| Primary value | 33–60 % ((typical Indian residential)) |
| Applies to | Residential plots in most Indian cities |
| Exceptions | Low density / Independent housing → 33-40% |
| Medium density / Group housing → 40-50% | |
| High density / Apartments → 50-60% | |
| Commercial / Mixed-use → 60-75% | |
| Small plots (plotted development) → Up to 90% for plots <50 m², 75% for plots 101-250 m² as per NBC model. | |
| Group Housing → Typically lower, around 30-35%, to ensure large, contiguous community open spaces. | |
| Basements → A basement fully below the ground level is generally not counted towards ground coverage. | |
| Measured as | Built-up footprint of building (largest floor plate) ÷ plot area, expressed as %. |
| Source | NBC 2016 — NBC 2016, Part 3, Clause 8.2.3 and Tables 7 & 8. Note: Final values are mandated by local Development Control Regulations (DCRs) which may differ. ✓ Verified |
19 related items across IS codes, knowledge articles, design rules, maps and tools
Ground coverage dictates the building's footprint, directly impacting the availability of open space. In the Indian context, these open areas are critical for natural light, cross-ventilation, mitigating urban heat island effect, facilitating rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, and ensuring adequate access for fire tenders as per NBC Part 4.
Ground coverage is a primary constraint alongside Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and height limits. While often determined by the maximum envelope left after setbacks, the DCR-prescribed percentage is the legal maximum, whichever is less. For example, a 500 m² plot may have a theoretical buildable footprint of 65% after setbacks, but if the DCR limits ground coverage to 50%, the latter must be followed.