Chennai
The Tamil Nadu government will introduce a unified online registration system for architects, engineers, town planners and other professionals involved in preparing building plans and submitting applications for planning permission across the state. The Housing and Urban Development Department has directed the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) to implement the new registration mechanism through the Single Window Portal.
The initiative is part of the government’s plan to simplify the approval process and introduce third-party planning permission for smaller residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Once the system becomes operational, only professionals registered on the portal will be permitted to prepare building plans and submit planning applications to local bodies and planning authorities. Currently, architects, engineers and town planners are required to obtain separate registrations from different authorities depending on their jurisdiction. The government said that this arrangement has led to duplication of records, procedural delays and difficulties for professionals working in more than one planning area. Under the new system, every eligible professional will be issued a unique statewide registration identification number.
The registration will be recognised by all local bodies and planning authorities in Tamil Nadu, allowing professionals to operate across jurisdictions without securing multiple approvals. Eligibility for registration will be determined in accordance with the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019. Professionals must submit their applications online through the Single Window Portal. The applications will be scrutinised and approved by the respective DTCP district offices. Professionals already registered on the portal will be migrated automatically to the unified system. Their existing registrations will remain valid until the date of expiry, following which renewals must be completed online through the portal. The initiative is also expected to support the proposed third-party approval mechanism announced in the Assembly.
Under the plan, registered engineers will be authorised to approve certain categories of smaller buildings within limits fixed by the government. They will be permitted to approve residential buildings with a floor space index area of up to 8,070 sq ft and commercial buildings with an FSI area of up to 3,230 sq ft. Factory buildings with a built-up area of up to 26,900 sq. ft. in approved industrial estates will also come under the system. Officials expect the statewide registration platform to improve accountability, eliminate repetitive procedures and accelerate the processing of planning applications. The reform is intended to provide a more transparent and efficient approval system while reducing the administrative burden on applicants and professionals.Â