NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA (2005)

इटरनट

मानक

Disclosure to Promote the Right To Information

Whereas the Parliament of India has set out to provide a practical regime of right to

information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities,

in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority,

and whereas the attached publication of the Bureau of Indian Standards is of particular interest

to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of

education and knowledge, the attached public safety standard is made available to promote the

timely dissemination of this information in an accurate manner to the public.

“जान1 का अ+धकार, जी1 का अ+धकार”

“परा1 को छोड न' 5 तरफ”

Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan

Jawaharlal Nehru

“The Right to Information, The Right to Live”

“Step Out From the Old to the New”

SP 7 : Group 1 (2005): NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA 2005

GROUP 1 [CED 46: National Building Code]

“!ान $ एक न' भारत का +नम-ण”

Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

“!ान एक ऐसा खजाना > जो कभी चराया नहB जा सकता ह”

Bhartṛhari—Nītiśatakam

“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”

FOREWORD

Construction programmes are interwoven in a large measure in all sectors of development, be it housing, transport,

industry, irrigation, power, agriculture, education or health. Construction, both public and private, accounts for

about fifty percent of the total outlay in any Five Year Plan. Half of the total money spent on construction

activities is spent on buildings for residential, industrial, commercial, administrative, education, medical, municipal

and entertainment uses. It is estimated that about half of the total outlay on buildings would be on housing. It is

imperative that for such a large national investment, optimum returns are assured and wastage in construction is

avoided.

Soon after the Third Plan, the Planning Commission decided that the whole gamut of operations involved in

construction, such as, administrative, organizational, financial and technical aspects, be studied in depth. For this

study, a Panel of Experts was appointed in 1965 by the Planning Commission and its recommendations are found

in the ‘Report on Economies in Construction Costs’ published in 1968.

One of the facets of building construction, namely, controlling and regulating buildings through municipal byelaws

and departmental handbooks received the attention of the Panel and a study of these regulatory practices revealed

that some of the prevailing methods of construction were outmoded; some designs were overburdened with

safety factors and there were other design criteria which, in the light of newer techniques and methodologies,

could be rationalized; and building byelaws and regulations of municipal bodies which largely regulate the

building activity in the country wherever they exist, were outdated. They did not cater to the use of new building

materials and the latest developments in building designs and construction techniques. It also became clear that

these codes and byelaws lacked uniformity and they were more often than not ‘specification oriented’ and not

‘performance oriented’.

These studies resulted in a recommendation that a National Building Code be prepared to unify the building

regulations throughout the country for use by government departments, municipal bodies and other construction

agencies. The then Indian Standards Institution (now Bureau of Indian Standards) was entrusted by the Planning

Commission with the preparation of the National Building Code. For fulfilling this task a Guiding Committee for

the preparation of the Code was set up by the Civil Engineering Division Council of the Indian Standards Institution

in 1967. This Committee, in turn, set up 18 specialist panels to prepare the various parts of the Code. The

Guiding Committee and its panels were constituted with architects, planners, materials experts, structural,

construction, electrical illumination, air conditioning, acoustics and public health engineers and town planners.

These experts were drawn from the Central and State Governments, local bodies, professional institutions and

private agencies. The first version of the Code was published in 1970.

After the National Building Code of India was published in 1970, a vigorous implementation drive was launched

by the Indian Standards Institution to propagate the contents and use of the Code among all concerned in the field

of planning, designing and construction activities. For this, State-wise Implementation Conferences were organized

with the participation of the leading engineers, architects, town planners, administrators, building material

manufacturers, building and plumbing services installation agencies, contractors, etc.

These Conferences were useful in getting across the contents of the Code to the interests concerned. These

Conferences had also helped in the establishment of Action Committees to look into the actual implementation

work carried out by the construction departments, local bodies and other agencies in different States. The main

actions taken by the Action Committees were to revise and modernize their existing regulatory media, such as,

specifications, handbooks, manuals, etc, as well as building byelaws of local bodies like municipalities at city

and town levels, zilla parishads, panchayats and development authorities, so as to bring them in line with the

provisions contained in the National Building Code of India. In this process, the Indian Standards Institution

rendered considerable support in redrafting process.

Since the publication in 1970 version of the National Building Code of India, a large number of comments and

useful suggestions for modifications and additions to different parts and sections of the Code were received as a

result of use of the Code by all concerned, and revision work of building byelaws of some States. Based on the

comments and suggestion received the National Building Code of India 1970 was revised in 1983.

(v)

Some of the important changes in 1983 version included : addition of development control rules, requirements

for greenbelts and landscaping including norms for plantation of shrubs and trees, special requirements for low

income housing; fire safety regulations for high rise buildings; revision of structural design section based on new

and revised codes, such as Concrete Codes (plain and reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete), Earthquake

Code, Masonry Code; addition of outside design conditions for important cities in the country, requirements

relating to noise and vibration, air filter, automatic control, energy conservation for air conditioning; and guidance

on the design of water supply system for multi-storeyed buildings.

The National Building Code of India is a single document in which, like a network, the information contained in

various Indian Standards is woven into a pattern of continuity and cogency with the interdependent requirements

of Sections carefully analyzed and fitted in to make the whole document a cogent continuous volume. A continuous

thread of ‘preplanning’ is woven which, in itself, contributes considerably to the economies in construction

particularly in building and plumbing services.

The Code contains regulations which can be immediately adopted or enacted for use by various departments,

municipal administrations and public bodies. It lays down a set of minimum provisions designed to protect the

safety of the public with regard to structural sufficiency, fire hazards and health aspects of buildings; so long as

these basic requirements are met, the choice of materials and methods of design and construction is left to the

ingenuity of the building professionals. The Code also covers aspects of administrative regulations, development

control rules and general building requirements; fire protection requirements; stipulations regarding materials

and structural design; rules for design of electrical installations, lighting, air conditioning and lifts; regulation for

ventilation, acoustics and plumbing services, such as, water supply, drainage, sanitation and gas supply; measures

to ensure safety of workers and public during construction; and rules for erection of signs and outdoor display

structures.

Some other important points covered by the Code include ‘industrialized systems of building’ and ‘architectural

control’. The increase in population in the years to come will have a serious impact on the housing problem. It

has been estimated that the urban population of India will continue to increase with such pace as to maintain the

pressure on demand of accommodation for them. Speed of construction is thus of an utmost importance and

special consideration has to be given to industrialized systems of building. With increased building activity, it is

also essential that there should be some architectural control in the development of our cities and towns if

creation of ugliness and slum-like conditions in our urban areas is to be avoided.

Since the publication of 1983 version of National Building Code of India, the construction industry has gone

through major technological advancement. In the last two decades, substantial expertise has been gained in the

areas of building planning, designing and construction. Also, lot of developments have taken places in the techno-

legal regime and techno-financial regime, apart from the enormous experience gained in dealing with natural

calamities like super cyclones and earthquakes faced by the country. Further, since the last revision in 1983

based on the changes effected in the Steel Code, Masonry Code and Loading Code as also in order to update the

fire protection requirements, three amendments were brought out to the 1983 version of the Code. Considering

these, it was decided to take up a comprehensive revision of the National Building Code of India.

The changes incorporated in the present Code, which is second revision of the Code, have been specified in the

Foreword to each Part/Section of the Code. Some of the important changes are:

a) A new Part 0 ‘Integrated Approach — Prerequisite for Applying the Provisions of the Code’ emphasizing

on multi-disciplinary team approach for successfully accomplishing building/development project, has

been incorporated.

b) New chapters on significant areas like structural design using bamboo, mixed/composite construction

and landscaping have been added.

c) Number of provisions relating to reform in administration of the Code as also assigning duties and

responsibilities to all concerned professionals, have been incorporated/modified. Also detailed provisions/

performance to ensure structural sufficiency of buildings, have been prescribed so as to facilitate

implementation of the related requirements to help safely face the challenges during natural disasters

like earthquake.

d) Planning norms and requirements for hilly areas and rural habitat planning, apart from detailed planning

norms for large number of amenities have been incorporated.

e) Fire safety aspects have been distinctly categorized into fire prevention, life safety and fire protection

( vi )

giving detailed treatment to each based on current international developments and latest practices followed

in the country.

f) Aspects like energy conservation and sustainable development have been consistently dealt with in

various parts and sections through appropriate design, usage and practices with regard to building

materials, construction technologies and building and plumbing services. Renewable resources like

bamboo and practices like rain water harvesting have been given their due place.

g) The latest revised earthquake code, IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2002 ‘Criteria for earthquake resistant design of

structures: Part 1 General provisions and buildings’, has been incorporated, due implementation of the

provisions of which in applicable seismic zone of the country, needs to be duly adhered to by the

Authorities.

The Code now published is the third version representing the present state of knowledge on various aspects of

building construction. The process of preparation of the 2005 version of the Code had thrown up a number of

problems; some of them were answered fully and some partially. Therefore, a continuous programme will go on

by which additional knowledge that is gained through technological evolution, users’ views over a period of time

pinpointing areas of clarification and coverage and results of research in the field, would be incorporated in to

the Code from time to time to make it a living document. It is, therefore, proposed to bring out changes to the

Code periodically.

The provisions of this Code are intended to serve as a model for adoption by Public Works Departments and

other government construction departments, local bodies and other construction agencies. Existing PWD codes,

municipal byelaws and other regulatory media could either be replaced by the National Building Code of India

or suitably modified to cater to local requirements in accordance with the provisions of the Code. Any difficulties

encountered in adoption of the Code could be brought to the notice of the Sectional Committee for corrective

action.

This publication forms part of the National Building Code of India 2005 and contains

the following Parts:

PART 0 INTEGRATED APPROACH - PREREQUISITE FOR APPLYING

PROVISIONS OF THE CODE

PART 2 ADMINISTRATION

PART 3 DEVELOPMENT CONTROL RULES AND GENERAL BUILDING

REQUIREMENTS

PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

PART 5 BUILDING MATERIALS

PART 10 LANDSCAPING, SIGNS AND OUTDOOR DISPLAY

STRUCTURES

Section 1 Landscape Planning and Design

Section 2 Signs and Outdoor Display Structures

The information contained in this publication will essentially serve the concerned

professionals in dealing with the development and building schemes from the early

stages of planning.

( vii )

National Building Code Sectional Committee, CED 46

Chairman

Dr H. C. VISVESVARAYA

‘Chandrika’, at 15th Cross, 63-64 East Park Road

Malleswaram, Bangalore 560 003

Vice-Chairman

SHRI V. SURESH

P-233/3, Officers Enclave,

Air Force Station, Rajokari, New Delhi 110 038

Organization

Representative(s)

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Ahmedabad

SHRI VATSAL S. PATEL

SHRI JAGDISH A. PATEL (Alternate)

Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, Bangalore

SHRI M. R. SREENIVASA MURTHY

SHRI R. RAMEGOWDA (Alternate I)

SHRI N. KRISHNA (Alternate II)

Builders Association of India, Mumbai

SHRI B. G. AHUJA

Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council, New Delhi

SHRI T. N. GUPTA & SHRI D. B. N. RAO

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Ministry of Power), New Delhi

REPRESENTATIVE

Central Building Research Institute (CSIR), Roorkee

SHRI V. K. MATHUR

SHRI B. S. GUPTA (Alternate)

Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation

SHRI B. B. UPPAL

(Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation),

SHRI V. K. CHAURASIA (Alternate)

New Delhi

Central Public Works Department (Central Designs Organization),

CHIEF ENGINEER (DESIGNS)

New Delhi

SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER (S & S)

(Alternate)

Central Public Works Department (Electrical Department),

CHIEF ENGINEER (ELECTRICAL) I

New Delhi

Centre for Disaster Mitigation and Management, Anna University,

DIRECTOR

Chennai

Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, Chennai

MEMBER SECRETARY

SHRI N. V. RAKHUNATH (Alternate)

Construction Industry Development Council, New Delhi

SHRI P. R. SWARUP

SHRI ANIL CHADHA (Alternate)

Council of Architecture, New Delhi

SHRI PREMENDRA RAJ MEHTA

SHRI SUDHIR VOHRA (Alternate)

Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi

ENGINEER MEMBER

CHIEF ENGINEER (HQ) (Alternate)

Delhi Fire Service, Government of National Capital Territory

SHRI R. C. SHARMA

of Delhi, Delhi

Department of Science and Technology (Ministry of Science

SHRI V. RAO ALYAGARI

and Technology), New Delhi

Directorate General of Employment and Training, New Delhi

SHRI ASHWANI KUMAR

Engineer-in-Chief’s Branch, Army Headquarters, New Delhi

BRIG S. K. SHARMA

SHRI D. K. DINKER (Alternate)

Forest Research Institute (Indian Council for Forestry Research

DIRECTOR GENERAL

and Education), Dehra Dun

DIRECTOR

(Alternate)

Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd, New Delhi

CHAIRMAN & MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHRI R. K. SAFAYA (Alternate)

Indian Geotechnical Society, New Delhi

SHRI D. B. MAHAJAN

DR M. D. DESAI (Alternate)

( viii )

Organization

Representative(s)

Indian Institute of Technology (Centre for Energy Studies),

PROF N. K. BANSAL

New Delhi

Indian Roads Congress, New Delhi

CHIEF ENGINEER (DESIGN), CPWD

SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER (DESIGN), CPWD (Alternate)

Institute of Town Planners, India, New Delhi

DR S. K. KULSHRESTHA

Institution of Fire Engineers (India), New Delhi

PRESIDENT

GENERAL SECRETARY (Alternate)

Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi

FIRE ADVISOR

Ministry of Home Affairs (Disaster Management Division),

SHRI M. P. SAJNANI

New Delhi

SHRI S. K. SWAMI (Alternate)

Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, New Delhi

DR T. C. TRIPATHI

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, New Delhi

SHRI S. B. BASU

SHRI P. HALDER (Alternate)

Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Mumbai

DIRECTOR (ENGG SERVICES & PROJECTS)

CITY ENGINEER (Alternate)

National Buildings Construction Corporation, New Delhi

SHRI B. PRASAD

SHRI N. P. AGARWAL (Alternate)

National Council for Cement and Building Materials, Ballabgarh

SHRI SHIBAN RAINA

DR ANIL KUMAR (Alternate)

National Design and Research Forum, The Institution of Engineers

PROF R. NARAYANA IYENGAR

(India), Bangalore

SHRI B. SURESH (Alternate)

National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR),

DR ARINDAM GHOSH

Nagpur

DR V. P. DESHPANDE (Alternate)

North Eastern Council, Shillong

SHRI P. K. DEB

Public Works Department (Roads and Buildings), Gandhinagar

SHRI V. P. JAMDAR

SHRI M. S. JALLUNDHWALA (Alternate)

