Owning a plot in Dhaka does not mean you can build on all of it. RAJUK (Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha) enforces strict setback regulations that mandate open space around buildings — reducing the footprint you can actually construct on. On top of that, FAR (Floor Area Ratio) rules limit the total floor space you can build across all floors. Understanding these rules before you buy or design saves enormous cost and legal problems.
What Are Setbacks?
Setbacks are the minimum distances that must be maintained between the building structure and the plot boundaries. They apply to all four sides — front (road-facing), rear, and both sides. Setback requirements in the RAJUK detailed area plan (DAP) vary based on plot size, zone type (residential, commercial, mixed), and road width.
Approximate RAJUK Setback Requirements — Residential Zone
| Plot Size | Front Setback | Rear Setback | Side Setbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 katha (2,160 sqft) | 1.5 m | 1.5 m | 1.0 m each side |
| 3–7 katha (2,161–5,040 sqft) | 1.8 m | 1.5 m | 1.2 m each side |
| 7–10 katha (5,041–7,200 sqft) | 2.0 m | 1.8 m | 1.5 m each side |
| 10–20 katha (7,201–14,400 sqft) | 3.0 m | 2.0 m | 2.0 m each side |
| Above 20 katha | 4.5 m | 3.0 m | 2.5 m each side |
Note
These are indicative values from RAJUK regulations as of 2026. Exact setbacks depend on your zone, DAP area, road width, and plot shape. Always verify with a RAJUK-approved architect and check the specific DAP sheet for your plot location before designing.
Calculating Ground Coverage After Setbacks
Ground coverage area = (Plot length − front setback − rear setback) × (Plot width − left setback − right setback) Example: 5-katha plot (3,600 sqft), dimensions 60ft × 60ft, in medium residential zone Setbacks: front 6ft (1.8m), rear 5ft (1.5m), sides 4ft (1.2m) each Buildable length = 60 − 6 − 5 = 49 ft Buildable width = 60 − 4 − 4 = 52 ft Ground coverage = 49 × 52 = 2,548 sqft (vs plot area 3,600 sqft — only 70.8% is buildable ground area)
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) — Total Buildable Space
FAR determines how much total floor area you can build across all floors. FAR is expressed as a multiplier of the net plot area (after setbacks). A FAR of 3.0 on a 3,600 sqft plot means a maximum of 10,800 sqft of total built area.
Approximate FAR by Zone — RAJUK Dhaka
| Zone Type | FAR Range | Max Floors (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Low density residential | 1.5 – 2.5 | 3 – 5 floors |
| Medium density residential | 2.5 – 3.5 | 5 – 8 floors |
| High density residential | 3.5 – 5.0 | 8 – 15 floors |
| Commercial | 4.0 – 6.0 | 10 – 18 floors |
| Mixed use | 3.0 – 5.0 | Varies |
Tip
Before purchasing any plot in Dhaka, pay for a feasibility report from a RAJUK-approved architect. For ৳5,000–15,000 they will check the DAP sheet, verify setbacks and FAR for your specific plot, identify any RAJUK-listed roads or reservations that affect it, and tell you exactly how much you can build. This fee is trivial compared to the cost of a plot you later find has severe building restrictions.