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India Real Estate Dictionary

1070+ property terms explained in plain words: RERA, land records (Fard, Jamabandi, 7/12, Patta), documents, law, tax, finance and state-specific vocabulary. Each term has its legal basis, an Indian example and a tip for agents.

Reviewed 16 October 2026 · 1073 terms · 14 topics

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Showing 62 of 1073 terms · clear filters

A
4 terms

Amended Plan

Approvals

Also called: Revised Plan

A revised building plan submitted and approved when the owner or builder changes the design after the original sanction. It is needed for changes in area, floors, layout or use, and keeps the building legally consistent.

Example & agent tip

Example: A developer in Mohali added a clubhouse after sanction and applied for an amended plan before building it.

Agent tip: Under RERA, major changes to sanctioned plans need allottees' consent. Ask whether the plan you saw was later changed.

Related: Sanctioned Plan Building Plan Approval Section 14 (RERA)

Approved Layout

Approvals

A land development plan sanctioned by the competent authority, showing plots, roads, open spaces and services. A plot in an approved layout can get building plan approval, utility connections and bank loans.

Example & agent tip

Example: Two plots on the same road are priced differently because one lies inside an approved layout and the other in an unapproved colony.

Agent tip: Ask for the layout approval number and verify it with the authority. Do not accept a builder's brochure as proof.

Related: Layout Plan Unauthorized Construction Development Authority

Archaeological Monument NOC (ASI NOC)

Approvals

Also called: ASI NOC

Permission needed to build near a monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Law restricts construction in a zone around such monuments, and repairs or new building in the regulated area need a competent authority's clearance.

Legal basis: Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (as amended in 2010)

Example & agent tip

Example: A hotel plan in Delhi near a protected tomb had to wait for the competent authority's permission before approval.

Agent tip: If a plot is near an old fort or tomb, check with the ASI early. Distances are set by law and notification.

Related: Heritage Zone Clearance No Objection Certificate (NOC) Building Plan Approval

As-Built Drawing

Approvals

Also called: Completion Plan

A set of drawings showing the building exactly as it was constructed, including any changes during construction. Authorities often ask for it with the completion certificate application, and owners use it for repairs and future work.

Example & agent tip

Example: A housing society in Panchkula needed the as-built drawings to locate buried pipes when planning a new water tank.

Agent tip: Ask the builder to hand over as-built architectural, structural and services drawings with the completion papers.

Related: Completion Certificate (CC) Sanctioned Plan MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing)

B
3 terms

Building Bye-Laws

Approvals

Also called: Building Regulations, Building Code

Local rules framed by a municipality or development authority that control how buildings are designed and built: plot coverage, height, setbacks, parking, fire safety and light and ventilation. Every approved plan must follow them.

Example & agent tip

Example: A plot owner in Panchkula found the bye-laws did not allow a stilt floor to be converted into a living space.

Agent tip: Read the bye-laws of the specific authority before promising any extra floor or room to a buyer. Rules differ from city to city.

Related: Development Control Regulations (DCR) Setback Sanctioned Plan

Building Line

Approvals

The line, set by the authority, beyond which a building cannot extend toward a road. It is measured from the road edge or centre line and keeps space for future widening, light and air.

Example & agent tip

Example: A shop owner in Mohali had to cut back a front extension because it crossed the building line fixed along the road.

Agent tip: Check whether a road-widening plan changes the building line of a plot before you buy. It can shrink the buildable area.

Related: Setback Right of Way (ROW) Frontage

Building Plan Approval

Approvals

Also called: Building Permit, Plan Sanction

Formal permission from the local authority to construct a building as per submitted drawings. It confirms the plan follows zoning, bye-laws and safety norms. Building work should start only after this approval and a commencement certificate.

Example & agent tip

Example: A farmhouse owner in Kharar submitted drawings online and received the sanction after the authority's scrutiny and fee payment.

Agent tip: Always ask for the sanctioned plan itself, not only the receipt. Compare the approved floors and area with what is being sold.

