The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has urged property owners and developers across the state to comply with approved building setback requirements, warning that failure to do so could compromise safety and attract enforcement action.
The agency’s Acting General Manager, Bldr. Gbaye Florence, said building setbacks are essential to ensuring safe, orderly and sustainable development across Lagos communities.
Gbaye explained that setbacks provide adequate space around buildings for ventilation, natural lighting, accessibility, drainage, maintenance and other safety considerations.
According to her, a residential development on a full plot may, as a general guide, require a six-metre front setback, three metres on both sides and three metres at the rear.
She added that a residential development on a half plot may generally require a six-metre setback at the front, 1.5 metres on one side, three metres on the other side and three metres at the rear.
For commercial developments of two to three floors, she said the general requirement may be a nine-metre front setback, with three metres on both sides and three metres at the rear.
However, the LASBCA boss stressed that the stated measurements should not be regarded as universal requirements, noting that applicable setbacks could vary according to location, planning schemes, approved layouts, approval orders and other relevant planning conditions and regulations.
She therefore advised property owners and developers to establish the specific setback requirements applicable to their properties before commencing construction.
Gbaye cautioned developers against relying on assumptions or advice from unqualified persons, stressing that early compliance could save property owners from costly corrections, demolition risks and other enforcement measures.
She also urged Lagos residents to engage registered professionals and cooperate with building control officials throughout the construction process.
The Acting General Manager maintained that compliance with building setback requirements was not merely a regulatory obligation but an important measure for protecting lives and property while promoting the orderly development of communities across Lagos State.