Category: Design
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
The setback is the distance that must be left between the plot boundary and the first building line on the ground floor. For Saudi villas the front setback is one fifth of the street width with a 3 m minimum, and at least 1.5 m to neighbours, with the plot's building system on Balady as the final reference.
Why it matters on a project
The setback fixes the area you can actually build on, and any breach stops the permit or shows up at occupancy. Getting it right at the start sets the number of rooms, the parking and the entrance.
Worked example
A 20 x 30 m plot on a 20 m street: front setback 20 ÷ 5 = 4 m and 1.5 m to each neighbour, leaving a ground floor 20 − 3 = 17 m wide and 30 − 4 − 1.5 = 24.5 m deep.
Common mistake
Designing on the full plot and cutting the setbacks at the end, so the plan shrinks and the elevations change after the owner has approved them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I build inside the setback?
Current rules allow some ground floor annexes within the setbacks inside the coverage ratio and under conditions, but upper floors may not be built inside the minimum setback to neighbours.
Where do I find my plot's setback?
In the plot's building system on the Balady platform, or from the engineering office preparing the permit.
Related terms
- Building coverage ratioThe share of the plot area that each floor may cover.
- Construction drawingsDetailed drawings used to build the work on site after design approval, including dimensions, levels and details.
- Building permit (Balady)The official approval to build, issued online through the Balady platform.
- Site planA drawing showing the building within the plot with setbacks, entrances and levels.
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