Research, Designs and Standards Organization (Ministry of Railways),

SHRI R. K. GUPTA

Lucknow

SHRI J. P. DAS (Alternate)

School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi

DIRECTOR

Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR), Chennai

SHRI C. V. VAIDYANATHAN

SHRI K. MANI (Alternate)

Suri and Suri Consulting Acoustical Engineers, New Delhi

SHRI GAUTAM SURI

The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi

MS MILI MAJUMDAR

MS VIDISHA SALUNKE-PALSULE (Alternate)

The Indian Institute of Architects, New Delhi

SHRI BALBIR VERMA

SHRI ABHIJIT RAY (Alternate)

The Institution of Engineers (India), Kolkata

PROF G. P. LAL

SHRI O. P. GOEL (Alternate)

The Institution of Surveyors, New Delhi

SHRI K. S. KHARB

SHRI R. K. BHALLA (Alternate)

Town and Country Planning Organization, New Delhi

SHRI K. T. GURUMUKHI

SHRI J. B. KSHIRSAGAR (Alternate)

U.P. Housing and Development Board, Lucknow

SHRI HARI GOPAL

Unitech Ltd, Gurgaon

SHRI SUSHIL SHARMA

SHRI SHAHID MAHMOOD (Alternate)

In personal capacity (5, Sunder Nagar, New Delhi 110 003)

DR J. R. BHALLA

BIS Directorate General

SHRI S. K. JAIN, Director & Head (Civil Engineering)

[Representing Director General (Ex-officio Member)]

Member Secretary

SHRI SANJAY PANT

Joint Director (Civil Engineering), BIS

( ix )

Special Panel for Guiding and Co-ordinating the

Revision of National Building Code of India, CED 46:SP

Organization

Representative(s)

In personal capacity (P-233/3, Officers Enclave, Air Force Station,

SHRI V. SURESH (Convener)

Rajokari, New Delhi 110 038)

Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council, New Delhi

SHRI T. N. GUPTA

Central Building Research Institute (CSIR), Roorkee

SHRI V. K. MATHUR

Central Public Works Department, New Delhi

SHRI H. S. DOGRA

Council of Architecture, New Delhi

SHRI PREMENDRA RAJ MEHTA

Engineer-in-Chief’s Branch, Army Headquarters, New Delhi

LT-GEN HARI UNIYAL

The Institution of Engineers (India), Kolkata

PROF G. P. LAL

SHRI O. P. GOEL (Alternate)

Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi

SHRI SANJAY PANT

Ad-hoc Group for Part 0 of NBC, CED 46:AG

Organization

Representative(s)

In personal capacity (‘Chandrika’, at 15th Cross, 63-64, East Park Road, DR H. C. VISVESVARAYA (Convener)

Malleswaram, Bangalore 560 003)

Council of Architecture, New Delhi

SHRI PREMENDRA RAJ MEHTA

In personal capacity (P-233/3, Officers Enclave, Air Force Station,

SHRI V. SURESH

Rajokari, New Delhi 110 038)

In personal capacity (A-39/B, DDA Flats, Munirka, New Delhi 110 067)

SHRI P. B. VIJAY

In personal capacity (EA-345, Maya Enclave, New Delhi 110 064)

SHRI J. N. BHAVANI PRASAD

Panel for Administration, Development Control Rules and

General Building Requirements, CED 46:P1

Organization

Representative(s)

In personal capacity (P-233/3, Officers Enclave, Air Force Station,

SHRI V. SURESH (Convener)

Rajokari, New Delhi 110 038)

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Ahmedabad

REPRESENTATIVE

Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council, New Delhi

SHRI T. N. GUPTA

SHRI RAJESH MALIK (Alternate)

Central Building Research Institute (CSIR), Roorkee

SHRI V. K. MATHUR

SHRI N. K. SHANGARI (Alternate)

Central Public Works Department, New Delhi

SHRI R. S. KAUSHAL

SHRI SANJIB SENGUPTA (Alternate)

Consulting Engineers Association of India, New Delhi

SHRI S. C. MEHROTRA

SHRI N. F. PATEL (Alternate)

Council of Architecture, New Delhi

SHRI PREMENDRA RAJ MEHTA

SHRI SUDHIR VOHRA (Alternate)

Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi

SHRI R. C. KINGER

SHRI A. K. GUPTA (Alternate)

Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd, New Delhi

SHRI K. C. BATRA

Indian Association of Structural Engineers, New Delhi

SHRI MAHENDRA RAJ

Institute of Town Planners (India), New Delhi

DR S. K. KULSHRESTHA

Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi

ENGINEER-IN-CHIEF

SHRI M. M. DAS (Alternate)

Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Mumbai

CHIEF ENGINEER (DEVELOPMENT PLAN)

DEPUTY CHIEF ENGINEER (DEVELOPMENT PLAN)-I (Alternate)

National Council for Cement and Building Materials, Ballabgarh

DR ANIL KUMAR

(x)

Organization

Representative(s)

National Real Estate Development Council, New Delhi

BRIG R. R. SINGH (RETD)

School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi

PROF SUBIR SAHA

The Indian Institute of Architects, Mumbai

SHRI BALBIR VERMA

SHRI ABHIJIT RAY (Alternate)

The Institution of Engineers (India), Kolkata

SHRI A. D. SHIRODE

SHRI P. B. VIJAY (Alternate)

Town and Country Planning Organization, New Delhi

SHRI J. B. KSHIRSAGAR

SHRI R. SRINIVAS (Alternate)

Panel for Fire Protection, CED 46:P2

Organization

Representative(s)

In personal capacity (29/25, Old Rajendra Nagar, New Delhi 110 060)

SHRI S. K. DHERI (Convener)

Central Building Research Institute (CSIR), Roorkee

DR T. P. SHARMA

DR GOPAL KRISHNA (Alternate)

Central Public Works Department, New Delhi

SHRI ARVIND KANSAL

SHRI R. S. KAUSHAL (Alternate)

Deolalikar Consultants Pvt Ltd, New Delhi

SHRI S. G. DEOLALIKAR

Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Government of Tamil Nadu,

SHRI S. DHANASEKARAN

Chennai

SHRI R. RAJAGOPALAN (Alternate)

Engineer-in-Chief’s Branch, Army Headquarters, New Delhi

SHRI R. A. DUBEY

SHRI AJAY SHANKAR (Alternate)

Institution of Fire Engineers (India), New Delhi

SHRI U. S. CHHILLAR

SHRI S. P. BATRA (Alternate)

Lloyd Insulations (India) Ltd, New Delhi

SHRI SANJEEV ANGRA

SHRI K. K. MITRA (Alternate)

Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi

SHRI OM PRAKASH

SHRI D. K. SHAMMI (Alternate)

Delhi Fire Service, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi,

SHRI R. C. SHARMA

Delhi

SHRI G. C. MISRA (Alternate)

Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (Mumbai Fire Brigade),

SHRI A. D. JHANDWAL

Mumbai

SHRI V. H. NAIK (Alternate)

National Council for Cement and Building Materials, Ballabgarh

DR ANIL KUMAR

National Fire Service College (Ministry of Home Affairs), Nagpur

DR K. C. WADHWA

SHRI SHAMIM (Alternate)

Oil Industry Safety Directorate, New Delhi

SHRI D. JAGANNATH

SHRI S. K. AGGARWAL (Alternate)

Regional Research Laboratory (CSIR), Jorhat

REPRESENTATIVE

Spectral Services Consultants Pvt Ltd, New Delhi

SHRI SANDEEP GOEL

Tariff Advisory Committee, Mumbai

SHRI Z. U. ISLAM

SHRI D. N. SAHA (Alternate)

The Institution of Engineers (India), Kolkata

PROF M. P. CHOWDIAH

SHRI K. B. RAJORIA (Alternate)

In personal capacity (P-233/3, Officers Enclave, Air Force Station,

SHRI V. SURESH

Rajokari, New Delhi 110 038)

Panel for Building Materials, CED 46:P3

Organization

Representative(s)

Building Materials and Technology Promotion Councils, New Delhi

SHRI T. N. GUPTA (Convener)

Central Building Research Institute (CSIR), Roorkee

DR C. L. VERMA

SHRI L. K. AGARWAL (Alternate)

Central Public Works Department, New Delhi

SHRI H. K. L. MEHTA

SHRI R. C. GUPTA (Alternate)

( xi )

Organization

Representative(s)

Council of Architecture, New Delhi

SHRI ANURAG ROY

SHRI ATUL GUPTA (Alternate)

Department of Science and Technology (Ministry of Science and

SHRI SOUMITRA BISWAS

Technology), New Delhi

SHRI G. SRIKANTH (Alternate)

Engineer-in-Chief’s Branch, Army Headquarters, New Delhi

SHRI A. K. SINGH

SHRI P. K. GUPTA (Alternate)

Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd, New Delhi

CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHRI S. K. TANEJA (Alternate)

Indian Plywood Industries Research and Training Institute,

SHRI K. SHYAMASUNDAR

Bangalore

SHRI M. PAWAN KUMAR (Alternate)

National Council for Cement and Building Materials, Ballabgarh

SHRI SHIBAN RAINA

DR K. MOHAN (Alternate)

The Institution of Engineers (India), Kolkata

SHRI G. L. RAO

SHRI R. S. GOEL (Alternate)

Panel for Landscaping, Signs and Outdoor Display Structures, CED 46:P18

Organization

Representative(s)

In personal capacity (5, Sunder Nagar, New Delhi 110003)

DR J. R. BHALLA (Convener)

Central Public Works Department, New Delhi

SHRI ARVIND KANSAL

SHRI A. N. DEVIKAR (Alternate)

Council of Architecture, New Delhi

KUMARI VINITA C. K. VIJAYAN

Delhi Urban Arts Commission, New Delhi

SHRI H. K. YADAV

SHRI DINA NATH (Alternate)

Housing and Urban Development Corporation, New Delhi

SHRI R. K. SAFAYA

Institute of Town Planners, India, New Delhi

DR S. K. KULSHRESTHA

Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi

SHRI S. S. HADKE

SHRI S. RAMESH (Alternate)

Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Mumbai

SHRI M. S. GHAG

SHRI R. K. RAHATE (Alternate)

National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad

SHRI ANANDO DUTTA

SHRI J. G. SEVAK (Alternate)

Selvel Publicity and Consultants Pvt Ltd, Mumbai

SHRI K. S. NICHOLSON

Shaheer Associates, New Delhi

PROF M. SHAHEER

Town and Country Planning Organization, New Delhi

SHRI J. B. KSHIRSAGAR

SHRI Y. RAMESH (Alternate)

The Indian Institute of Architects, Mumbai

SHRI MAHESH PALIWAL

The Institution of Engineers (India), Kolkata

PROF JITENDRA SINGH

In personal capacity (D-198, Defence Colony, New Delhi 110024)

SHRI RAVINDRA BHAN

Member Secretary

SHRI SANJAY PANT

Joint Director (Civil Engineering), BIS

Joint Member Secretary

SHRI S. K. VERMA

Deputy Director (Civil Engineering), BIS

( xii )

Important Explanatory Note for Users of Code

In this Code, where reference is made to ‘accepted standards’ in relation to material

specification, testing or other related information or where reference is made to ‘good practice’

in relation to design, constructional procedures or other related information, the Indian

Standards listed at the end of the concerned Parts/Sections may be used to the interpretation

of these terms.

At the time of publication, the editions indicated in the above Indian Standards were valid.

All standards are subject to revision and parties to agreements based on the Parts/Sections

are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the

standards.

In the list of standards given at the end of each Part/Section, the number appearing in the

first column indicates the number of the reference in that Part/Section. For example:

a) accepted standard [3(1)] refers to the standard given at serial number 1 of the list of

standards given at the end of Part 3, that is IS 8888 (Part 1) : 1993 ‘Guide for

requirements of low income housing: Part 1 Urban area (first revision)’.

b) good practice [4(3)] refers to the standard given at serial number 3 of the list of standards

given at the end of Part 4, that is IS 15394 : 2003 ‘Code of practice for fire safety in

petroleum refinery and fertilizer plants’.

c) accepted standard [4(11)] refers to the standard given at serial number 11 of the list of

standards given at the end of Part 4, that is IS 11360 : 1985 ‘Specification for smoke

detectors for use in automatic electrical fire alarm system’.

d) good practice [4(28)] refers to the standard given at serial number 28 of the list of

standards given at the end of Part 4, that is IS 12456 : 1988 ‘Code of practice for fire

protection of electronic data processing installations’.

e) good practice [10-2(3)] refers to the standard given at serial number 3 of the list of

standards given at the end of Section 2 of Part 10, that is IS 401 : 2001 ‘Code of

practice for preservation of timber (fourth revision)’.

( xiii )

INFORMATION FOR THE USERS

For the convenience of the users, the National Building Code of India 2005 is available as a comprehensive

volume as well as in the following five groups, each incorporating the related Parts/Sections dealing with particular

area of building activity:

Group 1

For Development, Building

Part 0:

Integrated Approach

— Prerequisite for Applying

Planning and Related

Provisions of the Code

Aspects

Part 2:

Administration

Part 3:

Development Control Rules and General Building

Requirements

Part 4:

Fire and Life Safety

Part 5:

Building Materials

Part 10:

Landscaping, Signs and Outdoor Display Structures

Section 1 Landscape Planning and Design

Section 2 Signs and Outdoor Display Structures

Group 2

For Structural Design and

Part 0:

Integrated Approach

— Prerequisite for Applying

Related Aspects

Provisions of the Code

Part 6:

Structural Design

Section 1 Loads, Forces and Effects

Section 2 Soils and Foundations

Section 3 Timber and Bamboo

3A Timber

3B Bamboo

Section 4 Masonry

Section 5 Concrete

5A Plain and Reinforced Concrete

5B Prestressed Concrete

Section 6 Steel

Section 7 Prefabrication, Systems Building and

Mixed/Composite Construction

7A Prefabricated Concrete

7B Systems Building and Mixed/

Composite Construction

Group 3

For Construction Related

Part 0:

Integrated Approach

— Prerequisite for Applying

Aspects including Safety

Provisions of the Code

Part 7:

Constructional Practices and Safety

Group 4

For Aspects Relating to

Part 0:

Integrated Approach

— Prerequisite for Applying

Building Services

Provisions of the Code

Part 8:

Building Services

Section 1 Lighting and Ventilation

Section 2 Electrical and Allied Installations

Section 3 Air conditioning, Heating and Mechanical

Ventilation

Section 4 Acoustics, Sound Insulation and Noise

Control

Section 5 Installation of Lifts and Escalators

Group 5

For Aspects Relating to

Part 0:

Integrated Approach

— Prerequisite for Applying

Plumbing Services

Provisions of the Code

including Solid Waste

Part 9:

Plumbing Services

Management

Section 1 Water Supply, Drainage and Sanitation

(including Solid Waste Management)

Section 2 Gas Supply

The information contained in different groups will essentially serve the concerned professionals dealing in the

respective areas.

