IS 13727:1993 provides comprehensive guidelines for cluster planning in housing developments, focusing on optimizing land use through low-rise, high-density layouts that foster community interaction. Applicable to public, private, and cooperative housing projects, this standard addresses design, open space allocation, access, and building requirements to support sustainable and socially cohesive housing clusters, including provisions for slum resettlement and group housing.
Overview
IS 13727:1993 provides comprehensive guidelines for cluster planning in housing developments, focusing on optimizing land use through low-rise, high-density layouts that foster community interaction. Applicable to public, private, and cooperative housing projects, this standard addresses design, open space allocation, access, and building requirements to support sustainable and socially cohesive housing clusters, including provisions for slum resettlement and group housing.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 13727: Scope Summary
| Clause | Description |
|---|---|
| 2.1 | Lists necessary adjunct Indian Standards (SP 7, IS 8888) |
| 5.2 | Specifies adherence to fire safety and structural design per SP 7 |
flowchart LR
A[IS 13727 Scope] --> B[Low Income Housing Design]
B --> C[Urban Area Focus]
B --> D[Compliance with SP 7:1983]
D --> E[Fire Safety]
D --> F[Structural Design]
D --> G[Plumbing Services]
A --> H[BIS Quality Control]
For detailed design formulas and tables, refer to SP 7 and IS 8888 as per Clause 2.1.
IS 13727: Referenced Standards & Specifications Summary
Primary Adjunct Standards:
Key Clauses:
BIS Licensing & Quality Control:
| Standard | Purpose | Application |
|---|---|---|
| SP 7:1983 | National Building Code | Fire safety, structural & services |
| IS 8888 | Low Income Housing Guide (Urban) | Housing design guidelines |
flowchart LR
IS13727 --> SP7["SP 7 : 1983\n(NBC India)"]
IS13727 --> IS8888["IS 8888 (Part 1): 1993\n(Low Income Housing)"]
SP7 --> FireSafety
SP7 --> StructuralDesign
SP7 --> PlumbingServices
For detailed formulas and design tables, consult SP 7 : 1983 as IS 13727 defers to it for technical specifics.
| Clause | Reference Standard | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | SP 7 : 1983 | Fire safety, structural design, plumbing |
| 2.1 | IS 8888 : 1993 | Low-income housing design guide |
If you need definitions of specific terms or formulas related to structural design or fire safety, please specify!
IS 13727: Guide for Requirements of Cluster Planning for Housing
Key Planning Requirements & Specifications
[ \text{Plot Coverage} = \frac{\text{Built-up Area}}{\text{Total Plot Area}} \times 100% ]
Recommended plot coverage: 40-50% for cluster housing to allow open spaces.
| Parameter | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Cluster Size | 20 - 100 dwelling units |
| Plot Coverage | 40% - 50% |
| Open Space | ≥ 30% of cluster area |
| Internal Road Width | ≥ 3.5 m |
| Setbacks | ≥ 1.5 m |
| Density | 150 - 250 persons/ha |
flowchart TD
A[Cluster Planning] --> B[Plot/Plinth Area]
A --> C[Open Spaces]
A --> D[Roads & Circulation]
A --> E[Setbacks & Safety]
B --> F[Minimum Habitable Area]
C --> G[Ventilation & Recreation]
D --> H[Emergency Access]
E --> I[Fire Safety & Privacy]
For detailed design, always refer to IS 13727 (1993) full text and local municipal regulations.
IS 13727: Building Design Requirements - Key Points
Governing Codes:
Design Requirements Include:
Reference Table 5.1 (Clause 5.2): Specifies detailed building design requirements as per SP 7:1983.
| Aspect | Specification Source |
|---|---|
| Fire Safety | NBC 1980 (SP 7:1983) |
| Structural Design | NBC 1980 (SP 7:1983) |
| Building Services | NBC 1980 (SP 7:1983) |
| Plumbing Services | NBC 1980 (SP 7:1983) |
flowchart LR
A[IS 13727] --> B[NBC 1980 (SP 7:1983)]
A --> C[IS 8888 (Part 1): 1993]
B --> D[Fire Safety]
B --> E[Structural Design]
B --> F[Building Services]
B --> G[Plumbing Services]
For detailed formulas and design tables, consult NBC 1980 and IS 8888 directly.
IS 13727: Key Specifications for Open Space and Access
| Parameter | Minimum Value/Specification |
|---|---|
| Cluster Open Space Width | ≥ 6 m or ¾ height of adjacent building |
| Cluster Open Space Area | ≥ 36 m² |
| Building Height (cluster) | ≤ 15 m |
| Cluster Max Width/Breadth | 13 m |
| Access Width (Pathway) | ≥ 3 m |
| Access Width (Vehicular) | ≥ 6 m |
| Building Height Along Access | ≥ 60% height of adjacent building |
flowchart LR
A[Cluster Open Space] --> B{Dimensions}
B --> C[Width ≥ 6m or ¾ height]
B --> D[Area ≥
IS 13727 Key Points on Density and Plot Size
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum plot size | 15 m² |
| Max ground coverage (≤25 m²) | 100% |
| Max FSI (≤25 m²) | 2 |
| Max net density | 500 dwelling units/hectare |
| Covered area per dwelling | 15 m² |
flowchart TD
A[Plot Size] -->|≤ 25 m²| B[100% Ground Coverage + FSI 2]
A -->|> 25 m²| C[Follow IS 8888 (Part 1):1993]
D[Density] --> E[Net Density (Excl. Open Spaces)]
D --> F[Gross Density (Incl. Open Spaces)]
G[Max Density] --> H[500 dwelling units/ha]
This ensures adequate living space, ventilation, and community amenities per IS 13727.
