Fencing and accessories license in Riyadh: a comprehensive guide for owners and investors

Introduction

As the capital and largest city of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is experiencing rapid urban growth and huge urbanization. In order to control this growth and ensure its consistency with the sustainable development plans and the National Vision 2030, the municipal authorities - foremost of which is the Riyadh municipality - imposed a set of statutory requirements on construction and development operations, including the fencing license and the annex building license.

These licenses are aimed at regulating the environment of outdoor construction, ensuring safety, preserving neighborhood rights, preventing encroachments or visual deformation. In this article, we will discuss in detail what these licenses are, who needs them, and how to get them.

First: fencing license

What is a fencing license

A fencing license is an official permit issued by the Riyadh municipality or its sub-municipalities, authorizing the owner of the land or building to erect an external fence around the property, whether the property is a space land that has not yet been built, or an existing property. The license includes the fencing of residential, commercial, and industrial land, and is considered a legal requirement before starting any construction or investment work.

Cases requiring a fencing license:

* Fencing of space land to protect it from encroachment or illegal use.

* Re-fencing an old, dilapidated or violated fence.

* Fencing of a temporary construction site during the implementation of a project.

* Fencing of existing real estate after making adjustments to its external surroundings.

Objectives of the fencing license:

1. Prevent encroachments or assaults on public property or neighbors.

2. Ensuring public safety by applying structural and architectural requirements.

3. Improve the urban appearance and prevent slums.

4. Documentation of land ownership and use in the municipal system.

General conditions for obtaining a fencing license:

* Submission of a legitimate title deed or equivalent documents.

* The land must be within the approved urban area.

* Compliance with building codes and approved neighbor limits.

* The height of the fence should not exceed 3 meters (except in special cases).

* Adherence to designs that take into account the architectural identity of the neighborhood.

Second: the license of the supplements

Definition of an addressee license:

An annex license is an official permission that authorizes the property owner to add an external or attic extension to the existing building. This includes outdoor councils, servants ' rooms, additional kitchens, laundry rooms, rooftop apartments (if the system allows), or any expansion that was not within the original building permit.

Types of supplements:

1. Overhead extension: originates above the roof of the building.

2. Ground extension: built inside the yard or back garden.

3. Independent annex: built on owned land adjacent to the primary property.

4. Service annexes: especially for domestic workers, laundry rooms, or warehouses.

Cases that require an extension license:

* Any construction outside the approved plan of the original building.

• Building on the roof of the house (loft apartment or room).

* Building an outdoor Majlis, an outdoor kitchen or a servants ' room.

* Establishment of annexes on unbuilt land owned by the same owner.

Basic requirements for obtaining licenses

Fencing license requirements:

1. A copy of the title deed or a legal proof document.

2. An approved sketch from an engineering office.

3. A copy of the national ID or commercial register (for enterprises).

4. Fill out the application form for a fencing license electronically via Baladi platform.

5. Pay the issuance fee, which varies depending on the area and activity.

Supplements license requirements:

1. A copy of the basic building permit for the building.

2. Approved engineering diagram showing the details of the addition.

3. A letter from the owner indicating the type of accessory and its purpose.

4. A structural report when building an overhead extension (to ensure the bearing of the roof).

5. Consent of neighbors in some special cases.

6. Submit the application electronically via the "Baladi" platform.

How to apply for licenses via my platform

1. Login to my platform.

2. Login using national access data.

3. Go to e-services > issuing licenses.

4. Choose "fencing license "or"accessory license".

5. Fill out the form, attach the required documents.

6. Send the application and wait for its review from the competent municipality.

7. After approval, the license is issued electronically.

Fees and license costs

* There are no fixed fees, they vary depending on:

o the floor area or the size of the annex.

o type of use (residential - commercial - investment).

o the nature of the materials used in the construction.

* Fees are paid electronically after the application is accepted.

Violations and penalties

Carrying out a fence or an accessory without a license is an explicit violation, and it entails the following penalties:

* Financial fines starting from thousands of riyals.

* Temporarily stop government services from the property.

* Removal of the offending construction at the expense of the owner.

* Delay the issuance of future licenses for the same property.

The importance of obtaining licenses:

* Legal protection of the owner from disputes and violations.

* Ensuring structural and engineering safety.

* Maintaining the rights of neighbors in accordance with the system.

* Reduce the chances of subsequent demolition or removal.

* Raising the value of the property when selling or renting it due to documenting amendments.

Common questions

Do I need a license to settle a space land only

Yes, any fencing (temporary or permanent) requires a license from the municipality.

Is an engineering office required

Yes, manual or unapproved schemes are not accepted, and the office must be certified by "my".

How long does it take to issue a license

Between 3 to 10 working days, and may vary depending on the completion of requirements.

Is it possible to build without a license and then apply later

No, construction without a license is a serious offense and may subject the builder to removal and a fine.

Conclusion

The fencing license and the annex license in the city of Riyadh are not just a formality, but an essential pillar to control the quality of urban life in the capital. The obligation to obtain these licenses before proceeding with any modification to the property protects the owner legally, ensures the safety of the infrastructure, and promotes general urban planning.

So, whether you are a new owner, or a real estate investor, starting the formalities via "Baladi" is the right step to develop your property safely and legally.