Last Updated on 4 months by ChennaiRealties
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 are an essential aspect of urban planning and building design, playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of built environments. Here are the primary reasons why setback spaces are important:
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.
Functional Infrastructure
Utility Placement: Setback spaces are often used for the installation and maintenance of utilities such as water supply lines, sewage systems, and electrical cables. This accessibility ensures that essential services can be maintained and upgraded without disrupting the main building.
Drainage and Flood Prevention: Proper setbacks help manage rainwater runoff and reduce the risk of flooding. By providing space for drainage systems, setbacks contribute to better water management and environmental sustainability.
Importance of Setback Spaces
Though a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 2 is allowed for Non High Rise Buildings, it can be achieved only after providing for SetBack Spaces.
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 metres of commercial space, while the second set applies to buildings exceeding 16 dwelling units or 300 square metres of commercial space. The specific details for each category are provided below.
1.Setback Spaces for Non-High Rise Buildings Not Exceeding 18.30 Meters Height, with up to 16 Dwelling Units or up to 300 Square Metres of Commercial Space:
Front Setback
Abutting Road Width | Front SetBack |
---|---|
Upto 9.0 Metres | 1.5 Metres |
More than 9 Metres Upto 18 Metres | 3.0 Metres |
More than 18 Metres Upto 30.5 Metres | 4.5 Metres |
Above 30.5 Metres | 6.0 Metres |
Side Setback
Height of the Building | Plot Width | Side Setback |
---|---|---|
Upto 7 Metres | Up to 9 Metres | 1 Meter on One Side |
Above 9 Metres | 1 Metre on Either Side or 2 Metres on One Side(Originally 1 Meter on Either Side, | |
More than 7 metres, Upto 12 Metres | Up tp 6 Metres | 1 Metre on One Side |
Above 6 Metres Upto 9 Metres | 1.5 Metre on One Side | |
Above 9 Metres | 1.5 Metre on Either side or 3 Metres on One Side |
Rear Setback
Height of the Building | Rear SetBack |
---|---|
Up to 7 Metres | Nil |
More than 7 Metres Upto 12 Metres | 1.5 Metres |
2) Set Back Spaces for Non-High Rise Buildings below 18.30 metres height but exceeding 16 dwelling Units or exceeding 300 square metres of commercial building:
Front Set Back
Abutting Road Width | Front SetBack |
---|---|
From 9 Meters upto 18 metres | 3.0 Meters |
More than 18 Metres upto 30.5 metres | 4.5 Meters |
More than 30.5 Metres | 6.0 Metres |
Side SetBack/Rear SetBack
Height of the Building | Rear SetBack/Side SetBack |
---|---|
Upto 7 Metres | 1.0 Metre |
More than 7 Metres Upto 12 Metres | 1.5 Metres |
More than 12 Metres Upto 16 Metres | 2.5 Metres |
More than 16 Metres Upto 18.30 Metres | 3.0 Metres |
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
Setback spaces are a vital element in urban planning, contributing to the safety, health, and well-being of residents. They ensure that buildings are constructed in a manner that supports emergency access, ventilation, natural light, privacy, aesthetic appeal, and functional infrastructure. By adhering to setback regulations, developers and homeowners can create more livable, sustainable, and visually pleasing environments.
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.
Leave a Reply