Understanding Stilt
Stilt is a non-habitable floor raised on columns, usually used for parking or open space.
Stilt refers to a non-habitable floor or level of a building that is raised above ground level on structural columns or pillars. It is typically used for parking or open space purposes. The stilt floor is usually located just below the first habitable floor and does not include enclosed rooms for residential use.
Key Characteristics of Stilts
Height: The clear height of the stilt area usually ranges between 2.4 to 2.7 meters (around 8 to 9 feet), allowing sufficient space for vehicle parking.
Purpose: The stilt area is most commonly used for parking. It can also house utility spaces like cycle stands or storage areas. A common urinal is allowed to be constructed in the stilt area for general visitors. In some cases, the stilt area may be left open for pedestrian movement or landscaped as part of the building amenities.
Open Sides: At least two sides of the stilt area are typically open to facilitate movement of vehicles and people.
Non-habitable: The stilt area is non-habitable, meaning it cannot be used as living or office space under normal building regulations.
Advantages of Stilt Floors in Delhi NCR
Maximizes Space: Provides parking space without consuming the ground floor area, which can then be utilized for residential or commercial purposes.
Reduces Congestion: Helps reduce on-street parking congestion, particularly in urban and high-density areas like Delhi NCR.
Flood Protection: Buildings with stilt floors are often elevated, offering some protection against waterlogging and floods.
Building Regulations for Stilt Floors
Local building codes define specific standards regarding the height, structure, and permitted uses of the stilt floor to ensure safety and compliance with urban planning norms.
In the Delhi NCR region, stilt floors are usually excluded from the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculation if they are used solely for parking.
Delhi state mandates construction of a stilt in all new projects. Certain rare exceptions may apply in the Lutyens zone.
Cities like Noida, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad can have new constructions without stilts subject to the number of floors planned with certain locality-wide mandates.
Penalties for Violations
Heavy fines imposed by respective governing and regulatory bodies.
Demolition of unauthorized structures if they fail to meet the standards.
Legal action, including the suspension of building permissions.
