Document Guide · Goa

How to Check TCP Technical Clearance in Goa — Complete Guide 2026

The TCP Technical Clearance Goa, also called the FAR Certificate, is the Town & Country Planning Department's confirmation that proposed construction complies with FAR (Floor Area Ratio), height, setbacks, and zoning under the Goa T\&CP Act, 1974. Excess construction beyond certified limits is illegal and attracts demolition under Section 51.

Quick Reference
Also calledTCP Clearance, Technical Clearance, FAR Certificate, TCP Permission
Issued byTown & Country Planning Department, Government of Goa, under the Goa T\&CP Act, 1974
Valid forTypically 1 year from issuance for commencement of building permission application
CostPer TCP fee schedule; varies by built-up area and zone (S1, S2, C1, C2)
Time taken45 days under the Citizen's Charter; complex cases may take longer
Online portaltcp.goa.gov.in; goaonline.gov.in (TCP services)
1

What is TCP Technical Clearance in Goa?

Definition

A TCP Technical Clearance Goa is the formal certificate issued by the Town & Country Planning Department under Section 44 of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, 1974 confirming that proposed construction complies with the Floor Area Ratio (FAR), height, setbacks, parking, and zoning requirements of the Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulations. It is also called a FAR Certificate because FAR compliance is its central determination.

The clearance precedes the Panchayat or Municipal Sanctioned Building Plan and Construction License. The applicant submits Appendix A1-TCP application with architectural drawings, structural drawings, site plan, Form I and XIV, Conversion Sanad, and Questionnaire Appendix-B1. The District-level TCP office processes within 45 days under the Citizen's Charter and issues Appendix C1-TCP technical clearance. The clearance specifies the certified FAR, maximum height, setbacks on all sides, and permitted use, all anchored to the parcel's TCP zone (S1, S2, C1, C2, or others under the 1974 Act).

For buyers of built or under-construction property, the TCP Clearance is the FAR-truth document. The Buyer Warning is direct: excess construction is illegal. If actual built-up area exceeds the FAR certified by TCP, the construction is illegal even if Sanctioned Plan and Construction License were issued. Section 51 of the 1974 Act attracts demolition for unauthorised excess. Air Funnel Notifications around Dabolim and Mopa airports impose further height restrictions, separate from FAR. Coastal parcels also need GCZMA CRZ clearance before TCP. Banks pull the TCP Clearance and measure actual built-up area before sanctioning home loans.

State-specific note: Excess construction beyond TCP-certified FAR or height is illegal. Section 51 of the Goa T\&CP Act, 1974 attracts demolition. Banks measure actual built-up against FAR Certificate before approving home loans on built property.
2

How to Get TCP Technical Clearance in Goa: Step-by-Step at the TCP District Office

Two routes for the TCP Technical Clearance. The tcp.goa.gov.in portal accepts online applications for District-level TCP review. The District TCP office handles offline submissions and complex cases. Carry architectural and structural drawings, Form I and XIV, Conversion Sanad, and the parcel's TCP zone certificate.

Online method (recommended)

1
Visit tcp
goa.gov.in or goaonline.gov.in Visit tcp.goa.gov.in or goaonline.gov.in. Select Building Permission services, then Technical Clearance. Sign up if needed. The portal cross-references the parcel against zoning, FAR limits, and air funnel restrictions.
2
Upload Appendix A1-TCP and supporting documents Submit Appendix A1-TCP application form along with architectural drawings, structural drawings, site plan, Form I and XIV, Conversion Sanad, and Appendix-B1 Questionnaire
The portal validates document completeness.
3
TCP scrutiny under Citizen's Charter The District TCP office scrutinises drawings against the Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulations
The 45-day Citizen's Charter sets the timeline. Site inspection may follow for complex cases.
4
Receive Appendix C1-TCP On approval, TCP issues Appendix C1-TCP technical clearance
The clearance specifies the certified FAR, height, setbacks on each side, parking provision, and permitted use. Download and use for the Sanctioned Plan application. * ###
* The TCP Clearance certifies FAR for the proposed construction. Any change to drawings (additional floor, expanded footprint, balcony enclosure) requires a fresh TCP Clearance. Building beyond certified FAR even by 5% attracts Section 51 demolition exposure.

