
New Procedures for Building Permits and Regulations KSA: Code Guide

The government of Saudi Arabia is transforming its construction outlook as designed in Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and develop infrastructure nationwide. To enhance construction work, the government has introduced new procedures for building permits and regulations KSA codes as given in the Vision guidelines. It makes overall processes smooth, increases efficiency, and ensures the construction complies with environmental regulations.
Here you will know why the knowledge of new procedures for building permits and regulations is important and essential for developers, contractors, architects, and other stakeholders in the Saudi construction industry. We have discussed below the comprehensive review of new procedures, including documentation and compliance measures for the issuance of building permits and regulations in Saudi Arabia.
Importance of MOHRA’s New Requirements for Construction
The main objective behind changes in the procedure for building permits and regulations in Saudi Arabia is to enhance economic growth and improve urban construction and infrastructure planning as per the local and international standards to ensure the safety and sustainability of construction projects.
The responsibilities of making operations transparent, reducing bureaucratic paperwork, and maintaining international building standards lie with the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing (MOMRAH) in Saudi Arabia. To meet the objective set in Mission 2030 the MOMRAH updated the procedure for building permits and regulations that helps the government ease the approval processes for attracting local and international investors by creating a supporting environment in the construction field.
Major Changes in Saudi Building Permit Requirements
MOMRAH has amended the permit requirements for residential building construction to streamline the procedures and adjust new building permits with the Saudi Building Code. The main objective of this updation is to facilitate procedures and unify the regulations to achieve public safety and health and improve the urban landscape in the Kingdom. The new procedures for building permits and regulations in KSA are related to more detailed urban construction planning, strictly assess safety standards, and positive impact on the urban environment and fabric of cities. The new requirements include:
- Align with Saudi Environmental and Building Codes: The new procedures are now integrated with Saudi environmental standards, and assessment on environmental impact, energy consumption, and green effect.
- Single Window Digital Platforms for Permits: As per the updated procedures, a single window digital platform is developed for inviting applications for building permits, and regulations. It is for making the process of obtaining building permits more transparent way with centralized documentation and fast approval.
- Better Safety and Accessibility Standards: In new procedures of building permits, the architectural design of the building must comply with new safety standards to ensure proper fire exits, accessibility of buildings for persons with disabilities, and structural solidarity against natural hazards.
- Increasing the construction ratio in residential and commercial buildings.
- Raising the heights of residential villas, side walls, and roof coverage.
Types of Building Permits in Saudi Arabia

There are different types of permits issued by Saudi authorities according to the nature and purpose of building construction. A specific type of permit is required for a building used for a particular purpose and in construction areas. The most common building permits are:
- Building Permits for Residential Purposes: Residential building permits are essential for the construction of single-family homes, residential apartments, societies, and other residential buildings that must meet the recommended safety, environmental, and accessibility standards.
- Commercial Building Permits: This type of building permit is given for the construction of offices, shopping malls, and other buildings to be used for commercial purposes. This permit directs the construction company to comply with the Saudi Building Code (SBC) and requires zoning approval.
- Agricultural and Industrial Building Permits: These types of permits are used for the construction of factories, warehouses, and agricultural facilities. But it needs additional environmental and safety clearances from the recommended authorities.
- Temporary Building Construction Permits: This type of permit is required when some short-term structures are to be built like kiosks or pavilions for public events. This temporary structure must adhere to temporary safety measures.
Documents for Building Permits in Saudi Arabia
Application for a building permit in Saudi Arabia requires some specific documents depending on the project type. The different documents required along with the application form are:
- Detailed blueprints of structural plans and architectural design that comply with the Saudi Building Code.
- Documents proof of land ownership or lease agreements if the land is taken on the rent.
- Location map and site plan that shows the building’s exact location, surrounding infrastructure, and zoning classifications.
- Environmental impact assessment (EIA) which evaluates hazardous environmental risks and measures required to reduce them, mainly essential for industrial and commercial construction projects
- Certificate of fire safety compliance that confirms the building design follows recommended standards for fire prevention, alarm systems, and emergency exit points.
- Public utilities and infrastructure plans must confirm the utility standards maintained in electrical, water sewage, and telecommunication connections.
Required Steps to Get Building Permits in Saudi Arabia

There are different steps required to obtain building permits in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, such as:
Step 1: Preliminary Site Approval: Before starting the application process to confirm zoning compliance for the construction of any building structure, obtain a preliminary site approval. Here you have to submit basic construction project details and land ownership documents.
Step 2: Building Plan and Design Submission: After getting preliminary site approval you need to submit detailed structural plans and designs on MOMRAH’s digital platform. The structural designs must meet the Saudi Building Code standards.
Step 3: Safety Measures and Environmental Sustainability Check: At this stage, the Saudi municipal authorities check the fire safety, environmental impact, and accessibility guidelines of the submitted plan whether they comply with the Saudi Building Code or not.
Step 4: Calculation of Permit Fee: Here the different aspects of the application are scrutinized by municipal authorities to calculate the applicable permit fees based on the type and scope of the project.
Step 5: Issuance of Building Permit: Finally the MOMRAH issues the building permit to begin the construction process after successfully checking and approving of building site, designs, structural plans, and application with documents submitted, the building permit is issued to begin construction work. However, if there are any future modifications in the design and plans that need additional approval.
Zoning Regulations and Land Use in Saudi Arabia
The classification of zones for construction purposes in Saudi Arabia plays a very important role in obtaining building permits. The zoning classification fixes the terms and conditions for municipal plans for different zones differently for urban development. The factors involved in zoning regulations and use of land are:
- Classification of Land for Different Use: The land classification for different uses in Saudi Arabia decides which type of construction should be permitted in a particular zone like for residential, commercial, or mix-type on the basis of municipal plans of the zone.
- Restriction for Building Height: A specific zone allows the maximum building heights based on the zone and location of the building plan, especially near cultural sites or airports.
- Required Distance Between Buildings: It sets a particular distance between buildings and the boundary of the property to ensure required space for people’s movement on sidewalks, utilities, and roadways.
- Building Density Limits Per Plot: Each classified zone fixes the number of buildings in a plot for the use of different purposes like residential, commercial, and others to maintain the standards of the zone.
Conclusion of New Procedures for Building Permits and Regulations
The understanding and implementation of new procedures for building permits and regulations will help construction companies and contractors in Saudi Arabia adhere to the project compliance of the Saudi Building Code, protect themselves from penalties, and promote sustainable construction in the Kingdom. The knowledge about the updated permit’s procedures and regulations not only helps to follow legal duties but also contributes to the achievement of broader national objectives to diversify its economy and comply with sustainability