Overview

Policy frameworks for buildings are regulations, made by the local government. They cover various aspects of building—area, structural safety, height, and architectural and construction features. Building policy frameworkis meant for the construction of residential buildings. We at Your Property Doctorgive guidelines to engineers, builders, and architects to develop new structures. We coverground coverage, floor area ratio (FAR), setback, and height.

Ground Coverage

Ground coverage regulationsare made for the ground area that can cover the plot. It is the part of the building within the outer surface of the column, wall and slab from the ground level, excluding the balcony, projection, porch, canopy or shaft from FAR and curtain wall or cladding up to 150 mm.

Ground Coverage

FAR is about the ratio between the floor area and the plot area. FAR (Floor Area Ratio) calculation calculates the size of a structure that can be constructed on a plot in terms of area, based on plot area and size.

FAR defines a total covered area of a building across all levels to the size of the land where it is constructed.

FAR=Total covered area of all floors x 100/plot area

Setback

Setback is the least open space required around a structure or building and defines its boundaries. It is defined as the area on a plot on the rear, front, or sides, depending on the plot size that is left for ventilation, light and services, such as drainage. Its purpose is to prevent overpopulation and ensure well-designed and secure urban environment. Setback guidelines for buildingsare to be adhered.

Height

There are certain building height regulations. For flat roofs, the vertical distance from the ground level up to the top of structural slab is the structure height of a building. If a building does not adjoin a street, its height is measured from the highest ground level next to the building.

Some Structures Included in the Building Height Include the Following:

• Air conditioning equipment, lift machine rooms, and ventilating apparatus, if required, as per the specification of the lift manufacturer and similar service equipment.

• Roof tanks and their supports should not exceed 1.8 m

• Chimneys and parapet walls should not exceed 1.5 m in height

• A screen wall up to the height of 1.8 m

• Height of passenger lifts or car lifts including the machine room accessible to the terrace or rooftop

• A solar panel at any height or level, including rooftop, terrace or ground level

General Building Requirements

• In the main building, any part of a structure should be located near the highest surrounding road level from the ground level, regardless of the entry level location. This ensures enough drainage of the site.

• The outer walls of a structure should have a minimum thickness of 230 mm.

• The garages, parking spaces and interior courtyards should be appropriately drained either by mechanical means or gravity.