Offline method (Sub-Registrar Office)

1
Visit the District TCP office The District TCP office in North Goa or South Goa, or the Taluka-level TCP office
Take architectural drawings, structural drawings (signed by registered Architect and Structural Engineer), Form I and XIV, Conversion Sanad, and ID.
2
Submit Appendix A1-TCP Submit Appendix A1-TCP application with all attachments
Pay the processing fee. The clerk issues an acknowledgement with the application number and Citizen's Charter due date.
3
Scrutiny and any clarifications The TCP Town Planner scrutinises the drawings against zoning rules, FAR limits, height, setbacks, parking, and air funnel restrictions where applicable
Clarifications or revised drawings may be requested.
4
Receive Appendix C1-TCP On approval, TCP issues the C1-TCP technical clearance with Town Planner's signature and TCP seal
The clearance is the prerequisite for the Panchayat or Municipal Sanctioned Plan application. *
* Air Funnel restrictions around Dabolim and Mopa airports impose height limits separate from FAR. For parcels within these zones, height compliance is checked by TCP using AAI-notified Air Funnel maps. Even FAR-compliant designs may fail height review.
3

What Does TCP Technical Clearance Contain in Goa?

Each TCP Clearance records the parcel, FAR certification, height, setbacks, and conditions. Mismatch between TCP-certified parameters and actual construction is a deal-stopping defect.

Field What it means What to check
Survey Number / Sub-divisionParcel identifierMatch against Form I, Form XIV, Sale Deed
TCP ZoneSettlement (S1, S2), Commercial (C1, C2), Industrial, etc.Zone determines FAR and use limits
Certified FARMaximum permitted Floor Area RatioBuilt-up area divided by plot area must not exceed
Maximum HeightMaximum permitted building height in metresCounted from ground level; air funnel may further limit
SetbacksMinimum distance from each boundaryFront, rear, side; deviation invalidates clearance
Permitted UseResidential, commercial, mixed, industrialMust match Conversion Sanad and Sanctioned Plan
Parking ProvisionNumber of parking slots requiredBased on built-up area and use
Town Planner SignatureTCP authentication of the clearanceValidates the clearance as official
Good sign: Appendix C1-TCP signed by the Town Planner with TCP seal, certified FAR matches the proposed construction within the zone limit, height respects both regulations and any air funnel restriction, and clearance is current within validity.
4

Common Issues With TCP Technical Clearance in Goa

Each TCP Clearance records the parcel, FAR certification, height, setbacks, and conditions. Mismatch between TCP-certified parameters and actual construction is a deal-stopping defect.

Built-up area exceeds certified FAR
The Buyer Warning is direct: excess construction is illegal. Sellers occasionally build beyond the FAR certified by TCP, hoping it goes unnoticed. Section 51 of the 1974 Act attracts demolition; banks reject home loans; Occupancy Certificate cannot issue. *
Fix: * Measure the actual built-up area against the FAR certified in the C1-TCP clearance. Built-up area divided by plot area must not exceed certified FAR. Excess attracts Section 51 demolition risk.
Forged TCP Clearance
Forged TCP clearances surface in resale markets. Without the District TCP office record, the document is unverifiable. The Town Planner's signature should be cross-checked against TCP's authorised signatories. *
Fix: * Cross-check the C1-TCP reference number against the District TCP office records. Demand written confirmation from the District Town Planner. Forgeries attract Section 51 demolition risk.
Height exceeds Air Funnel restriction
Even FAR-compliant buildings near Dabolim or Mopa airports may exceed Air Funnel height restrictions. The TCP Clearance should explicitly address Air Funnel compliance for parcels within the affected zones. *
Fix: * For parcels within 20 km of Dabolim or Mopa, demand the Air Funnel-compliance reference in the C1-TCP. Height violations attract aviation safety enforcement separate from Section 51.
Construction exceeds setbacks certified
The TCP Clearance certifies front, rear, and side setbacks. Encroachment of certified setbacks attracts Section 51 demolition. Buyers occasionally accept "we'll regularise it later" assurances. *
Fix: * Walk the site with the C1-TCP clearance setbacks. Compare actual setbacks against certified. Encroachment, even by half a metre, can trigger demolition action.
Use changed without fresh TCP Clearance
The TCP Clearance certifies a specific use: residential, commercial, mixed. Use change without fresh clearance is unauthorised. A residential building running as a commercial guest house is a deviation. *
Fix: * Match the certified permitted use against actual use. For commercial conversion, demand fresh TCP Clearance and Sanctioned Plan. Without it, Section 51 risk follows.
Clearance lapsed before Sanctioned Plan applied
TCP Clearances are typically valid for 1 year for commencing the Sanctioned Plan application. If the Sanctioned Plan is not applied within validity, the TCP Clearance lapses and a fresh clearance is needed. *
Fix: * Check the issue date and validity. For lapsed clearances, demand fresh TCP application before the Sanctioned Plan. The Panchayat or Council will reject Sanctioned Plan applications with lapsed TCP Clearances.
5

