Respecting Construction Rules in Bali

(Image by prathan chorruangsak on Canva)

 

Bali is often called the “Island of Gods” due to its beautiful natural landscape, rich cultural heritage, and top-notch tourism industry. Over the past decades, Bali has witnessed significant development all over the island as the property market skyrockets and many people have started to invest in property in Bali. As the ongoing expansion of the island persists, construction activities are primarily steered by local and international developers—stringent building regulations to uphold its rich tradition, cultural heritage, and security.

Key regulations encompass limits on building height, design and style mandates, earthquake resistance measures, materials guidelines, and fire safety provisions, all of which are in place to ensure the safety of all structures in Bali.

Some of the critical regulations including:

 

Building Height Regulations

 

The government enforces strict regulations to maintain Bali’s unique identity, particularly in tourist areas. Typically, the height of a building is limited to 15 meters in tourist areas; however, buildings outside the tourist area are set to a maximum of 18 meters. Stricter limits often apply near temples and cultural sites. These regulations are crucial in preserving the traditional landscape and skyline, known for its low-rise structures, lush rice terraces, and exquisite temples.

 

Please refer to the Indonesian Geographic Information System for more information.

 

Building Design

 

Bali’s unique architectural features reflect and are integral to its heritage. Local building codes are designed to respect and preserve this heritage. Buildings must comply with cultural and aesthetic traditions while meeting safety requirements, ensuring that new constructions blend harmoniously with the island's traditional designs.

 

Resilience to Earthquakes and Other Natural Disasters

 

Located in the seismically active "Ring of Fire," Bali is highly susceptible to earthquakes and other natural disasters. Therefore, the building code mandates the implementation of earthquake-resistant and other natural disaster-resilient design measures, including but not limited to:

 

a. Structural Design: Buildings 

 

Buildings must be designed with a robust framework capable of withstanding potentially lethal forces caused by earthquakes.  This often involves using reinforced concrete, steel, or other resilient materials to absorb and distribute these forces throughout the structure. 

 

A building's foundation must be on solid ground designed to safely transfer loads from the building to the ground. Because of this, a deep foundation system, such as piles or caissons, may be used during the building process to ensure stability during an earthquake.

 

b. Building Techniques 

 

The construction process must adhere to specific methods and techniques to ensure the durability of buildings during an earthquake. This includes solid and secure connections between structural elements and proper reinforcement in concrete structures.

 

Building Materials

 

Building codes in Bali strongly emphasize using environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. These materials are carefully chosen to have minimal environmental impact, are sourced locally, and are designed to promote energy efficiency.

 

Building Safety

 

Building codes prioritize fire safety, encompassing comprehensive regulations to ensure that buildings can effectively handle emergencies. The regulations include detailed provisions for installing and maintaining fire exits, alarms, and sprinkler systems. These measures are implemented to mitigate the risks associated with fires and safeguard the occupants of the buildings. 

 

Additionally, regulations address water absorption to prevent flooding. These provisions ensure that buildings are equipped with proper drainage and water management systems to handle heavy rains and to avoid water from pooling, thus protecting the structures and their occupants from the potential dangers of flooding.

 

Building codes and regulations are created to ensure the safety of buildings and their occupants and uphold the sustainability of cultural heritage. In Bali, these regulations are overseen by the Balinese and Indonesian governments. They establish construction, design, and maintenance standards, considering the island's unique geological, climatic, and cultural aspects. Buildings must be constructed to withstand frequent earthquakes, high wind speeds, and other natural hazards. Moreover, the regulations mandate that buildings maintain the island's aesthetic and cultural heritage, thus preserving its distinct character.

 

Adhering to the construction regulations is essential for ensuring safety, sustainability, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Observing building height restrictions, integrating traditional design elements, employing earthquake-resistant techniques, selecting sustainable materials, and establishing fire safety measures are imperative. 

 

Compliance with these regulations ensures legal adherence and is paramount in safeguarding the island's natural allure for future generations.