BUILDING REGULATIONS

&
DESIGN GUIDELINES -
ArchitectURE

Department of Planning and Development - TRAKHEES

Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation
Government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
 Building
Building Regulations & Design Guidelines - Architecture
Fifth Edition

Regulations
& Design
Guidelines -
Prepared & Issued by:

TRAKHEES
P.O.Box 17000, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
ArchitecturE
Email: Accreditation@trakhees.ae Fifth Edition
Web Site: www.trakhees.ae

This edition issued in June 2011

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

All rights reserved to Trakhees Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). No
parts of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, Department of Planning and Development - TRAKHEES
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the copyright owner. These Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation
regulations and guidelines have been established to be applied within Trakhees - PCFC Jurisdiction. Implementation
of these regulations out of Trakhees jurisdiction is the sole responsibility of the concerned parties, whereby the local
Government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
authority regulations shall be precedent and govern.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The publication of this book could not have been possible without the ungrudging
efforts put in by a number of individuals in the Architecture Section of Civil Engineering
Division Trakhees.

We would like to thank the respective teams for their meticulous effort in incorporating
the latest Authority requirements and regulations related to construction within
Dubai to establish this updated edition. Our thanks is extended to all of you who
contributed, whether through your comments, feedback, edits, or suggestions, which
have all been considered in this revised edition.

Accreditation Section - Trakhees continues to welcome your feedback on this book

and will consider all that are received which will continue the development of this
book leading to its ultimate acceptance.

As always it has been a great joint effort.

Eng. Nazek Al Sabbagh

Managing Director
Trakhees - Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1:. INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

SECTION 2: . DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SECTION 3: . ARCHITECTURAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.1. Concept Design Stage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.2. Building Permit Stage.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.3. Revisions Stage.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

SECTION 4: . GENERAL BUILDING PRINCIPLES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

SECTION 5: . SITE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
SECTION 6: . BUILDING / DEVELOPMENT CONTROL FACTORS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Table of Contents 6.1. Plot Coverage Area.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

6.2. Building Height. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
6.3. Building Setbacks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

SECTION 7:. PLOT FENCING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

SECTION 8:. SPACE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8.1. Space Areas and Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
8.2. Space Allowances in Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

SECTION 9:. OPENINGS REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

9.1.Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
9.2.Doors.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
9.3. Doors On Escape Routes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
9.4. Courtyards and Shafts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

SECTION 10:. EXTERNAL BUILDING ELEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

10.1.Balconies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
10.2.Canopies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
10.3.Terraces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
10.4.Pergolas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

SECTION 11:. BUILDING STORIES /FLOOR TYPES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

11.1 . Basement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
11.2 . Ground. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
11.3 . Mezzanine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
11.4 . Roof Top. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

SECTION 12:. HORIZONTAL CIRCULATION ELEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

12.1. ROUTE ACCESS TO THE SITE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
12.2. ROUTE ACCESS TO THE BUILDING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
12.3.CORRIDORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
12.4. FIRE-ESCAPE ROUTES TO EXITS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
12.5. GLAZED ARCADES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 13:.VERTICAL CIRCULATION ELEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
13.1.STAIRCASES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
13.2. ELECTRIC ELEVATORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
13.3. FIRE-ESCAPE STAIRCASES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
SECTION 14:. ACCESS RAMPS REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
14.1.VEHICLE RAMPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
14.2. RAMPS FOR PUBLIC AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
14.3. SERVICE RAMPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
SECTION 15:. OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
15.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
15.2. PARKING LOT DESIGN.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
15.3. PARKING PROVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
15.4. PARKING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
15.5. LOADING AND UNLOADING BAYS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
SECTION 16:. BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
16.1. RESIDENTIAL TYPE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
16.1.1. DWELLING TYPES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
16.1.2.VILLAS-ADDITIONAL ANNEXES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
16.1.3. STAFF ACCOMMODATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
16.2. RELIGIOUS TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
16.2.1. MOSQUE (MASJID).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 6 0
16.2.2. PRAYER ROOM (MUSALLA).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 6 6
16.3. COMMERCIAL TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
16.3.1 . RESTAURANTS,EATING PLACES AND FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS. . . . . . . . . . 167
16.3.2 . HOTEL ESTABLISHMENTS (HOTELS, MOTELS AND HOTEL SERVICED
APARTMENTS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
16.3.3 . AUTOMOBILE SERVICE GAS STATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
16.4. EDUCATIONAL TYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
16.4.1.Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
16.4.2.KINDERGARTENS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
16.4.3.NURSERIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
16.5. HEALTH TYPE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
16.5.1.HOSPITALS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
16.5.2.CLINICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
16.5.3.PHARMACIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
16.6. Industrial Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
16.6.1. FACTORIES AND WAREHOUSES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
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SECTION 17:. SANITATION REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
17.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
17.2 . RESIDENTIAL BATHROOM AND LAVATORY.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
17.3. PUBLIC SANITARY FACILITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
17.4. SANITARY FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
SECTION 18:. SWIMMING POOL REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
18.1. CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
18.2. STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND STABILITY.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
18.3. FENCES AND ENCLOSURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
18.4. SWIMMING POOL SYSTEMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
18.5. DECK AND WALKWAY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
18.6. LADDERS AND STEPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
18.7. DIVING BOARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
18.8. LIGHTING, VENTILATION AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
18.9. SWIMMING POOL FACILITIES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
18.10 STANDARDS OF WATER.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
18.11 GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
SECTION 19:. REFUSE DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
19.1. GARBAGE ROOMS AND COLLECTION AREAS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
19.2. GARBAGE CHUTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
19.3. RUBBISH CALCULATIONS AND DUMPSTERS MEASUREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
19.4. Disposal requirements for different Types of Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
SECTION 20:. LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
20.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
20.2. LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
20.2.1.Softscape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
20.2.2.Hardscape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
SECTION 21:. UTILITY SERVICES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
21.1. WATER SUPPLY TANKS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
21.2. SEPTIC TANKS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
21.3. PLUMBING WORKS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
21.4. RAINWATER DRAINAGE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
21.5. GAS FACILITIES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
21.6.VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
21.7. ELECTRICITY/LIGHTING AND TELEPHONE INSTALLATIONS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
SECTION 22:. INSULATION REQUIREMENTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
SECTION 23:. POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
SECTION 24:. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DISPUTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
.INDEX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
. INDEX: FIGURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
. INDEX: TABLES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
 INTRODUCTION
01
SECTION

10 11
 1

SECTION
INTRODUCTION

The intention of these regulations is to provide minimum building

Archirectural design requirements for all types of developments,
such as residential, commercial, recreational, industrial and
institutional developments.

Dubai has a natural environment of outstanding visual quality that

Introduction contributes to a high quality of life and property values. These

standards exist,

To ensure that buildings are integrated with the natural

environment,

To enhance land and property,

To maintain the values created in the community,

To protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare

of the community

The regulations stipulated in this document are the minimum

requirements, where, developments shall also comply with all
relevant legislative standards of Dubai Authorities.

However, in case of any contradictions, these will take precedence

over the previous regulations.

Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, TRAKHEES - Civil

Engineering Division reserves the right to change any of these
regulations and it shall be the duty of Consultants, Contractors,
Developers etc, to ensure that they possess the latest updates of
the Building Regulations and Design Guidelines.

12 13
 DEFINITIONS
02
SECTION

14 15
SECTION
2 DEFINITIONS
In applying these regulations, the meanings listed below will be attributed to the
words and phrases listed beside them, unless the context specifies a different
meaning:
Accessible Route: The unobstructed path continuously connecting to all
accessible elements and space of the building or facility. Interior accessible
routes may include corridors, floors, ramps, elevators, and clear floor space at
fixtures while exterior accessible routes may include parking access aisles, curb
ramps, walkways, ramps, and crosswalks at vehicular ways.
Addition: An expansion, extension, or increase in the gross floor area or height
of buildings or facilities.
Additional Ventilation: This is installed in rooms whose depth is more than three
times their width, to provide natural ventilation and lighting for the internal
spaces through an opening or a shaft with a minimum area of 5% of the space
area and minimum width of 1.2 meter.
Affection Plan (Lease Drawing): Plan of the plot or site issued by the Authority,
Planning and Survey Department or Business Units, showing but not limited to the
plot boundaries, dimensions, areas and surroundings as well as the land uses.
Alleyway (Sikka): The area of a public or private path, which can be used by
pedestrians or as a secondary way to any plot. It does not appear as a public road
or street in the Emirates outline plan.
Annex: A building or installation attached to or independent from the main
building, whose use is secondary or complementary to the function of the main
building.
Arcade: A series of arches supported on columns or piers. A flat or blind arcade
is applied to a wall to articulate the surface.
Atrium: A large volume of space created by series of floors or floors openings
connecting two or more stories, covered at the top, and are used for purposes
other than a closed stairway, an elevator hoist way, an escalator opening, or as a
utility shaft used for Services.
Authority: Shall mean Civil Engineering Division- Trakhees- Ports, Customs and
Free Zone Corporation.
Automatic Door: A door equipped with a power-operated mechanism and controls
that open and close the door automatically upon receipt of a momentary actuating
16
SECTION: 2 DEFINITIONS
signal. The switch that begins the automatic cycle may be a photoelectric device,
floor mat, or manual switch.
Bathroom: A room containing a toilet bowl, washbasin and bathtub or bathtub/
shower combination. A toilet and washbasin (no bathtub or shower) equals a half
bathroom and a toilet, washbasin and shower, equals a three-quarter bathroom.
Building: Any structure intended for use in supporting, sheltering or occupancy.
Building Permit: The license that the Authority issues to allow construction
work to proceed on a specific piece of land, in accordance with approved plans,
specifications and conditions.
Building Permit Committee: The committee set up by the Authority to study
building permit applications and to take suitable decisions in this regard.
Building Specifications: A statement of building requirements describing the
loading conditions, design practices, materials, finishes and their quality.
Circulation Path: An exterior or interior way of passage from one place to another
for pedestrians including, but not limited to corridors, hallways, courtyards,
stairways and stair landings.
Clear: Unobstructed.
Commercial Building: A Building in which commercial business activities are
permitted in accordance with statutory classification of lands.
Comprehensive Development: A development containing any number of
buildings or uses on a site or a combination of sites, planned or developed in
an integrated.
Component: An element or space in a building or facility.
Consultant: A registered consultant holding a valid consulting engineers license
from Dubai Economic Department.
Contractor: A registered contractor holding a valid contracting engineers license
from Dubai Economic Department.
Court Yard: An open, uncovered, unoccupied space, unobstructed to the sky,
bounded on three or more sides by exterior building walls and has rooms of one
or more residential or office units overlooking it. (figure -1)
17
SECTION: 2 DEFINITIONS SECTION: 2 DEFINITIONS

Entrance: Any access point to a building, portion of a building or facility used for
the purpose of entering. An entrance includes the approach walk, the vertical
access leading to the entrance platform, the entrance platform itself and the
entry door(s) or gate(s).

Exhibit: A space or portable structure used for the display of products or services.
Court
Yard Egress: An exit.
Court
Yard
Facade: The face of a building.

Facility: All or any portion of the buildings, structures, site improvements,

complexes, equipment, roads, walks, passageways, parking lots or other real/
All Sides Bounded Three Sides Bounded
personal property located at the site.

Figure-1 Court Yard Definition Fence: A barrier constructed by the use of woods, metals, blocks, bricks, stone
and other materials.
Curb: A raised edge on a roadway, a concrete floor slab or roof accessory.
Floor Height: Distance between designated flooring level and the flooring level of the
DCR: Development Control Regulation. next floor.

Developer: Shall mean the lessee or his authorized agent who submits an Floor Area Ratio/F.A.R: The division of the gross floor area of the building or a
application to the Authority on his clients behalf. number of buildings, by the total plot area.

District: Same as Zone. It is an area of land with a particular designated use. Frontage: That portion of a plot that abuts a road.

Driveway: An access to a required off-street parking and loading facility area.
E.H.S: Environment, Health and Safety Division - TRAKHEES.
Emirate: Emirate of Dubai.
Engineer: The person authorized to prepare the design and/or supervise
construction work from the Authority.
Embellishments (Ornaments): Elements added to the building for aesthetic
purposes. They are expressive and symbolic.
Element: An architectural or mechanical component of a Building / Facility /
Space or Site.
Elevation: A view showing the image of one side of the building.
Elevator Lobby: A space allocated for the ingress and egress of people to the
elevator cars, with the minimum clearance width of 2.4 meters.
Gate/Reference Level: It is the level of the finished floor of the first step of the
entrance at the plot edge.
Garbage Room: The location of the room to be approved by the Authority, whether
to be within the plot limits or to be within the building enclosure for the purpose
of holding, prior to disposal of, waste generated in the building.
Guards Room: A room, residential unit or an annex located within the plot limits
or it might be located within the building enclosure with a minimum area of 6.5
square meters with sanitation facility.
Guesthouse: An accessory of the building for housing of temporary guests, with
no kitchen and not intended for rent or lease.
Gross Area: Is the sum of the floor areas of a building included within the exterior
walls for all stories or areas that house floor surfaces including attics, basements,
penthouses, mechanical room etc.

18 19
SECTION: 2 DEFINITIONS SECTION: 2 DEFINITIONS

Gross area does not include cornices, pilasters, buttresses, etc. It also does not
include open, unroofed courts even if surrounded by the building. The air space
or open space above auditoriums and other similar rooms that extends through
two or more floor levels is not included in the gross square footage. (figure-2)
Cornices or buttresses
Habitable Room: A room used for office, shop, workshop, servant room, other
purpose involving occupancy by human beings for continuous periods of time
but not including a water closet (W.C.).
Handrail: A bar, pipe or similar member designed to furnish persons with a hand
hold.

Hazardous Goods: Refer to Trakhees E.H.S. code.

Hospitals: A building or portion thereof used on a 24- hour basis for the medical,
psychiatric, obstetrical or surgical care of four or more inpatients.

Hotel: Building or independent part of a development or a building, containing

no less than 10 bedrooms (each with a private bathroom) providing boarding and
lodging against a certain fee.

Hotel Establishments: Hotels, motels or hotel serviced apartments.

Hotel Serviced Apartments: A collection of not less than 8 furnished villas,

Figure-2 Gross Area Calculation Definition
Gross Lease-able Area: The total floor area designed for tenant occupancy and
exclusive use. The area of tenant occupancy is measured from the centerlines of
joint partitions to the outside of the tenant walls. (figure-3)
apartments or studios that are rented to guests by the day, the week, the month
or the year.
Inspector: The engineer or supervisor employed by the Authority.
Investment Villas: A complex of private, interconnected or semi-detached villas
that might have communal spaces and shared entertainment services.

Ingress: An entry.

Intersection: The crossing of two or more roads.

Kitchen: A place set aside for the preparation of meals and beverages. Each
housing unit should have one kitchen as a minimum requirement.

Landscaping: The treatment and maintenance of a plot area or property with

predominant vegetation such as ground cover, plants, shrubs or trees and
includes paving, brick, rock work and other natural or decorative features in an
organized manner designed to create a specific appearance.
Pantry WS
Level: A ground or floor surface or part of a surface having a slope of not more
than 2% at any point and in any direction.

Figure-3 Gross Lease-able Area Definition Lighting and Ventilation Vents: The openings that provide natural light and air in
any part of the buildings utilities. They can be found on ceilings and external walls.