Related: Sanctioned Plan Commencement Certificate Online Building Plan Approval System (OBPS)

C
8 terms

Change of Land Use (CLU)

Approvals

Also called: Land Use Change, CLU

Permission from the state government or competent authority to change the use of land, for example from agricultural to residential or commercial. It usually involves charges.

Example & agent tip

Example: A buyer buys agricultural land and builds houses without CLU. The authority treats them as unauthorized.

Agent tip: Ask for the CLU order and fee receipt. In some states this process is called NA conversion.

Related: NA (Non-Agricultural) Order Agricultural Land Master Plan

Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)

Approvals

Areas along the coast where construction is restricted or regulated under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019, to protect the shoreline.

Example & agent tip

Example: A buyer of a sea-facing plot finds that building is limited because it falls in a CRZ.

Agent tip: Check CRZ status for coastal properties before quoting.

Related: Zoning (Land Use Zone) Environmental Clearance

Colony Licence

Approvals

A licence from the town planning department to develop a residential or commercial colony. In Haryana it is issued by the Director, Town and Country Planning (DTCP) under state law.

Legal basis: Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975.

Example & agent tip

Example: A Haryana developer applies for a licence to develop a 15 acre colony and pays external development charges.

Agent tip: Verify the licence number and its validity on the DTCP site.

Related: DTCP External Development Charges (EDC) Approved Layout

Commencement Certificate

Approvals

Permission from the local authority to start construction after plan approval. Many state RERA rules ask for it at registration.

Legal basis: State RERA rules ask the promoter to file the project's sanctions, including the commencement certificate, with the registration application.

Example & agent tip

Example: A builder begins digging before getting the commencement certificate. The authority issues a stop-work notice.

Agent tip: Ask to see the certificate and its date. A project with no commencement certificate is not ready for sale.

Related: Sanctioned Plan RERA Registration Number Occupancy Certificate (OC)

Completion Certificate (CC)

Approvals

A certificate from the local authority confirming that a building has been completed as per the sanctioned plan. In some states the CC and the OC are issued as one.

Legal basis: Defined in Section 2(q) of the RERA Act, 2016.

Example & agent tip

Example: A builder hands over flats but has no completion certificate. The society cannot get permanent water and electricity.

Agent tip: Ask whether the state issues a CC, an OC or both, and check which one the project has.

Related: Occupancy Certificate (OC) Sanctioned Plan Part Occupancy Certificate

Compounding

Approvals

A procedure by which authorities allow minor violations of the building rules to stay, on payment of a fee.

Example & agent tip

Example: A homeowner pays a compounding fee to retain a 4 sq m excess balcony.

Agent tip: Only minor deviations can be compounded. Major deviations may need demolition.

Related: Regularisation Unauthorized Construction

D
5 terms

Deemed Approval

Approvals

A rule in some states that treats a plan or permission as approved if the authority does not decide within the stated period. It speeds up routine cases but does not override safety or legal requirements.

Example & agent tip

Example: An architect in Madhya Pradesh relied on the state's time-limit rule when the authority did not respond to a house plan.

Agent tip: Do not rely on deemed approval alone when buying. Ask for a written approval or a portal certificate.

Related: Building Plan Approval Online Building Plan Approval System (OBPS) Sanctioned Plan

Defence NOC

Approvals

Permission from the Ministry of Defence or the local military authority for construction near defence installations, such as cantonments and ammunition depots. Height and use may be restricted in a notified zone around them.

Example & agent tip

Example: A residential builder near a cantonment in Pune had to get the military authority's clearance before raising the building height.

Agent tip: Look for defence land nearby when assessing a plot. Restrictions can be significant and are checked by the local authority.

Related: No Objection Certificate (NOC) Height Clearance (AAI NOC) Building Plan Approval

Demolition Order

Approvals

An order from the authority or court to pull down a building or part of it, usually because it is unauthorized, unsafe or encroaches on public land. The owner is normally given notice and a chance to respond first.

Example & agent tip

Example: A floor built over a public lane in Ludhiana was ordered demolished after the owner failed to regularise it.

Agent tip: Check the authority's records for notices before buying an older building. Buying such a property can mean inheriting the risk.

