| Primary value | 0.9 m |
| Applies to | External balconies in residential / commercial buildings |
| Exceptions | Cantilever balcony max projection → Per local DCR — usually 1.5-2.0 m |
| Balcony FAR exemption → Often free up to 10-15% of floor area | |
| Railing height → Min 1.0 m | |
| Enclosure of Balcony → Enclosing a balcony with glazing, walls, or other materials typically causes it to be fully counted in the Floor Area Ratio (FAR). | |
| Projection into Setbacks → Balconies are generally not permitted to project into the mandatory minimum setback/open space required around the plot boundary. | |
| Measured as | Perpendicular depth from the building face to the outer railing line. |
| Source | NBC 2016 — NBC 2016, Part 3, Clause 12.16.1 ✓ Verified |
A minimum depth of 0.9 m ensures basic functionality, allowing a person to stand or move comfortably. It provides just enough space for essential uses like drying clothes or placing small planters, which are common requirements in Indian households. Anything less would render the space purely ornamental and non-functional for daily activities.
In practice, developers often provide balconies of 1.2 m to 1.5 m width, as this is a functional size that often qualifies for FAR exemption under local DCRs. Premium residential projects may offer larger balconies (up to 2.0 m or more if permitted), but architects must carefully check municipal rules, as any projection exceeding the free-of-FAR limit is counted in the building's total built-up area.