Setback

Setback requirements serve multiple purposes: fire separation between buildings, natural light and ventilation access, emergency vehicle access, and urban aesthetics. In Dhaka, RAJUK prescribes setbacks based on building height, plot size, and road width. Typical requirements: front setback 3-6m (varies by road width), side setback 1.5-3m (varies by building height), rear setback 1.5-3m. For buildings above 10 storeys, setbacks increase. Setback violations are common in Dhaka — buildings constructed to the plot boundary eliminate fire separation, block natural ventilation to adjacent buildings, and prevent fire brigade access. Setback requirements also affect FAR calculations and building footprint design. International fire codes (NFPA 80A, IBC Chapter 7) define fire separation distances based on opening percentages in external walls.

Setback violations are permanent and cannot be rectified without demolition. They increase fire spread risk between buildings, reduce natural light and ventilation, and indicate broader compliance issues. For due diligence, verifying setback compliance is a fundamental site inspection check.