Related: Unauthorized Construction Stop Work Notice Regularisation

Development Control Regulations (DCR)

Approvals

The rules of a city or state on land use, building height, FSI or FAR, setbacks, parking and other building parameters. They are also called building byelaws or regulations.

Example & agent tip

Example: A builder wants to build 14 floors but the DCR for that road limits height to 10 floors.

Agent tip: Read the local DCR for any project your client is considering.

Related: Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Setback Ground Coverage

Development Plan

Approvals

Also called: DP

A long-term plan prepared by a planning authority for the growth of a city or area, showing land uses, roads, public facilities and reserved sites. Some states call it the Master Plan. It guides what may be built on any plot.

Example & agent tip

Example: A buyer in Pune found the Development Plan marked part of his plot for a road, which would reduce his buildable area.

Agent tip: Before buying land, check the plot on the current Development Plan and any proposed revision.

Related: Master Plan Zoning (Land Use Zone) Zonal Plan

E
3 terms

Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)

Approvals

Also called: ESZ

An area around a national park or wildlife sanctuary, notified by the Central Government, where certain activities are restricted or regulated to protect the protected area. Construction rules in an ESZ can be stricter than elsewhere.

Example & agent tip

Example: A resort plan near a sanctuary in Uttarakhand was held up until the ESZ rules for the area were checked.

Agent tip: Before buying land near forests or sanctuaries, check the ESZ notification for that protected area.

Related: Environmental Clearance Green Belt Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)

Environmental Clearance

Approvals

Approval from the environment authority for larger building and township projects under the EIA Notification, 2006. It sets conditions on water, waste, trees and energy.

Example & agent tip

Example: A 30,000 sq m building project must obtain environmental clearance before the commencement certificate.

Agent tip: Ask larger projects for their environmental clearance and compliance reports.

Related: Commencement Certificate Sanctioned Plan

External Development Charges (EDC)

Approvals

Charges collected by the government from colonisers to fund external infrastructure such as roads, water and power for a colony. In Haryana and Punjab, builders pass part of the cost to buyers.

Example & agent tip

Example: A plotted colony's price sheet lists EDC as a separate item.

Agent tip: Check whether EDC is included in the basic price or charged extra, and whether the full amount has been paid to the authority.

Related: Internal Development Charges (IDC) Colony Licence

F
4 terms

Fire NOC

Approvals

A no-objection certificate from the fire department confirming that a building meets fire safety norms. It is required for high-rise buildings and many commercial properties.

Example & agent tip

Example: A mall needs a fire NOC before its OC.

Agent tip: For commercial or high-rise projects, ask for a valid fire NOC.

Related: No Objection Certificate (NOC) Occupancy Certificate (OC)

Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

Approvals

The ratio of the total built-up floor area permitted on a plot to the plot area. A plot of 1,000 sq m with FAR 2 allows 2,000 sq m of floor area. It is also called FSI.

Example & agent tip

Example: A 500 sq yd plot with FAR 1.75 allows 875 sq yd of total built-up floor area.

Agent tip: Higher FAR means more units on the same land. Check the FAR actually granted to the project.

Related: Floor Space Index (FSI) Ground Coverage Development Control Regulations (DCR)

Floor Space Index (FSI)

Approvals

Another name for FAR, used in Maharashtra and other states. It limits total built-up floor space relative to the plot.

Example & agent tip

Example: A Mumbai plot with FSI 1.33 can have 1.33 times its area as floor space before premium or TDR.

Agent tip: Know FSI, FAR, TDR and premium FSI. A project that exceeds them is illegal.

Related: Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Fungible FSI Transferable Development Rights (TDR)

Fungible FSI

Approvals

Also called: Fungible Compensatory Area

A compensatory allowance of additional floor space in Mumbai, tied to areas such as balconies and ducts, that lets developers enlarge units within limits. Part of it may need a premium under the municipal rules.

Example & agent tip

Example: A Mumbai developer uses fungible FSI to enlarge flats in a tower, paying any premium the rules require.

Agent tip: Fungible FSI explains why some Mumbai flats exceed the base FSI. Check that any premium due was paid.