( xiv )

The National Building Code of India consists of the following Parts and Sections:

Total Pages

PART 0

INTEGRATED APPROACH — PREREQUISITE FOR APPLYING PROVISIONS OF THE CODE

… 12

PART 1

DEFINITIONS

… 16

PART 2

ADMINISTRATION

… 24

PART 3

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL RULES AND GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

… 64

PART 4

FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

… 88

PART 5

BUILDING MATERIALS

… 40

PART 6

STRUCTURAL DESIGN

Section 1

Loads, Forces and Effects

…

104

Section 2

Soils and Foundations

…

Section 3

Timber and Bamboo

3A Timber

…

3B Bamboo

…

Section 4

Masonry

…

Section 5

Concrete

5A Plain and Reinforced Concrete

…

5B Prestressed Concrete

…

Section 6

Steel

…

Section 7

Prefabrication, Systems Building and Mixed/Composite

Construction

7A Prefabricated Concrete

…

7B Systems Building and Mixed/Composite Construction

…

PART 7

CONSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES AND SAFETY

…

PART 8

BUILDING SERVICES

Section 1

Lighting and Ventilation

…

Section 2

Electrical and Allied Installations

…

Section 3

Air Conditioning, Heating and Mechanical Ventilation

…

Section 4

Acoustics, Sound Insulation and Noise Control

…

Section 5

Installation of Lifts and Escalators

…

PART 9

PLUMBING SERVICES

Section 1

Water Supply, Drainage and Sanitation (including Solid

…

Waste Management)

Section 2

Gas Supply

…

PART 10

LANDSCAPING, SIGNS AND OUTDOOR DISPLAY STRUCTURES

Section 1

Landscape Planning and Design

…

Section 2

Signs and Outdoor Display Structures

…

( xv )

National Building Code Sectional Committee, CED 46

FOREWORD

In order to provide safe and healthy habitat, careful consideration needs to be paid to the building construction

activity. Building planning, designing and construction activities have developed over the centuries. Large number

of ancient monuments and historical buildings all over the world bear testimony to the growth of civilization

from the prehistoric era with the extensive use of manual labour and simple systems as appropriate to those ages

to the present day mechanized and electronically controlled operations for designing and constructing buildings

and for operating and maintaining systems and services. In those days those buildings were conceptualized and

built by master builders with high levels of artisan skills. Technological and socio-economic developments in

recent times have led to remarkable increase in demand for more and more sophistication in buildings resulting

in ever increasing complexities. These perforce demand high levels of inputs from professionals of different

disciplines such as architecture, civil engineering, structural engineering, functional and life safety services

including special aspects relating to utilities, landscaping, etc in conceptualization, spatial planning, design and

construction of buildings of various material and technology streams, with due regard to various services including

operation, maintenance, repairs and rehabilitation aspects throughout the service life of the building.

This Code, besides prescribing the various provisions, also allows freedom of action to adopt appropriate practices

and provides for building planning, designing and construction for absorbing traditional practices as well as

latest developments in knowledge in the various disciplines as relevant to a building including computer aided

and/or other modern sensors aided activities in the various stages of conceptualization, planning, designing,

constructing, maintaining and repairing the buildings. India being a large country with substantial variations

from region to region, this Code has endeavoured to meet the requirements of different regions of the country,

both urban and rural, by taking into consideration factors, such as, climatic and environmental conditions,

geographical terrain, proneness to natural disasters, ecologically appropriate practices, use of eco-friendly materials,

reduction of pollution, protection and improvement of local environment and also socio-economic considerations,

towards the creation of sustainable human settlements.

This Part of the Code dealing with ‘integrated approach’ is being included for the first time. It gives an overall

direction for practical applications of the provisions of different specialized aspects of spatial planning, designing

and construction of buildings, creation of services, and proposes an integrated approach for utilizing appropriate

knowledge and experience of qualified professionals right from the conceptualization through construction and

completion stages of a building project and indeed during the entire life cycle. The ‘integrated approach’ should

not only take care of functional, aesthetic and safety aspects, but also the operational and maintenance requirements.

Also, cost optimization has to be achieved through proper selection of materials, techniques, equipment

installations, etc. Further, value engineering and appropriate management techniques should be applied to achieve

the aim set forth for the purpose of construction of a building fully meeting the specified and implied needs of

spatial functions, safety and durability aspects, life and health safety, comfort, services, etc in the building.

The aim of the ‘integrated approach’ is to get the maximum benefit from the building and its services in terms of

quality, timely completion and cost-effectiveness. In the team approach which is an essential pre-requisite for

integrated approach, the aim clearly is to maximize the efficiency of the total system through appropriate

optimization of each of its sub-systems. In other words, in the team, the inputs from each of the professional

disciplines have to be so optimized that the total system’s efficiency becomes the maximum. It may be re-

emphasized that maximizing the efficiencies of each sub-system may not necessarily assure the maximization of

the efficiency of the total system. It need hardly to be stated that specified or implied safety will always get

precedence over functional efficiency and economy. Further, progressive approach such as that relating to the

concept of intelligent buildings would be best taken care of by the ‘integrated approach’ as laid down in this Part.

Quality systems approach and certification thereunder covering the various dimensions brought out above may

go a long way in achieving the above goal of real integrated approach.

PART 0 INTEGRATED APPROACH

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

PART 0 INTEGRATED APPROACH — PREREQUISITE FOR

APPLYING PROVISIONS OF THE CODE

1 SCOPE

development control rules and general building

requirements; building materials; fire and life safety;

This Part covers guidelines to be followed for judicious

structural design; constructional practices and safety;

implementation of the provisions of various Parts/

building and plumbing services; and landscaping, signs

Sections of the Code.

and outdoor display structures, other parts/sections of

2 TERMINOLOGY

the Code may be referred to.

2.0

For the purpose of this Part, the following

3.2

The scope of various Parts/Sections of the Code

definitions and those given in Part 1 ‘Definitions’ shall

which cover detailed provisions on different aspects

apply.

of development of land/building construction activity,

are given in Annex A, with a view to providing an

2.1 Authority Having Jurisdiction — The Authority

overview for the users of the Code.

which has been created by a statute and which, for the

purpose of administering the Code/Part, may authorize

4 TEAM APPROACH

a committee or an official or an agency to act on its

A land development/building project comprises the

behalf; hereinafter called the ‘Authority’.

following major stages:

2.2 Building — Any structure for whatsoever purpose

a) Location/siting,

and of whatsoever materials constructed and every part

b) Conceptualization and planning,

thereof whether used as human habitation or not and

includes foundation, plinth, walls, floors, roofs,

c) Designing and detailing,

chimneys, plumbing and building services, fixed

d) Construction/execution, and

platforms, VERANDAH, balcony, cornice or projection,

e) Maintenance and repair.

part of a building or anything affixed thereto or any

Each stage necessarily requires professionals of many

wall enclosing or intended to enclose any land or space

disciplines who should work together as a well

and signs and outdoor display structures. Tents/

coordinated team to achieve the desired product

SHAMIANAHS/PANDALS, tarpaulin shelters, etc,

delivery with quality, in an effective manner.

erected for temporary and ceremonial occasions shall

not be considered as building.

Appropriate multi-disciplinary teams need to be

constituted to successfully meet the requirements of

2.3 Owner — Person or body having a legal interest

different stages. Each team may comprise need based

in land and/or building thereon. This includes free

professionals out of the following depending upon the

holders, leaseholders or those holding a sub-lease

nature, magnitude and complexity of the project:

which both bestows a legal right to occupation and

gives rise to liabilities in respect of safety or building

a) Architect,

condition.

b) Civil engineer,

In case of lease or sub-lease holders, as far as ownership

c) Structural engineer,

with respect to the structure is concerned, the structure

d) Electrical engineer,

of a flat or structure on a plot belongs to the allottee/

e) Plumbing engineer,

lessee till the allotment/lease subsists.

f) Fire protection engineer,

NOTE — For the purpose of the Code, the word ‘owner’ will

g) HVAC engineer,

also cover the generally understood terms like ‘client’, ‘user’,

etc.

h) Environment specialist,

Town planner,

3 GENERAL

k) Urban designer,

3.1

Buildings, shall be classified as Residential,

m) Landscape architect,

Educational, Institutional, Assembly, Business,

n) Security system specialist,

Mercantile, Industrial, Storage and Hazardous in

groups and sub-division as classified in Part 4 ‘Fire

p) Interior designer,

and Life Safety’.

q) Quantity surveyor,

r) Project/construction manager, and

For further sub-classification of buildings and various

related provisions thereof with respect to administration;

s) Other subject specialist(s).

PART 0 INTEGRATED APPROACH

4.1 Design Team

depending on the size and complexity of the project,

are carefully selected considering their qualification,

In building projects various aspects like form; space

experience and expertise in these fields.

planning; aesthetics; fire and life safety; structural

adequacy; plumbing services; lighting and natural

4.3

Operation and Maintenance Team

ventilation; electrical and allied installations; air

Operation, maintenance and repairs also require a

conditioning, heating and mechanical ventilation;

multi-disciplinary approach to ensure that all the

acoustics, sound insulation and noise control;

requirements of the users are satisfactorily met. During

installation of lifts and escalators; building automation;

maintenance and repairs, the jobs requiring inter-

data and voice communication; other utility services

disciplinary co-ordination have to be executed in such

installations; landscape planning and design; urban

a manner as not only to cause least inconvenience to

planning; etc need to be kept in view right at the

the user but also to ensure that there is no mismatch or

concept stage. The project requiring such multi-

damage to the structure, finishings, fittings and fixtures.

disciplinary inputs need a co-ordinated approach

For carrying out routine maintenance/repair jobs,

among the professionals for proper integration of

utilization of the services of trained technicians

various design inputs. For this, and to take care of the

preferably having multi-disciplinary skills should be

complexities of multi-disciplinary requirements, a

encouraged.

design team of professionals from required disciplines

shall be constituted at the appropriate stage. Here, it is

Special repairs, rehabilitation and retrofitting are

desirable that the multi-disciplinary integration is

specialized jobs which demand knowledge of the

initiated right from the concept stage. The team shall

existing structure/installations. Association of

finalize the plan. The composition of the team shall

concerned specialists may be helpful for these works.

depend on the nature and magnitude of the project.

The Operation and Maintenance Team may also be

Design is an evolutionary and participatory process,

known as Asset Management or Estate Management

where participation of owner constitutes a very

Team.

important input at all stages, and the same shall be

ensured by the design team.

5 PLANNING, DESIGNING AND DEVELOPMENT

To ensure proper implementation of the design, the

5.1

The main functions of design team (see 4.1)

design team, may be associated during the construction/

constituted for the planning, designing and development,

execution stage.

are as under:

4.2

Project Management and Construction

Formalization of design brief in consultation

Management Teams

with the owner.

Site investigation/survey.

The objective of project management or construction

management is primarily to achieve accomplishment

Preparation of alternative concept designs.

of project in accordance with the designs and

Selection of a concept in consultation with

specifications in a stipulated time and cost framework,

and with the consent of owner.

with a degree of assurance prior to commencement and

Sizing the system.

satisfaction on accomplishment.

Development of design, covering :

For large projects, separate teams of experienced

1) Integration of architecture, structure and

professionals from the required disciplines may

services,

beconstituted for project management and for

2) Synthesis of requirements of each

construction management depending upon the

discipline, and

complexities of the project. However, for smaller

3) Interaction with each other and with the

projects these teams may be combined. The teams shall

owner.

be responsible for day-to-day execution, supervision,

Preparation of preliminary designs and

quality control, etc and shall ensure inter-disciplinary

drawings and obtaining owner’s approval.

co-ordination during the construction stage. The team

Preparation of preliminary cost estimates for

shall be responsible to achieve satisfactory completion

approval of owner.

of the project with regard to cost, time and quality.

Some members of the design team may also be

Preparation of work-breakdown structure and

included in the project management team and/or

programme for pre-construction activities.

associated actively during the project execution stage.

Assisting client to obtain approvals of the

It is important that leaders and members of project

Authority.

management/construction management teams,

Preparation of detailed specification and

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

construction working drawings with integration

Acoustical controls for buildings and the

of engineering inputs of all concerned

surroundings.

disciplines.

Promotion of artwork in buildings, specially

n) Preparation of detailed design of each

buildings of importance.

discipline for various services.

Due cognizance of recommendations of the

p) Peer review/proof checking of the drawings/

Archeological Survey of India with regard to

designs in case of important projects,

national monuments and construction in

depending upon their complexity and

archeologically important sites.

sensitivity.

Due cognizance of relevant provisions of

q) Preparation of detailed cost estimate.

applicable coastal zone regulation act.

r) Obtaining final approval of client.

Conservation of heritage structures and areas.

s) Preparation of bill of quantities, specifications

Environmental and social impact analysis.

and tender documents.

Design of services with emphasis on aspects

of energy efficiency, environment friendliness

5.2

The following considerations, as may be

and maintainability.

applicable to the project, may be considered during

planning, notwithstanding other relevant aspects

Integrated waste management.

specifically prescribed in concerned parts/sections of

Voice and data communication, automation

this Code; these considerations in general are with the

of building services, and intelligent building;

objective of addressing to the important issues like

use of security and surveillance system in

environmental protection, energy conservation,

important and sensitive buildings, such as,

cultural issues, creating barrier free built-environment,

access control for the people as well as for

safety aspects, etc, all of these leading towards

vehicle.

sustainable development, and have to be applied with

Interlinking of fire alarm system, fire

due regard to the specific requirements of size and type

protection system, security system, ventilation,

of project:

electrical systems, etc.

Geoclimatic, geological and topographical

Analysis of emergency power, standby power

features.

requirement and captive power systems.

Varied sociological pattern of living in the

Cost optimization through techniques like

country.

value engineering.

Effective land use to cater to the needs of the

Adoption of innovative technologies giving

society in a most convenient manner.

due consideration to constructability and

quality aspects.

Modular planning and standardization to

take care of future planning giving due

Instrumentation of buildings and monitoring

consideration to the specified planning

and use of information so generated to effect

controls.

improvements in planning and design of

future building projects.

Emphasis on daylight utilization, natural

ventilation, shielding, and window area

CONSTRUCTION/EXECUTION

and its disposition; daylighting to be

(ACTUALIZATION)

supplemented with an integrated design of

artificial lighting.

