What setbacks and buffers apply to industrial usage?

Setbacks and buffers are spatial planning requirements that govern how far industrial structures must be placed from roads, property boundaries, water bodies, and sensitive areas. These regulations ensure safety, environmental protection, and harmonious development between industrial and non-industrial zones.

Setback and buffer norms may vary by state, industrial type (light, medium, heavy), and environmental classification. Below is a breakdown by category:

1. Front, Side, and Rear Setbacks

a. Front Setback (from Road)

• Typically ranges from 15 to 30 meters, depending on road width.
  
• Required for access, parking, landscaping, and vehicle maneuvering.
  
• Heavier industries may require more for vehicle loading and unloading zones.
  

b. Side and Rear Setbacks (from property boundaries)

• Usually 6 to 15 meters.
  
• Needed for ventilation, fire safety access, and utilities routing.
  
• More space may be required if adjacent to residential or public land.
  

2. Setback from Water Bodies

• Minimum 30 to 100 meters from rivers, lakes, canals, or reservoirs.
  
• Mandatory for pollution control and flood protection.
  
• Sensitive industries like chemicals or oil may require a greater distance.
  

3. Setback from Residential Zones

• For hazardous or high-pollution industries:
  
  • A buffer of 100 to 1000 meters is often enforced.
    
• For light industries:
  
  • A minimum buffer of 50 to 100 meters is common.
    
• These buffers reduce health risks, noise, and air pollution exposure.
  

4. Setback from Forests and Eco-Sensitive Zones

• As per environmental laws, industries must maintain:
  
  • Minimum 1 km from notified eco-sensitive zones.
    
  • Sometimes more, based on the environmental clearance process.
    
• Necessary for biodiversity protection and pollution impact mitigation.
  

5. Fire and Safety Setbacks

• Required around:
  
  • Boiler rooms, storage tanks, and hazardous material units.
    
• Minimum 6 to 10 meters of clear space around industrial buildings for fire vehicle movement.
  
• Subject to the National Building Code and local Fire Department rules.