20 21
SECTION: 2 DEFINITIONS
Loading Space: An area used for loading or unloading of vehicles, located
entirely on private property with a minimum vertical clearance of 4.0 meters and
provided with permanent independent access.
Main Building: Building used for the main or prime functional use within the plot.
Marked Crossing: A crosswalk or other identified path intended for pedestrian
use in crossing a vehicular way.
Mechanical Services Floor: Floor allocated fully for accommodating mechanical
and electrical equipment required for the building. Part thereof neither shall be
permitted for another purpose nor shall not be included in calculating the floor
ratio.
Motel: A building or part of a development / building containing no less than
10 bedrooms and thus providing board and lodging for a fee with a number of
shared bathrooms.
Neighborhood (surroundings): Any adjacent piece of land excluding roads and
alleyways.
Net Area: The floor area within the inside perimeter of the outside walls of a
building considering the deductions for hallways, stairs, closets, thickness of
interior walls, columns or other features.
N.O.C.: No Objection Certificate.
Occupancy: The purpose for which a building or portion thereof is used or
intended to be used.
Office: A workstation with a minimum area of 10.0 square meters.
Off Street Parking: An area of open land other than a road used or intended to
be used to provide space for the parking of motor vehicles. This includes parking
spaces, loading spaces, maneuvering aisles and other areas providing access to
parking or loading spaces.
O.T.S.: Open to Sky
Owner: Natural or corporate person in whose name the plot of land or building is
registered whether in his / its capacity as landlord or possessor or tenant.
Pantry: A place for preparing light snacks and should not replace the kitchen in
the residential units.
22
SECTION: 2 DEFINITIONS
Parcel: Any contiguous areas, sites, plots or portions of land under common
ownership.
People With Disability: Refer to related Trakhees-CED Codes.
Permanent Building: A building or structure that is intended to remain in place
for at least one calender year for a permanent use and constructed by non-
demountable structural elements.
Platform: The raised area within a building used for the presentation of music
plays or other entertainment.
Plot: A piece or parcel of land separated from other parcels by a specific number
and location, being occupied by a legally permissible project or development.
Plot Area: The total area of a plot within the plot limits as measured on a
horizontal plane.
Plot Frontage: The front of a plot shall be construed to be the portion nearest to
the street for determining requirements on corner plots and through plots. All
sides of a plot adjacent to streets shall be considered frontage.
Private Garages: An enclosed accessory building attached or detached to
be used for storage of motor vehicles used by the occupants of the principal
building.
Project: The construction of a permanent building, or any other civil work on a
leased property including any modifications or installations in pre-built facilities.
Public Use: Describes interior / exterior rooms or spaces that are made available
to the general public. Public use may be provided at a building/facility that is
privately or publicly owned.
Public Utility: Any person, firm, corporation, municipal board duly authorized
under the Emirates regulations to supply public electricity, gas, steam,
communications, water, drainage, flood control, irrigation, garbage / trash
disposal / sewage disposal.
Regulations: Building Regulations & Design Guidelines and other regulations
issued by the Authority.
Road Demarcation: The legal line separating the road or street and the plot
abutting, also known as the edge of the road.
23
SECTION: 2 DEFINITIONS
Road or Street: The public or private roadway for vehicles according to the maps
attached to the Land Use Classification and Regulations in the Emirate, which is
dedicated for vehicular use by the public and can be use for emergency access.
Room: A place intended for residential purpose on a temporary or permanent
basis. Its area should not be less than 10.0 square meters.
Servant Quarters: An accessory room or portion of a main building designed or
used as the principle residence of persons employed on the same property as
domestic help, driver, gardener, maintenance man or similar occupations.
Service Duct: Closed channel through which the various service and utility pipes
pass with access openings for inspection and repair work.
Service Entrance: An entrance intended primarily for delivery of goods or
services.
Shade Structure: A projected cover that extends outside the external wall of any
building or a cover supported by a column in order to protect any door or window
or corridor from rain or solar effect. It can also be a stand alone structure.
Shaft: An open, uncovered, unoccupied, space bounded by three or more sides
of the exterior building walls and has an overlooking service unit.
Shop: A space with a minimum area of 12.0 square meters that is used for
commercial activities.
Shopping Mall: A group of shops, showrooms or areas used for commercial
purpose of a minimum area 1000.0 square meters that opens to covered air
conditioned halls or internal corridors. It can also be any shop or showroom
whose net area for commercial use exceeds 1000.0 square meters.
Showroom: Any place intended for commercial use such as: display of goods for
marketing in wholesale or retail. The showroom frontage facing the road should
not be less than 10.0 meters wide.
Signage: Displayed verbal, symbolic and pictorial information.
Site: A plot of land.
Site Plan: Arrangement of the overall physical environment in complete detail
including structures, landscape, land contours, vehicular / pedestrian circulation,
drainage and the entire complex of physical forms.
24
SECTION: 2 DEFINITIONS
Space: An identifiable area e.g. room, toilet, hall, assembly area, entrance,
storage room, alcove, courtyard or lobby.
Special Approval: Approval granted by parties empowered by the law to
authorize exemption from these regulations or from any other legislation related
to construction works.
Staff Accommodation: A building that is used to house the workers belonging to
a company, establishment or the like.
Staircase: Space inside the building within which the stairs are erected.
Store: Covered part of a building used as a storage area for materials. Such a
space may be used for collecting and sorting materials for purpose of shipping or
storage without introducing any change in the chemical or physical characteristics
of such materials.
Studio: Part of a residential building with only one room to house one individual
or more and has a place for preparing and cooking meals with a bathroom, rented
as an independent unit.
Swimming Pool: Any constructed pool used for swimming, bathing or wading,
whether above or below the ground surface regardless of depth or water surface
area.
Temporary Building: A building used for a specific period of time and is
constructed by demountable structural elements for temporary use such as site
office or to house construction equipment during the construction period.
Total Builtup Area: The area of all floors of the building measured from the
external sides including finished attics, basements, swimming pools and any
other structures on the plot.
Top/Last Floor: It is the last storey of the building, which is located directly below
the rooftop.
Typical Floor: A floor that is similar to the floors that follow, or proceed, or both
and usually located above the ground floor.
Underground Structure: A structure or portion of the structure in which the floor
is below the Gate level.
Wind Towers: Shelter with 50% of its area open to the sky usually constructed to
enhance the architectural beauty of a building or to suit a certain climate need.
25
 ARCHITECTURAL
SUBMITTAL
REQUIREMENTS
03
SECTION

26 27
SECTION
3 ARCHITECTURAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 3 ARCHITECTURAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

The Development Architectural Drawings submission process consists of three 4) Owners signature on title sheet, colored perspective/s,
main stages: detailed area calculations sheet and main setting out
/ development plans.
3.1 Concept Design Stage
3.2 Building Permit Stage 5) Projects expected population and facilities
calculation.
3.3 Revisions Stage
6) All calculations and measurements shall be in Metric
In general, the above submittal stages shall be in electronic copy of PDF format System.
and shall be binded in one sequence. All pages of the file shall be saved in a
unified size and direction and the title block arrangements shall be as per 7) Consultants stamp and signature shall appear on all
Authority Standards (refer to Authority Workflow). pages of digital drawings.

Reasonable density of drawings lines and hatching in addition to all set of 8) Detailed area calculation with entire plans floor layout,
drawings are to be checked prior to submitting to the Authority so that it could highlighting the area for calculation in all floors(gross,
be reviewed easily. service, net and total built up areas).

9) Criteria and calculation for parking, garbage and

3.1 CONCEPT DESIGN STAGE sanitation provisions as per regulations.

3.1.1 Project Registration on e-permit 3.1.2.2 Architectural Drawings:

Obtain project ID through Project Registration on e-Permit before
All drawing layouts shall provide detailed information
submitting the concept design Drawings. (refer to Authority
such as dimensions, levels, slopes, furniture, etc.
Workflow).
In case those drawings were not accommodated in one
3.1.2 Concept Design Documents and Drawings sheet, key plan shall be submitted with partial drawing
3.1.2.1 Documentation: layout highlighting the enlarged portion.

1) Title sheet as per Authority standards with project 1) Layout Plan (Scale 1:1000): showing the location of the
name, Owner/s name, plot number, coverage area, proposed development and any existing neighboring
car park, total built-up area, schedule of accumulated developments.
area, color perspective/s, etc. 2) Setting Out Plan (1:200): showing the followings
2) Brief project description of design theme and building a) The north and Qibla orientation.
usage, anticipated building population and the
b) The coordinates, dimensions and the levels of all
environmental impact on its surroundings.
site services and entrances.
3) Set of documents comprising the affection plan,
c) The location and setting out of all proposed
consultants appointment letter, trade license and
buildings and other improvements including
other required documents. In case of resubmission, the
access ways and car parks in relation to the
Authoritys previous comments should be included.
boundaries and required building setbacks.

28 29
SECTION: 3 ARCHITECTURAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
d) The location of boundary walls, utilities and refuse
containers where applicable.
3) Plans (Scale: 1:100): together with structural column
layout shall show appropriate furniture and usage.
4) Elevations (Scale 1:100): all facades of the building
or the development with all details dimension, levels
etc.
5) Sections (Scale 1:100): at least one passing through
critical areas such as staircases, ramps and electrical
substation of the building showing levels and heights
of all main elements.
6) Detailed Area Calculation: with entire plans floor
layout highlighting the area for calculation in all floors
(gross, service, net and total built up areas).
7) Colored Perspective Images: sufficient to present the
concept.
8) Traffic Study: verification and report as per the
Authority requirements.
3.1.2.3 Schematic Landscape Plan (Scale 1:200): showing a table
of area calculations showing landscape coverage and
areas to be allocated for landscape treatment including a
detailed allocation of hardscape and softscape.
3.1.2.4 Topographical Plan (Scale 1:200): showing existing
contours and surface features sufficient to depict
accurately the existing topography of the site.
30
SECTION: 3 ARCHITECTURAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
3.2 BUILDING PERMIT STAGE:
Architectural and Structural Drawings along with calculations in addition to
service drawings such as mechanical, electrical, water supply, drainage etc.
which should be in compliance with the Authoritys related codes.
The building permit proposal shall accurately illustrate the following:
3.2.1 Project Registration on e-permit:
Obtain Project building permit ID then proceed submitting the
building permit drawings. (for more details refer to Authority
Workflow).
3.2.2 Building Permit Documents and Drawings
3.2.2.1 Documentation:
All requirements of concept design stage in addition to:
1) Concept design approval letter issued by the
Authority
2) Required NOC from related Authorities
3) Verification of provision in E.H.S. Regulation
3.2.2.2 Architectural Drawings:
1) Layout Plan (Scale 1:1000): showing the location of the
proposed development and any existing neighboring
developments.
2) Setting Out Plan (Scale 1:200): containing all
information submitted at concept design stage but
modified to incorporate any changes to the proposal
made at the instigation of the developer and approved
by the Authority or at the direction of the Authority.
3) Plans (Scale 1:100): showing all of the floors of
the development or improvements / alterations,
including roof plan, indicating the proposed uses
and dimensions for all indoor and outdoor spaces
together with linkages to adjoining development or
areas where appropriate.
31
SECTION: 3 ARCHITECTURAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 3 ARCHITECTURAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

4) Elevations (Scale 1:100): showing all sides of the
building or the development with all details dimension,
levels etc.
5) Sections (Scale 1:100): at least two main sections
showing the internal and external floors levels,
window sill heights, parapets heights, and the
relationship of the proposed development to existing
neighboring development and the pavement levels
contiguous to the development, essentially passing
through staircases, ramps, swimming pools and
electrical sub-station.
6) Fences and Walls: detailed drawings, including
elevations for the whole site (Scale 1:100) and sections
(Scale 1:20) of proposed transparent fences and solid
boundary walls.
3.2.2.6 Garbage Calculations and Drawings (Scale 1:200)
A calculation showing the anticipated garbage generation
in cubic meters (m3), together with plans and sections
showing the provision to be made for garbage storage
and disposal in addition to garbage chutes if applicable.
3.2.2.7 Environmental and Traffic Impact Assessments: if
applicable
As required by the Authority, a study describing the existing
site environment, the nature of the project, the potential
for environmental and traffic impacts and the measures
that will be implemented to mitigate such impacts.
1. (EIA) Environmental Impact Assessment.
2. (TIA) Traffic Impact Assessment.

7) Schedule of External and Internal Finishing

Materials: showing size, proposed color, texture and
appearance.

8) Necessary Construction Details: like roofing / water

proofing /expansion joints, drawings (scale 1;20 )
for facilities such as swimming pools, substations,
staircases, ramps, etc..

3.2.2.3 Landscape Drawings (Scale 1:200)

Indicating the number, species, sizes and positions of all
trees, shrubs, ground cover plants and lawn areas related
to the estimated irrigation water demand calculations.

The landscape plan shall also identify and describe all

hardscape surfaces and any landscape features.

3.2.2.4 Typographical Drawings (Scale 1:200)

Showing existing contour and surface features.

3.2.2.5 Detailed Drawings of Utilities (Scale 1:200)

32 33
SECTION: 3 ARCHITECTURAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 3 ARCHITECTURAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

3.3 REVISIONS STAGE 3) A copy of the latest approved architectural drawings by the
Authority shall be attached for reference.
Revisions are submittals of any modification from previous approved
drawings during construction stage before issuing Building Completion 4) Scale of drawings shall be as mentioned previously.
Certificate (BCC) comprises architectural revised drawings along with
approved drawings by the Authority.

For revisions after Building Completion Certificate (BCC) please refer to

Authority Workflow.

In case the submission is a revision or an alteration during construction

stage no need for registration on e-permit. Only submittal of soft copy of
revised drawings along with documents is required.

3.3.1 Documentation:
1) Title sheet with project name and Owner/s name, plot number,
accumulated area schedule, total built-up, car park areas,
coverage area, etc., with revisions highlighted from the
approved.

2) Document sheets composed of affection plan, consultants

appointment letter, trade license, building permit letter and
other documents as required.

3) Owners signature on the title sheet, revised detailed area

calculations sheet, and main setting out / development plans.

4) Consultants stamp and signature shall appear on all sheets of

digital drawings.

5) In case of revisions in car park area, garbage and sanitation;

revised calculations and criteria shall be re-submitted
highlighting the changes from the approved.

3.3.2 Architectural Drawings:

1) The affected areas on already approved drawings to be
highlighted in yellow and revised areas to be highlighted
in red.

2) Any revision shall be submitted on all related drawings such as

plan, section and details.

34 35
 GENERAL
BUILDING
PRINCIPLES
04
SECTION

36 37
SECTION
4 GENERAL BUILDING PRINCIPLES SECTION: 4 GENERAL BUILDING PRINCIPLES

This section shall regulate the exterior design of buildings and structures and the
design of streetscape associated with all new developments.
Exemptions: many of the requirements of this section shall not apply to private
villas or agricultural uses.
Following are some Architectural Criteria, which shall be taken into account:
4.6 Building Scale and Massing:
The size, floor area, mass and general appearance of the proposed
structure in the proposed development is to be designed such that the
visual privacy shall be maintained with adjacent structures and buildings
in the surrounding properties / neighborhood.

4.1 Developments Location and Size:

The nature and intensity of the operation involved in, or, conducted in
connection with it and the location of the site with respect to streets giving
access to it will be such that the development should not dominate the
immediate environment and should respect the surrounding neighboring
properties.

4.2 Similar Themes and Elements within Development:

Buildings, structures and streetscape within a development shall maintain
a similar style and design of architectural theme including but not limited
to building materials, colors, form, roof style and detailing.

4.3 Facade Treatment:

Side and rear walls of all buildings shall be constructed of similar building
materials and contain similar architectural treatment as the front or main
elevation of the building, excluding window areas.

