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Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

Building Setbacks from Boundary

Check the guidelines relating to building setback for bungalows (or detached houses).

Last updated 29 June 2026
Illustration of house with setback and road buffer distances based on road category.

Building Setback for bungalows within GCBA

Diagram showing the setbacks and road buffers of a house with a car porch.

Building Setback for bungalows outside GCBA

Road Buffer and Green Buffer


Diagram showing the control of resultant buildable area through requisite road buffer and common boundary setback on a site.

Setbacks from Common Boundaries


Setbacks for an existing individual plot outside GCBA with more than one road frontage

Diagrams showing buildable areas on land near roads. Includes buffer zones and setbacks. Key: r=buffer, c=setback.

Setbacks for a bungalow with more than 1 road frontage (Non-Cat 5 roads)

Diagram of detached houses with road access. One has front and rear access; the other, front and side. Measurements are included.

Setbacks for a bungalow with more than 1 road frontage (Cat 5 roads)

Setbacks for existing irregular or odd-shaped plots (excluding newly created) outside GCBA

Diagram of resultant buildable area with dimensions and road access. Subject to site coverage area.

Setbacks for irregular/odd-shaped plots outside GCBA

Examples where Reduced Setbacks do not apply

Diagram showing how area A is divided into areas B1 and B2. Arrow indicates change on minor road.

Rear Garden Landed Housing

Plan view diagram showing rear garden, covered terrace, road, and roof eaves with dimensions.

Setback Requirements for Rear Garden Landed Housing


Ancillary Structures