Fire NOC and occupancy certificate: what to ask the owner

Under the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules 2019 (rule 20), a building needs a completion certificate from the authority that approved its plan (CMDA or the Corporation) before it can be connected to power, water and sewers. Since 28 June 2024, commercial buildings of up to 300 sq m and 14 m high are exempt.

• A high-rise is a building above 18.3 m; it needs a NOC from the Director of Fire and Rescue Services.
• Malls, halls, industries and warehouses come under the fire-protection rules whatever their height.
• A fire licence is issued by the Director for buildings of 18.3 m and above, and by the District Officer below that; for buildings under 18.3 m it's valid for a year.
• The licence application includes a copy of the lease and the approved plan, so the occupier often applies, with the owner's documents.

A new law, the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Act 2025, replaces fire licences with fire safety certificates valid for three years, in three building categories. It starts only when the government notifies it; it wasn't in force as of August 2026.

1. The approved plan and planning permit (CMDA or the Corporation).
2. The completion certificate, or proof the building is exempt.
3. A current fire licence, and the Fire NOC if it's a high-rise.
4. That the approved use matches yours: office, shop or warehouse.

SNE marks the listings where it has seen these. Ask for any you don't see.