1. What is ‘Set Back’?
It is the open space left in front, side and rear of a building.
2. Is ‘Set Back’ compulsory?
Yes. Building Rules and Regulations specify minimum Set Back distance to be left around a building.
3. Why is ‘Set Back’ necessary?
Providing Set Back space primarily ensures circulation of air, availability of day light and movement of emergency services around the building. It is to the advantage of the residents.
4. Is it required for all buildings? Yes. But not same for all buildings.
5. How important is the front ‘set back’?
This is important to provide for future widening of road. Regulations and maps specify ‘Building Line’ beyond which the building should be built. Usual front set back is 1.5 m minimum, though it depends on width of the road.
6. How much minimum should be the side ‘set back’ for an ordinary residence?
As per CMDA DCR, it should be 1m (3.3’) on one side only if width of plot is up to 6m; 1.5m (5’) one side only if width is from 6m to 9m, 1.5m on each side if above 9m. The rear should be 3 m minimum
7. Should it be left open?
Some structures are permissible in set back spaces.
Sunshade and wardrobes (above ground floor) – up to 0.60 m Open Balconies and Service verandah to Kitchen (both above GF) – up to 1.2 m Architectural and other projection (above GF), Staircase open landing – up to 1m Watchman booth not exceeding 2.5m X 2.5 m and 3 m height can be built here. And meter rooms and electrical panels not projecting more than 0.60 m
8. Norms for apartments?
Front – 3.5m (road width up to 15.25 m); 4.5m – 15.25 to 30.5m; 6m – above 30.5 m Side – 3.5 metre minimum (In general, it should be one-third of the height of the building)
Rear – normally not less than 3.5 metres. In continuous building area, no side and rear set backs are needed.
S. KANAGASUNDARAM,
PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF LICENSED BUILDING SURVEYORS, COIMBATORE.