is from the runway.
National Monuments Authority - NOC near protected monuments
Construction is prohibited within 100 m of a centrally protected monument, and within 300 m it needs NMA permission. This site handles those applications and publishes heritage bye-laws.
Indicative zoning norms · FAR, coverage, height
| Zone | FAR / FSI | Coverage | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential R1 | 1.5 | 50% | 12m |
| Residential R2 | 2.0 | 60% | Unrestricted |
| Commercial C1 | 3.0 | 70% | Unrestricted |
| Industrial | 1.5 | 60% | 16m |
Indicative norms read off the published plan for Chennai City. Check the sanctioned document and the building rules above with CMDA before relying on them.
Questions about the Chennai master plan
Is Chennai's Third Master Plan in force?
No. The 2008 Second Master Plan still applies. The Third Master Plan for 2027-2046 is being drafted and has been delayed.
Which building rules apply in Chennai?
The Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules 2019, as amended, along with the master plan's land-use zones.
Can I build a small house without waiting for approval?
Yes, if the home qualifies: a plot up to 2,500 sq ft, up to 3,500 sq ft built-up, and ground plus one floor. You can get an instant permit by self-certifying on the single-window portal.
Does CMDA now cover areas like Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur?
Yes. The CMA grew to about 5,904 sq km in 2022, and the added areas are to get a separate regional plan.
Indori Zameen is an informative platform, not an official record. Every link and status on this page was checked on 28 September 2026; plans and rules change by notification, so confirm with the authority — and a registered architect — before you buy or build.