Every building wears out over time: cracks, leaks, damaged plaster or insulation. Fixing these defects is called restoration, and it has its own permit on the Balady platform. But not every job people call "restoration" falls under the restoration permit. This guide explains the official definition, the requirements, the steps, the line between restoration and other works, and the most common questions.
The Official Definition of Restoration
The Balady platform defines the building restoration permit service as restoring the building to its previous good condition through technical repair of one or more defects in order to sustain it, without adding a new component or changing the building's structural elements.
That definition settles everything: restoration repairs; it does not add, and it does not change the structure.
Examples of Restoration Works
- Treating non-structural cracks in walls.
- Repairing leaks and treating damp and insulation.
- Redoing damaged plaster and finishes.
- Repairing the facade and restoring its condition without changing its design. Read: Restoring and renovating a building facade.
What Does Not Count as Restoration
| Work | The correct route |
|---|---|
| Adding a floor, an annex or a room | Adding and modifying building components |
| Opening shops or merging units | Adding and modifying building components |
| Changing columns, beams or slabs | Not restoration by definition; the office determines the route based on a structural report |
| An existing building with no building permit | Existing building status correction first |
For a detailed comparison: Restoration vs. modification vs. addition.
Restoration Permit Requirements
- A valid building permit for the building.
- A contract with an engineering office.
- Payment of the service fees.
- Reviewing the list of requirements and government approvals for the type of activity.
Steps to Obtain a Restoration Permit
According to the Ministry's procedures guide for construction license services, the service steps include:
- Log in to the Balady platform and choose the Issuing a Restoration Permit service.
- Select the building permit or survey decision for which the restoration permit is requested.
- Select the engineering office and enter the required data.
- A container invoice for removing the waste.
- An undertaking to remove the rubble.
- After the fees are paid, the permit is issued and can be printed.
The announced service duration is 1 to 10 days; it is an electronic, non-instant service subject to fees.
Why Start with an Assessment Before Restoration?
If the cracks or damage are in load-bearing elements, surface restoration may hide the danger instead of treating it, and it may not fall under the definition of restoration at all. So for old buildings, start with a structural report. Read: Restoring old buildings: why the structural assessment comes first, and learn about our structural inspection report service.
Restoring Leased Commercial Shops
A common question: can a restoration permit be issued for a commercial shop held under a lease? Balady answers that the restoration permit service is applied for based on the building permit. In other words, the permit is tied to the building's permit, so coordination with the owner is required.
Common Mistakes
- Applying for restoration while the work involves an addition or a structural change.
- Starting work before the permit is issued.
- Leaving rubble on the sidewalk despite the undertaking to remove it. Read: Occupying the sidewalk with construction materials.
- Restoring a building that has no valid building permit.
Restoration Permit FAQs
What is restoration according to Balady?
Restoring the building to its previous good condition through technical repair of one or more defects, without adding a new component or changing the structural elements.
What are the requirements for a restoration permit?
A valid building permit, a contract with an engineering office, and payment of the service fees.
How long does a restoration permit take?
The announced service duration is 1 to 10 days.
Do I need a restoration permit to fix a leak?
Repairing defects falls within the definition of restoration; the office determines whether the scope of work requires the permit.
Can a room be added under a restoration permit?
No, additions are made through the adding and modifying building components service.
An old building with no permit that I want to restore?
Start with existing building status correction after issuing a survey decision for the same purpose. Read: Bought a building without a permit?
Can a leased shop be restored?
The service is applied for based on the building permit, so coordination with the owner is required.
What does the undertaking to remove rubble mean?
A commitment within the service steps to remove the restoration waste, with a container invoice for transporting it.
Is completely changing the facade restoration?
If the design changes or new elements are added, it is closer to modification. Read: Facade restoration and renovation.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that prepares the required drawings and reports, submits the application through Balady and follows it up until issuance. Learn about our restoration permit service, or contact us to review your case.
For all permit types: The complete guide to building permits in Saudi Arabia.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.
