Do you know what the outside number of an address is? This is the number that appears in the dwelling of a person, on the outside of her/his address/building (in the street).

In this article we will see more details and curiosities about this issue, what is taken into account when assigning it, and what are some of its functions and advantages.

Outside number: what is it?

Thus, the external numbers are numbers that are associated with the urban nomenclature. On the other hand, the urban nomenclature has to do with the identification of buildings through numbers, codes or names . In addition to buildings, the same applies to the streets, passages, squares… of any urbanisation, town or city.

At the time of assigning the external number of a dwelling, the first thing that is done is to establish what type of dwelling it is : single-family or multi-family. After identifying this aspect, the corresponding name or number is chosen, which will be part of the development where the dwelling is located.

What does the outside number (i.e. the assigned numbering) depend on? Basically, on three parameters: the ordinances, the characteristics of the site and the local statutes; the latter are what oblige owners to identify their homes and land.

The numbering of the houses

Why are the houses numbered (outside number)? Basically so that the growth of towns and cities is constant but sustainable, and also because of issues of regulation, control, identification and order.

Interesting facts and advantages

Here we will see some interesting data , as well as the advantages and functions of numbering streets and houses/apartments/buildings by their number (external number) and through a specific name.

1. Location

The outside number helps us to locate the houses and the different plots of land.

2. Identification of any construction on the ground

On the other hand, the numbering system goes beyond dwellings (both single-family houses, such as detached or terraced houses, and multi-family houses, such as residential buildings). Thus, is extrapolated to light poles, parking lots…

3. Application

When do the external number and the urban nomenclature apply? When the population in question has more than 10,000 inhabitants.

4. Identification

Another use of the external number and the nomenclature of streets or spaces is that it allows postmen to identify the dwelling or building in question when delivering the relevant correspondence or deliveries.

5. Utility

On the other hand, this system of numbering and urban nomenclature, allows the emergency services (e.g. police and fire brigade) to reach their destination easily and quickly .

6. Location and location

Another advantage of the exterior number and the name of the street, and perhaps the most obvious one, is that they allow us to identify and locate the different addresses that we drive or to which we must go, whether for leisure, work, studies…

7. Control

Another interesting fact in relation to this is that urban numbering makes it possible to control and monitor which diseases (and how many) the population suffers from (and is spread by).

8. Politics

Another function of this nomenclature is found at the political level, since helps to distribute the inhabitants according to certain electoral centres .

9. Basic services and telecommunications

On the other hand, the nomenclature and numbering, allow people and companies that work offering basic services of water, light, wiring, telecommunications… to be able to identify the houses. On the other hand, the collection of tariffs is also expedited in this sense.

10. Improvements

Another advantage is the facility this resource offers for implementing assistance and public planning plans . It also facilitates the improvement of streets, buildings, housing…

11. Identification on the identity card

As a curious fact, we find that in some countries it is obligatory to include the name of the street and the number of the dwelling (external number) in the ID card or identity card in which you reside. This also allows for the identification of the person and certain control .

12. Needs detection

On the other hand, the external number and the name of the streets, allow to identify the needs of a certain sector, and also to study how these needs can be attended or solved.

13. Taxes and duties

The tax system (Hacienda) also has a relevant role in all this, since through these nomenclatures and numerations, it can locate and identify the persons and the conditions in which they live , in order to determine or to typify what taxes these persons must pay, and what taxes they can obtain according to their zone, housing, etc.

How does it work?

Now that we have seen some of its functions and advantages, let’s try to answer: how does the assignment of the external number of houses work?

To be able to do this, a series of elements or aspects must be considered, such as the neighbourhood, the block, the block, the municipality, the parish… That is to say, the subdivisions that the land or area in question takes on must be taken into account .

From there, we proceed to place the name, code or number that identifies the house, dwelling or residential complex. Generally all this is seen on the outside (for example, the outside number commented on throughout the article).

Single and multi-family homes

As we have seen, the assignment of the external number varies depending on whether it is placed in a single-family or a multi-family house . Single-family houses, remember, are isolated or terraced houses; multi-family houses, on the other hand, correspond to residential buildings.

1. Single-family homes

In the case of single-family dwellings (where only one family lives), an external number is assigned to the dwelling, according to the area in which it is located, the municipality, block, parish, etc.

2. Multi-family dwellings

In the case of multi-family dwellings (e.g. a residential building, where several families live), they are assigned a unique external number that allows the identification of the property/building “as a whole”. In this case, the above rule is also followed.

Numbering types

In relation to the exterior number, there are different types of numbering that are placed on the houses :

  • Metric: based on the distance (in meters) between one house/dwelling and another.
  • Decametric: numbers and codes are placed in the same distances.
  • Sequential: the most “typical” numbering, corresponds to odd and even numbers, alternately.

The internal house number

We talked about the outside number, but… what about the inside or internal number? In this case, it is the number, code or name that is included inside each neighbour’s building (neighbourhood), which makes it possible to identify the address of a specific person.

This number includes the following data or elements: the number of the building, a letter or a name, and the number of the apartment.

Bibliographic references:

  • Determine the numbering system of the buildings. (n.d.). In CCA. Recovered: 22 December 2019. In CCA from cca.org.mx.
  • Presentation of urban nomenclature and numbering. (n.d.). In Mit Edu. Recovered: 22 December 2019. In Mit Edu of web.mi.edu.