Building Bylaws Compliance in Residential Buildings: A Case of Neighborhood in Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Abstract

Increase in population and the construction of buildings has made Kathmandu Metropolitan city more crowded and unmanaged. Division of land in small parcel with least services facility has attracted the probable house owners and short term investors. In case of Nepal most of the buildings are being built by house owner with consultation of local contractors. Building Bye Laws are the regulation or basic requirements for the design and construction of buildings. The aim of the study is to analyze the compliance status of building bye laws and extent of violation, also study the factors behind the compliance or non-compliance of building bye laws. This study is focused on what is the extent of violation in KMC and type of violation of building bye laws in Kathmandu Metropolitan City. What could be the reason for violation and challenges of implementation of building bye laws. The research also studies on the understanding and awareness of people regarding the bye laws. This research is carried out by field study, key informant interview and focus group discussion mostly in qualitative approach where the study area was buildings located in Aadamya Marga, Swablambi Marga and adhikari tole at KMC-32. There is violation of bye laws in many cases by knowingly or unknowingly which has created uneven and haphazard development. Height of buildings, open spaces, setback, right of way are the basic of the building bye laws, which is not taken seriously by the house owner and there is difference between design and construction on site. Increase in price of land and demand of rent has encouraged house owner to build additional floor or room. This has violated Floor area ratio and setback in many cases. Violation of floor area ratio has also increased the population and made congestion in public services as well. Making people aware about bye laws, increase taxes for violation, limiting renting in residential buildings can be effective to reduce the violation of bye laws. It is also suggested to Promote vertical expansion with structural safety, public hygiene, healthy and safe environment.