Real estate sector welcomes government’s move to relax height restrictions for non-high rise buildings

While the real estate sector has welcomed the recent amendment to the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019, particularly the increase in the permissible height of non-high rise buildings from 18.3 metres to 19.5 metres, a few stakeholders have demanded further changes.Previously, any building exceeding 18.3 metres in height was categorised as a high rise, requiring adherence to stringent norms on construction, when compared to non-high rise buildings.Owing to the curbs on the height of non-high rise buildings, many builders have been facing problems in obtaining the completion certificate for the homes they had built under the non-high rise category. With the new amendment, homes will have better ventilation and aesthetics, with improved height of the ceiling.A. Balasubramani, founder-State president of CMDA and DTCP Registered Engineers Welfare Association, said: “We requested 21 metres, as each floor, including stilt plus five floors or ground plus five floors, requires 3.5-metre height, but the government has permitted 19.5 metres for non-high rise buildings.”W.S. Habib, president, CREDAI Tamil Nadu, said: “The government has issued the much-awaited amendments to the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019. These are major relaxations. As the non-high rise building height limit has increased from 18.3 m to 19.5 m across the relevant provisions, it provides additional flexibility in building design and floor heights.” Talking about FSI and setbacks for high rise buildings, he said: “Minimum road width of 12 m, 15 m and 18 m corresponds to maximum FSI of 2.0, 2.5 and 3.25 respectively. Revised setback requirements introduced for taller buildings, linked to building height.”“We welcome the revised parking requirements for IT, ITES, and bioinformatics centres, one car space per 75 sq.m of floor area, plus two-wheeler parking, new provisions for open kitchens, additional provisions relating to hotels, lodges, swimming pools, and accessibility compliance,” Mr. Habib added.Mehul H. Doshi, president, Credai Chennai, said: “The amendments will facilitate more efficient utilisation of urban land, and encourage compact vertical development. It is a progressive step towards making urban development more practical, efficient, and responsive to the evolving needs of homebuyers and the real estate sector. The increase in the permissible height of non-high rise buildings will enable developers to offer better floor-to-ceiling heights. Similarly, the revision of setback norms for high-rise buildings will facilitate more efficient utilisation of urban land, and encourage compact vertical development. The provision allowing commercial developments in designated residential and primary residential zones along roads with a minimum width of 12 metres is another welcome move. It will help expedite project approvals by eliminating the need for separate land-use reclassification. The relaxation of parking norms for IT office buildings is a practical and forward-looking decision, considering that many IT companies provide organised employee transportation, and have access to public transport facilities. This will help optimise land utilisation without compromising accessibility.”Pointing to the introduction of the open-kitchen concept, Mr.Doshi said: “It is a positive move that can encourage the development of studio apartments, a housing format that has gained significant popularity in major global cities. This will help diversify housing options and cater to the changing preferences of urban homebuyers, particularly young professionals. Overall, these amendments reflect the Government’s willingness to address industry requirements and emerging urban housing needs.” Published - October 27, 2026 10:18 pm IST