Urban planning regulations have become a key factor in building sustainable cities and communities in light of the increasing urban challenges and rapid population growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this article, we will discuss the most important urban planning regulations and laws in the Kingdom, and how these systems contribute to regulating urban development and directing urban growth in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. We will also review the key standards upon which these regulations are based to achieve environmental and social sustainability, providing an advanced urban environment that meets the needs of society.
المحتويات
Urban Planning Regulations
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia seeks to achieve sustainable urban development through a set of regulatory guidelines aimed at organizing land use and directing urban growth in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. These regulations are called urban planning regulations and include the following:
- Executive Regulation of Urban Boundary Rules until 1450 AH: This regulation defines the boundaries of urban areas for cities and villages and sets guidelines for city expansion and determining the limits of urban development. It helps organize land use and direct urban growth in accordance with the national development strategy.
- Regulation on Land Use: This regulation specifies how land is allocated for specific uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, and public facilities. It aims to organize land distribution to achieve diversity in its uses and reduce randomness.
- Regulation on White Lands: This regulation aims to encourage the development of undeveloped land (white lands) in cities by imposing fees on land that is not being utilized or developed. It seeks to reduce real estate stagnation and encourage land use in alignment with urban growth plans.
- Executive Regulation of Municipal Licensing Procedures: This regulation includes requirements for issuing construction and commercial licenses, such as land use permits, area decisions, and no-objection certificates from civil defense. It aims to streamline licensing procedures while ensuring projects comply with regulatory standards.
- Regulation on the National Urban Observatory and Local Urban Observatories: This regulation aims to enhance urban monitoring operations in the Kingdom by collecting and analyzing data related to urban development. It helps make informed decisions about urban planning.
- Executive Regulation of Property Expropriation for Public Benefit and Temporary Occupation of Land: This regulation organizes the procedures for expropriating property for public benefit, defines the cases of expropriation, and ensures the compensation of landowners for land taken for planning purposes.
- Executive Regulation for Antiquities and Urban Heritage: This regulation includes procedures to protect heritage sites and defines the authority’s responsibilities for overseeing the implementation of the system and protecting heritage locations.
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Definition of Urban and Regional Planning
- Urban Planning focuses on the planning and development of cities, towns, and urban areas, addressing issues like zoning, land use, transportation, housing, and public spaces to create organized, livable, and sustainable urban environments.
- Regional Planning deals with larger geographical areas beyond individual cities, often encompassing multiple cities or towns within a region. It focuses on regional development, economic growth, resource management, transportation networks, and balancing urban and rural needs to ensure overall regional growth and sustainability.
Planning and Urban Design Standards
Planning and Urban Design Standards are a set of guidelines, codes, and regulations that dictate how urban spaces should be designed and developed to ensure functionality, safety, aesthetics, and sustainability. These standards help urban planners and architects create well-organized and efficient spaces that meet the needs of the community while also protecting the environment and enhancing the quality of life.
These standards include:
- Building codes: Regulations on the size, height, and structure of buildings.
- Zoning regulations: Rules that determine how land can be used (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial).
- Public space design: Guidelines for parks, streets, and other public areas.
- Accessibility standards: Ensuring spaces are accessible to all people, including those with disabilities.
- Sustainability: Principles to ensure the design supports environmental conservation and energy efficiency.
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General Administration for Urban Planning
The General Administration for Urban Planning is a government body or authority responsible for overseeing and coordinating urban planning and development within a specific region or country. This administration typically works on creating policies, regulations, and long-term urban planning strategies. It ensures that urban growth is sustainable, meets the needs of the population, and aligns with national or regional development goals.
Functions of the General Administration for Urban Planning may include:
- Developing urban planning policies and regulations.
- Overseeing zoning laws and land-use regulations.
- Coordinating with other governmental agencies to implement infrastructure projects.
- Ensuring environmental and social sustainability in urban development.
- Managing public spaces and urban infrastructure development.
- Conducting research and studies on urban growth trends.
In conclusion, urban planning regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are an essential part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which seeks to achieve sustainable development and improve quality of life. A set of laws ensures balanced urban growth and the preservation of the environment and natural resources. Given the legal dimensions of these regulations, specialized law firms such as Etqan Law Firm play a vital role in providing legal advice and ensuring that projects comply with applicable laws.
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The Etqan Al Mutamayza Law Firm can provide the necessary support. You can contact their team
through the following mobile numbers: 056113776, 0541110440, 504315333
Alternatively, you can visit our branches:
- Jeddah: Al-Aziziyah District–Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia)
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FAQ
1- What are the 7 types of urban planning?
Land Use Planning: Organizing how land is allocated for different uses.
Transportation Planning: Developing transportation systems within cities, including roads and public transport.
Environmental Planning: Preserving natural resources and reducing pollution.
Economic Planning: Supporting commercial and industrial projects to foster economic growth.
Housing Planning: Providing adequate housing for all social groups.
Community Planning: Promoting social cohesion and creating healthy living environments.
Urban Design Planning: Enhancing the aesthetic quality of urban areas.
2- What are the policies of urban planning?
Promoting urban growth that preserves the environment.
Ensuring the availability of suitable and affordable housing for all citizens.
Ensuring balanced development between major cities and rural areas.
Supporting the sustainability of cities and protecting the environment.
Improving public transport systems to reduce congestion.
Engaging citizens in the planning process to ensure their needs are met.
3- What are the urban guidelines?
Urban Design: Guidelines for designing buildings, streets, and public spaces.
Land Use: Directing how land should be allocated for different uses.
Environmental Sustainability: Ensuring the preservation of the environment and the use of renewable energy.
Public Utilities: Providing essential services such as water and electricity.
Safety and Security: Standards for ensuring public safety in buildings and infrastructure.
Accessibility: Ensuring public spaces are accessible to all, including people with disabilities.
4- What is the Spatial Planning Act Saudi Arabia?
The Spatial Planning Act in Saudi Arabia is a legal framework designed to regulate land use and guide sustainable urban growth. It includes:
Defining how land should be used for various purposes.
Establishing limits for urban expansion and growth.
Ensuring the preservation of natural environments and reducing pollution.
Defining procedures for issuing construction and activity licenses.
Encouraging public participation in planning to ensure sustainable development.
Implementing procedures to track the execution of urban plans.