Many owners want to level and prepare the land before the building permit is issued to save time: clearing waste, levelling, removing a previous building's debris, and getting ready for the soil investigation. Is that allowed? Yes, through the site preparation permit. But it is a permit with a defined scope, and it does not mean you can excavate for foundations or start building. This guide explains what the permit allows and what it does not, its requirements and steps, where it sits in the sequence of permits, and how to use it to shorten your project.
What Is the Site Preparation Permit?
According to Balady, it is a permit that lets the beneficiary prepare and level the site before construction, issued electronically without visiting the authority.
Which Works Usually Fall Under Preparation?
| Work | Within the preparation scope? |
|---|---|
| Removing waste and debris from the land | Usually yes |
| Levelling and cleaning the site | Usually yes |
| Temporary site fencing | Per the requirements |
| Excavating for and pouring foundations | No, under the building permit |
| Building any structure or annex | No |
The exact scope is set by the engineering office and the drawings approved in the application.
Requirements
- A survey decision for the site. See our survey report service.
- Approval from the municipality or competent authority.
- A contract with an engineering office.
- Payment of the service fee.
Steps
- Log in to Balady via Nafath.
- Specify the owner and applicant, and select the survey decision.
- Choose the engineering office and send the request.
- The office completes the data and prepares the required drawings.
- The invoice is issued; after payment the permit is issued and printed.
The published service time is 1 to 10 days; it is an electronic, non-instant service with fees.
Where Does It Sit in the Sequence of Permits?
Usually after demolition (if there was a previous building) and before the building permit. Read: The correct order of permits and The demolition permit.
How to Use It to Save Time
- Prepare the site in parallel with the building permit designs.
- Carry out the soil investigation right after preparation, as the structural design needs its results. Read: The soil investigation report.
- Plan truck access and future storage areas during preparation.
The Permit's Limits
The permit is for preparation and levelling, not permission to build. Excavation for foundations and soil replacement have their own considerations. Read: Excavation, soil replacement and levelling. Going beyond the scope is a violation. Read: Fines for non-compliant buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I excavate for foundations with this permit?
The permit is for preparing and levelling the site; construction works need the building permit.
Where does it sit in the sequence of permits?
Read: The correct order of permits.
Do I need it for clean vacant land?
If there is no actual preparation work, you may go straight to the building permit; the office decides.
Must the site be fenced during preparation?
Protecting the site and passers-by is part of safety during works. Read: Land fence requirements.
How long does the service take?
1 to 10 days, per Balady.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that handles the survey decision, site preparation permit, soil investigation and building permit designs in parallel to shorten your project. Learn about our building permit service, or Details of how we can help are on our Survey Report / Survey Declaration service page. 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.
