When building a house or any other structure, it’s important to leave some open space between your building and your land boundary. This space is called a setback. You can’t build beyond this line. Setbacks help ensure safety, proper air flow, sunlight, and privacy—for you and your neighbors.
Here’s what you need to know in simple terms:
1. What is a setback?
A setback is the open space you must leave around your building—from the front, back, and sides—so your construction doesn’t go all the way to the edge of your land.
2. Setback for houses (residential buildings):
- If you’re building a house, you need to leave at least 1.5 meters of space from your neighbor’s boundary on the side where you place windows or doors.
- If the wall has no openings (just a plain wall), then this side setback isn’t required.
3. For houses with shops (residential + commercial buildings):
- Leave at least 2 meters from your neighbor’s land on the side.
4. For schools, government offices, hospitals, or public buildings:
- You must leave at least 3 meters of space from the neighbor’s boundary.
5. Setback on the roadside:
- For houses: leave at least 1.5 meters from the edge of the local road.
- For mixed-use buildings (home + shop): leave at least 2 meters from the road.
- For public or institutional buildings: leave at least 3 meters from the road.
6. Along national highways:
- Any type of building must leave at least 6 meters from the highway boundary.
7. What you cannot do in setback areas:
- You’re not allowed to build permanent structures like boundary walls, stairs, ramps, or any solid construction in this space.
8. Taller buildings need more space:
- If your building is more than 10 meters tall (up to 17 meters), you must leave at least 2 meters of space on all sides, even for houses.
Roadside Setback:
Setback on neighbour’s side:
Why Should We Leave Setback Space While Building a House?“Setback isn’t just empty space—it’s your safety zone.”
When building a home, it’s natural to want to use every inch of your land. But leaving proper setback space is not a loss—it’s a wise decision that protects your family, your neighbors, and your future.
1. For Your Family’s Safety
Nepal is an earthquake-prone country. If buildings are too close, they can crash into each other during a quake. Setbacks give your home space to "breathe" and move safely.
2. In Case of Fire or Medical Emergencies
Leave space so rescue teams can reach your home quickly. A few feet today can save lives tomorrow.
3. Light, Air & Good Health
Homes built too close together become dark and damp. Setbacks let in sunlight and fresh air—keeping your family healthy and happy.
4. Peace With Neighbors
No one likes their window or view blocked. Respecting setbacks means respecting your neighbors and living in harmony.
5. Avoid Trouble With the Law
Local municipalities require setback space. Without it, your building plan may be rejected, or worse—your house might face penalties or demolition.
6. Future-Proof Your Home
Setbacks leave room for drainage, road widening, or utilities. Planning ahead saves money and stress later.
7. A Small Space Now = A Big Relief Later
Let’s build homes that are not just strong—but smart, safe, and socially responsible.
"Follow the setback rules. Build for safety. Build for tomorrow."
First Case Study: The Costly Mistake – Ramesh's Narrow Escape
Location: Chitwan
Owner: Ramesh Thapa
Ramesh built his two-story home in Chitwan without leaving proper setback space, thinking it was a waste of land. He even added a small stairway into the side area near the boundary.A few months later, the municipality came to inspect and denied him a completion certificate. Worse, his neighbor complained about blocked sunlight and privacy. Ramesh was ordered to demolish the side stair and wall.
Lesson: Ramesh lost money and time. If he had followed the setback rules, he would’ve avoided legal troubles and neighborhood conflict.
Second Case Study: The Smart Planner – Sita's Peaceful Home
Location: Butwal
Owner: Sita Ghimire, 36, schoolteacher
Sita built her family home by carefully following the setback rules. She left 1.5 meters on all sides and made sure her windows didn’t disturb her neighbors. She even planted flowers in her side setback area.During a fire in a nearby house, firefighters could access her backyard quickly using her side setback path—and helped stop the fire from spreading.
Lesson: Sita’s home stayed safe because she left space for emergencies. Her neighbors respect her for building responsibly.
Third Case Study: The Builder's Regret – Hari’s Stuck Project
Location: Bhaktapur
Character: Hari Manandhar, 50, contractor
Hari was in a rush to finish a commercial-cum-residential building near a busy road. To save costs, he reduced the roadside setback to less than 2 meters. Later, he was denied permission to operate a business from the building.To make things worse, his building was found to be too close to a future road-widening plan. He now faces a partial demolition notice.
Lesson: Cutting corners with setbacks can backfire in the long run—especially near main roads or highways.
Standard Drawings for Setback Understanding:
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