4.4 Screening of Accessory Equipment:

All outdoor mechanical equipment including antennas, roof top equipment,
refuse storage areas, shall be concealed from public view by solid walls,
screens, fences, parapets, enclosing structures or landscape.

4.5 Building Articulation:

Entrances into buildings shall be easily identified through building design
including the use of recessed or projected entryways, higher rooflines or
changes in building massing, material or color.

Exterior walls shall be articulated by the use of architectural features

including the variation of materials, colors or a change in surface plane.

38 39
 SITE
PLANNING
REQUIREMENTS
05
SECTION

40 41
SECTION
5 SITE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 5 SITE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS

5.1 If the building is facing more than one road, the car park entry and exit
Road
(underground or surface) shall be from the secondary road or as specified
on the affection plan. (figure -4)

Road
Plot Limit Plot Limit

Main Road Vehicles 15 m Vehicles Access

Access For Light Not Allowed
Allowed Vehicles Only
Plot Limit Plot Limit

Vehicles Access Plot

Vehicles Only
Not Allowed

For Light
Plot Limit

15 m
Plot Limit Plot Limit
Plot

Vehicles Access Figure-5 Vehicles Access to Plot for T-Junction Road

Allowed
Secondary Road

5.4 Pedestrian sidewalks or paths shall be provided for building entries from
surrounding streets, parking spaces and external sidewalks. All safety
requirements for people with disability shall be provided for pedestrian
walkways.

5.5 Landscape shall be allocated to encourage pleasant and attractive

surroundings, contribute to heat relief, noise, dust and glare through the
Figure-4 Vehicles Access to Plot for Corner Plot proper placement of green plants, trees, and other decorative features.

5.6 Provision of facilities for people with disability such as toilets, entry
5.2 Adequate access roads on entrance / exit driveways shall be provided to
ramps, parking spaces etc. Refer to Authoritys related code.
minimize traffic congestion and hazards in public streets.
5.7 It is forbidden to construct any building on any plot unless it is in
5.3 For light vehicles access; the minimum distance shall be 15.0 meters away
accordance with the affection plan attached to the land use classifi- cation
from the end of the road curve while for heavy vehicles distance vary
and regulations.
depending on the size of the vehicles and road traffic and shall be as per
the Authoritys related code. (figure -5)

42 43
SECTION: 5 SITE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 5 SITE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS

5.8 The affection plan /lease drawing shall define (according to the related 5.11 In case the utility services are to be brought from across the road to the
business unit) the owner name, plot number, business unit, the number designated building or public facility areas. The cost of the following shall
of floors, the function, external setbacks, the required car parking spaces, be borne by the owner of the designated property.
access road to the plot, the percentage area permissible for construction Supply of the required materials and equipment
and the floor area ratio.
Making arrangement to supply the services
5.9 All building elements of the project are to be within designated property Repairing the damage caused during the course
limits. Making good to maintain as per original aesthetic and finishes

5.10 The site layout shall allow for loading and unloading of vehicles to take
place within the plot boundaries. Adequate parking spaces shall be
provided within the plot limits and an access route for fire fighting shall
be provided for all types of buildings except the private residential villas.
(figure -6)
5.12 Any earthwork (filling or cutting) shall be restricted to the plot limits.
5.13 The developer shall allocate a part of area within the plot limits for
landscaping according to the related business unit DCR. No landscaping
will be permitted outside the designated plot unless verified from
Authority.

Access to heavy Road Access to light 5.14 Access to the plot shall clear all existing services in the service corridor
vehicles vehicles
and the cost of any relocations or modifications shall be borne by the
developer.
Plot Limit

Plot Limit
5.15 Space for utility provision such as electrical sub station and other services
Light Vehicle Parking
as required by the concerned Service Providing Authorities shall be
provided within the plot limits.

5.16 Heavy and light vehicle movement within the related property is to be
separated including entry and exit. (figure -6)
Loading Bay

5.17 Maneuvering of vehicles for parking or loading / unloading for a particular

Warehouse property is to be within property limits. (figure -6)

5.18 The minimum plot area that is suitable for construction shall be according
to Authoritys related code.
Maneuvering of
Truck 5.19 Plots should be in a minimum frontage of 10 m, and the appropriate ratio
between width and length is 1:2 or 1:3.

Plot Limit Plot Limit 5.20 In case of irregular shaped plots, no building permit will be issued unless
Figure-6 Maneuvering within Plot Limits and the plot can accommodate an area of 10.0 x 10.0 meters in order to meet
Segregation Between Light and Heavy Vehicles construction requirement.

44 45
 BUILDING/
DEVELOPMENT
CONTROL FACTORS
06
SECTION

46 47
SECTION
6 BUILDING/DEVELOPMENT CONTROL FACTORS SECTION: 6 BUILDING/DEVELOPMENT CONTROL FACTORS

6.1 PLOT COVERAGE AREA 6.2 BUILDING HEIGHT

Horizontal area occupied by main and annex buildings on the same plot,
calculated from the external walls or roofed projection in the ground or
upper floors (whichever has more projections). Non functional beautifying
projections less than 0.45 meter shall not be included in the coverage
calculation. (figure-7)
Plot Limit
Building height is the vertical distance measured from the pavement of the
adjacent road which is the reference of the ground finished floor level, to
the highest point of the building roof (the top floor), excluding the roofs of
the staircases or mechanical rooms, etc.
6.2.1 The maximum height of the building shall be measured from the
main ground finished floor level (GFFL) till the top of the roof level
(according to the system that applies to each business units

Plot Limit
planning requirement). (figure-8)

Upper Roof Level

Non-functional
Projection
Plot Limit
Main Building Rooftop Level

Last Floor

0.45m

Building Height

Maximum Height
Plot Limit
Plot Limit

GFFL 1.2 m for

all Building Types
Projection Annex GFFL 1.5 m
Road Gate Level +0.30 m for Villas
Edge
Horizontal Area (Ground + Projection) Level from Road Edge Level
Plot Coverage Area =
Plot Area
Figure-7 Plot Coverage Area

All parts of buildings shall be within the plot boundaries and shall not
occupy more than:
6.1.1 In Free Zone industrial districts the maximum plot coverage area shall
be 60% while minimum is 20%. Figure-8 Building Height
6.1.2 For other business units and developments, the plot coverage area
shall be as per the DCR of the related business unit.

48 49
SECTION: 6 BUILDING/DEVELOPMENT CONTROL FACTORS SECTION: 6 BUILDING/DEVELOPMENT CONTROL FACTORS

6.2.2 The gate/reference level of all building types shall not be less than 6.2.5 The internal clear (net) height of each floor for different building
0.30 meter above the approach road/s edge level and in case of types is the distance from the finished floor level to the finished
inclined longitude road, stepped ground level to be used to achieve ceiling level or any suspended element from ceiling as shown in
above relation between gate and road levels. table-1: (figure -10)

6.2.3 The ground finished floor level (GFFL) for all building types shall
Minimum Net Maximum Net
not exceed 1.2 meter above the adjacent road edge level except for Section No Building Types
Height (meter) Height (meter)
residential villas which shall not exceed 1.5 meter. (figure-8)
6.2.5.1 Residential Type 2.7 4.2
6.2.4 In case of a plot located on two different road levels, the ground
6.2.5.2 Commercial Type
finished floor level (GFFL) for all building types shall not exceed 0.45
meter from high road edge level and 1.2 meter from the low road edge Ground floor 3.0 4.2
level. While (GFFL ) for villas shall not exceed 1.5 meter from the road
Ground floor with
edge level leading to the main entrance. (figure-9) 2.4 4.2
Shops and Half Mezzanine
a)
Showrooms
Half Mezzanine 2.4 3.0

For All Building Types; Full Mezzanine 2.6 3.0

GFFL 0.45 m above Road 1
GFFL 1.2 m above Road 2 b) Office 2.5 3.0

c) Commercial Centers 4.2 6.0

For Villa; 6.2.5.3 Industrial Type

GFFL GFFL 1.5 m from main
entrance road level a) Warehouse and Factories 4.0 9.0

Road 1 6.2.5.4 Educational Type

High Level
Schools, Nurseries and Kindergar-
Road 2 a) 3.0 4.2
Low Level tens
6.2.5.5 Religious Type

According to the
a) Mosque 3.6 design and capacity
Figure-9 Ground Finished Floor Level (GFFL) of the mosque
for Plot Located on Different Road Level 6.2.5.6 Covered Parking Area 2.4 3.0

Table-1 Internal Clear Height for Different Building Types

50 51
SECTION: 6 BUILDING/DEVELOPMENT CONTROL FACTORS SECTION: 6 BUILDING/DEVELOPMENT CONTROL FACTORS

1) Embellishments (ornamental elements), such as minarets, dome

1st Floor
and towers that are embellished in traditional and aesthetic
patterns.
2) Chimneys and smoke stacks, water reservoirs, elevator shafts,

2.4 m
3.0 m
staircases, radio and television aerials, wind towers, pergolas,
1st Floor Half Mezzanine helipads and roof shading devices.
3) Commercial structures for advertising purpose (only after
obtaining permission from the Authority).

2.4 m
4.2 m
3.0 m
4.2 m

Ground Floor Ground Floor 6.2.8 Exemptions mentioned above, shall comply with the following:
1) Any part of the building, which is permitted to exceed the
height, shall not be used as residential /commercial purpose
Ground Floor Ground Floor with Half Mezzanine
with exception to advertising boards.
1st Floor 2) Height shall not exceed the function of the purpose as decided by
the Building Permit Committee, shall be within the permissible
limits of the Civil Aviation Regulation, and shall not hamper the
adjacent building activities.
2.6 m
3.0 m

Full Mezzanine 6.2.9 The provision of Helipad shall be as per standard specifications
approved by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
3.0 m
4.2 m

6.3 BUILDING SETBACKS

Ground Floor
Ground Floor with Full Mezzanine
Figure-10 Shops and Showrooms Clear Height
6.2.6 Some buildings are special cases because of their architectural
design such as showrooms, cinemas, schools, commercial centers,
industrial installations, etc.. These are allowed to go beyond the
heights that have been mentioned in clause - 6.2.5 of this section.
The Building Permit Committee approves certain specifications and
measurements with consideration to activities or the types of the
adjacent neighboring buildings.
6.2.7 The parts of buildings and installations that are permitted to exceed
the required height are defined as follows:
The minimum horizontal distance between the plot limits and the nearest point
of a building, structure or use, as the context indicates, located on a plot.
The setback shall not include eaves of the building.
Setbacks for all plot boundaries are necessary to allow visual screening from
the adjacent developments and to protect the common general amenities.
6.3.1 A setback is measured from the edge of the plot limits of adjacent
plots or from the edge of adjacent roads
6.3.2 Setbacks implementation starts from the ground floor of all building
types.
Exemptions of commercial buildings in which a setback is
implemented starts from the first floor above the commercial part
and starting from the ground floor for the section that is beyond the
commercial depth.

52 53
SECTION: 6 BUILDING/DEVELOPMENT CONTROL FACTORS SECTION: 6 BUILDING/DEVELOPMENT CONTROL FACTORS

6.3.3 In this case, if the ground floor is entirely for commercial use, this 6.3.7 The minimum setback for industrial types (within one
setback for the ground floor must be at least 3.0 meters from the development) between two main buildings shall be 3.0 meters.
rear and sideline of the adjacent buildings, if adjacent activities are ( figure-12)
non-commercial type until instructed differently elsewhere.
Plot Limit Adjacent Plot Plot Limit
6.3.4 No construction works shall be permitted in the setback area for all
building types, except for power transformers, pergolas, uncovered
parking areas and the projected elements, in accordance with S 5.5 m
section - 10 and related business unit DCR.
6.3.5 In Free Zone Districts the minimum setback for industrial type shall
be 5.5 meters from all plot limits.
S 5.5 m
For other business units and developments, the setback shall be as
S 5.5 m
per the DCR of the related business unit.
Main Building
6.3.6 The minimum setback (within one development) between two
main buildings to be equal to set back between the two buildings

Adjacent Plot

Adjacent Plot
and adjacent plots with exception to industrial buildings.
(figure -11)
3.0 m
Plot limit Adjacent Plot Plot limit

S
Main Building

Substation
S S
Main Building
Adjacent Plot

Adjacent Plot

S1 3.0 m
S S 5.5 m
Annex

Plot Limit Road Plot Limit

S S
Main Building

Figure-12 Building Setback (S) in Industrial Districts

S
6.3.8 The minimum setback (within one development) between the main
Plot limit Road Plot limit building and any annex shall be 3.0 meters.

S = Setback as per the DCR of related Business Unit

Figure-11 Setback (S) for All Building Types except Industrial

54 55
 PLOT
FENCING
07
SECTION

56 57
SECTION
7 PLOT FENCING SECTION: 7 PLOT FENCING

The developer shall provide perimeter fencing to define the boundary of the 2) Access openings through fences shall be equipped with gates which
property and to provide the degree of security and privacy that is consistent with shall be kept closed and locked when the site is unattended and
the building type. maintained in place until completion of the construction or demolition
activities.
7.1 The construction shall be within the plot limits.
3) The fence height, materials and details shall be as per the DCR of the
7.2 The fence height to be measured from adjacent road edge level or adjacent related business unit.
plot level. (figure-13)
7.6 In all cases for the placement, construction and/or the removal of a
Fence fence, the developer shall coordinate with the Authority at the start of the
project.
Fence Adjacent 7.7 Necessary earth retaining structures and proper measures to prevent
H Road
Level discharge of surface drainage to adjoining plots shall be provided along
Adjacent H with the plot boundary when required, and to suit the site conditions, for
Plot Level the approval of the Authority. (figure-14)

Figure-13 Fencing Height (H) Measurement

High Level

7.3 The permanent fence height for different building types as follows:

1) Residential: The residential buildings and villas shall not exceed 3.0
meters.

2) Industrial and Commercial: shall not exceed 2.4 meters.

Low Level
3) Public Playgrounds, Parks, Play Areas and Agricultural Uses: An open
mesh or chain like fences shall not exceed 3.5 meters except for
special purpose requirement (like tennis court) at the discretion of
the Authority.

7.4 Fence height, materials and details shall be as per the DCR of the related Figure-14 Earth Retaining Structures
business unit.

7.5 Temporary fence for construction sites

1) Fence shall have a reasonably smooth surface facing the public way
and shall be without openings, except those required for access.

