Planning Permission
In Saudi Arabia, it is necessary to apply for planning permission before building or renovating a property. The procedure includes the following steps:
- Obtain a land survey from the Survey Department of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MOMRA)
- Submit the land survey, along with other necessary documents, to the local municipality or governorate
- The local municipality or governorate will review the documents and issue a building permit if all requirements are met
Listed Building Status and Conservation Areas
In Saudi Arabia, listed building status, conservation areas, and preservation orders are overseen by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH). Listed buildings and conservation areas are protected by law, and any building or renovation work must be approved by the SCTH. Preservation orders can be issued by the local municipality or governorate, and any work on a property subject to a preservation order must be approved by the municipality or governorate.
Finding Reliable Builders
To find reliable, trustworthy builders in Saudi Arabia, it is recommended to look for builders who belong to a professional organisation. One such organisation is the Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA), which can be contacted at:
- Address: King Fahd Road, Al-Mursalat Area, P.O. Box 9484, Riyadh 11413
- Phone: 9200 01155
- Email: info@sca.gov.sa
- Website: https://sca.gov.sa/
Permits and Licenses
When building or renovating property in Saudi Arabia, it is important to obtain the necessary permits and licenses. These may include a building permit, an environmental permit, and a water supply and sewerage permit. The specific permits required will depend on the nature of the project and its location.
Finding a Local Architect
To find a local architect in Saudi Arabia, it is recommended to look for architects who belong to a professional body. One such body is the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE), which can be contacted at:
- Address: Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road, Al Maather Area, P.O. Box 9975, Riyadh 11423
- Phone: +966 11 882 4224
- Email: info@saudieng.sa
- Website: https://www.saudieng.sa/
Pitfalls When Buying Land
When buying land in Saudi Arabia, it is important to be aware of potential pitfalls related to planning permission and boundaries. It is recommended to work with a lawyer who is familiar with the local laws and regulations. It is also important to obtain a land survey to ensure that the boundaries of the property are clearly defined. Additionally, it is important to check that the land is zoned for the intended use, as some areas may have restrictions on the type of development allowed.