Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA) has issued a set of guidelines for local bodies to follow when granting permits for residential construction within coastal regulation zones (CRZ), in accordance with the 2019 CRZ notification. This move, outlined in a government order (GO) dated December 6, 2024, aims to streamline the process of residential development in designated coastal areas of Kerala.
Under the new guidelines, local self-government institutions are authorized to issue construction permits for residential units up to 300 square meters in areas classified as CRZ II, CRZ III A, and CRZ III B. However, these approvals will be subject to compliance with conditions stipulated in the 2019 CRZ notification. The order specifies that applications for residential buildings exceeding 300 square meters, as well as non-residential constructions and the regularisation of traditional coastal dwellings, must be submitted to the KCZMA along with recommendations from the local authority. These applications must also include a signed budget estimate, scrutiny fees, and a building or site plan, including essential details such as distance from the high tide line and geo-coordinates.
For properties located within CRZ II, any construction or road built before January 18, 2019, must be documented and included in the application plan. Applications for construction activities in CRZ categories other than CRZ II, CRZ III A, and CRZ III B, as well as for the regularisation of traditional coastal dwellings built under the 2011 CRZ notification, are to be directly submitted to the Coastal Management Authority. Furthermore, district-level committees (DLC) have been tasked with verifying construction permits and identifying violations in compliance with the 2019 CRZ guidelines. Local self-government institutions are responsible for ensuring that all guidelines are followed before granting permits. They are also required to submit reports on housing applications—whether approved, rejected, or under consideration—to the district-level committee every three months.
The GO further empowers local self-government secretaries to issue construction permissions only if the applications comply with the rules and undergo necessary inspections. KCZMA retains the authority to cancel any construction permits that violate laws or guidelines. These measures are part of Kerala’s ongoing efforts to manage and regulate development in coastal regions, ensuring that it aligns with environmental protection and sustainable urban planning practices. The new rules aim to balance the need for development with the protection of Kerala’s delicate coastal ecosystems.