Related: Floor Space Index (FSI) Transferable Development Rights (TDR)

G
1 terms

Ground Coverage

Approvals

The percentage of a plot that the building footprint may cover at ground level. It differs from FAR, which limits total floor area.

Example & agent tip

Example: With 60% ground coverage a 200 sq yard plot allows a 120 sq yard footprint.

Agent tip: Use ground coverage and setbacks to estimate how much a plot can really be built.

Related: Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Setback

H
2 terms

Height Clearance (AAI NOC)

Approvals

A no-objection certificate from the Airports Authority of India for tall buildings near airports, to ensure they do not obstruct aircraft.

Example & agent tip

Example: A high-rise near an airport needs AAI clearance before construction.

Agent tip: Ask if a tall project is near an airport. The certificate limits the height.

Related: No Objection Certificate (NOC) Sanctioned Plan

Heritage Zone Clearance

Approvals

Approval needed from a local heritage conservation committee to alter, rebuild or build near a listed heritage building or in a heritage precinct. It controls height, facade, materials and use to protect the area's character.

Example & agent tip

Example: An owner in old Jaipur needed the committee's nod before changing a facade facing the main street.

Agent tip: Buying in an old city core means extra approvals and slower renovations. Factor in time and cost.

Related: Archaeological Monument NOC (ASI NOC) Building Bye-Laws Redevelopment

I
1 terms

Internal Development Charges (IDC)

Approvals

Charges for infrastructure inside a colony such as internal roads, drains and parks, usually paid by the developer or collected from buyers as per the scheme.

Example & agent tip

Example: An allotment letter lists IDC along with the plot price.

Agent tip: Ask which charges are in the quoted price.

Related: External Development Charges (EDC) Approved Layout

L
2 terms

Layout Plan

Approvals

A drawing that divides land into plots, roads, parks and utility areas for a colony or plotted scheme.

Example & agent tip

Example: A layout plan for a 20 acre colony shows 180 plots, a 40 ft main road and a park.

Agent tip: Compare the layout plan with the plot you are shown. Changes to roads or parks are a warning sign.

Related: Approved Layout Plotted Development Site Plan

Lift Licence

Approvals

Also called: Lift Permit

A licence from the state electrical or lift inspectorate to run a passenger lift, issued after inspection of safety devices and testing. It needs periodic renewal in many states, and operating without it is an offence.

Example & agent tip

Example: A residential society in Mohali found its lift licences had lapsed and had to arrange inspection before renewing.

Agent tip: Ask the society or builder for current lift licences. They matter for safety and for insurance claims.

Related: Fire NOC MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) Resident Welfare Association (RWA)

M
2 terms

Mandatory Open Space

Approvals

Also called: Open Space Reservation

The portion of a plot or layout that must be kept free of building, such as lawns, playgrounds and margins around the building, as required by the bye-laws. It provides light, air, fire access and recreation.

Example & agent tip

Example: A group housing project in Zirakpur had to keep a set share of its land as open green area before sanction.

Agent tip: When you see a very dense project, check the sanctioned plan for open space. Encroachment on it is a violation.

Related: Ground Coverage Setback Building Bye-Laws

Master Plan

Approvals

A long-term plan prepared by the planning authority for the growth of a city or region, showing land-use zones, roads, services and open spaces.

Example & agent tip

Example: A Master Plan shows a road widening through a plot. The owner may lose land.

Agent tip: Check the master plan for road widening, reservations and zone before quoting a plot.

Related: Zoning (Land Use Zone) Development Control Regulations (DCR) Zonal Plan

N
1 terms

NA (Non-Agricultural) Order

Approvals

An order that converts agricultural land to non-agricultural use for housing, commerce or industry. It is needed before building on farmland in states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat. In Maharashtra, land inside a sanctioned development plan or layout is treated as deemed non-agricultural, so a separate order may not be needed.

Example & agent tip

Example: A Pune developer applies for NA permission before laying out plots on farmland.

Agent tip: Do not market plots on agricultural land without the NA order or proof that the land is deemed non-agricultural.

