When buying land or plots in the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region, the essential step to ensure a secure investment is to verify that the layout is legally approved by VMRDA. Investing in VMRDA-approved layouts ensures that the plots meet legal norms, offer proper infrastructure, and are safe for long-term ownership. Buyers looking for VMRDA plots or VMRDA approved plots should always complete this verification before proceeding.

But do not worry if you are stuck and want to know whether a layout is VMRDA-approved. Here is a step-by-step checklist to help you gain confidence before investing your hard-earned money.

Understanding What VMRDA Approval Means

VMRDA is the statutory planning authority for the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region and has the authority to approve layout plans for the residential and commercial plots. Any layout for the sale or further development must be approved by VMRDA and must meet urban planning norms, including road width, drainage, water supply, street lighting, and other essential civic infrastructure requirements.

The approved layout is also assigned a unique Layout Permission (LP) Number, which is the official identifier showing that VMRDA has reviewed and sanctioned the plan.

Get the Layout’s Official Documents

Before searching online, collect the layout documentation provided by the seller or the developer, or real estate companies in Visakhapatnam, especially:

• The Layout Plan
• The LP Number
• File or approval reference number
• Plan drawing copies
• Copy of the developer’s application or acknowledgement

The LP Number is key because all official verification starts with it for VMRDA approved layouts and VUDA-approved private layouts. Without this number, it becomes hard to confirm the approval status of VMRDA plots.

Visit the Official VMRDA Website

The safest and most accurate source for verifying an approved layout is the official VMRDA portal, used to check VMRDA-approved layouts and private layouts approved by VMRDA.

Once you land on the site, navigate to the “Approved Layouts” section. VMRDA stores all information and maintains a public list of layouts over the years, often including the corresponding years, file numbers, and LP numbers, including records from the VUDA-approved layouts list.

Use the VMRDA “Approved Layouts”

On the official site’s layout approval page, you will find:

• The LP Number
• The Layout’s name or project name
• The Survey number and location

If the details match what you have on paper, the layout is considered VMRDA-approved or falls under VUDA-approved private layouts if approved earlier.

Cross-Check Using the VMRDA Dashboard

VMRDA also maintains a Dashboard with detailed information like:

• Approved building permits
• Approved private layouts (VMRDA-approved private layouts)
• Developed layouts
• Unauthorized Layouts

This resource helps to confirm if a layout is genuinely approved or marked unauthorized when checking private layouts approved by VMRDA.

Verify through VMRDA Citizen Services

In any case, if you find the online list difficult to search or if any details are missing, VMRDA offers an alternative verification option through citizen services for VMRDA approved plots. You can also:

• Contact VMRDA planning or customer service.
• Provide the LP Number, Survey Number, or Layout Name
• Request for the official confirmation via email or phone.

Well-known developers such as Subhagruha Projects (India) Pvt Ltd typically follow VMRDA norms and provide LP numbers upfront, making it easier for buyers to verify approval status.

Review the VMRDA Layout Handbook

Get access to detailed guidelines outlining how VMRDA reviews and approves layouts, including private layouts approved by VUDA and VMRDA, so you know which checks are required before approval.

You can access the handbook via this link. Click Here

You can get an understanding of:

• Minimum road widths
• Drainage and sewerage standards
• Water supply provisioning
• Public open spaces

Confirm the LP Number and Status

After getting the LP number on the VMRDA list or dashboard for VMRDA approved layouts, look for:

• The Layout status- approved
• The approval year
• Location and survey number match
• The developer’s/developers’ name consistency as seen with reputed real estate companies in Visakhapatnam

Note: Some listings may show tentative approval, such as a BLP (Building Layout Permission). Avoid investing in plots with layouts that are only provisionally approved, as these may be cancelled if the infrastructure work is not completed as committed.

Keep a check for unauthorised Layout Listings

VMRDA publishes a list of unauthorized layouts to help buyers avoid non-approved VMRDA plots, including areas without statutory approval.

Note: Even if the seller claims that the land is approved, if it appears on this list, do not invest in it until the issue is cleared.

Conduct Due Diligence With a Legal Expert

Though the above steps aid you in verifying the official approval status of VMRDA approved plots, you should also consider:

• Keeping a check on the Encumbrance Certificate (EC) to ensure there are no disputes or claims.
• Confirming the land title, ownership records, and the liabilities.
• Consulting a proper property lawyer or expert to look deeper into the compliance in detail.

Final Checklist Before Purchase

Before making payment or signing agreements, ensure:

• The LP number matches the official records
• Layout appears in the VMRDA-approved list or dashboard
• It is not listed under the unauthorized layouts.
• Documents show the saved number and location
• You carry all the legal records and title clearances.

After checking all the points, you can proceed to the next step with greater confidence.

Why does this VMRDA approval matter?

Verifying VMRDA approval isn’t just bureaucratic; it safeguards your investment and reduces risk while buying VMRDA-approved layouts.

The approved layouts ensure:

• Legal recognition of the property
• Eligibility for bank loans and financing
• Proper civic infrastructure is ready for development
• Higher resale value
• Protection from penalties or demolition orders

With ongoing development in Visakhapatnam, new layouts are being approved almost every month by VMRDA and listed under VMRDA-approved private layouts, so skipping this check can be risky. Some sellers may show attractive plots, but without VMRDA approval, you could encounter issues during registration or when obtaining basic services.

By checking the approval status in advance, you ensure the land is legally sound, safe to purchase, and free of future complications.