| Primary value | 1.8 m ((min depth)) |
| Applies to | All lift lobbies — residential and non-residential |
| Exceptions | Single lift → 1.8 m depth × lift width |
| Two opposite lifts → 2.5 m depth (between cars) | |
| Lobby width per side → = 1.5 × car door width min | |
| Fire Lift Lobby → Minimum 5.0 m² area, with no side less than 2.0 m. (NBC 2016, Part 4, Cl 4.11.4) | |
| Lifts for Persons with Disabilities → Minimum clear landing area of 1.8 m × 1.8 m in front of the lift door. (NBC 2016, Part 3, Annex D) | |
| Absolute Minimum Landing Size → 1.5 m × 1.5 m, though the 1.8 m depth requirement for movement typically governs. (NBC 2016, Part 8, Cl 5.5.1 a) | |
| Measured as | Clear unobstructed depth from lift door to opposite wall — measured at the most-critical stopping floor. |
| Source | NBC 2016 — NBC 2016, Part 8, Section 5A, Clause 5.5.1. Also supported by IS 14665 (Part 4/Sec 1). ✓ Verified |
Sufficient lobby depth is critical for safe and efficient vertical transportation. It prevents collisions as users enter and exit, and crucially, allows for the movement of stretchers or wheelchairs, a key accessibility requirement under NBC. Inadequate space can create dangerous congestion, especially during peak hours or emergency evacuations.
While the code mandates 1.8 m depth, premium residential projects often provide 2.0-2.4 m. Commercial office buildings frequently design for 3.0 m or more at the main entrance lobby to accommodate morning and evening peak traffic queues.