Those planning to construct a building in a specific area need to get the project approved by several local bodies. The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) is one such local body. Its permission is mandatory to carry out any construction activity. If you are set to purchase a plot in a layout developed by the directorate of town and country planning or the department of town and country planning (DTCP) of the state concerned, you will have to obtain approvals for such plots from them. Besides, you will have to comply with their building rules and regulations. Know more about DTCP approved layouts in various states.
The Government body in states that look after town planning and development in their respective jurisdiction is called the directorate of town and country planning or department of town and country planning (DTCP). It is necessary to get DTCP approved layouts for buying a plot or developing a building in localities to ensure full titles for properties without standing a chance to face any future hassles. Let us explore DTCP, their functioning in states, and the approval process, among others.
What is DTCP?
It is an agency established to regulate planning and urban development in a state. The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) formulates policies that sets in motion an integrated approach towards planned development. The DTCP also advises other agencies and planning bodies, related to commercial, residential real estate and urban planning, to regulate development and prevent unauthorized constructions. All real estate developers in India need to get a green signal from the concerned state-run DTCP to initiate comparatively large-scale projects. Each state has its own DTCP.
What is a DTCP-Approved Layout?
The DTCP approved layout means the agency has given the due approvals for carrying out planned construction. In Tamil Nadu, for instance, real estate developers should get an approval from the state DTCP for layouts exceeding 2.47 acres of land in corporations, municipalities, and town panchayats. Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) have the power to give permissions for small-scale developments. Local planning bodies in Tamil Nadu can approve residential, commercial, and institutional developments spanning up to 26,910 square feet area in non-high rise buildings category. To develop projects beyond that limit, a builder will have to seek DTCP’s permission.
How to apply for DTCP approval?
With majority of states bringing the building plan approval system online, developers can apply for DTCP approval for projects on their respective websites. However, at the time of filling the application, they will have to register themselves on the website and keep all papers handy. They will have to submit documents online while sending the application form. This requires you to have soft copies of all the documents in a specific format as directed by the concerned DTCP.
Who can apply for DTCP approval?
The owner of a plot in a layout, association of plot owners, housing societies, and layout promoters can apply for the DTCP approval.
How do I know if my plot is DTCP approved?
The official website of the state DTCP has a list of all approved plots on its portal. Consult the website to get information about DTCP approval. Alternatively, you can also visit the DTCP office to get information.
Is DTCP approval mandatory for getting home loans?
Unless and until an under-construction housing project or plot-based housing scheme has all the permissions in place, including the DTCP approval, no bank in India will approve a request for home loans for the property. The builder needs to get an approval from the state DTCP to start the project. A homebuyer investing in such projects needs to present documents showing the building plan being approved by the DTCP to get loan.
