UDCPR Guidelines for Ancillary Structures: Basement, Parking, Lift & Staircase Rules

While most developers focus on the built-up area and FSI, it is equally important to understand the rules governing ancillary structures like basements, staircases, lifts, and parking spaces. These elements, though not always counted in FSI, are essential for the functional and legal success of any project.

Let’s explore the key guidelines laid out in UDCPR 2020 regarding these components.

1️⃣ Basement Regulations

Basements are permitted under UDCPR primarily for the following purposes:

• Parking

• Storage of goods (non-hazardous)

• Services (like water tanks, electrical panels, etc.)

🛑 What You Need to Know:

• Maximum of 2 levels of basement may be permitted.

• Basement is not included in FSI if used exclusively for parking or services.

• Must maintain required setbacks and fire escape provisions.

• Should not be used for commercial or habitable purposes.

2️⃣ Parking Floor Guidelines

According to UDCPR, a building may have:

• Stilt Parking (ground level open floor)

• Podium Parking (above ground)

• Basement Parking (below ground)

These spaces are exempted from FSI, subject to:

• Proper ventilation and fire safety.

• Minimum parking space dimensions (as per vehicle type).

• Adequate driveway width for entry/exit.

The developer must ensure parking provisions are as per zoning and project type—residential, commercial, or mixed use.

3️⃣ Lift and Machine Room

For buildings above 4 floors or 15 meters in height:

• A lift is mandatory.

• The lift shaft and machine room are not counted in FSI.

• Must be located such that every unit on each floor is accessible.

• Lift lobby must be properly ventilated.

Provisions should be made for stretcher lifts in high-rise residential buildings.

4️⃣ Staircase and Fire Escape Rules

The minimum width of a residential staircase is:

• 3 feet (0.9 meters) for G+1 to G+2 floors

• 4 feet (1.2 meters) and above for buildings more than 3 floors

High-rise buildings require:

• Fire escape staircases (separate from main stair)

• Proper ventilation for staircase enclosures

• Fire-rated doors for access areas

UDCPR also mandates that staircases must not be enclosed in habitable rooms or have direct access from such spaces.

5️⃣ Lift Lobby and Corridors

Lift lobbies and corridors should:

• Be well-lit and ventilated

• Have minimum widths depending on building type

• Be accessible by both lift and stair

Corridors serving multiple flats must comply with minimum width norms for fire escape and smooth circulation.

Summary for Developers

🧱 Ancillary structures must be planned with the same seriousness as FSI-related structures. They:

• Affect project approvals

• Are critical for fire and life safety

• Impact customer experience

Ignoring these can lead to rejected plans, unusable areas, or costly revisions.

📣 Final Thoughts

The UDCPR guidelines for basements, parking, staircases, and lifts are not just regulatory—they directly impact the safety, usability, and approval of your project.

As a developer or architect, these areas should be studied carefully and designed with foresight.

Always ask:
📌 Is every inch of my project legally usable and future-proof?

That’s the mark of a professional development.