Karnataka government relaxes setback norms for small plots in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: In a significant move that could reshape home construction in Bengaluru, the govt Monday announced changes to long-contested building regulations for small residential plots, easing some of the stringent rules that have burdened property owners for years. The urban development department (UDD) amended the revised master plan (RMP) 2015 to relax setback rules for residential buildings constructed on plots up to 250 sq meters. Under the revised framework, UDD has adjusted setback norms by introducing differentiated measurements based on plot size. For plots measuring 60sqm (20x30ft), the front setback has been reduced to 0.7m, with 0.6m permitted on either side. Notably, the rear setback requirement has been completely eliminated for this category.For plots up to 150sqm — typically 30x40ft — the front setback is set at 0.9m, with a rear setback of 0.7m required, alongside a setback of 0.7m on one of the side boundaries. Additionally, the notification caps the maximum permissible building height for plots up to 250sqm at 12m, excluding the stilt floor. It also mandates that setback areas must not be paved or covered with hard surfaces to allow for rainwater percolation, reinforcing groundwater recharge practices.Urban planners and civil engineers have welcomed this decision, noting that the once-uniform and rigid setback rules now align with plot size and building height. This change unlocks valuable buildable space without compromising safety. The amendments have also streamlined provisions for basements and parking, including the use of mechanical parking systems, and made compliance with the National Building Code (NBC) 2016 mandatory to ensure fire and life safety.