Why TCP Technical Clearance Matters for Land Buyers in Goa

For Goa buyers of built or under-construction property, the TCP Technical Clearance is the document that decides whether the building's volume and footprint are legal.

📋
Confirms FAR and height compliance The TCP Technical Clearance Goa under Section 44 of the 1974 Act is the formal FAR Certificate
It establishes the maximum legal volume and footprint for the construction. Without it, no Sanctioned Plan can issue and any construction is unauthorised.
Excess construction is illegal The Buyer Warning is direct: excess construction is illegal
Built-up area beyond certified FAR, height beyond limits, or setbacks below minimum all attract Section 51 demolition under the 1974 Act. Banks reject home loans on FAR-violating properties.
🏦
Required for Sanctioned Plan, Construction License, and bank loans The Sanctioned Building Plan and Construction License both require the TCP Clearance as input
Banks pull the C1-TCP and measure actual built-up area before sanctioning home loans. Without TCP compliance, the entire approval chain fails.
🔍
Goa-specific: TCP zone-based FAR limits and Air Funnel overlay Goa's TCP Clearance system uses zone-based FAR limits (Settlement S1 around 100, S2 around 150, Commercial C1 around 200, C2 around 150) under the 2009 Amendment Act
Air Funnel restrictions around Dabolim and Mopa airports add a height overlay. Both are unique to Goa's planning regime.
Red flag: Seller cannot produce the C1-TCP, the certified FAR is exceeded by visible construction, or height violates Air Funnel restrictions: walk away. Section 51 demolition risk follows; banks reject home loans on TCP-violating buildings.

Browse verified land in Goa

Browse Verified Goa Lands

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TCP Technical Clearance Goa?
A TCP Technical Clearance Goa is the certificate issued by the Town & Country Planning Department under Section 44 of the Goa T\&CP Act, 1974, confirming that proposed construction complies with FAR, height, setbacks, and zoning. Also called the FAR Certificate.
What is FAR in Goa land buying?
FAR or Floor Area Ratio is the ratio of total built-up floor area to plot area. A FAR of 100 means built-up area equals plot area. The TCP Technical Clearance certifies the maximum FAR permitted on the parcel based on its TCP zone.
How is FAR calculated in Goa?
FAR equals total built-up area across all floors divided by plot area, often expressed as a percentage. For example, a 200 sq m plot with 300 sq m total built-up across two floors has a FAR of 150. TCP certifies the maximum permitted FAR.
What happens if construction exceeds FAR in Goa?
Excess construction is illegal under the Goa T\&CP Act, 1974. Section 51 attracts demolition. Section 44 bars development without permission. Banks reject home loans, Occupancy Certificate fails, and the Sub-Registrar may flag at registration.
How long does TCP Technical Clearance take in Goa?
45 days under the Citizen's Charter. Complex cases (Air Funnel parcels, CRZ overlap, contested zoning) may take longer. Site inspections add time. Plan submissions with incomplete documents lead to clarifications and delays.
What documents are required for TCP Technical Clearance?
Appendix A1-TCP application form, architectural drawings, structural drawings, site plan, Form I and XIV, Conversion Sanad, Appendix-B1 Questionnaire, and any Air Funnel or CRZ clearances where applicable. Drawings must be signed by registered Architect and Structural Engineer.
Is TCP Technical Clearance the same as Building Permission?
No. TCP Technical Clearance under the 1974 Act handles FAR, height, setbacks, and zoning compliance. Building Permission (Sanctioned Plan and Construction License) from the Panchayat or Municipal Council comes after TCP Clearance. Both are required sequentially.
What are FAR limits for different zones in Goa?
Indicative limits under the 2009 Amendment Act fee schedule reference: Settlement S1 around FAR 100, Settlement S2 around 150, Commercial C1 around 200, Commercial C2 around 150. Exact limits vary by Regional Plan and ODP. Verify with TCP for the specific parcel.