Climate-Adaptive Zoning and Heat-Relevant Urban Morphology: A Field-Based Assessment of Regulatory Compliance and Built Form in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the extent to which current zoning regulations and observed regulatory compliance correlate with heat-relevant urban morphology in specific areas of Abuja, Nigeria. A documented analysis of planning tools, built-form measurement, and organised field observation are all part of a mixed-methods comparative case design. Rather than measuring thermal performance or urban heat island intensity, the approach relies on morphological indicators rather than laboratory equipment or remote sensing. Stratified purposive sampling was used to select three districts, Garki II, Wuse Zone 5, and Maitama, which represent high-density residential, commercial and mixed-use, and low-density residential typologies. Consistent morphological disparities are revealed by data collected at 36 transect stations. Consistent morphological disparities are revealed by data collected at 36 transect stations. Deeper street canyons, increased impervious surface coverage, setback problems, inadequate regulatory compliance, and excessive construction density are all exhibited in Garki II and Wuse Zone 5. The greatest height-to-width ratio in Wuse Zone 5 was 2.57, and the impervious surface coverage was almost 85%. Garki II, on the other hand, had a mean front setback of 4.08 m, compared with the required 6 m. Maitama has the best physical profile and combines a low-density typology with higher compliance. There is no claim of causal attribution to compliance alone because density, land-use classification, and compliance all vary. A three-part typology of misalignment is used in the study to identify flaws in enforcement and regulatory design. The results provide a transportable approach for climate-responsive planning research throughout Africa.