What is DTCP?

Those forecasting to construct a building in a particular 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.

What is DTCP?

It is an action 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.

How to apply for DTCP approval?

You can apply for DTCP approval online. 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. Some of the state DTCPs’ website addresses are mentioned here to help you fill in application for getting a plan approval.

What are the documents required for DTCP approval?

A builder applying for a plan approval from the state DTCP may need various documents. We have compiled an exhaustive list of such documents below. However, the list of documents might vary from state-to-state depending on the nature of the project (residential, commercial, or institutional).

1. Notary Public attested copy of documents. ( Sale deed/ lease deed/ power of attorney)
2. Encumbrance Certificate for 13 Years.
3. Site Plan.
4. Topo Plan (500 mts).
5. Chitta, Adangal, Patta/A. Register, TSLR.

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.

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 much does it cost to get DTCP approval?

The DTCP approval charges vary from state-to-state. In Tamil Nadu, the DTCP charge ranges between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 as the charge for approval depends on the area where it is located (rural/urban).

How long will it take to get DTCP approval?

Although changes are being made in various states to reduce time taken to approve building plans as the Central government aims for a higher ranking in the global Ease of Doing Business index. It might take up to six months to get an approval from the DTCP.

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.

Is it good to purchase DTCP approved sites?

If you want to keep your investments safe, you must verify whether the housing or commercial project is being constructed after getting an approval from the concerned DTCP.