Understanding the Legal Ratio Between Building Height & Land Size

• 7 October 2021
• Local News
• 2767 Views

Most people may mistakenly think that if they own a plot of land, they can construct a house or a building as high as they want if the structures remain within their land border. However, doing so is illegal by law. The number of floors allowed for one building is dependent on the size of the land plot owned.

Sub-Decree No. 42 on the Urban Planning of the Capital, Cities and Towns, dated April 2015, determines the legal ratio between building height and land size as follows:

Low-rise residential areas
-At least a 10x20m land plot size is required to build one 1-2 storey individual villa or semi-villa
-At least a 4x5m land plot size is required to build a 1-2 storey flat house or adjoining houses

Medium-rise residential areas
-At least a 15x25m land plot size is required to build a building with a height of 3 to 8 floors
-At least a 20x30m land plot size is required to build a 9-11 floor building

High-rise residential areas
-At least a 1,5000 sqm land plot size is required to build a 12-18 floor building
-At least a 3,000 sqm land plot size is required for a building with 18 floors or above

However, for constructions built before April 2015, even if with incorrect land size and building height ratio, is not illegal as the sub-decree is not enforced retroactively.

The power of this sub-decree applies only to land located in the capital, cities and towns. Land located outside the above three areas will be governed by the land-use master plan of the respective area or depending on the local cadastral authorities.

Besides, land in some capital, cities, and towns are also determined by different laws, depending on the region. Land in commercial, industrial and agricultural areas are also governed by separate regulations.

Therefore, landowners must check and clarify with the cadastral authority before constructing any building.

In addition to the ratio of building height and land size, the law also requires landowners to keep spare space between construction and land borders in a specific amount depending on the size and height of the construction as well. (Read more)

 

• Laws and Regulation