Understanding the Importance of a Robust Policy Framework

Overview

Construction policy framework encompasses a set of regulations, made by the local government. It covers various aspects of building—area, structural safety, height, and architectural and construction features. It is meant for the construction of residential buildings and other structures. It works as guidelines for engineers, builders, and architects to develop new structures. It covers ground coverage, floor area ratio (FAR), setback, and height.

Ground Coverage

Ground coverage is about 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. Your building must comply with ground coverage regulations.

FAR

FAR is about the ratio between the floor area and the plot area. It calculates the size of a structure that can be constructed on a plot in terms of area, based on plot area and size. Floor area ratio (FAR) explainedbelow in detail:
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. Following building setback ruleswill keep your building intact.

Height

Height regulations in construction plays a very important role. 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

Your building must be constructed in accordance with the following construction compliance guidelines:
• 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.