58 59
 SPACE
TECHNICAL
REQUIREMENTS
08
SECTION

60 61
SECTION
8 SPACE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 8 SPACE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

8.1 SPACE AREAS AND DIMENSIONS 3.0 m 3.0 m

The minimum floor area and clear dimension of any space in different
types of building shall be as below table -2: (figure -15 and 16)

Minimum Floor Area Minimum Dimension

Space *A
(square meters) (meter)
O 1.25 m
Retail 12.0 2.4

Office 10.0 2.5

1.0 m *A
Residential (bed, living, etc) 12.0 3.0

Kitchen 6.0 2.0

Dining
Studio without Facilities 15.0 3.5
*A 12.0 m
Pantry 4.5 1.8
3.0 m
Servants / Guard Rooms and
6.5 2.1
similar Service Rooms
Bathroom 4.5 1.8

Bathroom with Shower only 3.0 1.6

3.0 m
Lavatory 2.0 1.2

3.0 m
Table-2 Minimum Areas and Dimensions via Different Space Types *A

0.9 m

3.0 m
0.9 m
1.2 m
Dressing *A
Room

Bedroom
Bedroom with Dressing Room *A 12.0 m

Figure-15 Minimum Areas and Dimensions for Residential Spaces

*A = Floor Area

62 63
SECTION: 8 SPACE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 8 SPACE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

1.2 m 1.8 m 1.6 m 8.2 SPACE ALLOWANCES IN BUILDINGS

Building occupancy is an essential design criteria to determine the

facilities provisions such as parking, sanitation, etc

0.8 m The minimum area for person in various buildings types shall be as below
*A *A

0.8 m
0.8 m
*A table-3:

*A 2.0 m Area Per Person

Lavatory Occupancy
*A 3.0 m (square meters)
*A 4.5 m Bathroom with shower only
Bathroom Retail Shops and Showrooms 4.6 to 7.0

0.9 m Office 9.3

1.0 m Factories 7.0

Department Stores and Bazaars 0.9

Restaurants, Dinning Area 0.9 to 1.1

Assembly Halls 0.46

0.6 m
Waiting Area Allowing 50% Seating and 50% Standing
without Baggage Allowing Cross Flows such as Airport, 1.1 to 1.4
*A Lounge
*A
1.2 m 1.0 m
Waiting Area Allowing 25% Seating and 75% Standing
without Serious Cross Flows such as Waiting Room, 0.65 to 0.9
Single Access
2.0 m
*A 6.0 m *A 6.0 m Waiting 100% Standing No Cross Flows such as Lift Lobby 0.5 to 0.65

Overall Allowance Circulation for Public Areas 2.3 to 2.8

Table-3 Space Allowances via Occupancy

1.25 m
1.25 m

1.2 m

Figure-16 Minimum Areas and Dimensions for Service Spaces

* A = Floor Area

64 65
 OPENINGS
REQUIREMENTS
09
SECTION

66 67
SECTION
9 OPENINGS REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 9 OPENINGS REQUIREMENTS

9.1 Windows
9.1.1 All habitable spaces (whether residential or non-residential),
including lobbies or corridors, shall have a lighting and ventilation
opening whose area is not less than 10% of the habitable space
floor area. And 5% for service spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms,
toilets, storerooms and staircases. (figure -17)

1.2 m 0.6 m

*W 1.2 m *W 1.0 m With Scenic View and Balcony

2.0 m
0.9 m 0.9 m

*A *A

Habitable Spaces Service Spaces

*W = 10%A *W = 5% A

Figure-17 Windows Requirements

9.1.2 The position, size and type of windows determine the pattern 0.90 m
of daylight in an internal area. The daylight shall be designed to
enhance the function of spaces such as, provision of windows for
classrooms shall be at the left side and so on. In General

9.1.3 Natural ventilation and sky light openings of not less than 5% of the
floor area for industrial buildings (factories and warehouses) shall
be provided, in order to enable natural lighting to reach the deepest
point within the building area unless verified from the Authority.

9.1.4 The main staircase of the building shall be provided with

openings for lighting and ventilation in every floor level starting
from the first until the highest level with exemption to towers as

1.25 m
mentioned in section-13.

9.1.5 Height of window sills shall not be less than 0.9 meter except when
there is terrace or balcony outside the window, otherwise, balusters
Kitchen
with minimum height of 0.9 meter needs to be provided for safety.
(figure -18) Figure-18 Window Sill Height via Different Usage
*A = Floor Area / *W= Window Area

68 69
SECTION: 9 OPENINGS REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 9 OPENINGS REQUIREMENTS

9.1.6 It is accepted to provide natural ventilation and skylights in every 9.2 Doors
building with exception to bedrooms / bathrooms. Skylights
9.2.1 The minimum width for door openings shall be as below table -4 :
shall be directly opening to outdoor and an automatic opening
system located not more than 1.0 meter from floor level shall be
Door Location Minimum Width (meter)
installed.
Buildings Main Door 1.2
9.1.7 Window openings are not allowed without setback provision as
mentioned in section-6. Apartments Main Door 1.0

Bedrooms and Offices 0.9

Kitchens 0.9

Bathrooms 0.8

Shops 1.2

Workshops and Warehouses 3.0

Staircases 1.1

Table-4 Minimum Door Width via Types

9.2.2 All doors in alcoves shall comply with the maneuvering clearances
for inward opening directions.

9.2.3 The egress capacity width shall be less than the door opening
width by maximum of 0.10 meter (figure -19)

Door Opening Width

Egress Dapacity Width

Wall Wall

Door

Figure-19 Width of Door Opening and Egress Capacity

70 71
SECTION: 9 OPENINGS REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 9 OPENINGS REQUIREMENTS

9.2.4 The minimum number and dimensions of entrance and exit doors
shall be decided as per the number of floors, total floor area,
functional use of the building and criteria as approved by the
Authority.
9.2.5 The entrance / exit doors for the residence, public and service
shall be separated.
9.2.6 The minimum distance between two doors hung shall be 1.2 meter.
Door opening shall be away from wall by at least 0.20 meter.
(figure -20)
9.3 Doors on Escape Routes
9.3.1 Doors on escape routes shall open in the direction of the escape.
9.3.2 Exit doors must be open-able from the inside and self-closing.
9.3.3 The doors shall be smoke resistant and shall have minimum fire
resistance, self-closing and be fitted with in-tumescent smoke
seals. Gaps around the door shall be minimized as per E.H.S.
requirements.
9.3.4 Doors of small individual rooms such as offices are not considered
as exits unless they are actually leading directly to the open air.

0.2 m 9.3.5 Emergency signs shall be set up at all fire exit doors.

9.3.6 Door width measurements might be used in calculating egress

Generally, Wrongly Hung
capacity or in determining whether the minimum door width
requirement is being met. Depending on the purpose for which the
door width measurement is used, the allowable encroachments
on width may vary and shall be as per E.H.S. requirements.
Generally, Correctly Hung
9.3.7 Lifts, escalators and revolving doors not be considered as
fire exits. All exits shall be clearly marked as per the provisions of
the relevant NFPA codes.
1.2 m

Two Doors Wrongly Fitted Two Doors Correctly Fitted

Figure-20 Door Opening Styles

72 73
SECTION: 9 OPENINGS REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 9 OPENINGS REQUIREMENTS

9.4 COURTYARDS AND SHAFTS:
The minimum area of the courtyard and shaft for the natural lighting and
ventilation requirements shall be as follows:
9.4.1 Habitable Spaces:
9.4.1.1 In case that the courtyard is common for many habitable
spaces and floors, the minimum area for courtyard shall
be square of 1/3 of the total floors height overlooking
at the courtyard and with minimum width of 6.0 X 6.0
meters. (figure-21)
9.4.1.2 In residential apartments, natural lighting and ventilation
for the maids room can be provided through the
shafts, which shall be no less than 3.0 x 3.0 meters,
regardless of the building height. If the building
exceeds ground floor plus 7 typical floors, Mechanical
ventilation shall be provided in accordance to the
specifications and conditions approved by the Authority.
(figure-22)
3.0 m 2.1 m

*L 6.0 m
H-Floor Height

Court
Yard

3.0 m
Court Maid's
Yard *W Room

*A

*A 6.50 m *W 10% A

Figure-22 Shaft for Maid's Room

Court Yard
*L 6.0 m

*A
9.4.1.3 Additional natural ventilation and lighting are required
*L 6.0 m for rooms whose depth is more than three times its width.
An opening or a shaft shall be in a minimum of 5% of the
space area.

9.4.2 Service Spaces:

9.4.2.1 Closed Kitchens: The minimum dimension of the shaft
2 shall be 3.0 x 3.0 meters regardless of the building height.
*A=(31 X H) and *L 6.0 m
Mechanical ventilation shall be provided, if the building
Figure-21 Court Yard for Habitable Spaces
exceeds ground floor plus 7 typical floors in accordance
*A = Floor Area / *L= Court Yard Width *A = Floor Area / *W= Window Area

74 75
SECTION: 9 OPENINGS REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 9 OPENINGS REQUIREMENTS

to the specifications and conditions approved by the 9.4.2.2 Open Kitchens: It is permitted to build kitchens that occupy
Authority. (figure -23) part of the common spaces (halls or living areas), without
providing ventilation shafts, regardless of the building height,
0.9 m
and as long as the Kitchens are located opposite to the main
openings of such common spaces. Total depth shall not
exceed three times of common space width, and is provided

Kitchen
in accordance to the specifications and conditions as approved

2.0 m
*A
by the Authority. (figure-24)

*W

2.0 m
Kitchen
*A2

3.0 m

Shaft

3.0 m

Living
*W

Depth
*A2

*A
2.0 m

Kitchen

Width

0.9 m *W
*A 6.0 m *W 5% A
*A1 6.0 m *W 10% (A1 + A2)
Depth 3 Width
Figure-23 Shaft for Closed Kitchen
Figure-24 Open Kitchen

*A = Floor Area / *W= Window Area *A = Floor Area / *W= Window Area

76 77
SECTION: 9 OPENINGS REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 9 OPENINGS REQUIREMENTS

9.4.2.3 Closed Pantries: With the exception of the residential
apartments that are not permitted to have this type of
Kitchen; the minimum dimension of the shaft shall be 1.2X
1.2 meter. There shall be mechanical ventilation, according
to the specifications and conditions approved by the
Authority. (figure-25)
9.4.2.6 The floor shall be hard surfaced, non-absorbent and
adequately drained.
9.4.2.7 All shafts and courtyards shall be open to the sky. If any
roof or other structure is built to cover them, the following
conditions and requirements shall be applied:

a) If the roof is transparent or semi-transparent, side

9.4.2.4 Bathrooms: The minimum dimension of the shaft shall be
1.2 X1.2 meter (figure-25) with exemption of replacement
of natural ventilation and lighting by mechanical
ventilation and lighting according to the specifications
and conditions approved by the Authority.
1.2 m
vents shall be provided, with a total area of at least
equal to the shafts area.
b) If the roof is opaque, side vents shall be provided,
with a total area of least one and half times the
shafts area.
c) A suitable way of opening and closing these vents
shall be provided.

1.2 m
Shaft 9.4.2.8 Some buildings are special cases because of their
architectural design such as cinemas, commercial
centers, etc.. These are allowed to provide mechanical
*W ventilation and lighting according to the specifications
and conditions approved by the Authority.

Closed Pantry /
Bathrooom
*A

*W 5% A
*A 4.5 m

1.8 m

Figure-25 Shaft for Closed Pantry / Bathroom

9.4.2.5 Any court yard and shaft shall be accessible at its floor
level for maintenance and cleaning purposes. Shafts with
1.2 meter width to be equipped by fixed metal ladders if
applicable.

78 79
 EXTERNAL BUILDING
ELEMENTS AND
PROJECTIONS
10
SECTION

80 81
 10
SECTION
EXTERNAL BUILDING ELEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS SECTION:10 EXTERNAL BUILDING ELEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS

10.1 BALCONIES
A platform that projects from the walls of the building, protected by a
railing balustrade or parapet and it can be covered or uncovered; or that
portion of a seating space of an assembly room, auditorium or theatre
that is raised at least 1.2 meter above the level of the main floor.
Balconies offer an effective means of improving the attractiveness of
domestic accommodation units. It also gives an extended workspace, as
well as an easily supervised outdoor childrens play area. The typical uses
include relaxation, reading, eating and plant boxesetc.
10.1.1 Balconies shall start from the first floor upwards.
10.1.4 It is not permitted to construct balconies over a road or alley with
a width less than 10.0 meters, or over internal ducts, shaft and
setbacks.
10.1.5 It is permitted to close and add the existing balconies in order
to be annexed to the internal habitable spaces, according to the
following conditions:
a) The width of the approach road exceeds 10.0 meter.
b) The length of the total balcony at any floor shall not exceed
50% of the total length of the building faade.

c) The habitable space area, excluding additional balcony

10.1.2 The minimum clear un-obstructed vertical distance of building
area, conforms to the minimum habitable space area
projections from the approaching road pavement level, shall be
requirements.
4.5 meters. (figure -26)
d) The adding process shall be situated in the first floor
10.1.3 The minimum horizontal distance of building projections from
upwards.
the adjacent buildings, shall be 3.0 meters. (figure -26)

10.1.6 It is not permitted to construct any projections beyond the plot

limits unless and until higher than 6m from road level and with
the approval of the related Authority. (figure -27)
Setback
3.0 m
10.1.7 It is permitted to construct balconies to the building facades,
according to the followings. (figure -27)

a) A projection of 1.8 meter if the road width is 18.0 meters or

Setback as per DCR of related
Business Unit above.

b) A projection of 1.5 meter if the road width is 15.0 till 18.0

4.5 m

meters.
plot limit

c) A projection of 1.2 meter if the road width is 12.0 till 15.0

Ground
Road Level meters.
Level
d) A projection of 1.0 meter if the road width is 10.0 till 12.0
meters.

Figure-26 Building Projections (Balconies / Canopies) within Setback

82 83
SECTION:10 EXTERNAL BUILDING ELEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS SECTION:10 EXTERNAL BUILDING ELEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS

10.1.9 Open balconies require a protective screen on the side facing the
Canopy only
prevailing wind. (figure -28)
Top of Roof X(m) X1(m)
1.8 18.0 & above

Balcony /
Canopy
0.9 m 1.5 (15.0-18.0)
1.2 (12.0-15.0)
1.0 (10.0-12.0)

Canopy
0.5 (6.0-10.0)

1.10m

only
0.3 below 6.0

X=Projections (Balcony/Canopy)
6.0m

Figure-28 Open Balcony with Screen

X1 = Road Width

10.1.10 Balconies balustrades shall be made with vertical rods rather

than horizontally constructed, to prevent children from climbing.
Road
Level
10.1.11 For residential buildings, hotels, and hotel serviced apartments
up to 6 floors, the minimum height of the external balcony railing
shall be 1.1 meter, with maximum clearance of 0.1 meter among
Plot Limit the vertical rods of the railing. While above 7 floor, balcony railing
shall be consist of solid panels.

Figure-27 Building Projections (Balconies / Canopies) over Road 10.1.12 A privacy partition shall be installed between connected balconies.

10.1.13 For other types of buildings, the minimum height of the internal
and external balcony railing shall be 1.1 meter, with maximum
10.1.8 Balconies shall be free from unpleasant elements such as
clearance among the vertical rods of the railing. 0.125 meter.
laundry, storage or antenna.

84 85
SECTION:10 EXTERNAL BUILDING ELEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS SECTION:10 EXTERNAL BUILDING ELEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS

10.2 CANOPIES
10.3 TERRACES

10.2.1 A canopy is an aesthetic, non-functional projection to make
life more agreeable for city inhabitants and visitors. Large
transparent canopies have played an increasing role in the
architectural concepts of modern town planning. In addition,
transparent canopies protect shoppers against weather on the
commercial streets and in pedestrian zones.
10.3.1 Terraces are non-projected platforms or roofs, covered or
uncovered, protected by a railing balustrade or parapet, and
are being supported by below floor structure of the building.
(figure-29)

10.2.2 Canopies are not permitted beyond the plot limits unless it is
higher than 6m from road level, and shall be under the approval
by the Authority and Business Unit DCR. (figure -27)
1.1 m Terrace Upper Floor
It is permitted to construct canopies beyond the plot limits
according to the following:

a) A canopy of maximum 0.5 meter projection, if the road width

is 6.0 to 10.0 meters.

b) A canopy of maximum 0.3 meter projection, if the road width

Setback as per
or alley is below 6.0 meters.
DCR of Related
Business Unit
c) A canopy of maximum 0.9 meter projection, for the roof and 3.0 m
parapet.
Lower Floor

10.2.3 Canopies of maximum 0.3 meter projection are permitted within

Plot Limit
the set backs of residential villas, at the window sill or lintel
level.

