CHENNAI: If you’re planning to construct a new home, you’ll now need less space for parking thanks to the recent amendment to the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019. This update reduces parking requirements for new large residential buildings.
The amendment, issued on October 10, mandates that homes on plots of 3,200 square feet (300 square meters) or larger must allocate parking space for at least four cars and four two-wheelers.
This policy applies to all residential building approvals within corporations, municipalities, and town panchayats. For smaller plots, the previous regulations remain in effect—requiring space for two cars and two two-wheelers, as stated by state housing secretary Karkala Usha.
S Ramprabhu, from the Builders Association of India, explained that this change effectively enhances the usable Floor Space Index (FSI). FSI indicates the total floor area allowed for construction on a plot in relation to its size, where parking areas, staircases, and service spaces are considered non-FSI and do not contribute to the built-up area limit.
Previously, one car parking slot was necessary for every 75 square meters of built-up area. Thus, a 5,000 square feet home was required to have at least five car slots. “Builders faced challenges since the space required for car movement diminished the living space. The new rule allows for better utilization of that area for additional rooms or other residential features,” Ramprabhu noted.
However, urban planners caution that this amendment may exacerbate on-street parking issues. R Naveen, a city planner, commented that decreasing the required parking provision could lead to more vehicles being parked on public roads.
“Many owners already leave spare or old cars on the streets. With this change, the problem could escalate, limiting space for other motorists,” he said.
