Quick answer: LDA's Building and Zoning Regulations control how much of your plot you can cover and how far the house must stay from the boundaries. Commonly cited figures for residential plots are a 5 ft building line for plots under 10 marla, a 5 ft rear space for 5 to under 10 marla, and for 10 marla to 1 kanal a 10 ft building line, 7 ft rear space and 5 ft side space. Ground coverage typically reduces from about 80 percent on small plots to about 65 to 70 percent on 10 marla to 2 kanal plots.
Important: LDA regulations have been amended several times since 2019, and published copies differ in places. Use this guide to understand the rules, then confirm the current figures for your plot with your architect or LDA before finalizing drawings.
Key Terms Explained
- Building line: The minimum open space between the front boundary and the house.
- Rear space: Open space required at the back of the plot.
- Side space: Open space required along one or both sides, usually on larger plots.
- Ground coverage: The percentage of the plot that the ground floor may cover.
- Floor area ratio (FAR): Total covered area of all floors divided by plot area.
Mandatory Open Spaces (Commonly Cited Figures)
| Plot size | Building line (front) | Rear space | Side space |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 marla | 5 ft | Not required | Not required |
| 5 marla to under 10 marla | 5 ft | 5 ft | Not required |
| 10 marla to 1 kanal | 10 ft | 7 ft | 5 ft (confirm whether one or both sides) |
| Above 1 kanal | Larger requirements apply | Larger requirements apply | Usually on both sides |
Some versions of the regulations also link open spaces to plot frontage and road width. Corner plots and plots facing wide roads can have different requirements.
Ground Coverage and Floor Area Ratio
| Plot size | Typical maximum ground coverage |
|---|---|
| Under 5 marla | about 80% |
| 5 marla to under 10 marla | about 75% |
| 10 marla to under 1 kanal | about 70% |
| 1 kanal to 2 kanal | about 65% |
FAR limits also apply, and published copies of the regulations give different FAR values for the same plot bands. Ask your architect to confirm the current FAR for your plot before you design extra floors or a large basement.
Car Porch
For plots of 10 marla and above, the regulations allow a car porch in the side space, commonly cited as up to about 20 ft in length. Smaller plots have narrower allowances. Porch roofs must not be converted into rooms.
Basements
Basements are generally permitted in houses if they keep the required distance from boundaries, have adequate ventilation and are shown on the approved plan. Basement use for commercial purposes in residential areas is not allowed. See our basement cost and design guide.
Mumty, Height and Roof Structures
Stair towers (mumty), water tanks and parapets are allowed within limits on area and height. Full rooms on the roof, beyond what the approved plan permits, are a common violation. Check height limits for your plot with your architect.
Residential Use Only
LDA prohibits commercial use of residential plots unless the plot is officially converted. Shops, offices, schools or hostels in residential houses can lead to sealing and fines.
Common Bylaw Violations
- Covering the front building line with rooms or extended porches.
- Building into the rear space.
- Exceeding permitted covered area on upper floors.
- Adding rooms on the roof beyond the mumty.
- Projecting balconies or shades beyond the plot line.
- Converting basements or garages to unauthorized uses.
Violations can delay your completion certificate, increase fines and reduce resale value.
How Bylaws Shape Your Design
Good architects treat bylaws as a design brief. A well-planned house uses the permitted envelope fully, places courtyards and lawns in required open spaces, and keeps the layout flexible for future needs. See our 5 marla design ideas and 10 marla layout comparison.
For DHA plots, read our guide to DHA Lahore first-floor covered area rules. For the approval steps, see the LDA map approval process.
Planet Builders designs bylaw-compliant homes through our architectural design service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the building line for a 5 marla house in LDA?
The commonly cited building line for plots under 10 marla is 5 ft, with a 5 ft rear space for 5 to under 10 marla plots. Confirm current requirements with LDA or your architect.
Is side space required on 10 marla plots?
Published copies of the regulations indicate a side space of about 5 ft for 10 marla to 1 kanal plots. Whether it applies on one or both sides should be confirmed against the current regulations.
Can I cover 100 percent of my plot?
No. Ground coverage limits and mandatory open spaces mean part of every plot must remain open.
Do LDA bylaws apply in DHA or Bahria Town?
DHA and many private societies apply their own building regulations and approval systems. Check with the relevant authority.
Want a design that maximizes your plot within the rules? Contact Planet Builders & Interiors.