Building Bye-laws – Inclusion of balcony in floor area/FAR computation For the purpose of calculating permissible floor area or Floor Area Ratio (FAR), up to what percentage of a balcony's area is typically counted towards the floor area in standard Indian practice (unless a local rule states otherwise)?

Introduction / Context:
Municipal bye-laws and development control rules define how to compute Floor Area Ratio (FAR) or built-up area. Balconies, projections, and ducts often have special treatment so that designs encourage light and ventilation without overly inflating chargeable area. A common convention is to count only a portion of balcony area in the floor area calculation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Generic Indian practice where balcony area is partly chargeable.
• Local bye-laws can vary, but a typical allowance exists in many jurisdictions.
• We assume standard residential building rules in absence of a specific city code.

Concept / Approach:

To balance livability and density control, many authorities include only a fraction of balcony area in the FAR computation (often one-half). Designers must always confirm the local Development Control Regulations (DCR), but 50% is a widely cited norm used in preliminary estimates and examinations.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Sample DCRs from several Indian cities reflect partial inclusion of balcony area (often 50%), confirming the rule-of-thumb used in academic and competitive exams. Always verify the exact clause for a specific municipality.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

100% or 75% overestimates the chargeable area in places with concessions; 25% or 0% underestimates and is uncommon for general guidance.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing balcony with terrace or covered verandah; assuming universal rules without checking city-specific notifications.

Final Answer:

50%