Figure-29 Terraces

10.3.2 Plots with step slopes or with stepped design are highly suitable
for the construction of buildings with stepped terrace. Where
large terraces above 3.2 meters depth, privacy shall be improved
by using an overhang or progressively setback in every floor.
However, the key factor can be the width of the terrace wall,
which can be calculated using the equation on (figure -30).

86 87
SECTION:10 EXTERNAL BUILDING ELEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS SECTION:10 EXTERNAL BUILDING ELEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS

10.4 PERGOLAS
10.4.1 It is permitted to build pergolas in the unoccupied /setback

e
h
x areas of the plot, with the minimum transparency percentage
of 50% of its total area, with maximum height of 3.0 meters.

s
(figure -31)

t 50% transparency
area

a (e-h)
x=a
s

Building

3.0 m
a - step depth h - wall height x - wall depth

Plot Limit
e - eye level s - storey height t - terrace depth

Figure-30 Privacy Considerations for Stepped Terraces

Setback
As per DCR for related Business Unit
10.3.3 The minimum setback of terraces shall be as per DCR of related
business unit and shall be at least 3.0 meters. Figure-31 Transparent Pergola within Setback

10.3.4 It is permitted to close and add the existing terraces, in order 10.4.2 It is permitted to build pergolas as a shading device for the
to be annexed to the internal habitable spaces, according to the swimming pools, on rooftop floor, according to the following:
following conditions: a) Minimum setback of 1.5 meter from the roof edge.
a) The width of the approach road exceeds 10.0 meters. b) Maximum projection of 1.5 meter from the pool edge.

b) The length of the total terrace at any floor shall not exceed c) Maximum height of 3.0 meters above the pool level.
(figure -32)
50% of the total length of the building faade.
1.5 m Pergola
c) The habitable space area, excluding additional terrace
area, conforms to the minimum habitable space area 1.5 m

3.0 m.
requirements. Setback

1.1 m
Swimming Pool Level
10.3.5 Empty side of the terrace and steps higher than 1.0 meter shall
have a protective barrier or balustrade whose minimum height is
1.1 meter.
Swimming Pool
10.3.6 Railing provision for terraces shall be as mentioned in clause
10.1.13.
Figure-32 Pergola over Swimming Pool on Rooftop

88 89
 BUILDING STORIES /
FLOOR TYPES
11
SECTION

90 91
 11
SECTION
BUILDING STORIES /FLOOR TYPES SECTION:11 BUILDING STORIES /FLOOR TYPES

11.1 BASEMENT 11.2 GROUND

A floor within building; can be totally under ground or partially with not
less than half its height below gate level.
11.1.1 The basement shall not extend beyond the plot limits.
11.1.2 The basement ceiling level shall not exceed 1.0 meter from the
gate level, for all building types. While it shall not exceed 1.3
meter for residential villas.
11.1.3 The basement shall be connected to the super structure by
vertical circulations (staircases / elevators) with provision for
fire-escape exits.
11.1.4 The basement shall not be used for any individual facility and
should be used to serve the main building.
11.1.5 The basement floor shall not be used for residential or,
commercial use. It shall be restricted to the following functions:
a) Car parks and service rooms for the building, such as: the
electrical room, telephone room and pump room.
b) Tenants facilities (laundry room, drying room, swimming pool,
health club and its facilities, childrens playground and sports
facilities).
Any occupy-able floor not less than 0.15 meter than gate level.
11.2.1 A building/facility always has at least one ground floor, and may
have more, as where a split-level entrance has been provided, or
where a building is built into hillside.
11.2.2 The ground finishing floor level for all building types shall not
exceed 1.2 meter above the gate level, except the residential
villas which shall not exceed 1.5 meter.
11.2.3 The ground floor shall be connected to the adjacent road by
horizontal circulations such as lobby entrances and fire-escape
exits which are deemed necessary for all types of buildings
except for private villas.
11.2.4 For public buildings, common facilities such as prayer room and
toilets for people with disability shall be provided at the ground
floor or at the nearest accessible floor.
11.2.5 For mix used buildings, entrances leading to residential units
shall be separated from commercial spaces at the ground level.

11.1.6 The minimum clear un-obstructed height of the basement and

semi basement for all types of functions shall be 2.4 meters from
FFL / Floor Finishing level till any suspended element or ceiling
soffits.

11.1.7 In the course of excavating, concreting, dewatering and casting

piling works for basement floor, care shall be taken to ensure all
safety precautions for the neighboring construction works.

11.1.8 Services requirements such as ventilation and drainage systems

etc. shall be as per E.H.S. regulations.

92 93
SECTION: 11 BUILDING STORIES /FLOOR TYPES SECTION: 11 BUILDING STORIES /FLOOR TYPES

11.3 MEZZANINE 11.4 ROOFTOP

That portion of a floor which is an intermediate level placed within
building floors and having occupy-able space above and below its floor.
Its functional use may either be complementary and belonging to the
ground floor or independent functional use similar to typical floor or may
be used for services.
11.3.1 The mezzanine floor shall be permitted to be used 100%
independently if it is used as parking space for cars, or as
extension to the main function of the whole building, which is
used for one common purpose.
11.3.2 The mezzanine floor can be used for commercial purposes that
are 100% independent, in case of using the ground floor and the
mezzanine as a Shopping Mall. In this case the escalators and
panoramic glass elevators with minimum capacity of 10 people
shall be provided as connection elements between the floors.
Part of a full floor situated above the Last floor of the building and
normally being used for accommodating elevator machinery, mechanical/
electrical rooms, water tanks, pergolas, swimming pools and gymnasiums
in addition to services associated with them.
11.4.1 All buildings must feature either some form of sloped roof or
parapets screening a flat roof.
11.4.2 A flat roof, if specified, shall be screened with parapets on all
sides of the building. Parapets shall be at least 1.1 meter in
height from average roof floor finished level / FFL. (figure -33)
Upper Roof Level Suspended
Element
1.5 m
Setback

3.6 m
11.3.3 No second mezzanine shall be permitted within the ground floor

1.1 m
Rooftop Level
space if the original mezzanine floor had been detached and Gymnasium
used independently.

11.3.4 No balconies or terraces shall be permitted in the mezzanine

floor.
Last Floor

Figure-33 Rooftop

11.4.3 It is permitted to add some pergolas or swimming pools,

gymnasiums and related facilities on the rooftop If the plot
area exceeds 250.0 square meters, for all building types,
except the residential villas, industrial buildings and staff
accommodations.

94 95
SECTION: 11 BUILDING STORIES /FLOOR TYPES

11.4.4 The construction areas shall not exceed 10% of the total area of
the typical floor and maximum area 950.0 square meters, with a
minimum setback of 1.5 meter from the building roof edge.

11.4.5 Swimming pool and pergola shall not be included in calculating

the percentage construction.

11.4.6 The maximum height of a swimming pool deck within rooftop

floor shall be 2.4 meters.

11.4.7 The maximum clear height of a gymnasium within rooftop floor

shall be 3.6 meters. (figure -33)

11.4.8 It is not allowed to use the installed facilities at the rooftop for
any kind of commercial purposes whatever its nature might be.

11.4.9 Elevators are allowed to serve the rooftop floor functions.

11.4.10 Advertising boards may be placed on the rooftop in accordance

with the requirements of the Emirate advertising by-laws and to
be verified by the Authority.

11.4.11 Unpleasant elements such as antenna etc. shall be screened even

from higher levels of rooftop floor.

96 97
 HORIZONTAL
CIRCULATION
ELEMENTS
12
SECTION

98 99
 12
SECTION
Horizontal Circulation Elements SECTION: 12 Horizontal Circulation Elements

12.1 ROUTE ACCESS TO THE SITE 12.3 CORRIDORS

12.1.1 Provision of points of ingress and egress shall be located to the
satisfaction of the Authority.
12.1.2 All parts of the site to which vehicles may have access shall be
hard surfaced and drained to the satisfaction of the Authority.
12.1.3 All access locations and curb crossings shall require the approval
of the Authority. Public roadways carrying heavy volume of traffic
shall not be used for access unless there is no other practical
12.3.1 Corridors shall be clear from any obstruction, such as door
opening or copy machine (figure -34). The minimum clear un-
obstructed width for public corridors shall be as follows:
Water Fountain Door Fully Open
Door
A

Corridor
Width
alternative. Max. 0.18 m Max.
0.18 m Exit
Exit
12.1.4 The access routes for fire fighting shall be provided. Access
Door
B
12.1.5 The site and all improvements thereon shall be maintained in Door A and B Not Allowed
clean and tidy conditions.

Figure-34 Corridor Clear Width

12.2 ROUTE ACCESS TO THE BUILDING

12.2.1 Public and service entrances shall be clearly located and 12.3.1.1 Residential Types:
identified. a) 1.8 meter with rooms on both sides.
b) 1.5 meter with rooms on one side.
12.2.2 Location of the car parking to main entrance shall be clearly
identified.
12.3.1.2 Commercial Types:
12.2.3 Location of parking for people with disability from the main
entrance shall be identified. a) In general 3.0 meters

12.2.4 Identification of loading area location. b) In case of providing kiosks along the corridor of any
Commercial Building:

The maximum kiosk width shall be 1.8 meter.

(figure -35)

The minimum corridor width between the kiosks

and the adjacent shop or construction shall be 3.0
meters.

100 101
SECTION: 12 Horizontal Circulation Elements SECTION: 12 Horizontal Circulation Elements

A minimum width of 1.5 meter shall be free of 12.3.1.5 Internal Corridors:

obstruction on either sides of each Kiosk.
The minimum clear width of internal corridors between
The maximum length of continued kiosks shall be rooms in residential apartments (flats) and offices shall
6.0 meters. be 1.2 meters. (fIgure-36)

1.8 m

Kiosk-1
6.0m

Apartment
Kiosk-2

1.2
m
1.5m

1.2
m
Adjacent Adjacent
Construction 3.0m Kiosk-3 3.0m Construction
Corridor Width Corridor Width

1.8 m
Figure-35 Kiosk Provision within Corridors Public
Corridor

c) Hotels and Office Buildings:

1.8 meter with rooms on both sides. Apartment
1.5 meter with rooms on one side.

12.3.1.3 Educational Types:

Figure-36 Internal Corridor Minimum Width
Schools, Institutes and Universities:
3 meters with classes on both sides.
12.3.1.6 Elevator Lobby:
2.4 meters with classes on one side.
The minimum clear un-obstructed width of an elevator
12.3.1.4 Public Buildings, other than the ones mentioned above: lobby shall be 2.4 meters but should not be less than the
corridor width leading to the area. (figure -37)
These will vary according to their function and should not
be less than 2.4 meters width.

102 103
SECTION: 12 Horizontal Circulation Elements SECTION: 12 Horizontal Circulation Elements

12.3.2 The minimum height of public corridors shall be as follows:

*X1
a) 2.4 meters for residential and commercial types (office
*X 2.4 m
buildings).
Extra Width for b) 3.0 meters for educational and commercial types (shopping
Door Opening
malls).
Elevator c) 2.4 meters for other buildings types.
Lobby
12.3.3 Refer to the Authoritys related code on corridor requirements for
people with disability.

*X1

One Side Elevator

X = X1 + space for waiting

depending on the
*X1
elevator capacity

*X 2.4 m

Elevator
Lobby

Two Sides Elevator

Figure-37 Elevator Lobby Width

*X = Elevator Lobby Width /*X1 = Corridor Width

104 105
SECTION: 12 Horizontal Circulation Elements SECTION: 12 Horizontal Circulation Elements
12.4 FIRE-ESCAPE ROUTES TO EXITS 12.5 GLAZED ARCADES
12.4.1 Long corridors shall be sub-divided by fire/smoke doors if the
building is not completely sprinkler protected.
12.4.2 Corridors must be enclosed in fire resistant construction, in
which all doors are fire resistant, self-closing and fitted with
smoke seals as per E.H.S. requirements.
12.4.3 Walls and ceilings shall not be lined with flammable materials.
12.4.4 Escape corridors should not contain sources of ignition or
obstructions to the flow of people (e.g. photocopiers and
vending machines). A minimum clear width of 1.0 meter shall be
maintained.
12.4.5 An interior corridor does not become part of an exit until it is
enclosed as a fire compartment.
12.4.6 The slope of a walking surface in the direction of travel shall not
exceed 5%.
12.4.7 Walking surfaces shall be slip resistant under foreseeable
conditions. The walkway surface for egress shall be slip resistant.
12.4.8 Common corridors, dead end and travel distance limits by type of
occupancy and shall be as per E.H.S. regulations.
106
Glazed arcades are routes intended exclusively for pedestrians.
Arcades can be of multiple uses (retail sales, mixed sectors etc.) therefore,
facilities that will attract customers outside normal business hours should
be encouraged.
No elements shall obstruct pedestrian movements within the arcade,
which shall be continous in width and level with the adjacent building
arcade. Walkways shall follow the requirements for people with disability,
which shall conform to the Authoritys related code.
The Glazed arcade is a building type that is both interesting and popular
in contemporary architecture. Arcades may be on a single level, slope
gently to follow the contours of the site, or have a split-level arrangement
to change the walkway levels. (figure -38)
Natural Lighting
Glazed
Retail Retail
Figure-38 Glazed Arcade Double-Level
107
 VERTICAL
CIRCULATION
ELEMENTS
13
SECTION

108 109
 13
SECTION
VERTICAL CIRCULATION ELEMENTS SECTION: 13 VERTICAL CIRCULATION ELEMENTS

13.1 STAIRCASES 13.1.6 For normal staircases the following relationship to be satisfied:
2 *R +*T= 0.62 meter.
13.1.1 At Least one main staircase shall be provided in all types of
buildings with more than one floor. Maximum riser shall be 0.175 meter.
Minimum tread shall be 0.27 meter. (figure -40)
13.1.2 One main staircase shall be provided to buildings whose total
building area is less than 1400.0 square meters and floor area of *T 0.27 m 0.03 m
less than 450.0 square meters.

13.1.3 In general, for any additional area, from 450.0 to 950.0 square
meters per floor or from 1400.0 to 2800.0 square meters per total
building area, an additional staircase shall be provided. *R 0.175 m

13.1.4 All steps shall be identical in height and width and the clear
width of the stair landing shall not be less than the clear width of 0.03 m
the stair, and shall not be less than 1.1 meter for residential and
office buildings, and 1.5 meter for public buildings. (figure -39)
Figure-40 Normal Staircase Dimensions

13.1.7 For external steps (figure -41)

*W *W Maximum riser shall be 0.165 meter/preferable 0.15 meter.

0.2 m
Minimum tread shall be 0.28 meter/ preferable 0.35 meter.