6.1

The main functions of the teams (see 4.2)

constituted for Project Management/Construction

Optimum utilization of renewable energy

Management may be, to :

sources duly integrated in the overall energy

system design; with consideration of active

a) specify criteria for selection of constructors;

and passive aspects in building design

b) specify quality control, quality audit system

including thermal performance of building

and safety system;

envelope.

c) short-list constructors;

Rain water harvesting, and use of appropriate

d) have pre-bid meetings with the intending

building materials considering aspects

constructors;

like energy consumption in production,

e) receive and evaluate tenders;

transportation and utilization, recyclability,

etc for promoting sustainable development.

f) select constructors;

Requisite mandatory provisions for

g) execution and supervision;

handicapped persons.

h) monitor quality, time and cost control;

PART 0

INTEGRATED APPROACH

prepare/certify the completion (as-built)

system of periodic maintenance and upkeep of

drawings; and

constructed buildings.

k) ensure availability of operation manuals for

7.2 The operation and maintenance team shall be

field use.

responsible for preparation/application of operation

6.2 Apart from the specific provisions laid down in

and maintenance manual, and draw maintenance

the concerned Parts/Sections of the Code, the following

schedule/frequencies and guidelines for maintenance

considerations, as may be applicable to the project

personnel. Apart from the specific provisions laid down

concerned, shall be given due attention:

in concerned Parts/Sections of the Code, the following,

as may be applicable to the project concerned shall

a) Adopting scientific principles of construction

additionally be taken into account:

management, quality management, cost and

time control.

a) Periodic validation of buildings by competent

b) Engagement of executing and supervising

professionals through inspection of the

agencies, which meet the specified norms of

buildings in respect of structural safety and

skills, specialization, experience, resource-

safety of electrical and other installations and

fulness, etc for the work.

ensuring that all fire safety equipments/

c) Ensuring inter-disciplinary co-ordination

systems are in proper working condition.

during construction.

b) Preparation of preventive maintenance

d) Contract management and techno-legal

schedules for all installations in the building

aspects.

and strictly following the same; the record of

the preventive maintenance to be properly

e) Completion, commissioning and trial run of

kept.

installations/equipments and their operation

and maintenance through the suppliers/other

c) Ensuring inter-disciplinary co-ordination

teams, where necessary.

during maintenance and repairs; deployment

f) Make available shop drawings as well as as-

of trained personnel with multi-disciplinary

built drawings for the building and services.

skills to be encouraged.

g) Arrange all maintenance and operation

d) Condition survey of structures and

manual from the concerned suppliers/

installations, identification of distress of

manufacturers.

various elements and initiating plans for

rehabilitation/retrofitting well in time.

6.3 The team of professionals (see 4.2) shall work

and monitor the project activities for successful

7.3 The proposals for rehabilitation/retrofitting should

construction/execution of the project with regard to

be prepared after detailed investigations through visual

cost, time, quality and safety.

inspection, maintenance records and testing as required

and got executed through specialized agencies

7 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

under the guidance and supervision of competent

7.1 The team of professionals (see 4.3) shall set up a

professionals.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

ANNEX A

(Clause 3.2)

BRIEF DETAILS OF THE COVERAGE OF VARIOUS PROVISIONS UNDER

DIFFERENT OTHER PARTS/SECTIONS OF THIS CODE

A-1 PART 1 DEFINITIONS

A-6.2 Section 2 Soils and Foundations

It lists the terms appearing in all the Parts/Sections of

It covers structural design (principles) of all building

the Code. However, some common definitions are

foundations, such as, raft, pile and other foundation

reproduced in this Part also.

systems to ensure safety and serviceability without

exceeding the permissible stresses of the materials of

A-2 PART 2 ADMINISTRATION

foundations and the bearing capacity of the supporting

soil.

It covers the administrative aspects of the Code, such

as applicability of the Code, organization of building

A-6.3 Section 3 Timber and Bamboo

department for enforcement of the Code, procedure

for obtaining development and building permits, and

A-6.3.1 Section 3A Timber

responsibility of the owner and all professionals

It covers the use of structural timber in structures or

involved in the planning, design and construction of

elements of structures connected together by fasteners/

the building.

fastening techniques.

A-3 PART 3 DEVELOPMENT CONTROL RULES

A-6.3.2 Section 3B Bamboo

AND GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

It covers the use of bamboo for constructional purposes

It covers the development control rules and general

in structures or elements of the structure, ensuring

building requirements for proper planning and design

quality and effectiveness of design and construction

at the layout and building level to ensure health safety,

using bamboo. It covers minimum strength data,

public safety and desired quality of life.

dimensional and grading requirements, seasoning,

A-4 PART 4 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

preservative treatment, design and jointing techniques

with bamboo which would facilitate scientific

It covers the requirements for fire prevention, life

application and long-term performance of structures.

safety in relation to fire, and fire protection of

It also covers guidelines so as to ensure proper

buildings. TheCode specifies planning and

procurement, storage, precautions and design

construction features and fire protection features for

limitations on bamboo.

all occupancies that are necessary to minimize danger

to life and property.

A-6.4 Section 4 Masonry

A-5 PART 5 BUILDING MATERIALS

It covers the structural design aspects of unreinforced

load bearing and non-load bearing walls, constructed

It covers the requirements of building materials and

using various bricks, stones and blocks permitted in

components, and criteria for accepting new or

accordance with this Section. This, however, also

alternative building materials and components.

covers provisions for design of reinforced brick and

A-6 PART 6 STRUCTURAL DESIGN

reinforced brick concrete floors and roofs. It also

covers guidelines regarding earthquake resistance of

This Part through its seven sections provides for

low strength masonry buildings.

structural adequacy of buildings to deal with both

internal and external environment, and provide

A-6.5 Section 5 Concrete

guidance to engineers/structural engineers for varied

A-6.5.1 Section 5A Plain and Reinforced Concrete

usage of material/technology types for building

design.

It covers the general structural use of plain and

reinforced concrete.

A-6.1 Section 1 Loads, Forces and Effects

A-6.5.2 Section 5B Prestressed Concrete

It covers basic design loads to be assumed in the design

of buildings. The live loads, wind loads, seismic loads,

It covers the general structural use of prestressed

snow loads and other loads, which are specified therein,

concrete. It covers both work carried out on site and

are minimum working loads which should be taken

the manufacture of precast prestressed concrete

into consideration for purposes of design.

units.

PART 0 INTEGRATED APPROACH

A-6.6 Section 6 Steel

A-8.3 Section 3 Air Conditioning, Heating and

Mechanical Ventilation

It covers the use of structural steel in general building

construction including the use of hot rolled steel

This Section covers the design, construction and

sections and steel tubes.

installation of air conditioning and heating systems and

equipment installed in buildings for the purpose

A-6.7 Section 7 Prefabrication, Systems Building

of providing and maintaining conditions of air

and Mixed/Composite Construction

temperature, humidity, purity and distribution suitable

for the use and occupancy of the space.

A-6.7.1 Section 7A Prefabricated Concrete

A-8.4 Section 4 Acoustics, Sound Insulation and

It covers recommendations regarding modular

Noise Control

planning, component sizes, prefabrication systems,

design considerations, joints and manufacture, storage,

It covers requirements and guidelines regarding

transport and erection of prefabricated concrete

planning against noise, acceptable noise levels and the

elements for use in buildings and such related

requirements for sound insulation in buildings with

requirements for prefabricated concrete.

different occupancies.

A-6.7.2 Section 7B Systems Building and Mixed/

A-8.5 Section

5 Installation of Lifts and

Composite Construction

Escalators

It covers recommendations regarding modular

It covers the essential requirements for the installation,

planning, component sizes, joints, manufacture,

operation, maintenance and also inspection of lifts

storage, transport and erection of prefabricated

(passenger lifts, goods lifts, hospital lifts, service lifts

elements for use in buildings and such related

and dumb-waiter) and escalators so as to ensure safe

requirements for mixed/composite construction.

and satisfactory performance.

A-7 PART 7 CONSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES

A-9 PART 9 PLUMBING SERVICES

AND SAFETY

This Part through its two sections gives detailed

It covers the constructional planning, management and

guidance to concerned professionals/plumbing

practices in buildings; storage, stacking and handling

engineers with regard to plumbing and other related

of materials and safety of personnel during construction

requirements in buildings.

operations for all elements of a building and demolition

A-9.1 Section 1 Water Supply, Drainage and

of buildings. It also covers guidelines relating to

Sanitation (Including Solid Waste Management)

maintenance management, repairs, retrofitting and

strengthening of buildings. The objective can be best

It covers the basic requirements of water supply for

achieved through proper coordination and working by

residential, business and other types of buildings,

the project management and construction management

including traffic terminal stations. This Section also

teams.

deals with general requirements of plumbing connected

to public water supply and design of water supply

A-8 PART 8 BUILDING SERVICES

systems.

This Part through its five elaborate sections on utilities

It also covers the design, layout, construction and

provides detailed guidance to concerned professionals/

maintenance of drains for foul water, surface water

utility engineers for meeting necessary functional

and sub-soil water and sewage; together with all

requirements in buildings.

ancillary works, such as connections, manholes and

inspection chambers used within the building and from

A-8.1 Section 1 Lighting and Ventilation

building to the connection to a public sewer, private

It covers requirements and methods for lighting and

sewer, individual sewage-disposal system, cess-pool,

ventilation of buildings.

soakaway or to other approved point of disposal/

treatment work. It also includes the provisions on solid

A-8.2 Section 2 Electrical and Allied Installations

waste management.

It covers the essential requirements for electrical and

A-9.2 Section 2 Gas Supply

allied installations in buildings to ensure efficient use

of electricity including safety from fire and shock. This

It covers the requirements regarding the safety of persons

Section also includes general requirements relating to

and property for all piping uses and for all types of gases

lightning protection of buildings.

used for fuel or lighting purposes in buildings.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

C O N T E N T S

FOREWORD

…

SECTION 1 GENERAL

SCOPE

…

TERMINOLOGY

…

APPLICABILITY OF THE CODE

…

INTERPRETATION

…

ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS, METHODS OF DESIGN AND

…

CONSTRUCTION, AND TESTS

SECTION 2 ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT

DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS

…

POWER AND DUTIES OF TEAM OF BUILDING OFFICIALS

…

BOARD OF APPEALS

…

VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

…

POWER TO MAKE RULES

…

SECTION 3 PERMIT AND INSPECTION

DEVELOPMENT/BUILDING PERMIT

…

APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT/BUILDING PERMIT

…

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE OWNER

…

INSPECTION, OCCUPANCY PERMIT AND POST-OCCUPANCY

…

INSPECTION

UNSAFE BUILDING

…

DEMOLITION OF BUILDING

…

VALIDITY

…

ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL

…

ANNEX A GUIDE FOR THE QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCE OF

…

PROFESSIONALS

ANNEX B FORM FOR FIRST APPLICATION TO DEVELOP, ERECT,

…

RE-ERECT OR TO MAKE ALTERATION IN ANY PLACE IN A

BUILDING

ANNEX C FORM FOR CERTIFICATE FOR STRUCTURAL DESIGN

…

SUFFICIENCY

ANNEX D FORM FOR SUPERVISION

…

ANNEX E FORM FOR SANCTION OR REFUSAL OF DEVELOPMENT/

…

BUILDING PERMIT

ANNEX F FORM FOR NOTICE FOR COMMENCEMENT

…

ANNEX G FORM FOR CERTIFICATE FOR EXECUTION OF WORK AS

…

PER STRUCTURAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

ANNEX H FORM FOR COMPLETION CERTIFICATE

…

ANNEX J FORM FOR OCCUPANCY PERMIT

…

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

National Building Code Sectional Committee, CED 46

FOREWORD

A need for codifying and unifying administrative provisions in different development control rules and building

byelaws had been felt, particularly in regard to the applicability of the Code, desirable qualifications for the enforcing

Authority and the representative of the owner and responsibilities and duties of the Authority and the owner.

It is expected that the town and country planning department will co-ordinate the administrative provisions of

this Part and the same given in the State Town and Country Planning Acts.

This Part recommends the setting up of a ‘Board of Appeal’. The ‘Board of Appeal’ gives the owner/architect/

engineer an opportunity to defend the schemes which are based on conventional or new methods of design and

construction or using new materials, which have been otherwise rejected by the Authority.

This Part also emphasizes the need for setting up an Arts Commission for metropolitan areas to safeguard existing

aesthetics in the event of new schemes proposed for buildings of public importance or buildings coming up in an

important area near historic/monumental buildings. The Commission can assist the civic authorities in reviewing

plans for development from the stand point of assuring good taste and regard for often threatened natural beauties.

The Commission can serve as a means whereby by the government and public bodies and individuals could get

advice on artistic questions in connection with building schemes.

The first version of this Part was brought out in 1970, which was subsequently revised in 1983. As a result of

implementing 1970 version of this Part in rewriting building byelaws and development control rules of some

municipal corporations and municipalities, some useful suggestions were emerged. These were incorporated in

the first revision to the extent possible. The significant changes in 1983 version of this Part included the new

administrative provisions related to development control rules, additional information to be furnished/indicated

in the building plan for multi-storeyed and special buildings and modified provisions regarding submission of

building plans by Government Departments to the Authority.

In this second revision, number of modifications have been incorporated based on the experience gained over the

years specially in view of different techno-administrative and techno-legal regime encountered in various situations

faced. Specially the provisions of this Part have been thoroughly reviewed in the context of the natural calamities

faced by the country, such as the devastating earthquake in Gujarat in the year 2001, and provisions have been

accordingly modified to further ensure structural adequacy of the buildings. In this context, structural design of

buildings in accordance with the provisions of the Code and construction and supervision thereof by competent

professionals to ensure structural safety have been given due importance in this revision. Other significant

modifications incorporated include:

a) Modifications in the definitions of certain terms;

b) Inclusion of the concept of team of building officials;

c) Inclusion of provision of single window approach for permit for all services;

d) Inclusion of provisions regarding computerization of approval processes for building permits;

e) Inclusion of provision to certify safety of buildings against natural disaster by engineer/structural engineer

and owner;

f) Inclusion of provision of two stage permit for high rise residential buildings and special buildings;

g) Provisions regarding inspection of completed and occupied building by the Authority from safety point

of view have been made comprehensive;

h) Inclusion of provision empowering engineers/architects for sanctioning plans of residential buildings

up to 500 m²;

Provisions for architectural control to effectively take care of the urban aesthetics, have been modified;

and

k) Inclusion of landscape architect and urban designer among the registered professionals for the concerned

applicable works.

