Everything you need to know about issuing a building permit electronically

With the rapid digital developments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, issuing a building permit electronically has become one of the most prominent services reflecting the smart transformation in the construction sector. Approved government platforms have made it possible to obtain a permit without the need to visit the relevant authorities in person, saving significant time and effort for citizens and investors alike. In this article, we review everything you need to know about issuing a building permit, from the requirements and procedures to the most important approved platforms and the practical steps to obtain the permit smoothly and reliably.

What is the importance of issuing a building permit electronically?

Issuing electronic building permits is a pivotal step in developing the construction sector, as it plays an effective role in improving the efficiency of government services and achieving digital transformation goals. The importance of this electronic service lies in several key aspects, most notably:

Electronic platforms contribute to reducing the time required to complete transactions compared to traditional methods, allowing beneficiaries to obtain permits more quickly and efficiently.
Aiding compliance with the Saudi Building Code in force within the Kingdom.
Digital transactions reduce the possibility of tampering with paper documents and enhance transparency and governance within relevant entities.
Electronic systems allow users to monitor the status of submitted applications anytime, anywhere, enhancing the beneficiary experience and raising satisfaction levels.
Issuing permits electronically represents a practical step toward digitizing government services, in line with the Kingdom’s vision to improve the quality and efficiency of public services.
Relying on digital solutions contributes to reducing costs associated with printing, paperwork, and manual reviews for both government agencies and the private sector.
Issuing a building permit electronically relies on direct connectivity between several relevant entities, such as civil defense, electricity and water companies, and others, supporting a more integrated and coordinated work environment.

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Basic conditions that must be met before issuing a building permit electronically:

1-Issuing an electronic building permit requires a set of conditions that must be met to complete the licensing process and start the project with confidence and security. These conditions include the following:

Proof of ownership of the land or property must be provided, such as a title deed, sales contract, or allocation decision from an official authority.

2-A building site eligibility statement must be obtained, which demonstrates the extent to which the land complies with urban planning requirements, such as the permitted building type for the area, building ratios, and setbacks.

3-Approved engineering plans must be submitted by a licensed engineering office, including horizontal elevations, facades, construction drawings, and the sewage system, while adhering to the country’s approved building code.

4-Publishing personal documents, such as a copy of the national ID or national ID card, as well as the applicant’s contact information, may also be required in order to issue an electronic building permit. Official authorization may also be required if applying through an agent.

5-The government fees required to obtain a building permit are among the basic requirements. Payment is usually made electronically through the municipality’s portal or the relevant regulatory authority.

Challenges you may face when issuing a building permit electronically:

When issuing a building permit, there are a number of potential errors that can prevent or delay its issuance. These include:

Lack of knowledge of licensing requirements and procedures: Failure to understand the requirements and documents required to submit an application leads to incomplete documents being attached, which can result in the application being rejected or delayed issuing a building permit electronically.
Incomplete or inaccurate data entry: Any error in the data entered—whether related to land details, owner information, or type of use—can negatively impact the application process and lead to its delay or rejection.
Misalignment of engineering plans with municipal requirements: Technical and architectural requirements vary from region to region, and failure to comply with them can result in the application being rejected due to the plans not meeting the approved standards required for issuing an electronic building permit.
Uploading files and plans in an inappropriate format or with poor quality: Uploading documents in unclear formats or with poor resolution prevents the competent authorities from properly reviewing them, thus hindering the application’s approval to issuing a building permit electronically.
Lack of a validated electronic signature: Failure to attach a reliable electronic signature validated by official authorities will result in the application being deemed incomplete and may be ignored or rejected.

Read about: Everything you want to know about the Saudi Building Code.

Why should you turn to Bassem Engineering Consulting when considering issuing a building permit electronically?

When considering issuing a building permit, investors and project owners face strict requirements related to approved engineering plans and technical documents. These are among the most important conditions that cannot be ignored by government platforms responsible for this purpose.

Here, the importance of working with a specialized company like Bassem Engineering Consultants is highlighted, as they provide professional support that contributes to facilitating and expediting these procedures issuing a building permit electronically.

They work to:

Prepare architectural, structural, electrical, and mechanical plans in accordance with the requirements of official authorities, ensuring their acceptance immediately upon uploading them to electronic platforms. A building permit can then be issued electronically.
Bassem Engineering Consultants is responsible for gathering the requirements of the platform responsible for issuing permits, such as the Saudi Code, energy efficiency, and safety of connections, reducing the likelihood of application rejection.
Bassem has a fully integrated and highly qualified team of certified engineers, ensuring accurate, reliable, and error-free paperwork and plans.
We are committed to implementing and delivering transactions on time according to agreed-upon schedules, while maintaining quality of service and design accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic steps for issuing a building permit electronically?

Registration: Create an account on the electronic licensing platform.
Submitting the application: Fill out the electronic application form and select the license type.
Uploading documents: Upload the required documents, such as the title deed, engineering plans, etc.
Paying fees: Pay all due fees through the available electronic channels.
Following up on the application: Monitor the application status from time to time.
Printing the license: After the license is issued, it is available for printing and use.

What is the expected timeframe for issuing a building permit electronically?

The time required to issue an electronic building permit varies depending on the competent authority and the municipality involved. However, it is often faster than traditional methods. In some cases, the permit may be issued within a few days, while in other cases, it may take a few weeks, issuing a building permit electronically depending on the completion of requirements and the speed of response from the relevant authorities.

Finally

Issuing a building permit electronically is a simpler option compared to traditional methods. However, it does have its own stringent requirements, requiring careful attention to the validity of documents and the accuracy of the information provided. Any errors or omissions could lead to the application being rejected or postponed. Hence, the importance of seeking the assistance of Bassem Engineering Consulting, which has extensive experience and high technical skills, enables it to prepare and implement engineering plans with complete professionalism, ensuring its clients obtain a building permit on the first attempt with complete efficiency and confidence.