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Glossary

# CMDA (Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority)

The planning authority responsible for regulating land use, development, and infrastructure planning within the Chennai Metropolitan Area.

## What is CMDA?

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is the statutory authority governing development within the Chennai Metropolitan Area. Its jurisdiction covers Chennai city plus parts of Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram districts. CMDA prepares the Second Master Plan that defines land use zoning, regulates development permissions, and oversees infrastructure planning for the metropolitan region.

## CMDA vs DTCP

CMDA has jurisdiction over the Chennai Metropolitan Area, while DTCP covers the rest of Tamil Nadu. CMDA generally has stricter development regulations, including tighter FSI limits, more detailed zoning classifications, and additional environmental requirements. In some peripheral areas, jurisdiction overlaps — DTCP may handle layout approvals while CMDA handles broader planning permissions. Always verify which authority has jurisdiction over a specific parcel before beginning the approval process.

## CMDA land use zones

CMDA classifies land into zones: Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Mixed Use, Agricultural, and Institutional. Each zone has permitted uses and FSI limits defined in the master plan. Using land for a purpose not permitted in its zone classification can result in demolition orders and legal penalties. Before acquiring land for development, always verify the CMDA zone classification — a parcel zoned for residential use cannot be developed commercially without a zone change, which is a lengthy and uncertain process.

## Related Terms

[DTCP ApprovalPlanning approval issued by the Directorate of Town and Country Planning for residential layouts and developments outside CMDA jurisdiction in Tamil Nadu.](/glossary/dtcp-approval)[FSI / FAR (Floor Space Index)The ratio of a building's total floor area to the plot area, governing how much construction is allowed on a land parcel.](/glossary/fsi-far)[Land Use Conversion (NA Conversion)The statutory permission process for proposed non-agricultural development of wet or dry agricultural land in a Tamil Nadu non-planning area.](/glossary/land-use-conversion)

## Keep exploring

Connect your land intelligence workflow with these powerful tools.

[Location IntelligenceOverlay CMDA zone classifications on your land search results.](/features/location-intelligence)[Land Lead ManagementFilter land leads by CMDA zone and development potential.](/features/land-lead-management)

Last verified 30 September 2026

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