Building heights increased by The Tamil Nadu Housing Board

In Tamil Nadu, the state Housing and Urban Development Department announced an increase in the maximum permissible building heights through amendments to the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019. The new regulations allow for a rise in the maximum height of stilt plus three floors from 12 metres to 14 metres and stilt plus two floors from nine metres to ten metres. According to S Sridharan, the vice president of Credai National's South division, the government's decision to increase building heights has been well-received. He mentioned that this adjustment will provide homebuyers with more spacious rooms, offering better height from floor to ceiling after accommodating services like air conditioning and false ceilings. Sridharan believes these proactive changes will positively impact the state's housing industry. Mohan, the president of the Chennai Southern Builders Association, expressed similar sentiments, emphasising that the increased building heights will also allow for more clearance for car parking. He explained that this change would be highly beneficial, with the floor-to-ceiling height rising from 10 feet to 11.5 feet on each floor. In addition to the height adjustments, the Housing and Urban Development Department has introduced a new clause in the TNCDBR. This clause states that completion certificates are not required for buildings with up to eight dwelling units. While builders appreciate this move, they remain cautious about its implementation. Previously, buildings with up to three dwelling units or not exceeding 750 square metres were exempt from needing completion certificates. Although the size of the land remains unchanged, the revision now extends the exemption to buildings with up to eight dwelling units. Completion certificates are essential for obtaining water supply and electricity connections, and this exemption is expected to streamline acquiring them.