KATHMANDU, March 26: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has introduced a new regulation requiring allocation of parking space on 20 percent of the land while constructing new houses. This rule is a part of the 'Building Construction Standards 2080 and Building Code' enforced by the metropolis effective from April 14, 2023.
Under this regulation, architectural maps must include designated parking provisions, except for areas classified as protected monuments of archaeological importance. Additionally, unused land areas which do not fall under public roads can also serve as parking space.
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Approval for building maps will now be processed in two stages. Initially, maps up to the plinth level for safe construction will be approved, followed by approval for subsequent construction phases.
According to Jiban Regmi, Senior Engineer at the Urban Management Department, inner urban areas can have a single-floor basement, while outer wards can accommodate up to a two-floor basement. Mandatory geo-technical investigations are required for buildings exceeding 17 meters in height or with an area exceeding 10,000 square feet (equivalent to a maximum of 5 floors).
Likewise, building maps measuring up to 5,000 square feet will be approved by the ward, while larger areas will require approval from the metropolis. Structures exceeding 10,000 square feet will undergo an appraisal process for approval.
Government, semi-government, banking and financial institutions, educational facilities, health buildings, joint structures, commercial buildings, and emergency disaster management plans must submit their proposals during construction. The Urban Management Department has conducted training sessions for ward secretaries and engineers to ensure compliance with these regulations.
Furthermore, a policy prohibiting construction in open spaces during city development has been emphasized in the code. These regulations were introduced through the first amendment to the 'Building Construction Standards 2080' and 'Building Construction Procedures 2075' by KMC.
