Buying a split or sub-divided plot in Andhra Pradesh, Vizag or Vijayawada: approval check before you pay
Short answer: in Andhra Pradesh, the AP Land Development (Layout and Sub-division) Rules, 2017 say no one may "sub-divide" land or carry out "sub-division on any plot" without approval of the Land/Layout Development Plan, and no building permission is granted on such land "unless the Final Layout Plan is issued". So if you are buying a piece of a bigger plot, or two plots joined into one, in Vizag, Vijayawada, Guntur or anywhere in AP, ask for the approved plan that shows your plot.
What the AP rules say
Rule 7(1) of the Rules (G.O.Ms.No.275, 18 Jul 2017, on the DTCP website) reads:
| Rule | Words in the rule |
|---|---|
| 7(1)(a) | "No person ... shall carry out any land development or redevelopment or carry out layout or sub-divide or utilize the land or any portion of the same on the site or sites for building purpose including sub-division on any plot or additions, alterations in any layout or cause to be done without obtaining approval from the Executive/Competent Authority for the Land/Layout Development Plan." |
| 7(1)(b) | "The owner of any land shall, before he/she utilizes, sells, leases or otherwise disposes off such land or any portion thereof, as sites for construction of any type of building ... shall obtain the land/layout development permission". |
| 7(1)(c) | "No permission for the construction of buildings in such land or portion thereof shall be granted by the concerned Authority unless the Final Layout Plan is issued by the Competent Authority." |
In plain words: a split plot without an approved plan can leave you unable to get a building permission later.
Minimum plot sizes (Rule 12)
| Plot type | Rule wording |
|---|---|
| Residential, 12 m road | "The minimum size of plots shall be 100sq.m which is getting access from 12m wide road and the frontage ... of the plot shall be not less than 8m." |
| Residential, wider road | "The minimum Plot size shall be 150sq.m if the road width is more than 12m and the frontage of the plot shall be not less than 10m." |
| Commercial | "The minimum Plot size shall be 150sq.m and the frontage of the plot shall be not less than 10m." |
If the piece on offer is smaller or has a narrower frontage than these, ask how it was approved. Later amendments to the Rules may change these numbers; to verify with the local authority.
Two traps in approved layouts
- Mortgaged plots. The Rules make the developer mortgage 15% of the plotted area to the authority, and say "The concerned authority shall not consider any building/development permission in the area under mortgage". The Final Layout Plan copy goes to the Sub-Registrar "indicating the mortgaged area", so check your plot is not in it.
- Affordable housing plots. For plots set aside for affordable housing, the Rules say "no amalgamation or alteration of these plots shall be considered." Do not plan to join such a plot with the next one.
What to ask the seller for, in writing
- The Final Layout Plan (FLP) number and a copy of the plan, showing your plot number and measurements.
- If the plot was split or merged after the layout: the approval for that change.
- Confirmation that your plot is not in the mortgaged area, or the release from mortgage.
- An encumbrance certificate for the full original survey number.
Layout and building permissions are applied for online on APDPMS (DTCP's online permission system). To verify: whether a buyer can look up a plot's approval there by FLP number, and current fees.
Related guides
- Layout approval and LRS check for an open plot
- Building permission and occupancy certificate check
- Encumbrance certificate online
- Land record check
- Agricultural land conversion
Buying in Telangana? See the Telangana guide.
Not legal advice. This page summarises official rules and pages read on 22 Oct 2026. Rules are amended often; confirm with the local authority and a qualified professional before you pay.
A free sample from our Andhra Pradesh property do-it-yourself pack for NRIs: which portal to open, in what order, what to ask for, and what to keep on file.
Get it free (instant download)FAQ
Is sub-division of a plot allowed without approval in AP?
No. Rule 7(1)(a) of the AP Land Development (Layout and Sub-division) Rules, 2017 bars sub-division on any plot without approval of the Land/Layout Development Plan.
What is the minimum plot size in AP?
Rule 12 sets 100 sq. m with 8 m frontage on a 12 m road, and 150 sq. m with 10 m frontage if the road is wider. Check for later amendments.
Can I get a building permission on a split plot?
Rule 7(1)(c) says no building permission is granted unless the Final Layout Plan is issued.
Can I combine two plots in an approved layout?
Ask the authority. For affordable housing plots the Rules say no amalgamation or alteration will be considered.
What is a mortgaged plot in a layout?
The developer mortgages 15% of the plotted area to the authority. No building permission is considered in that area until it is released.
Official sources
- AP Land Development (Layout and Sub-division) Rules, 2017: G.O.Ms.No.275
- DTCP AP: APDPMS online permissions
Not legal advice. We don't check properties or certify ads. A lawyer must confirm title, and the Authority's own notices override anything on this page.