PART 2 ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

PART 2 ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 1 GENERAL

of last livable floor of the building adjacent to the

external walls; and in the case of pitched roofs, up to

1 SCOPE

the point where the external surface of the outer wall

intersects the finished surface of the sloping roof, and

This Part covers the administrative aspects of the Code,

in the case of gables facing the road, the midpoint

such as applicability of the Code, organization of

between the eaves level and the ridge. Architectural

building department for enforcement of the Code,

features serving no other function except that of

procedure for obtaining development and building

decoration shall be excluded for the purpose of

permits, and responsibility of the owner.

measuring heights.

NOTE — This Code is called the National Building Code of

India, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Code’.

2.7

Building Line — The line up to which the plinth

of a building adjoining a street or an extension of a

2 TERMINOLOGY

street or on a future street may lawfully extend. It

2.0

For the purpose of this part, the following

includes the lines prescribed, if any, in any scheme.

definitions shall apply.

The building line may change from time-to-time as

decided by the Authority.

2.1

Accessory Use — Any use of the premises

subordinate to the principal use and customarily

2.8

Conversion — The change of occupancy or

incidental to the principal use.

premises to any occupancy or use requiring additional

occupancy permit.

2.2

Alteration — A change from one type of

occupancy to another, or a structural change, such as

2.9

Development — ‘Development’ with grammatical

an addition to the area or height, or the removal of part

variations means the carrying out of building,

of a building, or any change to the structure, such as

engineering, mining or other operations in, or over, or

the construction of, cutting into or removal of any wall,

under land or water, or in the use of any building or

partition, column, beam, joist, floor or other support,

land, and includes redevelopment and layout and

or a change to or closing of any required means of

subdivision of any land; and ‘to develop’ shall be

ingress or egress or a change to the fixtures or

construed accordingly.

equipment.

2.10 Drain — A conduit or channel for the carriage

2.3 Approved — Approved by the Authority having

of storm water, sewage, waste water or other water-

jurisdiction.

borne wastes in a building drainage system.

2.4 Authority Having Jurisdiction — The Authority

2.11 Drainage — The removal of any liquid by a

which has been created by a statute and which, for the

system constructed for the purpose.

purpose of administering the Code/Part, may authorize

2.12

Occupancy or Use Group — The principal

a committee or an official or an agency to act on its

occupancy for which a building or a part of a building

behalf; hereinafter called the ‘Authority’.

is used or intended to be used; for the purposes of

2.5 Building — Any structure for whatsoever purpose

classification of a building according to occupancy,

and of whatsoever materials constructed and every part

an occupancy shall be deemed to include the subsidiary

thereof whether used as human habitation or not and

occupancies which are contingent upon it.

includes foundation, plinth, walls, floors, roofs,

2.13 Occupier — Occupier includes any person for

chimneys, plumbing and building services, fixed

the time being, paying or liable to pay rent or any

platforms, verandah, balcony, cornice or projection, part

portion of rent of the building in respect of which the

of a building or anything affixed thereto or any wall

ward is used, or compensation or premium on account

enclosing or intended to enclose any land or space

of the occupation of such building and also a rent-free

and signs and outdoor display structures. Tents/

tenant, but does not include a lodger, and the words

SHAMIANAHS, tarpaulin shelters, etc, erected for

‘occupy’ and ‘occupation’ do not refer to the lodger.

temporary and ceremonial occasions with the permission

of the Authority shall not be considered as building.

An owner living in or otherwise using his own building

shall be deemed to be the occupier thereof.

2.6 Building, Height of — The vertical distance

measured, in the case of flat roofs from the average

2.14 Operational Construction/Installation — A

level of the ground around and contiguous to the

construction/installation put up by Government

building or as decided by the Authority to the terrace

Departments for operational purposes (see 12.1.1.1).

PART 2 ADMINISTRATION

2.15 Owner — Person or body having a legal interest

carriageway, footway, square, place or bridge, whether

in land and/or building thereon. This includes free

a thoroughfare or not, over which the public have a

holders, leaseholders or those holding a sub-lease

right of passage or access or have passed and had access

which both bestows a legal right to occupation and

uninterruptedly for a specified period, whether existing

gives rise to liabilities in respect of safety or building

or proposed in any scheme and includes all bunds,

condition.

channels, ditches, storm-water drains, culverts,

sidewalks, traffic islands, roadside trees and hedges,

In case of lease or sub-lease holders, as far as ownership

retaining walls, fences, barriers and railings within the

with respect to the structure is concerned, the structure

street lines.

of a flat or structure on a plot belongs to the allottee/

lessee till the allotment/lease subsists.

2.26

Street Level or Grade — The officially

established elevation or grade of the centre line of the

2.16 Permit — A permission or authorization in

street upon which a plot fronts and if there is no

writing by the Authority to carry out work regulated

officially established grade, the existing grade of the

by the Code.

street at its mid-point.

2.17 Registered Architect, Engineer, Structural

2.27 Street Line — The line defining the side limits

Engineer, Supervisor, Town Planner, Landscape

of a street.

Architect, Urban Designer — A qualified architect,

engineer, structural engineer, supervisor, town

2.28 To Erect — To erect a building means:

planner, landscape architect or urban designer who

a) to erect a new building on any site whether

has been registered by the Authority or by the body

previously built upon or not;

governing such profession and constituted under a

b) to re-erect any building of which portions

statute, as may be applicable. The registration

above the plinth level have been pulled down,

requirements of these professionals shall be as given

burnt or destroyed.

in Annex A.

NOTES

2.29

Unsafe Building — Buildings which are

1 Unless specified otherwise, the word ‘engineer’ shall mean

structurally and constructionally unsafe or insanitary

‘civil engineer’ or ‘architectural engineer’.

or not provided with adequate means of egress or

2 The word ‘licencing/licensed, etc’ if used by the Authority

which constitute a fire hazard or are otherwise

in the above context shall be deemed to mean ‘registration/

dangerous to human life or which in relation to

registered’, etc.

existing use constitute a hazard to safety or health or

2.18 Road — See 2.25.

public welfare, by reason of inadequate maintenance,

dilapidation or abandonment.

2.19 Road Line — See 2.27.

2.20 Room Height — The vertical distance measured

3 APPLICABILITY OF THE CODE

from the finished floor surface to the finished ceiling

3.1

All Parts of the Code and their sections shall apply

surface. Where a finished ceiling is not provided, the

to all buildings described in 3.2 to 3.8, as may be

underside of the joists or beams or tie beams shall

applicable.

determine the upper point of measurement for

3.2

Where a building is erected, the Code applies to

determining the head room.

the design and construction of the building.

2.21

Sanctioned Plan — The set of plans and

3.3

Where the whole or any part of the building is

specifications submitted in connection with a building

removed, the Code applies to all parts of the building

or development and duly approved and sanctioned by

whether removed or not.

the Authority.

3.4

Where the whole or any part of the building is

2.22 Service Road — A road/lane provided at the rear

demolished, the Code applies to any remaining part

or side of a plot for service purposes.

and to the work involved in demolition.

2.23 Set-back Line — A line usually parallel to the

3.5

Where a building is altered (see 12.4 and 12.4.1),

plot boundaries and laid down in each case by the

the Code applies to the whole building whether existing

Authority, beyond which nothing can be constructed

or new except that the Code applies only to part if that

towards the site boundaries.

part is completely self-contained with respect to

2.24 Site (Plot) — A parcel (piece) of land enclosed

facilities and safety measures required by the Code.

by definite boundaries.

3.6

Where the occupancy of a building is changed,

2.25 Street — Any means of access, namely, highway,

the Code applies to all parts of the building affected

street, lane, pathway, alley, stairway, passageway,

by the change.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

3.7 Where development of land is undertaken the Code

there are no appropriate test methods specified in the

applies to the entire development of land.

Code, the Authority shall determine the test procedure.

For methods of test for building materials, reference

3.8 Existing Buildings/Development

may be made to Part 5 Building Materials.

Nothing in the Code shall require the removal,

5.3.2

Copies of the results of all such tests shall be

alteration or abandonment, nor prevent continuance

retained by the Authority for a period of not less than

of the use or occupancy of an existing building/

two years after the acceptance of the alternative material.

development, unless in the opinion of the Authority,

such building/development constitutes a hazard to the

SECTION 2 ORGANIZATION AND

safety of the adjacent property or the occupants of the

ENFORCEMENT

building itself.

6 DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS

4 INTERPRETATION

6.1

The department of buildings shall be created by

4.1 The heading which appears at the beginning of a

the Authority and a team of building officials shall be

clause or sub-clause of the Code shall be deemed to be

appointed to carry out work of such department.

a part of such clause or sub-clause respectively.

6.2

Appointment of Team of Building Officials

4.2 The use of present tense includes the future tense,

The team of building officials shall be appointed by

the masculine gender includes the feminine and the

the Authority. The team shall comprise officials drawn

neuter, the singular number includes the plural and the

from concerned disciplines such as engineer, architect,

plural includes the singular. The word ‘person’ includes

town planner, landscape architect and urban designer

a corporation as well as an individual; writing includes

as may be decided by the Authority. For scrutiny of

printing and typing and ‘signature’ includes thumb

layout plans of plots of one hectare and above in metro

impression made by a person who cannot write if his

cities and two hectares and above in other places, town

name is written near to such thumb impression.

planner shall be part of the team of building officials.

For plots of five hectares and above, landscape architect

5 ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS, METHODS OF

shall also be part of the team. An urban designer shall

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, AND TESTS

also be required to be the part of team of building

5.1 The provisions of the Code are not intended to

officials for examining proposals on integrated urban

prevent the use of any material or method of design or

design and development for residential/business/

construction not specifically prescribed by the Code,

institutional and assembly building.

provided any such alternative has been approved.

NOTE — Metro cities are cities with population more than

1 000 000.

5.2 The Authority may approve any such alternative

provided it is found that the proposed alternative is

6.3 Organization

satisfactory and conforms to the provisions of relevant

In the department of buildings, such number of officers,

parts regarding material, design and construction and

technical assistants, inspectors and other employees

that material, method, or work offered is, for the purpose

shall be appointed to assist the team of building officials

intended, at least equivalent to that prescribed in the

as shall be necessary for the administration of the Code

Code in quality, strength, compatibility, effectiveness,

and as authorized by the Authority.

fire and water resistance, durability and safety.

6.4

Delegation of Powers

5.3 Tests

The Authority may designate one of the building

Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance

officials who shall exercise all the powers of the team

with the provisions of the Code or evidence that any

of building officials. The work of the team of building

material or method of design or construction does not

officials may be outsourced to competent professional/

conform to the requirements of the Code or in order to

agency/group as may be deemed necessary.

substantiate claims for alternative materials, design or

6.5

Qualification of Building Officials

methods of construction not specifically prescribed in

the Code, the Authority may require tests sufficiently

The qualification of building officials scrutinizing the

in advance as proof of compliance. These tests shall

plans and carrying out inspection of buildings shall

be made by an approved agency at the expense of the

not in any case be less than those prescribed in

owner.

Annex A.

5.3.1

Test methods shall be specified by the Code for

6.5.1

In small local bodies having insufficient

the materials or design or construction in question. If

resources to appoint such officials with the above

PART 2 ADMINISTRATION

qualifications, two or three such bodies contiguously

7.3

Right of Entry

located could join together and share the services of

Upon presentation of proper credentials and with

one team of building officials.

advance notice, the team of building officials or its

6.6 Qualifications of Assistant

duly authorized representative may enter at any

reasonable time any building or premises to perform

No person shall be appointed as Assistant unless he

any duty imposed upon him by the Code.

has got the qualifications prescribed in Annex A for a

registered Supervisor.

7.4

Inspection

6.7 Restriction on Employees

The team of building officials shall make all the

required inspections or it may accept reports of

No official or employee connected with the department

inspections of authoritative and recognized services

of buildings except one whose only connection is that

or individuals; and all reports of inspections shall be

of a member of the Board of Appeals, established

in writing and certified by a responsible officer of such

under 8 shall be engaged directly or indirectly in a work

authoritative service or by the responsible individual

connected with the furnishing of labour, materials

or engage any such expert opinion as he may deem

or appliances for the construction, alteration or

necessary to report upon unusual technical issues that

maintenance of a building, or the preparation of plans

may arise, subject to the approval of the Authority.

or of specifications thereof unless he is the owner of

building; nor shall such official or employee engage

7.5

Construction Not According to Plan

in any work which conflicts with his official duties or

Should the team of building officials determine at any

with the interests of the Department.

stage that the construction is not proceeding according

6.8

Records

to the sanctioned plan or is in violation of any of the

provisions of the Code, or any other applicable Code

Proper records of all applications received, permits and

Regulation, Act or Byelaw, it shall notify the owner,

orders issued, inspections made shall be kept and copies

and all further construction shall be stayed until

of all papers and documents connected with the

correction has been effected and approved.

administration of its duties shall be retained and all

such records shall be open to public inspection at all

7.5.1

Should the owner fail to comply with the

appropriate times.

requirements at any stage of construction, the Authority

shall issue a notice to the owner asking explanation

7 POWER AND DUTIES OF TEAM OF BUILDING

for non-compliance. If the owner fails to comply within

OFFICIALS

14 days from the date of receiving the notice, the

Authority shall be empowered to cancel the building

7.0 The team of building officials shall enforce all the

permit issued and shall cause notice of such

provisions of the Code and shall act on any question

cancellation to be securely pasted upon the said

relative to the mode or manner of construction and the

construction, if the owner is not traceable at his address

materials to be used in the erection, addition, alteration,

given in the notice. Pasting of such a notice shall be

repair, removal, demolition, installation of service

considered sufficient notification of cancellation to the

equipment and the location, use, occupancy and

owner thereof. No further work shall be undertaken or

maintenance of all buildings except as may otherwise

permitted upon such construction until a valid building

be specifically provided.

permit thereafter has been issued. If the owner, in

7.1 Application and Permits

violation of the notice for cancellation, continues the

construction, the Authority may take all necessary

The team of building officials shall receive all

means to stop such work and further appropriate actions

applications and issue permits (see 12.10) for the

including demolitions. The owner shall, however, have

erection and alteration of buildings and examine the

right to appeal against cancellation of permit, to the

premises for which such permits have been issued and

board of appeal, within a stipulated period, as may be

enforce compliance with the Code.

decided by the Authority.