*W 13.1.8 For people with disability staircases, refer to Authoritys related

*W Code.
*W
*T 0.28 m/preferable 0.35 m

*W
Tread
1.1 m *R 0.165 m/preferable 0.15 m
*W (1.10 m to 1.50 m) depending on building type

Figure-39 Staircase Minimum Dimensions

13.1.5 The maximum number of steps in one single stair case or in one
direction shall be 14 steps.
Figure-41 External Staircase Dimensions

*W = Step and Landing Width / *T = Tread / *R = Riser *T = Tread / *R = Riser

110 111
SECTION: 13 VERTICAL CIRCULATION ELEMENTS SECTION: 13 VERTICAL CIRCULATION ELEMENTS

13.1.9 For curved staircases, a tread depth of not less than 0.28 meter 13.1.11 For Ladders inclined at 75 to 90-degrees angle require handrail,
at a point 0.30 meter away from the treads narrower end, which, shall be extended to 0.9 meter above the platform. Refer
and the smallest radius is not less than twice the stair width. to figure-44 for the minimum dimension for service ladder. Back
(figure -42) guard over 6.0 meters high shall be provided. (figure -44)

Riser Wide
Angle R(m) W(m)
T 0.28m
75 0.33 1.15

0.9 m
80 0.34 1.00
85 0.36 0.90
*W 0.38max
90 0.80
0.75 m 0.30min
0.3m

Max. Height of Climb = 5.00 m

w
2*

R
R

2.0 m

0.9 m
Figure-42 Curved Staircase Dimensions

3.1.10 For spiral staircases, maximum riser height is 0.18 meter while
0.75 m
depth of tread is not less than 0.28 meter at a point 0.60 meter
0.75 m
away from the narrower end of the tread. Handrails shall be
provided on both sides of the stairs. (figure -43)

Max. Height of Climb = 5.0 m

0.2 m

R
Handrails

2.0 m
Tread depth

*W
0.28 m

0.26 m
0.6 m

Down

an
0.75 m

gle
Figure-43 Spiral Staircase Dimensions Figure-44 Ladder Dimensions

*W = Step Width, *W (1.10m-1.50m) Depending on Building Type

112 113
SECTION: 13 VERTICAL CIRCULATION ELEMENTS SECTION: 13 VERTICAL CIRCULATION ELEMENTS

13.1.12 The minimum clear vertical height from the bottom margin of 13.1.16 The staircase location shall be easily approachable from any part
the landing finishes to the pedestrian passageway shall be 2.4 of the building, in which the farthest point shall not exceed 30.0
meters. (figure -45) meters in distance. (figure -46)

Suspended Element

E E

E E

2.4 m
Wall

0.9 m
2.4 m
W-Landing width
Figure-46 Staircase Location via User

W (1.1 m or 1.5 m) Depending on Building Types 13.1.17 Landing platforms shall at least be 0.9 meter depth if doors swing
Figure-45 Headroom Measurement inwards, and 1.5 meter if doors swing outwards. (figure -47)

13.1.13 The main staircase in residential, commercial and public Landing

Landing
buildings must be made of fire resistant material (with the with
with
Outward
exception of villas). Sufficient natural ventilation and lighting Inward
Opening
must be available on staircases, through windows that have Opening

1.5 m
direct access to open air, or through ducts and shafts.

0.9 m
13.1.14 The staircases of towers that are more than 10 floors are
exempted from the rule of natural lighting and ventilation. But
they must be provided with mechanical and electrical ventilation
and lighting, according to the conditions and specifications of
UP UP
E.H.S..

13.1.15 There shall be a protective barrier on the empty side of the Figure-47 Landing Provision
staircase higher than 1.0 meter (rail or balustrade) whose
minimum height shall be 0.9 meter, and maximum clearance 13.1.18 Refer to the Authoritys related code for staircases requirements
among the vertical rods of the stair railing shall be 0.125 meter. In for people with disability.
case the staircase width is more than 2.1meter, an intermediate
barrier shall be provided.

114 115
SECTION: 13 VERTICAL CIRCULATION ELEMENTS SECTION: 13 VERTICAL CIRCULATION ELEMENTS

13.2 ELECTRIC ELEVATORS 13.2.8 Elevators shall be provided with an electric closing system and a
warning device that signs on when the maximum load exceeds.
13.2.1 Elevators shall be provided in buildings that are higher than three It shall also have an emergency landing system, sufficient
floors depending upon the building or project requirements
mechanical ventilation, and suitable internal lighting.
13.2.2 For shopping malls higher than one floor, panoramic elevators,
13.2.9 Directional and warning labels shall be posted next to each door
with 10 persons capacity are required.
inside the elevator showing total permissible weight, smoking
13.2.3 The following variables are involved in elevator selection: ban, proper use of elevator in case of fire, prohibiting small
children not accompanied by adults to use the system.
a) Travel distance.
b) Elevator speed. 13.2.10 All elevators shall be checked regularly to ensure proper working
order. The property owner must obtain a yearly certificate
c) Elevator capacity: The minimum capacity shall be 4 persons
confirming proper elevators functionality from the maintenance
per travel.
company approved by the Authority.
d) Building population.
13.2.11 In shopping malls comprising of more than one floor, at least
e) Number and areas of the floors.
one elevator shall be designed for people with disability in
13.2.4 For buildings with a tower or corridor style, the installation of the accordance with International Standards. An electrically operated
elevators must be centralized. escalator is not a sufficient replacement to this elevator, except
if such escalator provided with an adaptable tread of at least 1.2
13.2.5 Elevators shall be clearly indicated and be located close to the
meter long, and features necessary for people with disability.
staircase circulation. In case of mixed use buildings, elevators
leading to different uses shall be segregated. 13.2.12 An indoor lobby shall be provided for any elevator and shall be
equipped with mechanical lighting and ventilation.
13.2.6 At least one of the elevators shall be allocated for people with
disability. Refer to Authoritys related code.

13.2.7 Rooms built at the rooftop to house elevator equipment shall

satisfy the following:

a) Have dimensions that conform to the specifications and

measurements of the elevators manufacturing company.

b) Have a good air-conditioning system.

c) Have door openings that can be closed securely.

d) Operating wires and cables shall be concealed and be made

from anti rust material.

e) Have suitable cover for all moveable parts and components.

116 117
SECTION: 13 VERTICAL CIRCULATION ELEMENTS SECTION: 13 VERTICAL CIRCULATION ELEMENTS

13.3 FIRE-ESCAPE STAIRCASES 13.3.3 A change in level of egress shall be achieved by an approved
means of egress where the elevation difference exceeds 0.54
13.3.1 Fire-escape enclosure shall require construction, which is fireproof meter.
with sprinklers, alarms, fire detectors and fire resistant doors.
The maximum number of consecutive steps is 20, and minimum
13.3.2 Fire-escape stairs design typess: (figure -48) of 3 steps in the same direction. Maximum riser is 0.18 meter and
1) Spaced exterior stairs. minimum tread is as per E.H.S. regulations.
2) Spaced interior stairs. 13.3.4 Staircases shall be totally enclosed in a fire resisting construction
3) Scissor stairs at core not allowed as per E.H.S.. materials and should lead directly to an exit at the ground floor
level. Doors leading to escape staircases shall be as per section
9.3.
13.3.5 Sufficient natural and mechanical lighting shall be provided with
minimum fresh air vents of 0.5 square meter in area, for each
floor.
Spaced Exterior Stairs
13.3.6 The Fire-escape in all building types shall be clearly marked, and
provided with the minimum number of exits, according to E.H.S.
regulations.
13.3.7 Where an external stairway exists, it shall be ensured that in the
event of fire, it should not be blocked by smoke and flame from
Spaced Interior Stairs the openings (e.g. windows, doors).
13.3.8 The design of staircases shall take into consideration all the
safety and fire fighting conditions and specifications approved
by the E.H.S..
13.3.9 The design of staircases shall be compartmentalized, fireproof
Scissor Stairs at Core and shall provide an exit stair or ramp arrangement for people
during emergency. The compartment shall have fire rated walls,
ceilings and doors with non-slippery flooring that can stand with
high heat temperature.
13.3.10 The staircase location shall be according to the following
requirements:
a) Easily approachable from any part of the building, in which
the farthest point shall not exceed 30.0 meters in distance.
Door Swing Clearance
(figure -46)
Usually Required Scissor Stairs Separation
b) It shall be direct, leading to the external access approach
Figure -48 Fire-escape Stairs Types road.

118 119
 ACCESS RAMPS
REQUIREMENTS
14
SECTION

120 121
 14
SECTION
Access Ramps Requirements SECTION: 14 Access Ramps Requirements

A ramp is defined as a sloping vehicular / pedestrian way, attached to the building 14.1.4 The minimum vertical clear height above any point on the ramp
as a means of moving from one floor level to another without encountering any shall be 2.4 meter.
obstruction.
14.1.5 For one-way straight ramps, minimum acceptable width is 3.0
Natural or mechanical ventilation and lighting shall be provided for every part of
meters and 6.3 meters for a two-way straight ramp. Where a
the ramp as per Authority related code with all the necessary provisions made for
barrier is used between lanes to separate traffic flows, each lane
cleaning and draining off rainwater.
should be at least 3.0 meters wide for straight and 3.5 meters for
curved ramp lanes with a minimum inner radius of 4.5 meters.
14.1 VEHICLE RAMPS
(figure -51)
14.1.1 Straight ramps shall have a slope of not more than 10%; and
curved ramp not more than 8%. ( figure -49)
Curb

Inner Radius 4.5m Slope 8%

3.0 m
Ramp

min
3
.5
m
Curb

R
4.5
m
Slope 10%
Outer Radius 8.0m
One-Way Single Lane

Figure -49 Straight and Curved Vehicles Ramps Requirements

3.0 m 3.0 m
14.1.2 Driveways used exclusively for ingress and egress shall not Straight Ramp Up
exceed 10% slope.

0.3 m
3
.5
m
14.1.3 Parking stalls and vehicle maneuvering areas shall not exceed Down
2% slope. (Figure -50)

mp

3
.5
d Ra

m
Slope 2%

ve
R
4.5

Cur
Curb
m
R8
.0 m

Two-Way Single Lane

Figure-51 Straight and Curved Vehicles Ramps Dimensions

Figure -50 Vehicles Sloped Parking Area

122 123
SECTION: 14 Access Ramps Requirements SECTION: 14 Access Ramps Requirements

14.1.6 For helical ramps, the minimum inner radius for a single lane 14.1.7 The floor of ramps shall be rough and treated in such a way as to
helical ramp shall be 6.0 meters; and 11.0 meters wide for outer prevent slipping. Corners of columns and walls adjacent thereto
radius. shall be covered with protective rubber angles.

For two ways where opposing traffic flows shall separated by 14.1.8 Ramps shall be provided with an adequately sized reflector
medium curb of at least 0.60 meter wide and 0.15 meter height, mirror, to improve visibility on curves, sharp turns and whenever
the driveway minimum width is 4.0 meter with minimum inner poor visibility occurrs.
radius of 1.0 meters. (figure -52)
14.1.9 Ramp grade transition and ramp break over angle are particular
methods of blending ramp grade to be relatively at flat floor level.
.0 m It is recommended to use a transition slope, which is equal to half
5
of ramp grade. And for 8% slope ramp, the minimum transition
length is 2.4 meters and 3.5 meters for 10% slope. (figure -53)
R 6.0 m
R 11.
0m
Suspended Element
0m
4.
One-Way - Single Lane

2.4 m
4.0 m 6m

2.4 m
0.
R 10.0 m
*T
*R
Raised Curb *T

*L
*L
Two-way - Single Lane
Angle of
Approach
Slope 8%
Angle of
Departure

Ramp Break over Angle

*R% *T% *L (Minimum)

10 % 5% 3.50 m
8% 4% 2.40 m

Figure-52 Helical Vehicle Ramp Slope & Dimesions Figure-53 Vehicle Ramp Grade Transition

*L = Transition Length / *T = Transition Slope / *R = Ramp Slope

124 125
SECTION: 14 Access Ramps Requirements SECTION: 14 Access Ramps Requirements

14.2 RAMPS FOR PUBLIC AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY
All building types except the private villas shall require accessible ramps
for people with disability. Public ramps are required for specific building
such as: schools, airports and buildings with similar activity. Refer to
the Authoritys related code on the minimum requirements for above
mentioned ramps width, slope, location, handrail, etc.
14.3.1 The minimum width for service access ramps shall be 1.2 meter,
with slopes not greater than 8%.
14.3.2 No handrail is required if the slope of the ramp is 5% or less and
if the maximum landing level is 1.0 meter.
14.3.3 If a ramp slope is greater than 5%, then handrail will be
required.

14.3 SERVICE RAMPS 14.3.4 Landing platforms for all building entrance doors shall be on
Ramp exclusively for services such as: forklifts, garbage trolleys, etc level and sloped if drainage is required.
(figure -54) 14.3.5 Landing platforms shall be at least 1.2 meter deep if doors swing
inwards, and 1.5 meter deep if doors swing outwards.

1.5 m 14.3.6 If the vertical height requires two ramps to achieve the properly
1.2 m

graded slope, the ramps shall not be longer than 10.0 meters
and shall be separated by a level-landing platform of at least 1.2
meter long with 90 or 180-degree turns.
Slope 8%
Slope 8%

14.3.7 The ramp surface should be hard and non- slippery.

1.2m 1.2m

.2 m
1

10
.0 m
m
.2
1

10
1. .0m
2m m
20
1.

Figure-54 Service Ramp Requirements

126 127
 OFF STREET
PARKING
REQUIREMENTS
15
SECTION

128 129
 15
SECTION
OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS
15.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
These street parking requirements are established to provide properly
designated parking areas adequate in design, capacity and location to
prevent traffic congestion and avoid hazards to the publics safety and
welfare.
15.1.1 Parking areas (covered or uncovered) shall be provided for
vehicles within the plot limits.
15.1.2 In all types of buildings, street parking facilities plan shall
be submitted to the Authority for approval in the issuance of
building permits or certificates of occupancy. All plans shall
clearly indicate the proposed development, including parking
location, size, design, numbering, traffic direction, lighting,
landscaping, curb cuts, ingress and egress, traffic rules and
signs.
15.1.3 Any deletion or other changes made to the parking lot plan shall
be reviewed and be approved by the Authority prior to work
commencement.
15.1.4 The Authority may request a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) for
some developments, which may have an impact on the traffic
generation for the surrounding roads and properties, such
as special projects, commercial shopping malls, parking for
monorail stations and mixed use buildings.
15.1.5 In case a plot is between the main road and the secondary road,
entry and exit from the car parking lots shall be located only at
the secondary road or as specified by the Authority. (figure-4)
15.1.6 Location of car parking entry or exit shall be far away from any
traffic intersections depending on road type, vehicle type, etc..
and to be approved by the Authority. In case of individual roads
forming T junction, location of car parking entry or exit shall not
be opposite the intersections. (figure-5)
15.1.7 Vehicles parking entry and exist shall be away from the end of
the road chamfer by at least 15.0 meters for light vehicles and for
130
SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS
other vehicles this will depend on vehicle size, road type, speed,
etc. (figure-4)
15.1.8 No parking area shall be counted as both required parking stall
and a loading space.
15.1.9 No vehicles access from alley way (Sikka).
15.1.10 Existence of public light vehicle parking lots in the vicinity of any
plot shall not exempt such plot from satisfying the car parking
requirements as specified in accordance with provisions of these
regulations.
15.1.11 The minimum width of car entry and internal roads shall be:
a) 3.0 meters width clear un-obstructed road or pavement in
case of one-way traffic.
b) 6.0 meters width clear un-obstructed road or pavement in
case of two-way traffic.
c) In the case of small plots or plots with exceptionally difficult
technical circumstances, the competent Authority may
accept 3.0 meters way for both entry and exit of cars after
providing traffic signals and traffic electronic control system
and fulfilling all requirements of the Authority.
15.1.12 All parking areas shall be permanently maintained in a safe,
clean and good condition free of physical obstructions. All areas
including landscaping shall be kept free of trash and weeds.
15.1.13 All parking areas shall be paved and sloped (maximum to 2 %),
to drain to a public road.
15.1.14 All parking areas shall be provided with exterior lighting for the
surface area. Lighting shall be designed, arranged and installed
so as to confine direct rays on to the premises and to direct light
away from adjacent structures, premises or streets. Lighting
fixtures should be of an energy saving type.
131
SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS
15.1.15 All parking areas are to be screened from surrounding streets
with proper landscape elements using a minimum 2.0 meters
high planters.
15.1.16 If conflict arises after building permit has been issued, concerning
neighbors parking access, or traffic flow impact on the adjacent
roads, the Authority is permitted to modify or relocate the source
of the obstructions. All cost of modifications, relocations, and
repair of damages to return to its original form and aesthetics
shall be borne by the developer.
15.1.17 Entrances for all fire vehicles shall be of adequate width of not
less than 5.0 meters to allow easy access. Height of the archway
on the main entrance if provided on the design shall not be less
than 4.0 meters.
132
SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS
15.2 PARKING LOT DESIGN
15.2.1 All parking lots and driveways shall be surfaced with asphalted
concrete to a minimum thickness of 0.07 meter over a minimum
aggregate base of 0.15 meter or surfaced with Portland cement
concrete with a minimum thickness of 0.12 meter over a 0.07
meter aggregate base. After review of the probable vehicular
traffic and the soil report for the project, additional material may
be required as per the approval of the Authority.
15.2.2 Concrete wheel stoppers or a 0.15 meter high concrete curb shall
be installed where parking stalls abut fences, walls, buildings,
walkway or another parking stall. (figure -55)
Wall / fencing
0.15 m
Curb
vary depending on
parking angle
Figure-55 Concrete Wheel Stopper
15.2.3 The following guidelines shall apply when designing parking
entry and exit: a straight and preferably leveled access shall be
provided at a distance of 6.0 meter before approaching the ticket
machine or gate barrier arm as emergency stop alley for drivers
who do not have payment machine token, lost their tickets or
to pay on foot system. A reservoir space needs to be provided
between the entry / exit barrier and the road, to prevent vehicle
tail gating and queuing while waiting to enter the parking area.
(figure-56)
133
SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

