BUILDING

REGULATIONS

Introduction

Regulations are embodied within the laws

of a country.
These are imposed to ensure safety of the
public and the users.
But buildings can be designed under a
persons own requirements
Because regulations are not about the
restrictions, but about the limitations.

Importance of building
regulations

Structurally stable
Safe in the event of a fire
Weather resistant
Constructed with adequate sound insulation
Provided with healthy ventilation
Constructed with safe stairways, ramps and
guarding
Provided with safety glass where appropriate
Safe from dangerous electrical wiring
Energy efficient

Situations needed

Building a new home

Erection, extension or alteration of a building
Change of buildings use
Internal structural alterations
Loft & garage conversions
Forming a structural opening IE - New window or
through room
Installing cavity wall insulation
Underpinning a house
Installing a WC

Building Regulations can be categorized into two

as follows :
Planning regulations
Building regulations.

These regulations change from area to area.

That means regulations in Colombo are not same

as those in another area.

Regulations related to
Colombo
Planning regulations

Activity should with in the UDA declared areas.

Streets should be in accordance with the regulations.

Minimum
Maximum length
width (m) (m)
of lots
3.0 50.0 4 2
4.5 100.0 8 2
6.0 ----- 20 4
9.0 ----- ---- -----

Maximum No:
Max Dwelling
units per lot

sizes of streets to residentials

Shape of the edges of the building should be taken in to

consideration

Building regulations

Yard or space in and around the building

accordance with the approved way.

Sizes of areas inside the building should comply

with regulations.
Kitchen
area - 5m^2
min width - 2m
area of a habitable room 8 square meters

Light and ventilation.

For further details refer The Gazette of the

Democratic Socialist Republic Of Sri Lanka