Car shades are among the most common additions in front of commercial and residential buildings, and among the most frequently recorded as violations because of their position, materials or design. So the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing approved the technical guide for car shades within the property line, which regulates permit issue and design and construction requirements. This guide explains the permit conditions, what is prohibited, safe design criteria, practical steps, and how to avoid the shade becoming a violation that gets removed.
Car Shade Permit Requirements
According to the ministry's service page:
- A building permit for the building with an occupancy certificate issued, and the shade within its property line.
- A classified engineering office.
- The building must be on a commercial street 30 metres wide or more.
- The applicant must be the owner, their authorised representative, or the owners' association.
- Accepting the undertakings on Balady.
- The municipality's approval.
Note that the occupancy certificate is a condition; if the building does not have one, start there. Read: The occupancy certificate.
What Is Prohibited for Shades?
According to what has been published about the technical guide:
- Covering the shade's sides with sails or enclosing the whole structure.
- Building the shade over the main gate.
- Flammable materials, including untreated wood, polyester fabrics and corrugated sheeting (shinko).
The design and colours must match the architectural character, construction safety requirements under Chapter 33 of the Saudi Building Code must be followed, and the authority inspects the site after installation.
Criteria for a Safe, Acceptable Shade
| Element | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Structure | Galvanised or coated steel with a structural design that resists wind |
| Covering | Non-flammable, UV-resistant materials |
| Foundations and fixing | Bases designed for the loads, not just fixed to tiles |
| Height and clearance | Suitable height for vehicles without blocking entrances |
| Rainwater drainage | Falls and gutters that do not discharge onto the pavement or neighbours |
| Lighting | Safe, protected wiring if any |
Practical Steps
- Confirm you meet the conditions: occupancy certificate, street width and ownership.
- Ask a classified engineering office for a design showing the position, dimensions, materials and fixing.
- Apply on Balady and accept the undertakings.
- After approval, install according to the drawing with safety precautions.
- The authority inspects the site after installation.
For shades in front of homes: Are car shades in front of a house a violation?; for shop canopies: Shop and restaurant canopies.
Common Mistakes
- Installing the shade before the permit, then trying to license it.
- Using shinko or non-resistant fabrics because they are cheaper.
- Enclosing the sides to turn the shade into a store.
- Extending beyond the property line onto the pavement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the shade be installed outside the property line?
The guide covers shades within the property line.
Is an engineering office required?
Yes, a classified engineering office preparing the drawings is a requirement.
My building is on a street under 30 m wide. Can I apply?
The current service requires a commercial street 30 m wide or more; check your municipality's guides for your case.
Can the owners' association apply?
Yes, the applicant can be the owner, their authorised representative, or the owners' association.
Is the shade inspected after installation?
Yes, the authority inspects the site after installation.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that designs car shades to the technical guide, with safe structures and materials that suit the facade, and handles the permit application. Learn about our exterior design services, or For professional support, see our Car Shade Structure Permits service. contact us.
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.
