Ground Coverage & Open Space (Bidhimala Table 3)

Ground coverage vs FAR

FAR controls total floor area; ground coverage (GC) controls how much of the plot footprint the building occupies at each level.

Together they determine building form:

Max footprint = Plot Area × (Coverage % ÷ 100)
Upper floors  ≈ Total FAR area ÷ footprint area
Storey label  = G + upper floors (ground floor often parking/lobby)

Bidhimala 2025 Table 3

PlanBD applies §45(1) Table 3 — a min–max mandatory ground coverage (MGC) band by plot area (m²) and location context:

For each plot the calculator returns:

• Minimum GC — smallest footprint → most upper floors
• Maximum GC — largest footprint → fewest upper floors
• Mid GC — balanced scenario between the band
• Mandatory open space % — unbuilt area requirement

Implementation: src/lib/bidhimala-table3.ts (coded rules, not flat DB rows).

Open space breakdown

The report also shows paveable vs rainwater absorption open space where Bidhimala specifies sub-limits within the mandatory open space area.

Incentive link

Providing civic / public open space can qualify for +0.50 Incentive FAR (user toggle). Total FAR remains capped at max(Plot FAR, Area FAR).

Use the FAR Calculator for min/mid/max coverage scenarios and the Regulations Data & methodology tab for formulas.