Setback for Residential Buildings- Importance and Key Factors

Residential setbacks can be defined as the minimum dedicated space around any building or structure. Municipal regulations state that a specific distance from your property line must be maintained between a building and the plot boundary. This distance ensures environmental security, privacy and safety. There should be no permanent structure in a standard setback for residential buildings that discourage movement and access. Although, few structured elements are partially allowed, like porches, sheds and parking areas.

This distance safeguards the system away from roads, waterways or other buildings. Setbacks are required on buildings’ front, back and sides, and the specifications alter from one area to another. These stipulations stated by the government apply to new construction and remodelling or additions: For example, a setback in building requirement might assert that the new home must be at least 12 metres from the front of and six metres from the side of your property line. 

Keep reading this blog and understand the crux of setbacks for residential buildings in real estate.  

Importance of Setbacks in Real Estate

Source: Pinterest

• Setback in the building ensures that all the plots receive adequate natural light and no obstruction. 
• It enables sufficient ventilation and allows for better air quality. 
• Residential setbacks ensure safety in building construction and protection of establishments such as water bodies, dams, and mangroves near a building from being adversely affected by human habitation. 
• Moreover, the open spaces can be utilised for gardening or vehicle parking.
• The marginal distance for the residential setback protects the building in case of heavy traffic and other nuisance.
• During hazardous accidents, such as fires, a setback for a residential building provides space to access rescue operations throughout the home and further reduces the danger to life and damage to the structures. 
• Setbacks in buildings force sustainable development patterns in an area and create a harmoniously structured environment.
• Regulated space between homes or streets allows the habitants to have secure access in emergencies.

Factors that Influence Setback in Building Byelaws

The setback in building bye-laws depends on the following factors:

• Plot size
• The accessibility of land, whether it is a one-side or multi-side open plot
• Another key factor is the location or neighbourhood where the plot is situated. 
• Consider the width of the road on which the plot is nestled for residential setbacks. 
• The maximum permitted coverage area in the area

Also Read: Types of Plumbing Pipes used in Construction

Residential Setbacks in Bangalore

Below, we've gathered a list of Bangalore's BBMP building setback guidelines to aid the requirements for construction setbacks in the city of Bangalore:

Height of the structure	Residential Setbacks measured in metres (front, side, and rear)
Above 9.5 m and up to 12 metres	4.5
Above 12 m and up to 15 metres	5.0
Above 15 m and up to 18 metres	6.0
Above 18 m and up to 21 metres	7.0
Above 21 m and up to 24 metres	8.0
Above 24 m and up to 27 metres	9.0
Above 27 m and up to 30 metres	10.0
Above 30 m and up to 35 metres	11.0
Above 35 m and up to 40 metres	12.0
Above 40 m and up to 45 metres	13.0
Above 45 m and up to 50 metres	14.0
Above 50 metres	16.0

Source: bbmp.gov.in

Residential Setbacks in Delhi

Delhi Development Authority (also known as DDA) setback requirements based on the size of the plot. 

Plot Size	Front Setback	Rear Setback	Side Setback (1)	Side Setback (2)
Below 100 metres	0	0	0	0
Above 100 and up to 250 metres	3	0	0	0
Above 250 and up to 500 metres	3	3	3	0
Above 500 and up to 2000 metres	6	3	3	3
Above 2000 and up to 10000 metres	9	6	6	6
Above 10000 metres	15	9	9	9

Additionally, buildings taller than 15 m are required to have a setback of 6 m as per the government regulations around the building to receive the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Delhi Fire Service.

Side and Rare Setbacks for Residential Buildings

Source: Pinterest

The side and rear setbacks determine the location of houses and subsidiary structures, such as sheds, a garage, or verandas on a residential plot. Side setbacks in the residential building are evaluated by the width of the lot, measured at the building line and considering the building height. For rectangular lots, side and rear setbacks are calculated from the property boundaries. Following the building policies regulated by local government agencies might have profound effects. 

Also Check: Ideas Size for Your Living Room

Residential Setback Variances

A variance is intended to provide exceptions for unique circumstances(the building shape, size, or topography) where the usual standards may seem unreasonable. However, if most buildings in your residential area share the same predicament, you will not qualify for a setback variance.

So the next time you think of buying a home property, remember it is essential to be familiar with the term 'setback' and its guidelines regulated by the authorities. For more construction-related queries, contact the experts at Interior Company.