The Ministry of Municipality and Housing has approved updates to the Municipal Violations Penalty Regulations, adding a new violation related to dividing buildings into units that do not comply with the original building permit. This move is part of the ministry’s efforts to regulate the urban environment, ensure structural safety, and enforce compliance with approved municipal systems and licenses.
The ministry clarified that penalties include a financial fine ranging from SAR 5,000 to SAR 25,000 per unauthorized unit, with violators required to remove the violation at their own expense. In cases where removal is structurally unfeasible due to potential risks to the building’s integrity, the violator must pay half the construction cost of the offending unit, correct the violation, and mitigate any damage. A certified engineering office approved by the ministry must issue a safety certificate for the affected structure.
The ministry noted that such practices negatively impact the urban fabric of cities, cause disruptive increases in population density, and directly affect essential services and parking availability in surrounding streets.
Violators are granted a 60-day grace period to rectify the situation after being notified of the violation, in accordance with official procedures designed to address infractions without compromising building safety or resident well-being. The ministry emphasized the urgency of correcting unauthorized building divisions to avoid penalties.
The updated regulations aim to curb unauthorized practices involving the division of buildings or residential units without the necessary permits. This contributes to improving the urban environment, reducing harm to residents, and ensuring construction quality and structural safety.
These updates are part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance municipal and regulatory systems, raise compliance levels, and improve the urban landscape in cities. The ministry urges property owners and investors to adhere to regulations before undertaking any division or modification of buildings.
The ministry clarified that penalties include a financial fine ranging from SAR 5,000 to SAR 25,000 per unauthorized unit, with violators required to remove the violation at their own expense. In cases where removal is structurally unfeasible due to potential risks to the building’s integrity, the violator must pay half the construction cost of the offending unit, correct the violation, and mitigate any damage. A certified engineering office approved by the ministry must issue a safety certificate for the affected structure.
The ministry noted that such practices negatively impact the urban fabric of cities, cause disruptive increases in population density, and directly affect essential services and parking availability in surrounding streets.
Violators are granted a 60-day grace period to rectify the situation after being notified of the violation, in accordance with official procedures designed to address infractions without compromising building safety or resident well-being. The ministry emphasized the urgency of correcting unauthorized building divisions to avoid penalties.
The updated regulations aim to curb unauthorized practices involving the division of buildings or residential units without the necessary permits. This contributes to improving the urban environment, reducing harm to residents, and ensuring construction quality and structural safety.
These updates are part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance municipal and regulatory systems, raise compliance levels, and improve the urban landscape in cities. The ministry urges property owners and investors to adhere to regulations before undertaking any division or modification of buildings.