Related: Change of Land Use (CLU) Agricultural Land

O
2 terms

Occupancy Certificate (OC)

Approvals

Also called: Occupation Certificate, Certificate of Occupancy

A certificate from the local authority declaring that a building is fit to live in and complies with the sanctioned plan and safety norms. It is also called the occupation certificate.

Legal basis: Defined in Section 2(zf) of the RERA Act, 2016. The promoter must obtain it and give it to the association of allottees.

Example & agent tip

Example: A buyer is asked to take possession of a flat before the OC is issued. This is a risk because utilities and loans may be affected.

Agent tip: Do not advise clients to accept possession without an OC. Ask for a copy of the certificate.

Related: Completion Certificate (CC) Possession Conveyance Deed

Online Building Plan Approval System (OBPS)

Approvals

Also called: OBPS, e-Building Permit

An online platform adopted by many cities and states where architects submit plans, documents and fees digitally and the authority scrutinises and sanctions them, aiming for a faster, more transparent process.

Example & agent tip

Example: A builder in Indore uploaded drawings through the state portal and tracked scrutiny stages without visiting the office.

Agent tip: Check the portal's status page and download the approved plan yourself instead of relying on photocopies.

Related: Building Plan Approval Sanctioned Plan Single Window Clearance

P
6 terms

Part Occupancy Certificate

Approvals

A certificate that allows occupation of a completed part of a project, such as one tower, while the rest is still under construction.

Example & agent tip

Example: A township receives a part OC for Tower A, so those buyers can take possession.

Agent tip: Check that the part OC covers the tower and floor of your client's unit.

Related: Occupancy Certificate (OC) Completion Certificate (CC)

Plinth Level Certificate

Approvals

Also called: Plinth Checking

A certificate or inspection report, given by the authority or the architect, confirming that construction up to plinth level matches the sanctioned plan and setbacks. In many places work above the plinth continues only after it.

Example & agent tip

Example: A builder in Lucknow obtained a plinth level clearance after officials checked the footprint against the sanctioned drawing.

Agent tip: Ask whether your city requires a plinth check. Skipping it can lead to stop-work notices later.

Related: Plinth Commencement Certificate Setback

Plot Amalgamation

Approvals

Also called: Plot Merger

Joining two or more neighbouring plots into one plot, with the authority's approval, so a single larger building can be built. The land records and sanctioned layout are updated to show one plot.

Example & agent tip

Example: Two neighbours in Sector 20 Panchkula merged their plots to build a larger home and applied to the authority.

Agent tip: Amalgamation without approval can cause problems with title and sanction. Get the order in writing.

Related: Plot Subdivision Layout Plan Mutation

Plot Subdivision

Approvals

Also called: Plot Sub-division

Splitting one plot into smaller plots, with the permission of the planning authority. Minimum plot size, road access and layout rules apply, and the land records are updated after approval.

Example & agent tip

Example: A landowner near Kharar wanted to divide an acre into residential plots but was told the layout needed approval first.

Agent tip: Be wary of plots sold by informal splitting of land. They may not get a sanction or utility connections.

Related: Plot Amalgamation Approved Layout Colony Licence

PM-UDAY

Approvals

Also called: Pradhan Mantri Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana

A central scheme for residents of unauthorised colonies in Delhi to receive ownership or transfer rights over their properties, with registration, so that they can get legal title and sell or mortgage them.

Example & agent tip

Example: A resident of an unauthorised colony in west Delhi used the scheme to register her house in her name.

Agent tip: Even after regularising title, check whether the building plan itself is approved, as that is a separate matter.

Related: Regularisation Unauthorized Construction Colony

Premium FSI

Approvals

Extra floor space index that a developer can buy from the authority by paying a charge, above the basic permitted FSI. It allows more built area on the same plot, usually along transit lines or in specific zones.

Example & agent tip

Example: A Mumbai builder paid a premium to the corporation to add extra floors to a mid-rise tower near a metro station.

Agent tip: Ask whether a project's area depends on premium or TDR. Delays in these approvals can delay the project.

