Patna: The Urban Development and Housing Department Bihar has amended the Bihar Building Bye-laws, 2014, significantly relaxing setback regulations for commercial buildings in urban areas.
The move is expected to provide major relief to builders, traders and small commercial property owners by allowing larger commercial structures to be constructed on smaller plots.
Commercial Construction Limit Raised To 70%
Under the earlier rules, commercial construction was permitted on only 40% of the total plot area.
Following the amendment, this limit has now been increased to a maximum of 70%.
Officials said the change was introduced at the request of the Industries Department Bihar with the objective of encouraging commercial development and boosting investment in urban centres.
A formal notification regarding the revised regulations has already been issued by the Urban Development and Housing Department.
Relaxation In Side Setback Rules
According to the revised provisions, plots up to 10 metres in width will no longer require mandatory side setbacks for commercial buildings.
However, the maximum permissible height for such structures will remain capped at 10 metres.
Revised Side Setback Norms
| Plot Width | Mandatory Side Setback |
|---|---|
| Up to 10 metres | No side setback required |
| 10–15 metres | 1.8 metres |
| 15–21 metres | 2 metres |
| 21–27 metres | 2.5 metres |
| Above 39 metres | Minimum 4 metres |
Officials said the changes were likely to particularly benefit small traders and shopkeepers operating on compact urban plots.
Front And Rear Open Space Norms Also Relaxed
The government has also eased norms regarding front and rear open spaces.
For plots with a depth of up to 10 metres, builders will now need to leave only 1.5 metres of open space at the front and 1 metre at the rear.
Regulations For Commercial Buildings Up To 16 Metres Height
| Plot Depth | Front Open Space | Rear Open Space |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 metres | 1.5 m | 1.0 m |
| 10–15 metres | 3.0 m | 2.0 m |
| 15–21 metres | 4.0 m | 3.6 m |
| 21–27 metres | 4.5 m | 4.0 m |
| 27–33 metres | 5.0 m | 4.0 m |
| 33–39 metres | 6.0 m | 4.5 m |
| 39–45 metres | 6.0 m | 4.5 m |
| Above 45 metres | 6.0 m | 4.5 m |
Officials said the regulations sought to maintain a balance between urban density, ventilation and safety standards.
Rules Applicable To Buildings Up To 16 Metres
The revised setback norms will apply to commercial buildings up to 16 metres in height.
Stakeholders in Bihar’s real estate and construction sectors described the amendments as a major relief measure and said the changes could accelerate commercial development in cities across the state.
