According to building bye-laws, what is a building called when the outer face of any of its walls is on the street boundary?
🔬 Understanding Building Bye-Laws Terminology
Building bye-laws are a set of rules and regulations established by local authorities to govern the construction of buildings. They use specific, legally defined terms to describe various aspects of a building's location and features. This question tests the knowledge of one such term related to a building's position relative to the street.
⚖️ Detailed Analysis of the Options
Let's examine the specific meaning of each term in the context of building regulations.
(a) Abut
Definition: In architectural and legal terms, to "abut" means for a property or structure to be contiguous with or to touch along a border. A building is said to "abut on a street" when one of its exterior walls is located directly on the boundary line of that street, with no setback.
Conclusion: This is the precise legal and technical term for the situation described in the question.
(b) Cabin
Definition: A cabin is a non-residential enclosure constructed of non-load bearing partitions. It is typically a small room or compartment within a larger building, often used as an office or workspace. It describes a type of room, not the building's relationship to the street.
Conclusion: Incorrect.
(c) Balcony
Definition: A horizontal projection from the wall of a building, enclosed by a railing or balustrade, that is cantilevered or supported by brackets. It is a feature of a building, not a description of its position on the property line.
Conclusion: Incorrect.
(d) Barsati
Definition: A term used in South Asia for a small, enclosed room or structure built on the roof of a building, often used for storage or as a simple dwelling. It describes a specific part of a building, not its location relative to the street.
Conclusion: Incorrect.
💡 Study Tips for Building Bye-Laws
- Think of "Abutting Properties": You may have heard the term "abutting properties" in real estate, meaning properties that touch each other. The same principle applies here: the building "abuts" or touches the street boundary.
- Focus on the Relationship: The question is about the relationship between the building and the street line. Only "abut" describes this relationship. The other terms (Cabin, Balcony, Barsati) describe parts *of* a building.
- Learn Key Bye-Law Terms: Familiarize yourself with common terms from building codes like Setback, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), Plinth, and Coverage, as they are frequent topics in exams.