7.2 Building Notices and Orders

7.6

Modification

The team of building officials shall issue all necessary

Wherever practical difficulties are involved in carrying

notices or orders to remove illegal or unsafe conditions,

out any provision of the Code, the team of building

to require the necessary safeguards during construction,

officials may vary or modify such provisions upon

to require adequate exit facilities in existing buildings

application of the owner or his representative provided

and to ensure compliance with all the requirements of

the spirit and intent of the Code shall be observed and

safety, health and general welfare of the public as

public welfare and safety be assured. The application

included in the Code.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

for modification and the final decision of the team of

9.1.3

The registered architect, engineer, structural

building officials shall be in writing and shall be

engineer, supervisor, town planner, landscape architect,

officially recorded with the application for the permit

urban designer and utility service engineer (see

in the permanent records of the Department of Building

Annex A) responsible for the services rendered for

Inspection.

supervision of the construction/development and for the

completion certificate; in the event of violation of the

7.7 Occupancy Violations

provisions of the Code, shall be liable to penalties as

Wherever any building is being used contrary to

prescribed by the Authority including cancellation of

provisions of the Code, the team of building officials

registration done by it or make such recommendation

may order such use discontinued and the building or

to the statutory body governing such profession.

portion thereof, vacated by the notice served on any

9.2

Further Obligation of Offender

person, causing such use to be discontinued. Such

The conviction of any person for an offence under the

person shall discontinue the use within 10 days after

provision of 9.1 shall not relieve him from the duty of

receipt of such notice or make the building or portion

carrying out the requirements or obligations imposed

thereof, comply with the requirements of the Code.

on him by virtue of the provisions of the Code; and if

8 BOARD OF APPEALS

such requirements or obligations are not complied with

in accordance with an order made under provisions

In order to determine the suitability of alternative

of 9.1, the Authority under the provisions of the Code

materials or methods of design or construction and to

may, if necessary and advisable, enter upon the

provide for reasonable interpretation of the provisions

premises in respect of which a conviction has been

of the Code or in the matter of dispute relating to an

made and carry out at the expense of the convicted

ongoing construction vis-a-vis the sanctioned plan, a

person, the requirements or obligations referred to in

Board of Appeals consisting of members who are

the said order and the expense, if not paid on demand,

qualified by experience and training and to pass

may be recovered with cost in a court.

judgement upon matters pertaining to building

9.3

Conviction No Bar to Further Prosecution

construction, shall be appointed by the Authority. A

representative of the team of building officials shall

The conviction of any person under the provisions of

be an ex-officio member and shall act as secretary to

this part for failing to comply with any of the said

the Board. The Board shall adopt reasonable rules and

requirements or obligations shall not operate as a bar

regulations for conducting its investigations and shall

to further prosecution under this part for any

render all decisions and findings in writing to the team

subsequent failure on the part of such person to comply.

of building officials with a duplicate copy to the

appellant and may recommend such modifications as

10 POWER TO MAKE RULES

are necessary.

The Authority may make rules for carrying out the

provisions and intentions of the Code provided that

9 VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

any rule shall not be in direct/indirect conflict or

9.1 Offences and Penalties

nullify/dilute any of the provisions of the Code.

9.1.1

Any person who contravenes any of the

SECTION 3 PERMIT AND INSPECTION

provisions of the Code or any requirements of

obligations imposed on him by virtue of the Code, or

11 DEVELOPMENT/BUILDING PERMIT

who interferes with or obstructs any person in the

11.1 Permit Required

discharge of his duties, shall be guilty of an offence

and the Authority shall levy suitable penalty or take

No person shall carry out any development, erect, re-

other actions as per the Code (see also 7.5 and 15).

erect or make alterations or demolish any building or

cause the same to be done without first obtaining a

NOTE — The penalty may be in the form of collection of

arrears of tax.

separate permit for each such development/building

from the Authority. No permits shall, however, be

9.1.2

The buildings/developments violating any

required for works referred to in 12.1.1.1 and 12.4.1.

applicable statutory rules shall be demolished/brought

within the limits as prescribed in such rules at the

11.1.1

The development/building permit shall take

expense of the owner. The buildings coming up in the

into cognizance the provisions under the relevant Town

vicinity of an aerodrome in violation of the height

Planning Act/Development Act/Municipal Act/any

restriction laid down by the Directorate General of Civil

other applicable statutes for layout, building plans,

Aviation shall be accordingly demolished/brought

water supply, sewerage, drainage, electrification, etc,

within the limits prescribed by DGCA rules.

as provided in the said Act/statute. Also, if so directed

PART 2 ADMINISTRATION

by the Authority, the permit shall take care of the need

12 APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT/

for landscape development plan incorporating rain-

BUILDING PERMIT

water harvesting proposals in the layout and building

12.1 Notice

plans.

Every owner who intends to develop, erect, re-erect or

11.1.2

Specific approvals shall be obtained from

make alterations in any place in a building shall give

Civil Aviation Authorities, Fire Services Department

notice in writing to the Authority of his said intention

(in case the building proposed is 15 m and above),

in the prescribed form (see Annex B) and such notice

Pollution Control Board, designated authorities under

shall be accompanied by plans and statements in

Factories Act/Cinema Regulation Act, Urban Arts

triplicate as required under 12.2 and 12.3 except for

Commission, designated Coastal Regulation Zone

special buildings (high rise, non-residential) where

Authority, Archeological Survey of India, Heritage

additional copies may be submitted as desired by the

Committee and any such other authority as may be

Authority. The Authority shall permit submission of

applicable.

plans/documents in electronic form in addition to hard

11.1.3 In order to facilitate clearance from above

copy. The Authority should also progressively

bodies with the concept of single window clearance

computerize the approval process.

approach and thereby final approval by the Authority

12.1.1

Regarding submission of plans by Government

within the stipulated time frame, the Authority may

Departments, the procedure shall be as given

constitute a Development/Building Permit Approval

in 12.1.1.1 and 12.1.1.2.

Committee consisting of representative of the team of

building officials, representatives of all bodies/

12.1.1.1 The operational construction/installation of

organizations from whom clearance for development/

the Government, whether temporary or permanent,

building permit clearance is required.

which is essential for the operation, maintenance,

development or execution of any of the following

Recommendations from such Committee shall be

services may be exempted from the point of view of

summarily utilized by the team of building officials

the byelaws:

in sanctioning process. The Committee may meet

a) Railways;

once in 15/30 days depending upon the work load.

The first response/invalid notice/non-compliance

b) National highways;

intimation shall be issued by the Authority to the

c) National waterways;

owner within 30 days of submission of the plans to

d) Major ports;

the Authority.

e) Airways and aerodromes;

11.1.4

The Authority shall permit a registered

f) Posts and telegraphs, telephones, wireless,

architect/engineer to approve the building proposals

broadcasting, and other like forms of

including plans, and certify completion of building for

communications;

issue of related regulatory building permits and

g) Regional grid for electricity;

occupancy certificate for residential buildings designed

h) Defence; and

by self or otherwise, on plot size up to 500 m². The

Any other service which the Central/State

responsibility of compliance with respect to provisions

Government may, if it is of opinion that the

of Code shall rest with the registered architect/engineer.

operation, maintenance, development of

However, the plans shall be required to be submitted

execution of such service is essential to the

to the Authority for information and record.

life of the community, by notification, declare

NOTE — Where the experience clearly shows that satisfactory

to be a service for the purpose of this clause.

building permit activities are being carried out through the

above empowerment of professionals, the Authority may

In case of construction/installation where no approvals

extend such provision for larger areas and other building

are required, the concerned agencies which are

occupancies.

exempted from seeking approval shall submit the

drawings/plans/details for information and records of

11.2 Pre-Code Development/Building Permit

the Authority before construction/installation.

If any development/building, permit for which had

12.1.1.2 However, the following construction of the

been issued before the commencement of the Code, is

Government departments do not come under the

not wholly completed within a period of three years

purview of operational construction for the purpose of

from the date of such permit, the said permission shall

exemption under 12.1.1.1:

be deemed to have lapsed and fresh permit shall be

necessary to proceed further with the work in

a) New residential building (other than gate

accordance with the provisions of the Code.

lodges, quarters for limited essential operational

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

staff and the like), roads and drains in railway

12.2.1.2 The plans shall be coloured as specified in

colonies, hospitals, clubs, institutes and

Table 2.

schools, in the case of railways; and

12.2.2 Key Plan

b) A new building, new construction or new

installation or any extension thereof in the

A key plan drawn to a scale of not less than 1 in 10 000

case of any other services.

shall be submitted along with the application for a

development/building permit showing the boundary

12.2 Information Accompanying Notice

locations of the site with respect to neighbourhood

The notice shall be accompanied by the key plan, site

landmarks. The minimum dimension of the key plan

plan, building plan, services plans, specifications

shall be not less than 75 mm.

structural sufficiency certificate and certificate of

12.2.3 Site Plan

supervision as prescribed in 12.2.2 to 12.2.8.

The site plan sent with an application for permit shall

12.2.1

Sizes of Drawing Sheets and Recommended

be drawn to a scale of not less than 1 in 500 for a site

Notation for Colouring Plans

up to one hectare and not less than 1 in 1 000 for a site

12.2.1.1 The size of drawing sheets shall be any of

more than one hectare and shall show:

those specified in Table 1.

a) the boundaries of the site and of any contiguous

Table 1 Drawing Sheet Sizes

land belonging to the owner thereof;

(Clause 12.2.1.1)

b) the position of the site in relation to

neighbouring street;

Sl No.

Designation

Trimmed Size

c) the name of the streets in which the building

(1)

(2)

(3)

is proposed to be situated, if any;

d) all existing buildings standing on, over or

841 × 1 189

under the site including service lines;

ii)

594 × 841

iii)

420 × 594

e) the position of the building and of all other

iv)

297 × 420

buildings (if any) which the applicant intends

210 × 297

to erect upon his contiguous land referred to

vi)

148 × 210

in (a) in relation to:

Table 2 Colouring of Plans

(Clause 12.2.1.2)

Item

Site Plan

Building Plan

No.

White Plan

Blue Print

Ammonia Print

White Plan

Blue Print

Ammonia Print

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

Plot lines

Thick black

ii)

Existing street

Green

—

iii)

Future street, if any

Green dotted

—

iv)

Permissible building

Thick dotted

—

lines

black

Open spaces

No colour

vi)

Existing work

Black (outline)

White

Blue

Black

White

Blue

vii)

Work proposed to be

Yellow hatched

Yellow hatched Yellow hatched Yellow hatched Yellow hatched

Yellow hatched

demolished

viii)

Proposed work

Red filled in

Red

(see Note 1)

ix)

Drainage and sewerage

Red dotted

work

Water supply work

Black dotted

thin

NOTES

1 For entirely new construction this need not be done; for extension of an existing work this shall apply.

2 For land development, subdivision, layout, suitable colouring notations shall be used which shall be indexed.

PART 2 ADMINISTRATION

1) the boundaries of the site and in case

area of the site proposed to be subdivided;

where the site has been partitioned, the

and

boundaries of the portion owned by the

g) In case of plots which are subdivided in built-

applicant and also of the portions owned

up areas in addition to the above, the means

by others;

of access to the sub-division from existing

2) all adjacent street, buildings

(with

streets.

number of storeys and height) and

12.2.5

Building Plan and Details

premises within a distance of 12 m of the

site and of the contiguous land (if any)

The plan of the buildings and elevations and sections

referred to in (a); and

accompanying the notice shall be drawn to a scale of

3) if there is no street within a distance of

: 100. The plans and details shall:

12 m of the site, the nearest existing

include floor plans of all floors together with

street;

the covered area clearly indicating the size

the means of access from the street to the

and spacings of all framing members and sizes

building, and to all other buildings (if any)

of rooms and the position of staircases, ramps

which the applicant intends to erect upon his

and liftwells;

contiguous land referred to in (a);

show the use or occupancy of all parts of the

space to be left about the building to secure a

buildings;

free circulation of air, admission of light and

show exact location of essential services, for

access for scavenging purposes;

example, WC, sink, bath and the like;

the width of the street (if any) in front and of

include at least one elevation from the front

the street (if any) at the side or near the

showing height of building and rooms and

buildings;

also the height of parapet;

the direction of north point relative to the plan

include at least one section through the

of the buildings;

staircase;

any physical features, such as wells, drains,

include the structural arrangements with

etc; and

appropriate sections showing type/

such other particulars as may be prescribed

arrangement of footings, foundations,

by the Authority.

basement walls; structural load bearing walls,

columns and beams, and shear walls; and

12.2.4 Sub-Division/Layout Plan

arrangement/spacing of framing members,

In the case of development work, the notice shall be

floor slabs and roof slabs with the material

accompanied by the sub-division/layout plan which

used for the same;

shall be drawn on a scale of not less than 1 : 500

show all street elevations;

containing the following:

give dimensions of the projected portions

a) Scale used and north point;

beyond the permissible building line;

b) The location of all proposed and existing

include terrace plan indicating the drainage

roads with their existing/proposed/prescribed

and the slope of the roof; and

widths within the land;

give indications of the north point relative to

c) Dimensions of plot along with building lines

the plan.

showing the setbacks with dimensions within

NOTE — The requirement of

1 : 100 is permitted to

each plot;

be flexible for specific details needed for further

illustration; and also for drawings for these in electronic

d) The location of drains, sewers, public facilities

form.

and services, and electrical lines, etc;

12.2.5.1

Building plan for multi-storeyed/special

e) Table indicating size, area and use of all the

buildings

plots in the sub-division/layout plan;

f) A statement indicating the total area of the

For all multi-storeyed buildings which are 15 m or more

site, area utilized under roads, open spaces

in height and for special buildings like educational,

for parks, playgrounds, recreation spaces for

assembly, institutional, industrial, storage and

parks, playgrounds, recreation spaces and

hazardous and mixed occupancies with any of the

development plan reservations, schools,

aforesaid occupancies having covered area more than

shopping and other public places alongwith

500 m², the building sanction shall be done in two

their percentage with reference to the total

stages.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

Stage 1: First stage for planning clearance

12.2.6

Services Plans

The following additional information shall be

The services plans shall include all details of building

furnished/indicated in the building plan in addition to

and plumbing services, and also plans, elevations and

the items given in 12.2.5 as applicable:

sections of private water supply, sewage disposal system

and rainwater harvesting system, if any (see Part 8

Access to fire appliances/vehicles with details

‘Building Services’ and Part 9 ‘Plumbing Services’).

of vehicular turning circle and clear motorable

12.2.7

Specifications

accessway around the building;

Size (width) of main and alternative staircases

Specifications, both general and detailed, giving type

along with balcony approach, corridor,

and grade of materials to be used, duly signed by the

ventilated lobby approach;

registered architect, engineer, structural engineer or

supervisor shall accompany the notice (see Annex B).