Related: Floor Space Index (FSI) Transferable Development Rights (TDR) Fungible FSI

R
4 terms

Railway NOC

Approvals

Permission from the railway authorities needed when a project is close to railway land or needs a bridge, crossing or utility passing the track. It protects safety and future railway expansion.

Example & agent tip

Example: A township near a Punjab junction waited for the railway's NOC before building an access road that crossed the line.

Agent tip: When a plot adjoins railway land, ask if the NOC is in hand. Missing one can stop road or utility works.

Related: No Objection Certificate (NOC) Right of Way (ROW) Height Clearance (AAI NOC)

Redevelopment

Approvals

Rebuilding an old building or society with new construction, usually by a developer who gives owners new flats and sells extra units.

Example & agent tip

Example: A 40-year-old society appoints a developer to rebuild and gives each member a flat with 25% more area.

Agent tip: In society redevelopment check the development agreement, the corpus and the timelines.

Related: Joint Development Agreement (JDA) Co-operative Housing Society

Regional Plan

Approvals

A planning document covering a wider region beyond city limits, setting broad land uses, transport corridors and growth areas for several towns and villages. City master plans must fit within it.

Example & agent tip

Example: A farmland buyer near Panipat checked the Regional Plan and found his land was in a zone meant for industrial growth.

Agent tip: For land outside cities, the regional plan, not the city master plan, usually decides what can be done.

Related: Master Plan Zoning (Land Use Zone) Change of Land Use (CLU)

Regularisation

Approvals

Also called: Building Regularization Scheme, BRS

A government scheme that lets an unauthorised building or colony be legalised on payment of fees and compliance with set conditions. Terms differ by state and time.

Example & agent tip

Example: A state offers a one-time regularisation scheme for plots in unauthorised colonies.

Agent tip: Regularisation does not cure every defect. Read the scheme's cut-off dates and conditions.

Related: Unauthorized Construction Compounding

S
6 terms

Sanctioned Plan

Approvals

Also called: Building Plan, Approved Building Plan

A building drawing approved by the local authority that shows layout, dimensions, number of floors and permitted use. Construction must follow it.

Example & agent tip

Example: A builder adds an extra floor that is not in the sanctioned plan. Authorities can penalise or demolish it.

Agent tip: Compare the sanctioned plan with what is built or promised. Do not recommend units that deviate.

Related: Commencement Certificate Completion Certificate (CC) Unauthorized Construction

Setback

Approvals

The minimum open distance that must be left between a building and the plot boundary on the front, back and sides, as set by building rules.

Example & agent tip

Example: A house built right up to the front boundary violates the setback rule and may attract demolition.

Agent tip: Advise clients to check setbacks before they buy a plot. They reduce the buildable area.

Related: Ground Coverage Plot Area Development Control Regulations (DCR)

Single Window Clearance

Approvals

Also called: Single Window System

A system where a developer applies in one place for the many approvals needed for a project, instead of visiting several departments. States offer it online with timelines, though some approvals may still be handled separately.

Example & agent tip

Example: A real estate developer in Gujarat used the state portal to apply for several clearances for a township together.

Agent tip: A project said to have single window clearance does not mean every approval exists. Ask for each clearance separately.

Related: Online Building Plan Approval System (OBPS) Environmental Clearance Fire NOC

Site Plan

Approvals

A drawing showing the position of buildings, roads and open space on a plot or project site.

Example & agent tip

Example: A site plan shows two towers, a club house and a service road inside a 5 acre project.

Agent tip: Use it to verify setbacks, orientation and green area.

Related: Layout Plan Sanctioned Plan Setback

Slum Rehabilitation Scheme (SRA)

Approvals

A Maharashtra scheme under which developers rebuild slum areas as free flats for eligible slum dwellers and sell the rest of the built area in the open market.

Example & agent tip

Example: A Mumbai developer builds 400 rehabilitation flats and sells 300 more in a free-sale building.

Agent tip: SRA projects need careful checks on approvals and slum-dweller consent.

Related: Chawl Floor Space Index (FSI)

Stop Work Notice

Approvals

An order from the authority directing that construction must halt, usually for building without sanction, deviating from the plan or breaching safety or environment rules. Continuing after such a notice can lead to sealing or demolition.