15.2.12 Dead-end driveway should be avoided if they are to be included

in design, they should serve a maximum of 8 spaces with
Entry or Exit maneuvering bay; all of which should be clearly visible from the
Barrier main search path. (figure -57)
Turning Bay

Road
8
Entry or Exit
6.0 m 7

max 8 parking slots

6
5
4
Figure-56 Reserve Space for Entry and Exit 3
2
15.2.4 Directional arrows and traffic signs shall be required for all 1
parking areas.
5.5 m 6.0 m 5.5 m
15.2.5 All parking lots shall be provided with durable, and well-drained
surface. Figure-57 Dead End Driveway

15.2.6 Driveways used exclusively for ingress and egress shall not
exceed 10% slope. Parking stalls and vehicle maneuvering areas 15.2.13 Car Parking: The minimum dimension of the car parking lots and
shall not exceed 2% slope. (figure -50) the driveways inside parking area shall be as follows:

15.2.7 The central driveway may be crown, with a 1% slope draining to a) In case of Parallel Parking:
the edges, so that the driveway will be relatively free from water
The minimum parking lot dimensions 2.5 x 6.0 meters, and
after rain or washing.
the minimum single drive way width 3.0 meters. (figure -58)
15.2.8 In designing parking spaces, end stalls should be about 0.3 6.0 m
meter wider than usual, especially if bounded by a building or
other obstruction.
2.5 m
15.2.9 Parking spaces under buildings or basement parking, shall
account for the presence of columns and adjacent walls, which 3.0 m
shall be covered with protective rubber angles, and shall have
2.4 meters clear height. 2.5 m
15.2.10 A provision of a mirror for blind corners shall be provided.
Figure-58 Parallel Car Parking
15.2.11 A provision for surveillance camera is recommended for emer-
gency purposes.

134 135
SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

b) In case of Angle Parking: 6.1m 3.8 m 5.4 m 5.4 m 3.8 m 5.4 m

Curb Line
According to single unit situation; concrete wheel stoppers 0.75 m
or paved islands shall be provided. The minimum parking lot

Wall/ Fencing or Building

dimensions and drive way width shall be as below table-5:
(figure -59 till 61) 5.5 m 5.5 m
Typical Typical

2.9 m
Inclined Inclined Drive 2
Stall Stall Stall Stall Way Total Typ .5 m
ica
Width Length Width Length Width Width W l
Angle (meter) (meter) (meter) (meter) (meter) (meter) Road Type 2.8 m
End Stall
4.5 2.5 5.5 3.6 5.7 3.3 13.8 Single Way 2.8 m 60
End Stall
60 2.5 5.5 2.9 6.1 3.8 15.3 Single Way 2.0 m 2.0 m

75 2.5 5.5 2.6 5.9 5.5 17.0 Single Way 1.2 m

Walkway
3.0 m 3.0 m
90 2.5 5.5 2.5 5.5 5.5 16.5 Single Way Total Width
W 15.3 m
90 2.5 5.5 2.5 5.5 6.0 17.0 Dual Way
(60) Angled Parking

Table-5 Angled Car Parking Minimum Dimensions

5.9 m 5.5 m 5.6 m 5.6 m 5.5 m 5.15 m
0.75 m
5.7 m 3.3 m 4.8 m 4.8 m 3.3 m 5.1 m 0.75 m
0.6 m 0.6 m 5.5 m
5.5 m Typical

2.6 m

Curb Line
Wall/ Fencing or Building
Typical
Ty .5 m

Curb Line
5.5 m
Typical
l
ca
2
pi

2.5 m
Typical

5.5 m
Wall/ Fencing or Building

5.5 m
Typical Typical
2.8 m
3.6 m

2.8 m End Stall

End Stall
d m
l

75
al
En 2.8

St

2.0 m 2.0 m

1.2 m
St m

Walkway
l
En 2.8

45
al

3.0 m 3.0 m

d

Total Width
2.0 m
W 17.0 m
1.2 m (75) Angled Parking
Walkway
3.0 m 3.0 m
Figure-60 (60 and 75) Angled Car Parking
Total Width
W 13.8 m
Figure-59 (45) Angled Car Parking

136 137
SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

0.75 m 5.5 m 5.5 m 5.5 m 5.5 m 5.5 m 5.5 m c) I n case of Indoor Car Garages:
Typical Typical 0.75 m
The minimum dimension for single garage shall be 3.6 X
6.0 meters and 6.0 X 6.0 meters for double garage an extra

Curb Line
length shall be considered for door openings. (figure -62)

3.6 m 6.0 m
Wall/ Fencing or Building

2.5 m
Typical

6.0 m
6.0 m
2.8 m
End Stall
1.2 m

Walkway
90

Total Width
W 16.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m
(90) Angled Parking / Single Way
Single Garage Double Garage

5.5 m 6.0 m 5.5 m 5.5 m 6.0 m 5.5 m

0.75 m 0.75 m Figure-62 Indoor Car Garages

Curb Line
15.2.14 Minimum turning radii for cars shall be 4.5 meters for inside the
curve while the outside radii shall be minimum 8.0 meters.
Wall/ Fencing or Building

15.2.15 Parking lift systems is an acceptable design and the best use of
space. Drivers can control this system with key switches in the
entrance area using hydraulic lifts, which can be used for up to
2.5 m 10-storey car parking building. As the pedestrians do not use
Typical this parking system, the clear height can be reduced. However, a
2.8 m Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) shall be submitted.
End Stall
1.2 m 15.2.16 Buses Parking: The minimum dimension of the bus parking lots

90

Walkway
and the driveways inside parking area shall be as follows.
Total Width
W 17.0 m a) In case of Parallel Parking:
(90) Angled Parking / Dual Way The minimum parking lot dimensions 4.0 x 12.0 meters, and
the minimum transition length 16.0 meters. (figure -63)
Figure-61 (90) Angled Car Parking

138 139
SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

The minimum total length for parallel buses parking, shall be 15.2.17 Cycles Stands: The minimum dimensions for cycle stand
with the transition lengths as following: depending on the parking angle and shall be as below table-6
For one bus parking stall is 44.0 meters and (figure-65). Regarding cycle path minimum dimensions refer
to section-20.
For two buses parking stall is 56.0 meters
For three buses parking stall is 68.0 meters (D) Distance (Y) Inclined
(X) Inclined Stand between Two Stand Depth
Total Length (L) Angle Width (meter) Stands (meter) (meter)
16.0 m 12.0 m 16.0 m
Transition Length 25 1.60 0.84 0.80

4.5 m
Driveway Driveway 45 1.45 0.60 1.45
Curb Line One Way
90 - 0.64 1.90
4.0 m
Lay-by 9.5 m Table-6 Cycles Stands Minimum Dimensions
ht
Curb Line Straig
1.8 m Recommended Walkway Width

Figure-63 Bus Parallel Parking

0.6 m
b) In case of Angled Parking:
The minimum parking lot dimensions 4.0 x 12.0 meters, and
for 90 degree, the minimum drive way width absolute 16.0 0.6 m
meters and preferred 18.0 meters (figure -64) for other angles

(L)
minimum drive way width depending on the parking angle
and to be as per international standards.
0.3 m Y
Wall / Fence
1.0 m
Wall / Fence

12.0 m

16.0 m D X
preferred 2.0 m
18.0 m
Figure-65 Cycles Stands

15.2.18 Marine/Harbor Boat, Yacht and Ferry: For construction guidance

12.0 m
and requirements of all types of marinas / harbors (pleasure
boats, small yacht, cabin cruiser, etc) refer to Authority related
Code.
Figure-64 (90) Buses Angled Parking

140 141
SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

15.3 PARKING PROVISIONS Double parking allocated for apartments with three
bedroom and above is an acceptable design with maximum
Parking provisions are established in order to ensure residents, visitors
percentage of 10% of apartments number and minimum
and staff are provided with parking space, to reduce congestion on
dimension as mentioned in section-15.2.13.
adjacent streets, and to minimize spillover parking into adjacent habitable
areas. 15.3.2 Educational Buildings:
Minimum parking provision requirements shall be as follows: One parking space for each class.
15.3.1 Residential Buildings: One parking space per 45.0 square meters of
administrations area.
a) Villas:
One bus parking space per 3 classes.
Residents: one garage spaces for each occupancy.
Visitors: where villas are served directly from a road,
15.3.3 Religious Buildings:
driveways provide a minimum of one space within the plot
boundary of each villa. a) Mosques:
As mentioned in section-16 clause-2.
b) Town Houses:

Residents: two garages space for each dwelling unit up to 15.3.4 Health Buildings:
three beds.
a) Hospitals:
Visitors: where townhouses are served directly from a
Staff: one parking space for each doctor and surgeon, plus
road, driveways provide a minimum of one space within
one parking space for each three others.
the plot boundary of each townhouse.
Outpatients and Visitors: one parking space per 3 beds.
c) Apartments:
b) Health centers and Clinics:
One parking space for each apartment (studio or single
Staff: one parking space for each doctor and surgeon, plus
bedroom) up to 150.0 square meters floor area.
one parking space for each two others.
One and a half parking spaces for each apartment (2
Outpatients and Visitors: two parking spaces per consulting
bedrooms) with area between (150.0 200.0) square
room.
meters.

Two parking spaces for each apartment (3 bedrooms) with 15.3.5 Commercial Buildings:
area between (200.0 250.0) square meters.
a) Offices:
Two and a half parking spaces for each apartment (4 Staff: one parking space per 50.0 square meters floor
bedrooms) with area between (250.0 300.0) square area.
meters.
Visitors: 10% of staff parking provision.
Three parking spaces for each apartment (5 bedrooms /
Penthouse) or with floor area above 300.0 square meters.

142 143
SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS
b) Banks:
Staff: one parking space for each managerial or executive
staff, plus one per four others.
Visitors: one parking space per 10.0 square meters of banking
hall.
c) Showrooms:
One parking space per 70.0 square meters floor area.
d) General Retail:
One parking space per 25.0 square meters sales area.
e) Trade Centers:
One parking space per 45.0 square meters floor area.
f ) Hotels:
One parking space per 5 hotel rooms.
One parking space for each hotel room that contains
kitchen or pantry.
One parking space per 2 hotel suites.
One parking space for each hotel serviced apartment up to
150.0 square meters floor area.
Two parking spaces for each hotel serviced apartment over
150.0 square meters floor area.
One parking space per 45.0 square meters of restaurants
area.
One parking space per 20.0 square meters of meeting
rooms or exhibition halls and if conferences are held,
space required should be assessed separately at one
parking space for each five seats.
One parking space per 45.0 square meters of offices and
shops area.
Staff: one parking space per 2 employees.
144
SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS
g) Automobile service gas stations:
One parking space per 50.0 square meters of the mini
marts, quick meals and drink service areas.
h) Restaurant and Cafes :
Staff: one space for each 3 employees at peak hours.
Diners: one space for each two seats in dining area or one
space for every 45.0 square meters which ever is bigger.
15.3.6 Cultural Buildings:
a) Museums and public art galleries:
Staff: one parking space per 2 members normally on duty.
Visitors: one parking space per 30.0 square meters of
public display area.
b) Public libraries:
Staff: one parking space per 2 members normally on duty.
Visitors: one parking space per 10 seats.
c) Cinemas and Theaters:
Staff: one parking space per 2 members normally on duty.
Visitors: one parking space per 3 seats.
d) Conference Center:
One parking space for each 3 fixed seats plus 1 per 5.0
square meters for assembly purposes without fixed seats.
15.3.7 Industrial Buildings:
Staff: one parking space per 50.0 square meters of office
floor area plus buses parking depending on the operation
system and workers number.
Visitors: 10% of staff parking provision.
145
SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

15.3.8 Recreation and Entertainment Buildings: b) Green Houses:

a) Swimming Pools: Staff: one parking space per 2 employees plus one per
Staff: one parking space per 2 members normally on duty. company vehicle.

Players: one parking space per 10.0 square meters of pool Visitors: one parking space per 25.0 square meters of sales
area. area.

Requirements for uses not specifically listed herein shall be determined

b) Playing Fields: by the Authority, based upon the requirements for comparable uses
Staff: one parking space per 3 members normally on duty. and upon particular characteristics of the use. Additional parking over
Players: one parking space for each two players who can and above required herein may be required upon the discretion of the
use the facility simultaneously Authority that the specific type of business or user generates a greater
demand for more parking than the requirement herein.
c) Marinas:
Staff: one parking space per 3 members normally on duty.
15.4 PARKING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY
Boat users: two parking spaces per 3 users.
Parking for people with disability is established in order to ensure that
d) Bowling Center: any person with disability is being provided with special parking space,
Five parking spaces for each lane plus 1 per 30.0 square parking provision and requirements for people with disability shall be in
meters of club house facilities. compliance with Authority related Code.

e) Golf Course:
Three parking spaces for each hole plus 1 per 30.0 square
meters of club house facilities.
Golf driving range: one parking space per tee.

f ) Tennis Club:
One parking space per tennis court plus 1 per 30.0 square
meters of club house facilities.

15.3.9 Miscellaneous
a) Horse Stables:
Riding stable: one parking space per 2 horse stalls.
Horse Barn: one parking space per 10 stalls.
Horse race track and grandstand: one parking space per 4
seats.