Location and details of lift enclosures;

Location and size of fire lift;

12.2.8

Structural Sufficiency Certificate

Smoke stop lobby/door, where provided;

The plans shall be accompanied by structural

Refuse chutes, refuse chamber, service duct,

sufficiency certificate in the prescribed form (see

etc;

Annex C) signed by the engineer/structural engineer

Vehicular parking spaces;

(see Annex A) and the owner jointly to the effect that

Refuse area, if any;

the building is safe against various loads, forces and

effects including due to natural disasters, such as,

Details of building services — Air-conditioning

earthquake, landslides, cyclones, floods, etc as per

system with position of fire dampers,

Part 6 ‘Structural Design’ and other relevant Codes.

mechanical ventilation system, electrical

The engineer/structural engineer shall also have the

services, boilers, gas pipes, etc;

details to substantiate his design.

Details of exits including provision of ramps,

etc, for hospitals and special risks;

12.2.9 Supervision

Location of generator, transformer and

The notice shall be further accompanied by a certificate

switchgear room;

in the prescribed form (see Annex D) by the registered

Smoke exhauster system, if any;

architect/engineer/structural engineer/supervisor/town

Details of fire alarm system network;

planner (see Annex A) undertaking the supervision

(see 9.3).

Location of centralized control, connecting

all fire alarm systems, built-in-fire protection

12.3 Preparation and Signing of Plans

arrangements and public address system,

The registered architect/engineer/supervisor/town

etc;

planner/landscape architect/urban designer/utility

Location and dimensions of static water

service engineer shall prepare and duly sign the plans

storage tank and pump room along with fire

as per their competence (see Annex A) and shall

service inlets for mobile pump and water

indicate his/her name, address, qualification and

storage tank;

registration number as allotted by the Authority or the

Location and details of fixed fire protection

body governing such profession. The structural plans

installations, such as, sprinklers, wet risers,

and details shall also be prepared and duly signed by

hose-reels, drenchers, etc; and

the competent professionals like registered engineer/

Location and details of first-aid fire fighting

structural engineer (see Annex A). The plans shall also

equipments/installations.

be duly signed by the owner indicating his address.

The type and volume of buildings/development work

Stage 2:

Second stage for building permit clearance

to be undertaken by the registered professionals may

generally be as in Annex A.

After obtaining the sanction for planning

(Stage 1)

from the Authority, a complete set of structural plans,

12.4 Notice for Alteration only

sections, details and design calculations duly signed

When the notice is only for an alteration of the building

by engineer/structural engineer (see Annex A) along

(see 3.5), only such plans and statements, as may be

with the complete set of details duly approved in

necessary, shall accompany the notice.

Stage 1 shall be submitted. The building plans/details

shall be deemed sanctioned for the commencement of

12.4.1

No notice and building permit is necessary for

construction only after obtaining the permit for Stage 2

the following alterations, and the like which do not

from the Authority.

otherwise violate any provisions regarding general

PART 2 ADMINISTRATION

building requirements, structural stability and fire and

12.9

Qualifications of Architects/Engineers/

health safety requirements of the Code:

Structural Engineers/Landscape Architect/Urban

Designer/Supervisors/Town Planners/Services

a) Opening and closing of a window or door or

Personnel

ventilator;

b) Providing intercommunication doors;

Architects, engineers, structural engineers, landscape

architect, urban designer, supervisors and town

c) Providing partitions;

planners wherever referred in the Code, shall be

d) Providing false ceiling;

registered by the Authority or the body governing such

e) Gardening;

profession constituted under a statute, as competent to

f) White washing;

do the work for which they are employed. A guide for

g) Painting;

the equivalent technical qualifications and professional

h) Re-tiling and re-roofing;

experience required for such registration with the

Authority is given in Annex A. In case of building and

Plastering and patch work;

plumbing services, qualifications for engineers for

Re-flooring; and

utility services shall be as given in A-2.8.

m) Construction of sunshades on one’s own land.

12.9.1

In case the registered professional associated

12.5 Fees

with the preparation and signing of plans or for

supervision, is being changed during any stage of

No notice as referred to in 12.1 shall be deemed valid

building/land development process, the professional

unless and until the person giving notice has paid the

shall intimate the Authority in writing about the further

fees to the Authority and an attested copy of the receipt

non-association with the project.

of such payment is attached with the notice.

NOTE — The fees may be charged as a consolidated fee. In

12.10 Grant of Permit or Refusal

the event of a building/development permit is not issued, the

fees so paid shall not be returned to the owner, but he shall be

The Authority may either sanction or refuse the plans

allowed to re-submit it without any fees after complying with

and specifications or may sanction them with such

all the objections raised by the Authority within a period of

modifications or directions as it may deem necessary

one year from the date of rejection after which fresh fees shall

and thereupon shall communicate its decision to the

have to be paid.

person giving the notice (see Annex E).

12.6 Duration of Sanction

12.10.1 The building plans for buildings identified

in 12.2.5.1 shall also be subject to the scrutiny of the

The sanction once accorded shall remain valid up to

Fire Authority and the sanction through building permit

three years. The permit shall be got revalidated before

shall be given by the Authority after the clearance from

the expiration of this period. Revalidation shall be

the Fire Authority (see also 11.1.3).

subject to the rules then in force.

12.10.2 If within 30 days of the receipt of the notice

12.7 Deviations During Construction

under 12.1 of the Code, the Authority fails to intimate

If during the construction of a building any departure

in writing to the person, who has given the notice, of

(excepting for items as given in 12.4.1) from the

its refusal or sanction, the notice with its plans and

sanctioned plan is intended to be made (see 7.5),

statements shall be deemed to have been sanctioned;

sanction of the Authority shall be obtained before the

provided the fact is immediately brought to the notice

change is made. The revised plan showing the

of the Authority in writing by the person who has given

deviations shall be submitted and the procedure laid

notice and having not received any intimation from

down for the original plan heretofore shall apply to all

the Authority within fifteen days of giving such written

such amended plans except that the time limit specified

notice. Subject to the conditions mentioned in this

in 12.10.2 shall be three weeks in such cases.

clause, nothing shall be construed to authorize any

person to do anything in contravention of or against

12.8 Revocation of Permit

the terms of lease or titles of the land or against any

other regulations, byelaws or ordinance operating on

The Authority may revoke any permit issued under

the site of the work.

the provisions of the Code, wherever there has been

any false statement, misrepresentation of any material

12.10.3 In the case of refusal, the Authority shall quote

fact in the application on which the permit was

the reason and relevant sections of the Code which the

based or violation of building permit or in case of

plans contravene. The Authority shall as far as possible

noncompliance thereof, and shall state the reasons for

advise all the objections to the plans and specifications

revoking the permit.

in the first instance itself and ensure that no new

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

objections are raised when they are resubmitted after

occupancy for a building or part thereof, before the

compliance of earlier objections.

entire work covered by permit shall have been

completed, provided such portion or portions may be

12.10.4 Once the plan has been scrutinized and

occupied safely prior to full completion of building

objections have been pointed out, the owner giving

without endangering life or public welfare.

notice shall modify the plan to comply with the

objections raised and re-submit it. The Authority shall

13.3 Documents at Site

scrutinize the re-submitted plan and if there be further

objections, the plan shall be rejected.

13.3.1 Where tests of any materials are made to ensure

conformity with the requirements of the Code, records

13 RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE

of the test data shall be kept available for inspection

OWNER

during the construction of the building and for such a

period thereafter as required by the Authority.

13.1 Neither the granting of the permit nor the approval

of the drawings and specifications, nor inspections

13.3.2

The person to whom a permit is issued shall

made by the Authority during erection of the building

during construction keep pasted in a conspicuous place

shall in any way relieve the owner of such building

on the property in respect of which the permit was

from full responsibility for carrying out the work in

issued:

accordance with the requirements of the Code (see 9).

a) a copy of the building permit; and

13.2 Every owner shall:

b) a copy of the approved drawings and

specifications referred in 12.

permit the Authority to enter the building or

premises for which the permit has been

14 INSPECTION, OCCUPANCY PERMIT AND

granted at any reasonable time for the purpose

POST-OCCUPANCY INSPECTION

of enforcing the Code;

submit a document of ownership of the site;

14.1 Generally all construction or work for which a

permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the

obtain, where applicable, from the Authority,

Authority and certain types of construction involving

permits relating to building, zoning, grades,

unusual hazards or requiring constant inspection shall

sewers, water mains, plumbing, signs,

have continuous inspection by special inspectors

blasting, street occupancy, electricity,

appointed by the Authority.

highways, and all other permits required in

connection with the proposed work;

14.2 Inspection, where required, shall be made within

give notice to the Authority of the intention

7 days following the receipt of notification, after

to start work on the building site (see

which period the owner will be free to continue the

Annex F);

construction according to the sanctioned plan. At the

give written notice to the Authority intimating

first inspection, the Authority shall determine to the

completion of work up to plinth level;

best of its ability that the building has been located

in accordance with the approved site plans. The final

submit the certificate for execution of work

inspection of the completion of the work shall be

as per structural safety requirements (see

made within 21 days following the receipt of

Annex G); and give written notice to the

notification [see 13.2(f)] for the grant of occupancy

Authority regarding completion of work

certificate.

described in the permit (see Annex H);

give written notice to the Authority in case of

14.2.1

The owner/concerned registered architect/

termination of services of a professional

engineer/structural engineer/town planner will serve

engaged by him; and

a notice/completion certificate to the Authority that

the building has been completed in all respects as per

obtain an occupancy permit (see Annex J)

the approved plans. The deviations shall also be

from the Authority prior to any:

brought to the notice of the Authority (with relevant

1) occupancy of the building or part thereof

documents). The team of building officials or its duly

after construction or alteration of that

authorized representative shall then visit the site and

building or part, or

occupancy certificate shall be given in one instance.

2) change in the class of occupancy of any

building or part thereof.

14.2.2

The occupancy certificate should clearly state

the use/type of occupancy of the building. However,

13.2.1

Temporary Occupancy

the applicant can apply for change of use/occupancy

Upon the request of the holder of the permit, the

permitted within the purview of the Master Plan/Zonal

Authority may issue a temporary certificate of

Plan/Building Byelaws, where so required.

PART 2 ADMINISTRATION

14.3 When inspection of any construction operation

15.3.1

The Authority may direct in writing that the

reveals than any lack of safety precautions exist, the

building which in his opinion is dangerous, or has

Authority shall have right to direct the owner to stop

no provision for exit if caught fire, shall be vacated

the work immediately until the necessary remedial

immediately or within the period specified for the

measures to remove the violation of safety precautions

purpose; provided that the Authority concerned shall

are taken.

keep a record of the reasons for such action with

him.

14.4 Periodic Occupancy Renewal Certificate

If any person does not comply with the orders of

14.4.1

For buildings covered in 12.2.5.1 after

vacating a building, the Authority may direct the police

completion of the building and obtaining the occupancy

to remove the person from the building and the police

certificate, periodic inspections of buildings shall be

shall comply with the orders.

made by the Fire Authority to ensure the fire safety of

the building and compliance with the provisions of fire

15.4 Disregard of Notice

and life safety requirements (see Part 4 ‘Fire and Life

In case the owner or occupier fails, neglects, or refuses

Safey’). Periodic occupancy renewal certificate shall

to comply with the notice to repair or to demolish the

be made available by the Authority/Fire Authority which

said building or portion thereof, the Authority shall

shall also include safekeep of fire fighting installations

cause the danger to be removed whether by demolition

and equipments for such buildings.

or repair of the building or portion thereof or otherwise.

14.4.2 All occupied building and buildings covered

under 12.2.5.1 shall also be subjected to periodic

15.5 Cases of Emergency

physical inspection by a team of multi-disciplinary

In case of emergency, which, in the opinion of the

professionals of local Authority. The work by team of

Authority involves imminent danger to human life or

professionals may be outsourced by the Authority to

health, the decision of the Authority shall be final. The

competent professionals as may be deemed necessary.

Authority shall forthwith or with such notice as may

The team shall ensure the compliance of byelaws,

be possible promptly cause such building or portion

natural lighting, ventilation, etc, besides structural and

thereof to be rendered safe by retrofitting/strengthening

electrical safety. After checking, the team shall be

to the same degree of safety or removed. For this

required to give the certificate for above aspects. If

purpose, the Authority may at once enter such structure

any shortcoming/deficiencies or violations are noticed

or land on which it stands, or abutting land or structure,

during inspection, the Authority shall ensure the

with such assistance and at such cost as may be deemed

compliance of these within a specified time frame of

necessary. The Authority may also get the adjacent

six months. If not complied with, the building shall be

structures vacated and protect the public by an

declared unsafe. The period of inspection shall usually

appropriate fence or such other means as may be

be 3 to 5 years but in any case not more than 5 years.

necessary.

15 UNSAFE BUILDING

15.6 Costs

15.1 All unsafe buildings shall be considered to

Costs incurred under 15.4 and 15.5 shall be charged to

constitute danger to public safety and shall be restored

the owner of the premises involved. Such costs shall

by repairs or demolished or dealt with as otherwise

be charged on the premises in respect of which or for

directed by the Authority (see 15.2 to 15.5).

the benefit of which the same have been incurred and

15.2 Examination of Unsafe Building

shall be recoverable as provided under the laws (see

Note).

The Authority shall examine or cause to be examined

NOTE — The costs may be in the form of arrears of taxes.

every building reported to be unsafe or damaged, and

shall make a written record of such examination.

16 DEMOLITION OF BUILDING

15.3 Notice to Owner, Occupier

Before a building is demolished, the owner shall notify

Whenever the Authority finds any building or portion

all utilities having service connections within the

thereof to be unsafe, it shall, in accordance with

building, such as water, electric, gas, sewer and other

established procedure for legal notice, give to the owner

connections. A permit to demolish a building shall not

and occupier of such building written notices stating

be issued until a release is obtained from the utilities

the defects thereof. This notice shall require the owner

stating that their respective service connections and

or the occupier within a stated time either to complete

appurtenant equipment, such as, meters and regulators

specified repairs or improvements or to demolish and

have been removed or sealed and plugged in a safe

remove the building or portion thereof.

manner.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

17 VALIDITY

Code from the point of view of structural safety and

functional requirements.

17.1 Partial Invalidity

18.2 An Urban Arts Commission shall be established

In the event any part or provision of the Code is held

at the city/state level on issues related to urban

to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of

aesthetics, through a statute. This statutory authority/

making void or illegal any of the other parts or

commission established by an Act of State Legislative

provisions thereof, which may or shall be determined

Assembly, shall accord approval to all major buildings/

to be legal, and it shall be presumed that the Code

important development projects having bearing on the

would have been passed without such illegal or invalid

urban aesthetics, depending upon the importance of

parts or provisions.

the area with respect to natural or built heritage or

projects on plot areas above 1 hectare and located

17.2 Segregation of Invalid Provisions

in specifically identified areas. The Urban Arts

Any invalid part of the Code shall be segregated

Commission shall act as guardian of urban architecture;

from the remainder of the Code by the court holding

mainly with regard to building form and envelope, the

such part invalid, and the remainder shall remain

relationship between the building, and the ambient

effective.

environment vis-a-vis other dependants should be seen

in depth.