IS 13727: Cluster Types and Configurations
| Cluster Type | Description | Key Feature | Reference Figure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cluster Plot | Basic grouping of dwelling units forming a cluster | Defined plot area for cluster units | Clause 3.3 |
| Back to Back Cluster | Clusters joined back-to-back and/or on sides | Shared walls on back/sides | Fig. 5 |
| Interlocking Cluster | Clusters joined at back and sides with shared sides; units have access/ventilation from adjacent clusters | Units open on at least two sides; future growth provision | Fig. 6 |
| Closed Cluster | Clusters with only one common entry into cluster open space | Single entry point | Fig. 8 |
graph LR
A[Back to Back Cluster]
B[Interlocking Cluster]
C[Closed Cluster]
A -->|Shared back/sides| SharedWalls
B -->|Access & ventilation from adjacent clusters| MultipleOpenings
C -->|One common entry| SingleEntry
For detailed dimensional tables and ventilation norms, refer to IS 13727 clauses on cluster spacing and open space requirements.
IS 13727: Special Provisions for Slum Resettlement
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum Ground Floor Area | 12.5 m² |
| Additional First Floor Area | 12.5 m² |
| Total Potential Area | 25 m² |
| Staircase | Internal, space-efficient |
flowchart TD
A[Slum Resettlement Plot] --> B[Ground Floor: 12.5 m²]
B --> C[Internal Staircase]
C --> D[First Floor: 12.5 m²]
D --> E[Total Usable Area: 25 m²]
This approach balances space constraints with habitability in slum redevelopment.
IS 13727: Group Housing within Clusters - Key Points
graph LR
A[Cluster 1] -- Common Side --> B[Cluster 2]
B -- Access/Ventilation --> A
A & B --> External Open Space
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Max Height | 15 m |
| Min Open Sides per Unit | 2 sides open to external space |
| Plinth Area Limit | ≤ 20 m² (room addition allowed) |
This ensures adequate light, ventilation, and future expansion in cluster group housing.
IS 13727 on Fire Safety & Structural Design: Key Points
Reference Standard: Clause 5.2 mandates compliance with SP 7:1983 (National Building Code of India - NBC) for fire safety, structural design, building services, and plumbing.
Fire Safety (from NBC SP 7:1983):
Structural Design:
Typical Fire Resistance Ratings (hours):
| Building Element | Occupancy Risk | Fire Resistance (Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Columns | High-rise | 2 to 4 |
| Beams | Residential | 1 to 2 |
| Floors | Commercial | 2 |
| Walls | All | 2 |
For detailed formulas, tables, and specifications, refer directly to SP 7:1983 (NBC), which is the authoritative document for fire safety and structural design requirements referenced by IS 13727.
flowchart TD
A[IS 13727 Clause 5.2] --> B[Refer SP 7:1983 (NBC)]
B --> C[Fire Safety Requirements]
B --> D[Structural Design Requirements]
C --> E[Fire Resistance Ratings]
D --> F[Load Considerations]
F --> G[Fire Load, Dead, Live, Wind, Seismic]
E --> H[Compartmentation & Protection]
Summary: IS 13727 defers to NBC SP 7:1983 for comprehensive fire safety and structural design rules. Ensure compliance with NBC’s fire resistance ratings, load considerations, and fire protection methods for safe housing design.
IS 13727 references maintenance and management primarily through SP 7:1983 (National Building Code of India), which covers fire safety, structural design, and building services.
Maintenance Objectives:
Structural Maintenance:
Fire Safety:
Building Services:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Inspection | Scheduled visual and technical inspections |
| Documentation | Maintain records of inspections and repairs |
| Preventive Maintenance | Timely servicing to avoid failures |
| Corrective Actions | Immediate repair of identified defects |
| Safety Compliance | Adherence to fire and safety codes (SP 7:1983) |
Allowable Crack Width (w):
[ w \leq 0.3 \text{ mm (for reinforced concrete structures as per IS 456)} ]
graph TD
A[Inspection] --> B[Documentation]
B --> C[Preventive Maintenance]
C --> D[Corrective Actions]
D --> E[Safety Compliance]
E --> A
Note: For detailed procedures, refer to SP 7:1983 and IS 456 for structural design and maintenance guidelines. IS 13727 defers detailed maintenance specs to these standards.
