When planning to build, buy, or renovate a house, it is essential to understand construction regulations, including the red line boundary, building line, and setback requirements. Let’s explore these concepts with Cát Mộc.
What is the Red Line Boundary?
The red line boundary is a boundary line defined on planning maps and in the field to separate the land designated for construction from the land allocated for roads, infrastructure, or public spaces. In urban areas, the road boundary often coincides with the red line boundary, encompassing the roadway, sidewalks, and curbs.
What is the Building Line?
The building line is the limit beyond which construction is not permitted.
It may coincide with the red line boundary if construction is allowed right up to the boundary of the plot.
It may be set back from the red line boundary if required by planning regulations.
In most cases, the building line is set back from the red line boundary. However, some structures such as balconies, eaves, and awnings may extend beyond the building line under specific conditions.
Building Setback
The setback is the distance between the red line boundary and the permitted building line.
For roads with a width of less than 19m:
- Buildings under 19m tall can be built right up to the sidewalk without a setback.
- Buildings 22m tall must be set back 3m.
- Buildings 25m tall require a 4m setback.
- Buildings over 28m tall require a 6m setback.
For roads between 19m and 22m wide:
- Buildings under 22m tall require no setback.
- Buildings between 22m and 25m tall must be set back 3m.
- Buildings over 28m tall require a 6m setback.
For roads wider than 22m:
- Buildings up to 28m tall require no setback.
- Buildings over 28m tall require a 6m setback.
The required setback distance depends on the road width and building height. However, before finalizing a construction plan, developers should apply for permits and obtain official guidelines from relevant authorities, as setback and building line regulations vary by location.
What is the Road Boundary (Lộ Giới)?
As shown in the table above, the road boundary significantly affects the required building setback.
The road boundary marks the safe corridor for roadways, defining the outermost width of a road. It is measured from the centerline of the road outward on both sides. Road boundary markers are typically installed along roadsides to warn against constructing permanent structures within this designated area.
In urban areas, the road boundary usually coincides with the red line boundary, including the roadway, sidewalks, and curbs.
Authority for Issuing Construction Permits (Article 66 – Construction Law)
- Provincial People’s Committees issue permits for large-scale projects, architecturally significant buildings, religious structures, and other constructions under their jurisdiction.
- District People’s Committees issue permits for urban and rural center buildings, except for those under provincial jurisdiction.
- Communal People’s Committees issue permits for individual houses in rural areas where planning regulations apply, as designated by district-level authorities.
