The Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing has released updated requirements for the construction of residential buildings such as villas, residential buildings, commercial residential buildings, and administrative residential buildings. These updated specifications allow for increased heights of residential villas and construction ratios for all floors. The provisions aim to ensure the safety of buildings, protect them from risks, and provide the best standards in construction work. The requirements also include reducing setbacks in residential villas and increasing the heights of residential villas, side walls, and rooftops.
The updated requirements for residential villas state that the total building area for the ground floor, including ground annexes, should not exceed 75 percent of the land area. The building area for the first floor should also not exceed 75 percent of the land area, and the building area for the upper annex should not exceed 70 percent of the floor area below it. Additionally, if the upper annex is used as an independent residential unit, an additional parking space must be provided within the property boundaries. The upper annex in residential villas must have a setback of at least 1.5 meters from surrounding streets, squares, and fields.
The Ministry stated that these requirements aim to meet the aspirations of the end beneficiaries and follow the best international practices. These requirements will apply to new building permits and will take effect from their date of publication. The updated requirements cover spatial organization requirements, technical requirements, architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, health work, fire prevention and protection requirements, material specifications, and execution quality.
The updated requirements are part of the ministry’s efforts to facilitate procedures, unify the requirements for new construction licenses, and harmonize them with the Saudi Building Code to achieve public health and safety. The ministry emphasized that these updated requirements are in line with international practices to enhance the quality of life, encourage investment factors, and improve the urban landscape. The ministry highlighted that the new requirements will help control the development process and positively impact the urban environment and the urban fabric of Saudi cities, aligning with the strategic and structural plans for all cities in the Kingdom.
The ministry invited property owners, contractors, and engineering offices to review the construction requirements for residential buildings by visiting a specific link provided. The requirements are comprehensive, covering all technical and municipal requirements that need to be adhered to for the construction of residential buildings of all types. By implementing these updated requirements, the ministry aims to promote sustainable development, enhance public health and safety, and contribute to the overall improvement of the urban landscape in Saudi cities.
