Bengaluru eases setback rules for small residential plots, boosting home construction

UDD amends RMP 2015, reduces setbacks for 20x30 and 30x40 plots, caps building height and protects groundwater recharge

The Karnataka government on Monday announced a major relaxation of building regulations for small residential plots. The Urban Development Department (UDD) has amended the Revised Master Plan (RMP) 2015, easing long-debated setback norms that have posed challenges for homeowners for several years.

The revised rules apply to residential buildings constructed on plots measuring up to 4,000 square metres. Under the updated framework, setback requirements have been restructured based on plot size, offering more flexibility while retaining key environmental safeguards.

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For smaller plots measuring 60 square metres, typically sized at 20x30 feet, the government has substantially reduced the mandatory setbacks. The front setback has now been fixed at 0.7 metres, while a setback of 0.6 metres is permitted on both sides. Notably, the rear setback requirement has been completely removed for this category, allowing better utilisation of limited plot space.

For plots measuring up to 150 square metres, commonly known as 30x40 feet sites, the revised norms specify a front setback of 0.9 metres. In addition, a rear setback of 0.7 metres is mandatory, along with a 0.7-metre setback on one side boundary. These changes aim to strike a balance between construction feasibility and urban planning requirements.

The notification also introduces a clear restriction on building height. For plots up to 250 square metres, the maximum permissible height has been capped at 12 metres, excluding the stilt floor. This measure is intended to regulate vertical growth in dense residential areas and ensure uniform development patterns.

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Importantly, the amended rules reinforce environmental considerations. The UDD has made it mandatory that setback areas must not be paved or covered with hard surfaces. These open spaces are to remain permeable, allowing rainwater to seep into the ground and support groundwater recharge, a critical concern for Bengaluru.