In urban planning and construction, adhering to building codes is crucial for ensuring safety, consistency, and functional use of public spaces. One key area regulated within these codes is building projections. Projections such as balconies, sunshades, and water spouts can impact both public and private areas, and thus are subject to specific guidelines. This article covers the main regulations for building projections, focusing on height, width, and placement restrictions to ensure compliance and harmony within developed spaces.
General Provisions for Projections
To maintain a uniform urban landscape and avoid obstructions, regulations impose a clear limit on how far projections can extend from a building. Projections extending more than 23 cm below a height of 4.3 meters, such as chajjas, cornices, water spouts, drains, pipes, and advertisement boards, are not permitted to project over public land, roadways, or drainage systems. This ensures that projections do not obstruct pedestrians, vehicles, or municipal services.
An exception may be made in specific cases, such as for the vertical part of rainwater spouts or water pipes; however, such permissions are only granted if the projections align with an approved drainage plan. This highlights the importance of planning building features in coordination with local infrastructure.
Projections for Sunshades Over Windows and Ventilators
Sunshades provide essential shelter from the sun and rain for windows and ventilators. While valuable, they must meet certain criteria to avoid encroaching on public space. According to building codes, sunshades are allowed to project under certain height conditions:
- Height Restrictions: Projections below a height of 2.8 meters from the road level are strictly prohibited from extending over roads, drains, or any area beyond the building’s boundary. This rule ensures that low-hanging structures do not obstruct pedestrian movement or create hazards at street level.
- Width Limitations: Above a height of 2.8 meters, sunshades are allowed a maximum projection of 60 cm, provided the adjacent road exceeds 9 meters in width. This restriction balances the need for functional shade with the requirement to keep public pathways open and unobstructed.
- Prohibition on Narrow Roads: On roads less than 9 meters wide or those without footpaths, projections of any sort are strictly prohibited. This prevents congestion and ensures that narrow streets, often more crowded and less equipped with pedestrian pathways, remain clear.
Guidelines for Porticos in Developed Areas
Porticos can provide sheltered walkways and enhance the architectural appeal of buildings, particularly in developed urban areas. However, their construction must comply with several guidelines to ensure public space is respected and safety is maintained:
- Conditions for Allowing Porticos: In existing developed areas, porticos are only allowed if they maintain a minimum clear space of 18 meters between the kerbs. This rule prevents overcrowding in areas that might already have limited walking space. In cases where the lease deed stipulates portico construction, or if the portico fills a gap in an existing arcade, exceptions may be made, provided they comply with construction guidelines.
- Construction Requirements: To ensure stability and maintain an open environment, porticos must be at least 3 meters wide. They can be supported either through cantilevered structures or with thin steel or reinforced concrete (RCC) pillars. Additionally, the portion above the portico must remain an open terrace, preventing further encroachment into public space and maintaining the area’s openness.
- Limitations on Extension Beyond Arcades: Porticos must not extend beyond the established line of arcades. This restriction maintains visual continuity and ensures that the porticos do not disrupt the established layout or aesthetic of the building line.
- Paving and Channeling Requirements: To facilitate proper drainage and pedestrian access, the space under the portico must be paved and channeled as per the directions of the local authority. This measure prevents water accumulation, which could otherwise create slip hazards or damage the walkway surface.
Building projection regulations serve as a framework to ensure that both private construction and public spaces coexist without interference. By following these guidelines, developers contribute to safer and more organized urban environments. From setting height and width limits on sunshades to enforcing structural specifications for porticos, these rules highlight the importance of planning architectural elements with a focus on community welfare. Complying with these projection regulations not only maintains functional urban spaces but also respects the rights and safety of the general public.