An investigation into building setbacks compliance. The case study of Kichinjaji Ward, Soroti City.

Abstract

Houses tend to maintain a certain distance from the street or sidewalk, a certain distance away from their adjacent neighbours, and have a certain depth of yard. This spacing is called a setback and is the required distance that a building must be located away from the streets, easements, and other structures. Absence of proper setback in residential areas deteriorates the aesthetic view of buildings, streets and affects the distribution of utility lines in the neighbourhood. This study carried out to investigate the level of compliance and causes of noncompliance in Kichinjaji ward located in Soroti city was based on the objectives of finding out the level of compliance to the minimum building setbacks stated in the National Physical Planning Standards, finding out why there are non-compliances to the building setbacks and to suggest possible interventions for the noncompliance. A reconnaissance survey for getting an overall idea of the area and issues under the study was conducted before starting the randomized questionnaire survey and verification of digitized spatial data. The GIS application tool was used to obtain most important spatial data characters of the study area from existing Cadastre maps, Soroti city physical structure and detailed plans. A sample size of 155 developed residential plots was obtained using Slovins sample method. Existing buildings in the sampled plots were digitized and their respective building setbacks measured. The other important secondary data was obtained from the National physical planning standards that provided the bench mark for the minimum building setbacks being researched about in the study. Also basic researches conducted by other authors related to this topic of study were consulted to draw knowledge in guiding the study. Upon collecting and analyzing data required in the study, the findings revealed that level of compliance to the building setbacks in the planned neighbourhood of Kichinjaji ward have generally been poorly adhered to. Of the 155 low density residential plots sampled in the 24 blocks, the level of compliance to the front setback was found to be observed at 18.7%. The rear building setback compliance 43.3%, and side setback compliance stood at 28%. It was also found that the major causes of noncompliance were attributed to; limited knowledge about national building setbacks standards among the public,engagement of landlords in illegal construction activities and inadequate routine law enforcemnet activities by the City council. There is need for the council to closely monitor construction sites, sensitize the public, boost staffing levels and streamline building plans approval process.