17.3 Decisions Involving Existing Buildings

18.3 The Commission may work in the following

The invalidity of any provision in any clause of the

manner:

Code as applied to existing buildings and structures

a) The Commission may select only the

shall not be held to effect the validity of such section

important buildings as in 18.1 and examine

in its application to buildings hereafter erected.

the same. The person responsible for the

18 ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL

schemes, say an architect or an engineer, may

examine either alone or with the owner. A

18.1 Compliance with the provisions of the Code is

study of the plans, elevations, models, etc,

adequate for normal buildings. But for major public

should be made. The architect/engineer

building complexes or buildings coming up in an

should explain in general terms the purposes

important area near historic/monumental buildings and

which the building is to serve and the main

areas of heritage, the aesthetics of the whole scheme

conditions which have influenced him in

may also have to be examined, vis-a-vis existing

preparing the design.

structures. In addition, any development which may

b) The Commission after full discussion, may

mar the general characteristics and environment of

communicate their decision in writing to the

historical, architectural or other monuments should also

parties concerned. The Commission may

be subject to the provisions of this clause. This clause

recommend a change in the whole scheme or

is intended to cover very few structures to come up in

suggest modifications in the existing scheme,

the vicinity of other declared/historically important

if so required.

structures, and the scrutiny shall be limited to the

external architectural features only so as to ensure an

18.4 The Urban Arts Commission should also be

aesthetic continuance of the existing structures with

charged with advising the city government, on schemes

the new. The scrutiny shall not deal with the routine

which will beautify the city and add to its cultural

building plan scrutiny from other requirements of

vitality.

PART 2 ADMINISTRATION

ANNEX A

(Foreword and Clauses 2.17, 6.5, 6.6, 9.1.3, 12.2.8, 12.3 and 12.9)

GUIDE FOR THE QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCE OF PROFESSIONALS

A-1 ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Engineering Division of the Institution of Engineers

(India) or the statutory body governing such profession,

A-1.1 Every building/development work for which

as and when established.

permission is sought under the Code shall be planned,

designed and supervised by registered professionals.

A-2.2.1 Competence

The registered professionals for carrying out the

The registered engineer shall be competent to carryout

various activities shall be: (a) architect, (b) engineer,

the work related to the building/development permit

as given below:

(f) landscape architect, (g) urban designer, and

(h) utility service engineer. Requirements of

a) All plans and information connected with

registration for various professionals by the Authority

building permit;

or by the body governing such profession and

b) Structural details and calculations of buildings

constituted under a statute, as applicable to practice

on plot up to 500 m² and up to 5 storeys or

within the local body’s jurisdiction, are given in A-2.1

16 m in height;

to A-2.5. The competence of such registered personnel

c) Issuing certificate of supervision and

to carry out various activities is also indicated

completion for all buildings;

in A-2.1.1 to A-2.5.1.

d) Preparation of all service plans and related

A-2 REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION

information connected with development

AND COMPETENCE OF PROFESSIONALS

permit; and

e) Issuing certificate of supervision for

A-2.1 Architect

development of land for all area.

The minimum qualifications for an architect shall be

A-2.3 Structural Engineer

the qualifications as provided for in the Architects Act,

1972 for registration with the Council of Architecture.

The minimum qualifications for a structural engineer

shall be graduate in civil engineering of recognized

A-2.1.1 Competence

Indian or foreign university, or Corporate Member of

The registered architect shall be competent to carryout

Civil Engineering Division of Institution of Engineers

the work related to the building/development permit

(India), and with minimum 3 years experience in

as given below:

structural engineering practice with designing and field

work.

a) All plans and information connected with

building permit except engineering services

NOTE — The 3 years experience shall be relaxed to 2 years in

of multistoreyed/special buildings given

the case of post-graduate degree of recognized Indian or foreign

university in the branch of structural engineering. In case of

in 12.2.5.1.

doctorate in structural engineering, the experience required

b) Issuing certificate of supervision and

would be one year.

completion of all buildings pertaining to

A-2.3.1 Competence

architectural aspects.

c) Preparation of sub-division/layout plans and

The registered structural engineer shall be competent

related information connected with

to prepare the structural design, calculations and details

development permit of area up to 1 hectare

for all buildings and supervision.

for metro-cities and 2 hectare for other places.

A-2.3.1.1 In case of buildings having special structural

d) Issuing certificate of supervision for

features, as decided by the Authority, which are within

development of land of area up to 1 hectare

the horizontal areas and vertical limits specified

for metro-cities and 2 hectare for other places.

in A-2.2.1(b) and A-2.4.1(a) shall be designed only

by structural engineers.

A-2.2 Engineer

A-2.4 Supervisor

The minimum qualifications for an engineer shall be

graduate in civil engineering/architectural engineering

The minimum qualifications for a supervisor shall

of recognized Indian or foreign university, or the

be diploma in civil engineering or architectural

Member of Civil Engineering Division/Architectural

assistantship, or the qualification in architecture or

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

engineering equivalent to the minimum qualification

building/development permit for land areas 5 hectares

prescribed for recruitment to non-gazetted service by

and above. In case of metro-cities, this limit of land

the Government of India plus 5 years experience in

area shall be 2 hectares and above.

building design, construction and supervision.

NOTE — For smaller areas below the limits indicated above,

association of landscape architect may also be considered from

A-2.4.1 Competence

the point of view of desired landscape development.

The registered supervisor shall be competent to carryout

A-2.7 Urban Designer

the work related to the building permit as given below:

The minimum qualification for an urban designer shall

a) All plans and related information connected

be the master’s degree in urban design or equivalent

with building permit for residential buildings

from recognized Indian or foreign university.

on plot up to 100 m² and up to two storeys or

7.5 m in height; and

A-2.7.1 Competence

b) Issuing certificate of supervision for buildings

The registered urban designer shall be competent to

as per (a).

carryout the work related to the building permit for

A-2.5 Town Planner

urban design for land areas more than 5 hectares and

campus area more than 2 hectares. He/She shall also

The minimum qualification for a town planner shall

be competent to carryout the work of urban renewal

be the Associate Membership of the Institute of Town

for all areas.

Planners or graduate or post-graduate degree in town

and country planning.

NOTE — For smaller areas below the limits indicated above,

association of urban designer may be considered from the point

A-2.5.1 Competence

of view of desired urban design.

The registered town planner shall be competent to

A-2.8 Engineers for Utility Services

carryout the work related to the development permit

For buildings identified in 12.2.5.1, the work of

as given below:

building and plumbing services shall be executed under

a) Preparation of plans for land sub-division/

the planning, design and supervision of competent

layout and related information connected with

personnel. The qualification for registered mechanical

development permit for all areas.

engineer (including HVAC), electrical engineer and

b) Issuing of certificate of supervision for

plumbing engineers for carrying out the work of Air-

development of land of all areas.

conditioning, Heating and Mechanical Ventilation,

NOTE — However, for land layouts for development

Electrical Installations, Lifts and Escalators and Water

permit above 5 hectare in area, landscape architect

Supply, Drainage, Sanitation and Gas Supply

shall also be associated, and for land development

installations respectively shall be as given in Part 8

infrastructural services for roads, water supplies,

‘Building Services’ and Part 9 ‘Plumbing Services’ or

sewerage/drainage, electrification, etc, the registered

as decided by the Authority taking into account

engineers for utility services shall be associated.

practices of the National professional bodies dealing

A-2.6 Landscape Architect

with the specialist engineering services.

The minimum qualification for a landscape architect

A-3 BUILDER/CONSTRUCTOR ENTITY

shall be the bachelor or master’s degree in landscape

architecture or equivalent from recognized Indian or

The minimum qualification and competence for the

foreign university.

builder/constructor entity for various categories of

building and infrastructural development shall be as

A-2.6.1 Competence

decided by the Authority to ensure compliance of

The registered landscape architect shall be competent

quality, safety and construction practices as required

to carryout the work related to landscape design for

under the Code.

PART 2 ADMINISTRATION

ANNEX B

(Clause 12.1)

FORM FOR FIRST APPLICATION TO DEVELOP, ERECT, RE-ERECT OR TO MAKE

ALTERATION IN ANY PLACE IN A BUILDING

Sir,

I hereby give notice that I intend to develop, erect, re-erect or to make alteration in the building No

or to

on/in Plot No

in Colony/

Street

MOHALLA/BAZAR/Road

City

and

in accordance with the building code of

Part II, Clauses

and

I forward herewith the following plans and specifications in triplicate duly signed by me and

the Architect/Engineer/Structural Engineer/Supervisor/Town Planner/Landscape Architect/Urban Designer¹⁾,

Registration No

who will supervise its erection.

(Name in block letters)

1. Key plan

2. Site plans

3. Sub-division/layout plan

4. Building plans

5. Services plans

6. Specifications, general and detailed²⁾

7. Title of ownership of land/building

8. Certificates for structural sufficiency and supervision

I request that the development/construction may be approved and permission accorded to me to execute the

work.

Signature of Owner

Name of the Owner

(in block letters)

Address of Owner

Date:

¹⁾ Strike out whichever is not applicable.

²⁾ A format may be prepared by the Authority for direct use.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

ANNEX C

(Clause 12.2.8)

FORM FOR CERTIFICATE FOR STRUCTURAL DESIGN SUFFICIENCY

With respect to the building work of erection, re-erection or for making alteration in the building

or to

on/in Plot No

Colony/

Street

MOHALLA/BAZAR/Road

City

we certify that the structural plans and details of the building submitted for approval satisfy the structural safety

requirements for all situations including natural disasters, as applicable, as stipulated under Part 6 Structural

Design of the National Building Code of India and other relevant Codes; and the information given therein is

factually correct to the best of our knowledge and understanding.

Signature of owner

Signature of the

with date

Registered Engineer/

Structural Engineer with

date and registration No.

Name:

Address:

ANNEX D

(Clause 12.2.9)

FORM FOR SUPERVISION

I hereby certify that the development, erection, re-erection or material alteration in/of building No

or the

on/in Plot No

in Colony/

Street

MOHALLA/BAZAR/Road

City

shall be carried out under my supervision and I certify that all the materials (type and grade) and the workmanship

of the work shall be generally in accordance with the general and detailed specifications submitted along with,

and that the work shall be carried out according to the sanctioned plans.

Signature of Architect/Engineer/Structural Engineer/Supervisor/Town Planner/Landscape Architect/Urban

Designer¹⁾

Name of Architect/Engineer/Structural Engineer/Supervisor/Town Planner/Landscape Architect/Urban

Designer¹⁾

(in block letters)

Registration No. of Architect/Engineer/Structural Engineer/Supervisor/Town Planner/Landscape Architect/Urban

Designer¹⁾

Address of Architect/Engineer/Structural Engineer/Supervisor/Town Planner/Landscape Architect/Urban

Designer¹⁾

Date:

¹⁾ Strike out whichever is not applicable.

PART 2 ADMINISTRATION

ANNEX E

(Clause 12.10)

FORM FOR SANCTION OR REFUSAL OF DEVELOPMENT/BUILDING PERMIT

Sir,

With reference to your application

dated

for grant of permit

for the development, erection, re-erection or material alteration in the building No

or to

on/in Plot No

in Colony/

Street

MOHALLA/BAZAR/Road

City

I have to inform you that the sanction has been granted/refused by the Authority on the following grounds:

Office Stamp

Signature of the Authority

Office (Communication) No

Name, Designation and Address

of the Authority

Date:

ANNEX F

[Clause 13.2 (d)]

FORM FOR NOTICE FOR COMMENCEMENT

I hereby certify that the development, erection, re-erection or material alteration in/of building No

or the

on/in Plot No

in Colony/Street

MOHALLA/

BAZAR/Road

City

will be commenced on as per your permission,

vide No

dated

under the supervision of

Registered

Architect/Engineer/Structural Engineer/Supervisor/Town Planner/Landscape Architect/Urban Designer¹⁾,

Registration No

and in accordance with the plans sanctioned, vide

dated

Signature of Owner

Name of Owner

(in block letters)

Address of Owner

Date:

¹⁾ Strike out whichever is not applicable.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA

ANNEX G

[Clause 13.2(f)]

FORM FOR CERTIFICATE FOR EXECUTION OF WORK AS PER

STRUCTURAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

With respect to the building work of erection, re-erection or for making alteration in the building No

or to

on/in Plot No

Colony/Street

MOHALLA/

BAZAR/Road

City

, we certify:

a) that the building has been constructed according to the sanctioned plan and structural design (one set of

drawings as executed enclosed), which incorporates the provisions of structural safety as specified in

Part 6 ‘Structural Design’ of the National Building Code of India and other relevant Codes; and

b) that the construction has been done under our supervision and guidance and adheres to the drawings and

specifications submitted and records of supervision have been maintained.

Any subsequent changes from the completion drawings shall be the responsibility of the owner.

Signature of owner

Signature of the

with date

Registered Engineer/

Structural Engineer with

date and registration No.

Name:

Address:

ANNEX H

[Clause 13.2 (f)]

FORM FOR COMPLETION CERTIFICATE

I hereby certify that the development, erection, re-erection or material alteration in/of building No

or the

on/in Plot No

in Colony/Street

MOHALLA/BAZAR/

Road

City

has been supervised by me and has been completed on

........................... according to the plans sanctioned, vide No

dated

The work

has been completed to my best satisfaction, the workmanship and all the materials (type and grade) have been

used strictly in accordance with general and detailed specifications. No provisions of the Code, no requisitions

made, conditions prescribed or orders issued thereunder have been transgressed in the course of the work. The

land is fit for construction for which it has been developed or re-developed or the building is fit for use for which

it has been erected, re-erected or altered, constructed and enlarged.

I hereby also enclose the plan of the building completed in all aspects.

Signature of Architect/Engineer/Structural Engineer/Supervisor/Town Planner/Landscape Architect/Urban

Designer¹⁾

Name of Architect/Engineer/Structural Engineer/Supervisor/Town Planner/Landscape Architect/Urban

Designer¹⁾

(in block letters)

Registration No. of Architect/Engineer/Structural Engineer/Supervisor/Town Planner/Landscape Architect/Urban

Designer¹⁾

Address of Architect/Engineer/Structural Engineer/Supervisor/Town Planner/Landscape Architect/Urban

Designer¹⁾

Date:

Signature of the Owner

¹⁾ Strike out whichever is not applicable.

PART 2 ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF INDIA (2005) - page 1