| 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 |
20 related items across IS codes, knowledge articles, design rules, maps and tools
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.