The Addis Ababa City Administration is moving forward with implementing the controversial ‘Setback’ rule on major and sub-major roads, excluding those within corridor development zones. This comes in response to the city’s rapid urbanization and growing concerns about unregulated construction.
The administration’s Construction Permit and Control Authority has issued a strict warning to developers violating building regulations, particularly concerning the Setback Act. This follows the city administration’s cabinet decision during its 14th regular meeting on June 18th, 2024, where key measures were adopted to regulate construction activities.
Key Regulations Enforced
Setback Requirements: Developers are required to observe specific setback distances depending on property type—10 meters, 5 meters, 13 meters, and 2 meters.
Minimum Land Area: For properties situated along roads with a width of 15 meters or more, the minimum land area must be 500 square meters, accounting for the required setback distance.
Building Frontage: Buildings on these roads must have a frontage of at least 20 meters.
These regulations are enforced citywide, including areas within and outside corridor development zones. Violators will face strict legal and administrative actions.
Implementation Updates
The new guideline, issued on September 13th, further refines these regulations and applies them to all eleven sub-cities. However, recent amendments clarify that properties on collector and internal roads outside the corridor development areas will follow revised rules. Notably, the minimum property size of 500 square meters and 20-meter road frontage will no longer be mandatory for these properties, providing some relief to developers.
Strict Monitoring Measures
The Construction Permit and Control Authority emphasized that despite previous warnings and circulars, some developers have continued to bypass the laws by starting construction without the required design adjustments or permits. To address this, the city and district offices have been instructed to increase their oversight and monitoring of construction projects at all levels.
A spokesperson for the Construction Permit and Control Authority stated, “We cannot allow violations of the city’s laws to go unchecked. We are committed to ensuring that Addis Ababa’s urban development aligns with our regulations to promote safe, sustainable growth.”
Consequences for Non-Compliance
The Authority has issued strong warnings to both developers and officials failing to enforce these regulations. Consequences for non-compliance include fines, legal actions, and public reprimands for officials found complicit in illegal construction activities.
The Setback Act and its related regulations are seen as crucial to maintaining orderly urban development, ensuring safety, and avoiding overcrowding in Addis Ababa. The administration is actively working to balance the city’s rapid expansion with proper urban planning and public safety measures.
The city administration urged all developers and officials to familiarize themselves with the construction laws to avoid future complications, adding that district offices must act swiftly to ensure compliance or report violations to higher authorities.
This reinforced regulatory environment aims to foster sustainable growth while ensuring that Addis Ababa’s development adheres to the city’s long-term urban planning goals.
