Obtaining a building permit in Saudi Arabia is the first thing you need to know before embarking on any construction project in the Kingdom, especially in light of the digital transformation and the implementation of the new Saudi building system. The process of issuing an electronic or instant building permit has become easier than ever, but it still requires strict adherence to official procedures. Collaborating with certified engineering offices for building permits is an essential step to ensure speedy implementation and quality designs. In this article, we will discuss the requirements for obtaining a building permit.
What are the requirements for obtaining a building permit in Saudi Arabia?
There are some basic requirements imposed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to obtain a building permit in Saudi Arabia.
Here are the most important requirements for obtaining a building permit, according to the latest provisions of the new Saudi building system:
1.Owning the title deed
To obtain a building permit in Saudi Arabia, the landowner must have a notarized deed proving his official ownership of the land on which he intends to build.
2.Go to an accredited engineering office in Saudi Arabia
To obtain a building permit, you must contract with an accredited engineering company to prepare the necessary engineering plans.
3.Land free of conflicts
The land on which construction is required must be free from any disputes, cases or violations.
4.Earth compatibility
The land must be compatible with the urban planning in which construction is permitted, in accordance with the new building code applicable in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
5.Submitting construction plans
These construction plans are submitted through the Balady platform and must comply with the requirements for obtaining a building permit in Saudi Arabia, including the Saudi Building Code and municipality requirements.
6.Pay the required fees
The fees for obtaining a building permit vary depending on the area and type of building.
7.Matching heights
Heights and floors must comply with the regulatory plan established by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
8.Compliance with the Saudi Building Code
All plans must comply with safety requirements, ventilation, thermal insulation, and natural lighting, as stipulated in the new Saudi Building Code.
9.Extract a demolition request
If there is an old building, a demolition request must be obtained first to be able to build a new one.
What is the difference between a traditional building permit and an immediate building permit?
First, the traditional building permit:
- It takes several days or weeks.
- It requires manual review by the relevant committee.
- It includes all types of projects (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.)
- It requires the submission of construction plans.
- It undergoes a thorough technical review before the permit is issued.
- Engineering supervision by an accredited and trusted office, such as Bassem Engineering Consulting Office in Jeddah, is among the requirements for obtaining a building permit in Saudi Arabia.
- It undergoes a lengthy series of administrative procedures.
- It requires obtaining approvals from numerous authorities (electricity, water, civil defense, environment, etc.).
- Sometimes, modifications are required before final approval.
- The required fees vary depending on the location and area.
- It requires manual review of the drawings by the municipality or the regional secretariat.
- In some cases, a soil report is required, especially in critical areas.
- The process may be delayed in the event of previous violations on the land or regulatory obstacles.
- It requires the submission of a copy of the title deed and written pledges from the owner.
- It requires more time but provides greater flexibility for non-residential or specialized projects.
Second, the instant building permit:
- The instant permit is issued within a few minutes on the Baladi platform.
- The instant permit is intended for residential units only
- The plans are uploaded by an accredited engineering office only, without initial municipal review.
- It does not require multiple approvals.
- A prerequisite for obtaining an instant building permit in Saudi Arabia is compliance with the new Saudi Building Code.
- Engineering supervision from an accredited office is a prerequisite to ensuring safety and security.
read also: Why is it recommended to deal with certified engineering offices in Saudi Arabia
Common mistakes that may lead to building permit rejection
There are some mistakes that many individuals and investors make that lead to the rejection of the required building permit.
Here are the most common mistakes that can lead to the rejection of a building permit in Saudi Arabia:
1. Technical and organizational errors
- Design inconsistency with the new Saudi Building Code.
- Submitting construction plans not approved by a licensed engineering office.
- Exceeding the heights or areas specified by the regulatory system imposed by the Kingdom.
- Building on land not classified as “residential” or with property ownership issues.
- The plan does not conform to the actual land boundaries.
2. Paperwork Errors
- Lack of required official documents, such as the title deed, engineering office license, or surveyor’s report.
- Numerous errors in the information of the official owner of the land or the land to be built on.
Using outdated deeds.
3. Administrative Errors
- Previous violations and cases on the land for which a building permit is required have not been settled.
- Submitting a building permit application in Saudi Arabia from an account that does not belong to the official owner.
4. Instant License Errors
- Attempting to obtain an instant license for land that does not meet the requirements (for example, in an agricultural or industrial area).
- Entering inaccurate data into the Baladi platform, such as coordinates or plot number.
- Failure to upload the engineering supervision certificate or plan correctly.
The role of the accredited office, Bassem Engineering Consulting, in obtaining a building permit
Bassem Engineering Consulting company in Jeddah plays a vital role in obtaining a building permit in Saudi Arabia, especially following the new Saudi Building Code.
The following are the most important roles of Bassem Engineering Consulting Office:
1. Providing the necessary engineering consultations
Bassem Engineering Consulting Office in Jeddah arranges several consultation sessions with clients to understand their needs, provide reliable and accurate engineering plans, and assist with accurate planning before obtaining a building permit in Saudi Arabia. The office also proposes innovative design solutions that suit the site where the construction is taking place.
2. Ensuring that plans comply with the Saudi Building Code
Bassem Engineering Consulting Office has a team of specialized engineers who review procedures, construction, and architectural drawings to ensure their accuracy and compliance with the new Saudi Building Code.
3. Issuing an instant permit via the Baladi platform
Bassem Engineering Consulting Office in Jeddah is an accredited engineering office. Therefore, the office submits a building permit application via the Baladi platform, attaching the required documents, plans, and engineering supervision certificate, which are essential requirements for obtaining a building permit in Saudi Arabia.
4. Accurate Surveying
The office has a team of specialized surveyors who carry out surveying work to accurately determine the boundaries of the land before preparing the plan. The office also uses modern digital technologies to ensure compliance with official requirements.
5. Construction Contract Managemen
Basem Engineering Consulting Office in Jeddah provides construction contract management services in Saudi Arabia. The office also monitors the implementation of construction clauses to ensure the issuance of a building permit in Saudi Arabia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a building permit be obtained without an engineering office?
No, all steps to obtain a building permit must be completed through an accredited engineering office, such as Bassem Engineering Consulting Office in Jeddah.
finally
obtaining a building permit in Saudi Arabia is a fundamental requirement that must be adhered to and all relevant architectural standards and regulations complied with. Therefore, it is important to seek the assistance of a specialized and accredited engineering consulting firm such as Bassem Engineering Consulting. Bassem Engineering Consulting significantly facilitates the process and achieves professional results that meet all the requirements of the new Saudi building code. Contact Bassem Engineering Consulting in Jeddah to obtain your permit now with ease and professionalism.