Setback Rules under Tamilnadu Combined Development and Building Rules
In Tamil Nadu, the implementation of the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019 has consolidated various rules that were previously enforced by different authorities. These new rules are applicable throughout the state, except in cantonment areas.
Under the new rules, the development regulations have introduced a set of updated planning parameters for both residential and commercial buildings, taking into account the height of the structure. These planning parameters include factors such as minimum road width, floor space index (FSI), and setback spaces. However, it’s important to note that the regulations for buildings with a height of up to 18.30 meters differ from those for buildings exceeding this height.
In this article, we will focus on one crucial planning parameter: setback spaces for buildings with a height of up to 18.30 meters.
What are setback spaces?
“Setback spaces,” as defined in the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules (TNCDBR), 2019, refer to the open areas located at the front, sides, or rear of a plot. These spaces exist between the building and the street alignment or the boundary of the plot, depending on the specific situation. The dimensions of setback spaces are determined by factors such as the height of the proposed building, the width of the plot, and the width of the abutting road.
Why Setback Spaces?
“Setback spaces,” as defined in the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules (TNCDBR), 2019, refer to the open areas located at the front, sides, or rear of a plot. These spaces exist between the building and the street alignment or the boundary of the plot, depending on the specific situation. The dimensions of setback spaces are determined by factors such as the height of the proposed building, the width of the plot, and the width of the abutting road.
Most importantly, Step Back Spaces have a bearing on the floor area that can be constructed.
Because, though a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 2 is allowed for Non High Rise Buildings, it can be achieved only after providing for Set Back Spaces.
Set Back Spaces are essential for Building Plan Approval for a healthy and organised community life.
- Safety: Setbacks ensure that buildings are set back from roads, walkways, or neighboring properties to maintain a safe distance. This helps prevent accidents, provides space for emergency access, and promotes a safe environment for pedestrians and vehicles. . In times of emergency, the open space around the building will aid the movement of fire tenders. Also, Set Back Space may prevent a fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings.
- Ventilation and Lighting: Setbacks allow for adequate airflow and natural lighting around buildings. They prevent overcrowding and allow sunlight to reach the surrounding areas, improving ventilation and reducing the risk of dampness. Neighbours will also continue to enjoy light, ventilation.
- Aesthetics: Setbacks play a role in maintaining a harmonious streetscape and preserving the overall visual appeal of an area. They help create a sense of openness, prevent a continuous wall of buildings, and provide green spaces or landscaping between structures.
- Privacy: Setbacks help maintain privacy for adjacent properties by ensuring a suitable distance between buildings. They prevent buildings from encroaching on neighboring properties and maintain a sense of privacy for residents.
Therefore, the applicant for building plan approval should always adhere to the norms for setback spaces as approved in the plan.
Norms for Setback Spaces
Non-high-rise and High-rise buildings
The new guidelines are introduced for setback spaces in the approval of building plans. These norms vary depending on whether the buildings are classified as non-high-rise or high-rise.
For non-high-rise buildings, there are two sets of guidelines. The first set applies to buildings with up to 16 dwelling units or up to 300 square meters of commercial space, while the second set applies to buildings exceeding 16 dwelling units or 300 square meters of commercial space. The specific details for each category are provided below.
1.Setback Spaces for Non-High Rise Buildings with up to 16 Dwelling Units or up to 300 Square Meters of Commercial Space:
Front Setback
| Abutting Road Width | Front Setback |
|
Up to 9.00 Meters |
1.5 Meters |
|
More than 9.00 Meters to 18 Meters |
3.0 Meters |
|
More than 18.00 Meters to 30.5 Meters |
4.5 Meters |
|
Above 30.5 Meters |
6.00 Meters |
Side Setback
|
Height of the Building |
Plot Width |
Side Setback |
|
Up to 7 Meters |
Up to 9 Meters |
1 Meter on One Side or 2 Meter on One Side |
|
Above 9 Meters |
1 Meter on Either Side |
|
|
More than 7 Meters Up to 12 Meters |
Up to 6 Meters |
1.0 Meter on One Side |
|
Above 6 Meters Up to 9 Meters |
1.5 Meter on One Side |
|
|
Above 9 Meters |
1.5 Meters on Either Side or 3 Meters on One Side |
Rear Setback
|
Height of the Building |
Rear Set Back |
|
Up to 7 Meters |
Nil |
|
More than 7 Meters up to 12 Meters |
1.5 Meters |
2) Set Back Spaces for Non-High Rise Buildings exceeding 16 dwelling Units or exceeding 300 square meters of commercial building:
Front Set Back
|
Abutting Road Width |
Front Set Back |
|
From 9 meters upto 18 meters |
3.0 Meters |
|
More than 18 Meters Upto 30.5 Meters |
4.5 Meters |
|
More than 30.5 Meters |
6.0 Meters |
Side Set Back/Rear Set Back
|
Height of the Building |
Side Set Back/Rear Set Back |
|
Up to 7.0 Meters |
1.0 Meters |
|
More than 7.0 Meters up to 12 Meters |
1.5 Meters |
|
More than 12.0 Meters up to 16.0 Meters |
2.5 Meters |
|
More than 16.0 Meters up to 18.30 Meters |
3.0 Meters |
Structures Allowed in Setback Spaces for Non-High Rise Buildings:
- Sun-shades not exceeding 0.6m.
- Motor rooms of an area not exceeding 2 sq. m. each and a height not exceeding 1.8m, without affecting parking and driveway requirements.
- In the case of Non-High-Rise Buildings with a height of up to 9.0m, open single-flight or spiral staircase or open double-flight staircase so long as such structure does not fall within 0.50 m from the side boundary or 1 m from the rear or front boundary of the site or street alignment.
- A compound wall of a height not exceeding 2.0m
- Watchman booth not exceeding 2.5m.x 2.5m x 2.5m in size at each gate and a height not exceeding 3m.
- Gate pillars without or with arches with a min. headroom clearance of 5.50m are available at least to a width of 3.5m.
- Meter rooms for meter boxes or electrical panels along the boundary wall or external walls of the building with the projections not exceeding 0.60 meters from the abutting walls and the open transformer without affecting parking and drive way, subject to the safety measures stipulated by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board
Conclusion
By adhering to the setback space norms outlined in the TNCDBR, we can ensure compliance with regulations and contribute to the creation of safe and well-planned communities.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be legal or financial advice. Readers are advised to do their own independent research and consult with professionals before making any decisions based on the information in this article-Edit
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