Short note: Building codes and by laws

A building code is a set of technical rules for the design and construction of buildings so that they are safe, healthy and durable. Building by-laws are legal rules made by the local authority (municipality) that control how and where a building may be built.

Nepal National Building Code (NBC, 1994)

It was prepared by the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC) after the 1988 earthquake, and was made mandatory in 2060 BS (2003). Its parts include NBC 000 (requirements for state-of-the-art design), NBC 101-114 (materials, loads, seismic design, design of masonry, concrete, steel and timber, and construction safety), NBC 201-205 (mandatory rules of thumb and guidelines for reinforced concrete, masonry and earthen buildings) and NBC 206-208 (architectural, electrical, sanitation and plumbing requirements). The Building Act 2055 gives the legal basis; it makes the code and the permit system compulsory in municipalities.

Building by-laws

They fix the ground coverage, floor area ratio (FAR), setback from the road and river, building height, plot size, parking, open space, light and ventilation, fire safety and access. A building permit is given only if the drawings follow them, and a completion certificate is issued after inspection.

Importance: earthquake safety, orderly urban growth, protection of neighbours and the environment, and legal clarity. Engineers must follow them and cannot sign drawings that violate them (NEC code of conduct).