IS 13727: Future Growth and Expansion - Key Points
IS 13727 does not explicitly provide formulas or tables specifically titled "Future Growth and Expansion." However, related guidance can be inferred from cluster planning and density clauses:
Formula:
[ \text{Net Density} = \frac{\text{Number of Dwelling Units}}{\text{Residential Plot Area (excluding community facilities/open spaces)}} ]
[ \text{Gross Density} = \frac{\text{Number of Dwelling Units}}{\text{Total Area (including open spaces, roads, community facilities)}} ]
| Density Type | Includes | Excludes | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Density | Residential plots only | Community facilities, open spaces, roads | Detailed housing unit planning |
| Gross Density | Entire neighborhood area | None | Overall urban planning |
flowchart LR
A[Total Area] --> B[Community Facilities & Open Spaces & Roads]
A --> C[Residential Plot Area]
C --> D[Number of Dwelling Units]
D --> E[Net Density Calculation]
A --> F[Gross Density Calculation]
Use these concepts to plan for future growth by balancing density with adequate open spaces and infrastructure.
IS 13727: Annexures and Figures - Key Highlights
Annex A - Committee Composition:
Lists experts from various government bodies, research institutes, and housing authorities responsible for the standard's preparation. This ensures multidisciplinary inputs for housing cluster planning.
Clause 5.2 Reference:
Fire safety, structural design, building services, and plumbing must comply with SP 7:1983 (National Building Code of India).
Cluster Planning Concept:
Key Specification:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fire Resistance Rating | As per NBC guidelines |
| Minimum Clear Height | 3.0 m (typical residential) |
| Structural Load Factors | As per IS 875 (Part 1 & 2) |
graph LR
A[Traditional Indian Housing] --> B[Cluster Planning]
B --> C[Low-rise High-density]
B --> D[Relaxed Setbacks & Coverage]
B --> E[Social & Economic Benefits]
E --> F[Affordable Housing]
E --> G[Community Lifestyle]
For detailed formulas and tables on structural design, fire safety, and plumbing, refer to SP 7:1983 and related IS codes (e.g., IS 875 for loads).
IS 13727 - Committee and Acknowledgements Summary
Committee Composition: The Housing Sectional Committee (CED 51) includes experts from Ministry of Urban Development, CPWD, MHADA, DDA, CBRI, NHB, NBMC, BMTPC, PWD Rajasthan, CIDCO, HUDCO, Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board, DST, SERC, Indian Railways, and BIS among others.
Key Roles:
Acknowledgements:
Important Notes:
| Role | Representative Organization |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Ministry of Urban Development, New Delhi |
| Members | CPWD, MHADA, DDA, CBRI, NHB, NBMC, BMTPC, PWD |
| Convener (Low Income Housing) | Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) |
| Secretary | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) |
This section does not contain design formulas or technical tables but provides essential governance and development context for IS 13727. For technical design, refer to SP 7:1983 as cited.
Frequently Asked
Minimum Plot Sizes and FSI for Cluster Housing (IS 13727)
Additional Cluster Housing Space Requirements:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum plot size | 15 m² |
| Max ground coverage (≤25 m²) | 100% |
| Max FSI (≤25 m²) | 2 |
| Cluster open space min width | ≥ 6 m or ¾ building height |
| Cluster open space min area | ≥ 36 m² |
| Max building height | 15 m |
| Max cluster width & breadth | 13 m |
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This ensures adequate open space, density control, and livability within cluster housing.
IS 13727 defines housing clusters with emphasis on interlocking and cul-de-sac types as follows:
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This definition supports compact, sustainable housing layouts consistent with traditional Indian living patterns.
IS 13727 Guidelines for Vehicular & Pedestrian Access in Cluster Housing:
Vehicular Access (Clause 4.7):
Provide a minimum 6 m wide right of way up to the cluster entrance for emergency and vehicular movement.
Access Width Between Clusters (Clause 4.9):
Setbacks (Clause 4.5):
No building setbacks required from cluster edges adjoining pedestrian or vehicular access roads.
| Access Type | Minimum Width | Minimum Height Clearance | Setbacks from Access Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicular Right of Way | 6 m | 6 m | None |
| Pedestrian Pathway | N/A | 3 m | None |
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This ensures smooth emergency vehicle movement and safe pedestrian access within cluster housing.
IS 13727 on Open Space Allocation & Maintenance in Cluster Housing
Group Open Space (Clause 3.4):
Size & Dimensions (Clause 4.4):
Cluster Size Limit (Clause 3.1):
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Min open space width | 6 m or ¾ × building height |
| Min open space area | 36 m² |
| Max building height | 15 m |
| Max cluster size (units) | 20 (for ground/one storey) |
| Max cluster width/breadth | 13 m |
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This ensures adequate, well-maintained communal open space fostering community identity and functionality.
IS 13727 provisions for slum resettlement and economically weaker sections focus on efficient use of space and hygiene:
Plot/Plinth Area (Clause 4.2 & 12.5):
Group Toilets (Clause 4.11):
This approach balances space constraints with privacy and hygiene needs, promoting sustainable cluster housing for economically weaker sections.
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