Builders’ association urges TN government to follow new rules

Chennai

A letter to the chief electrical inspector to the government, R Prakash, State chairman of the association, said that it has received representations and grievances from the members stating that while applying licence for the elevators for non-high rise buildings (stilt plus five floors which does not exceed 18.30 metres), the government is insisting no-objection certificate from the Fire Safety Department. Earlier, buildings exceeding 15.25 metres were defined as special buildings (high-rise buildings). But now, the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019, have defined high-rise building as a building exceeding 18.30 metres, Prakash pointed out. However, when inquired, the association was informed that the office of the chief electrical inspector has not received any specific instructions. So licence for working elevators being issued following the old rules that mandates NOC, which is not required under the 2019 rules, the letter added. Hence, licence for working the elevators for non-high-rise buildings not exceeding 18.30 metres should be issued without insisting on NOC and other formalities specifically meant for high-rise buildings, Prakash urged.