Example & agent tip

Example: A Zirakpur owner who added a floor beyond his sanction received a notice and had to stop work.

Agent tip: If a notice is displayed on a site, find out the reason and whether it was withdrawn before booking.

Related: Unauthorized Construction Compounding Regularisation

T
3 terms

Transferable Development Rights (TDR)

Approvals

A right that allows a landowner to use or sell the unused building potential of land, usually given as compensation for giving land for roads or public use. It lets a developer build more on another plot.

Example & agent tip

Example: An owner who surrenders land for a road receives TDR certificates, which a developer buys to add floors elsewhere.

Agent tip: Check that TDR used in a project is documented and within the authority's cap.

Related: Floor Space Index (FSI) Master Plan

Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

Approvals

Also called: TOD

A planning approach that allows denser, mixed-use buildings near metro, rail or bus corridors to encourage public transport use. Authorities may give extra FAR or lower parking requirements within a set distance of stations.

Example & agent tip

Example: A developer in Noida planned a high-rise near a metro station using the extra FAR the TOD policy allowed.

Agent tip: TOD benefits are policy specific and may change. Confirm the current notification and station distance.

Related: Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Master Plan Mixed-Use Development

Tree Felling Permission

Approvals

Permission from the forest or horticulture department or municipality to cut or transplant trees on a plot. Many states require it and may demand compensatory planting. Cutting trees without it can attract penalties.

Example & agent tip

Example: A builder in Chandigarh had to get permission and plant replacement saplings before clearing a few trees on his site.

Agent tip: Ask whether the site had trees and whether permission was obtained. Missing it can stall a project.

Related: Environmental Clearance Green Belt Commencement Certificate

U
1 terms

Unauthorized Construction

Approvals

A building put up without approval or in violation of the sanctioned plan, zone or rules. It can face penalty, sealing or demolition and is hard to sell or finance.

Example & agent tip

Example: An extra floor added to a builder floor without sanction is declared unauthorised and cannot be mortgaged.

Agent tip: Always compare the building with the sanctioned plan before recommending a purchase.

Related: Sanctioned Plan Regularisation Compounding

W
1 terms

Water and Sewer Connection Approval

Approvals

Also called: Water Board NOC

Permission from the municipal water supply and sewerage board to connect a building to public water and drainage lines. Large projects may need a bulk supply commitment and a drainage plan, and may build their own treatment facilities.

Example & agent tip

Example: A tower in Hyderabad waited for the water board's approval of its sewer tie-in before applying for completion.

Agent tip: Ask how the project will get drinking water and where its sewage goes. Weak answers can lead to water shortage later.

Related: Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Occupancy Certificate (OC) Rainwater Harvesting

Z
3 terms

Zonal Plan

Approvals

A detailed plan prepared for a part of the city under the master plan, showing land use, plot sizes and services in that zone.

Example & agent tip

Example: A zonal plan for a sector sets minimum and maximum plot sizes for commercial plots.

Agent tip: Use the zonal plan to check what is permitted on a specific plot.

Related: Master Plan Zoning (Land Use Zone)

Zoning Certificate

Approvals

Also called: Zone Certificate, Land Use Certificate

A certificate issued by the planning authority stating the land use zone of a plot under the master plan, such as residential, commercial or green belt, along with permitted uses and any reservations or road widening on it.

Example & agent tip

Example: Before buying land in Pune, a buyer got a zoning certificate showing the plot had a partial road reservation.

Agent tip: Take this certificate on any plot purchase. It is an inexpensive check that can prevent costly surprises.

Related: Zoning (Land Use Zone) Development Plan Master Plan

Zoning (Land Use Zone)

Approvals

The classification of land by permitted use, such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural or green. Building rules depend on the zone.

Example & agent tip

Example: A buyer plans a clinic in a residential zone. The authority may not allow it.

Agent tip: Verify the zone of the plot in the master plan. Misclassified land may not get approvals.

Related: Master Plan Change of Land Use (CLU)

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