146 147
SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

15.5 LOADING AND UNLOADING BAYS 15.5.2 Industrial plants shall provide one off-street loading and
unloading space per 1800.0 square meters of floor area. Each
Off-Street Loading: every building or structure used for business, trade,
loading space shall be minimum of 4.0 meters wide and 15.0
or industry that normally requires truck loading or unloading with respect
meters with 5.0 meters clearance height. (figure -66 and 67)
to the use, shall provide space as herein indicated for the loading and
unloading of vehicles off street or public area. Off- street loading and 15.5.3 Trucking terminals shall provide one off-street loading and
unloading space shall be in addition to and not considered as meeting
unloading space per 450.0 square meters of total floor area used
a part of the requirement for off-street parking space. Off-street loading
for storage, warehousing, and shipping. Loading maneuvering
and unloading space shall not be designed, intended or constructed to be
space shall be a minimum of 4.0 meters wide and 2.0 meters
used in a manner to obstruct or interfere with the free use of any street
long space with 5.0 meters clearance height.
or adjoining property. The minimum off-street loading and unloading
maneuvering space required for specific uses shall be as follows: 15.5.4 Any other required off-street loading area shall have the following
15.5.1 Retail business and service establishments shall provide one minimum dimensions, 3.0 meters width, 12.0 meters length and
off-street loading, unloading and maneuvering space at least 4.0 meters height. (figure -67)
3.0 meters wide and 12.0 meters long with 4.0 meters clearance
X(Minimum) Y Minimum
height (figure -67) (meter) (meter)
12.0 4.0
Loding Platform
15.0 5.0
Adjustable Height 20.0 5.0
Loading Bay

Clearance
height
Y
4.0 m

4.0 m
4.0 m
X
4.0 m 6.5 m overall length

Figure-67 Headroom Criteria for Covered Loading Decks

4.0 m

15.5.5 For trucks and other heavy vehicles, shallow parking angle of 30
to 45 degrees are generally appropriate with aisle widths being
11.4 m 3.0 m 15.0 m dependent on the design vehicles but typically around 15.0 to
Overall Length 20.0 meters.
4.0 m
Overall Width Required = W 6.5 m Minimum turning radii for heavy vehicles of 15.0 meters long
(90) angle shall be as per (figure -68).

Figure-66 Loading / Unloading Area with ( 90) For other types of trucks minimum turning radii shall be as per
Maneuvering for 15.0 meters Long Trucks international standards.

148 149
SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 15 OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

Loading areas shall be located and designed so the vehicle

intended to use them can maneuver safely and conveniently to
and from a public right of way and can complete loading and
Adjustable height unloading without obstructing or interfering with any public right
loading bay

Loading Platform
of way or any parking space.

All off-street loading areas shall be adequately drained and shall

4.0 m
have adequate lighting.
Side Loading

4.0 m

4.0 m
dr rw re g
aw ar

Loading and
fo fo n
be rni X

Maneuvering
tu =

15.0 m
4.0 m
4.0 m

ve
h
icl
e
le
ng

4.0 m
th

10 3.5 m
=
15

End Loading
.0
m

13.0 m 18.0 m
4.0 m overall width required = W
10 Angle Loading Platform 45 Angle

Figure-68 Loading / Unloading Area with ( 10 and 45)

Maneuvering for 15.0 meter Long Trucks

15.5.6 Minimum Driveway width for heavy vehicles shall be 3.5 meters
for single way and 7.0 meters wide for dual way.

In general, off-street loading areas are not permitted in front of

any type of building even for industrial type. Off street loading
area shall be located on rear or side of building as verified from
related business unit.

150 151
 BUILDING OR
DEVELOPMENT TYPES
16
SECTION

152 153
 16
SECTION
BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES

16.1 RESIDENTIAL TYPE Townhouses: A shared dwelling unit that gives rows of
identical or slightly varied houses to accommodate a
16.1.1 DWELLING TYPES
single family unit, it has a ground floor entrance. The
a) Dwelling Unit: A single unit which provides a kitchen or food minimum setback of 3.0 meters from front and rear side
preparation area in addition to rooms and spaces for living, of plot with minimum of 7.5 meter frontage width and 25.0
bathing, sleeping and the like preferably with a separate
meters as plot depth.
entrance. (figure-69)
Individual Villa: An individual dwelling unit with minimum
setback of 3.0 meters from plot limits and to accommodate
a single family unit, it has a ground floor entrance, garages
and independent external open areas.

b) Dwelling multiple: A building divided into two or more

dwelling units each of which is occupied or intended to be
occupied as a permanent home or residence with a shared
entrance and facilities such as parking area.

*S *S
*S

25.0 m
25.0 m

25.0 m

One Floor
Garage *S
*S or Annex

7.50 m 7.50 m 7.50 m

Townhouses

*S

*S *S

*S

Individual Villa

Figure-69 Dwelling Unit

*S = Setback

154 155
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES

16.1.2 VILLAS ANNEXES: (figure -70) Height 4.2 m

Adjacent Neighbor Plot
Limit
a) It is permitted to build annexes to residential villas with
maximum height limited to ground floor only and without any A1 = Annex 1
set back from the plot boundary. Area
Corridor or Covered Passage

3.0 m
b) It can be used as private garages, servants quarter, external 3.0 m
kitchen or as a sitting room (Majlis ), according to the following wide
conditions:
Adjacent Adjacent
The maximum height shall not exceed 4.2 meters from the Neighbor A = Villa Area Neighbor
adjacent neighbors and 4.5 meters from the approaching

Height 4.5 m
road or alleyway.

3.0 m
The minimum set back shall be 3.0 meters between the
annex and the main villa.
A2 = Annex 2
The annex configuration shall be in a form of a row, Area

attached to the plot boundary, or with an adequate Plot Road Only allowable
Limit opening is for a
setback to allow for natural ventilation and lighting for the
A1 + A2 50% A garage gate
habitable spaces, or in order to install air conditioners.
Figure-70 Villas Annexes
c) Annexes shall be used to serve the main building only. They
shall not be used as independent units or for commercial
purposes.

d) Its roof shall be limited for water tanks and air conditioner
equipments.

e) It is forbidden to build a main staircase leading to its roof, if it

is located next to the adjacent neighbors.

f ) The annex may be connected to the main building by a covered

passage or corridor with maximum width of 3.0 meters and
same height as the annex.

g) The area of the annexes shall not exceed 50% of the main
villas area.

156 157
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES

16.1.3 STAFF ACCOMMODATIONS
a) Each person is required to have 3.8 square meters floor area
within the room.
b) The number of floors and setbacks shall be according to the
DCR of related business unit.
c) The minimum internal setbacks between the buildings should
be 6.0 meters, within the property line.
d) One lavatory, one washbasin, with one shower is the minimum
requirement for every 10 occupants and laundry tray or tub for
every 30 persons.
e) In case construction is deemed to be in phases then, the
minimum percentage construction for the first phase of
construction shall be adequate enough to accommodate 50%
of the staff total number as per documents relating to the plot
allocation.
f ) It is forbidden to direct room door openings into the road or
alleyway and the main entrance shall be open within the plot
limits.
k) Bus parking space, to cater for 50% of the occupants at one
time shall be provided.
l) Adequate water coolers shall be provided with maximum
travel distance of 30.0 meters interval.
m) The buildings / structures must be at least 6.0 meters away
from kitchens, workshops and stores.
n) Means of escape travel distance should not exceed 15.0
meters in one direction and 30.0 meters in two directions
from any point to the main road of the site.
o) If double-deck bunks are used, the minimum clear distance
between the lower and upper bunk must not be less than 0.7
meter. Triple-deck bunks are strictly prohibited.
p) Adequate first aid facilities verified by E.H.S. must
be maintained and be made available in every staff
accommodation for the emergency treatment of injured
persons. Such facilities must be under the supervision of a
person trained to administer first aid and must be readily
accessible at all times.

g) A room with independent services (non-collective) for the

supervisors at the rate of one room per 40 occupants.

h) There shall be one or more kitchens for preparing food, and a

dining room, which can accommodate minimum of 1/3 of the
occupants at one time. Minimum floor space in eating area
shall not be less than 1.2 square meter per person. The design
and furnishings of the kitchen and dining room must meet all
E.H.S. requirements.

i) Indoor recreational facilities shall be at a minimum of 1/4 of

total net area.

j) There shall be a garbage room or an open collection point for

garbage containers within the perimeter of the plot, according
to the rules on garbage rooms set out in these regulations.

158 159
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES

16.2 RELIGIOUS TYPE 16.2.1.2 Town Centre Areas, Residential/ Commercial:

a) * Awqat Masjid
16.2.1 MASJID (MOSQUE)
The minimum requirements as follows:
When designing mosques, the following services shall be
provided, according to the mosque type, location and the number Wash Ablution Parking
Type Lavatory Basin (Maydat) Housing Space Shop
of worshippers.
Apartment for Imam
Not less than 150
16.2.1.1 Residential Areas (Villas): Apartment for
Worshippers from 6 4 12 15 2
Muezzin
a) * Awqat Masjid 150 and 300
Room for Worker
The minimum requirements as follows: Apartment for Imam
From (501-700) Apartment for
Wash Ablution Parking 8 6 14 25 3
Worshipper Muezzin
Type Lavatory Basin (Maydat) Housing Space Shop
Room for Worker
150 Apartment for Imam
3 3 5 8 2 Table -9 *Awqat Masjid within Town Centre Areas
Worshippers Room for Worker
Apartment for Imam
150 - 300 b) * Jame Masjid
Apartment for
Worshippers 4 4 8 15 3
Muezzin The minimum requirements as follows:
Room for Worker
Wash Ablution Parking
Table-7 *Awqat Masjid within Residential Areas Type Lavatory Basin (Maydat) Housing Space Shop
Not less than 500 Apartment for Imam
b) * Jame Masjid Worshippers Apartment for
10 8 20 50 4
( between Muezzin
The minimum requirements as follows:
501 and 700) Room for Worker
Wash Ablution Parking Apartment for Imam
Type Lavatory Basin (Maydat) Housing Space Shop From (701-1,000) Apartment for
12 10 24 70 5
Worshippers Muezzin
Not less than 300 Apartment for Imam
Room for Worker
Worshippers Apartment for
5 5 10 30 4 More than (1,000)
(between Muezzin (Building Permit Committee must study it)
301 and 500) Room for Worker Worshippers
Apartment for Imam Table-10 *Jame Masjid within Town Centre Areas
From
Apartment for
(501-700) 8 6 14 40 5
Muezzin
Worshipper 16.2.1.3 Rural Areas:
Room for Worker
Apartment for Imam a) * Awqat Masjid
From (701-1,000) Apartment for The minimum requirements as follows:
10 8 20 60 6
Worshippers Muezzin
Room for Worker Wash Ablution Parking
Type Lavatory Basin (Maydat) Housing Space Shop
More than (1,000)
(Building Permit Committee must study it).
Worshippers Less than 150
3 2 6 Apartment for Imam 10 2
Worshippers
Table -8 *Jame Masjid within Residential Areas
Table-11 for *Awqat Masjid within Rural Areas
* Awqat Masjid = Mosque used for daily pray only *Awqat Masjid = Mosque used for daily pray only
* Jame Masjid = Mosque for daily pray in addition to Friday and occasions pray *Jame Masjid = Mosque for daily pray in addition to Friday and occasions pray
160 161
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES

b) Jame Masjid The following conditions shall be considered when designing a

The minimum requirements as follows mosque: (figure -71)

Wash Ablution Parking

Type Lavatory Basin (Maydat) Housing Space Shop *Qibla Direction
*Mihrab
Not less than 300 Apartment for Imam
Worshippers Apartment for
7 4 12 30 3-4
(between Muezzin
301 and 500) Room for Worker Windows Not
Area for Each Allowed
More than (500) Worshipper
(Building Permit Committee must study it)
Worshippers
Prayer Hall
Table -12 *Jame Masjid within Rural Areas

16.2.1.4 Public Places:

Door Not
a) Gardens and Parks Allowed
The minimum requirements as follows
Space for
Wash Ablution Parking Standing,
Type Lavatory Basin (Maydat) Housing Space Shop Clear Wearing &
Taking off
Gardens and Parks 4 2 8 Apartment for Imam 12 2 Shoes

Table -13 *Awqat Masjid within Public Places / Gardens and Parks Racks for Shoes Main Entrance Racks for Shoes

Figure-71 General Masjid ( Mosque ) Requirements

b) Highways
The minimum requirements as follows
a) The number of worshippers is counted as 0.75 square meters
Wash Ablution Parking for a single prayer inside the mosque, excluding those who
Type Lavatory Basin (Maydat) Housing Space Shop
pray outside the mosques area.
Less than 150
2 2 4 Apartment for Imam b) The design, implementation and supervision shall be done
Worshippers (Men)
by Muslims with good experience in Islamic Architecture and
Less than 150
1 1 2 construction work. Director of the consultants office assigned to
Worshippers (Women)
handle such a project shall be a Muslim. The same shall apply to
Table -14 *Awqat Masjid within Public Places / Highways engineers in charge of design and supervision of the work.

*Awqat Masjid = Mosque used for daily pray only *Qibla = The point towards Kabba which Muslims are facing during prayer
* Jame Masjid = Mosque for daily pray in addition to Friday and occasions pray *Mihrab = A recessed in the wall indicating Qibla as reference
162 163
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES
c) It is preferable to design the Prayer Hall in rectangular, where
the longer side is facing *Qibla. It must not have any openings
on the side that includes *Mihrab. The interior space shall
preferably be column free, in order to maintain consistent
rows for the worshippers.
d) It is possible to add to the mosque a library, a women prayer
room (Mussala), a storeroom and rooms for teaching *Quran.
The number of rooms to be added depends on the number of
worshippers in the mosque and the study submitted to the
Authority.
e) Mosques shall generally include yards (yards open to sky as
part of the mosque). Space should be allocated for fitting a
water cooler and covered area for safe keeping of shoes of
worshippers.
f ) Allocate in the design an area with shelves for temporary
storage of shoes to avoid keeping them in the entrances.
g) Separate entrances and facilities shall be provided for men
and women worshippers.
h) It is preferable to separate the location and the entrance of
the lavatories from the mosque building, and shall not be
set or located in the same Qibla direction, according to the
Islamic doctrine (Sharia), in which they are usually located
in the south east side, with eastern lavatories and one of
them may be western style.
i) The ablution area (Maydat) shall be provided as an essential
part of the mosque.
j) It is preferable to fence the mosque premises, with suitable
height of solid and non-sight obstructing design.
k) Islamic architecture and decorative elements shall be used.
*Quran= Muslims Holly Book
*Qibla = The point towards Kabba which Muslims are facing during prayer
*Mihrab = A recess in the wall indicating Qibla as reference
164
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES
l) Signs should be placed at all the entrances, identifying
directions of circulation and announcing the services that the
mosque provides.
m) The dimensions of mosques and the minaret designs shall
be designed according to the standards that are approved by
the related Authority. These must meet the requirements and
conditions that suit Islamic doctrine (Sharia) in addition to
*Qibla direction to be verified from related Authority.
n) Design and capacity of air conditioning system should take
into consideration the maximum number of worshippers,
volume, space, dimensions, and mosque configuration.
o) Lighting intensity and homogeneity should be taken into
consideration when designing lighting fixtures.
p) Sound system and acoustic characteristics should be studied
by specialized parties.
q) Traffic circulation in and out of the mosque for both male and
female worshippers should be studied with consideration of
full segregation, and the ease of usage of ablution for both
sexes without any interference.
r) It is preferable to add women prayer rooms to the mosques
which are located in the commercial districts, large central
mosques, rural places, highways, public parks and recreation
areas. And shall be provided with facilities of minimum two
lavatories and washbasins plus three ablutions (Maydat).
s) The womens prayer room that is located on the highways
may have half the number of facilities mentioned above.
t) Requirement for people with disability shall be provided,
such as ramp, lavatories etc., as per Authority related code.
*Qibla = The point towards Kabba which Muslims are facing during prayer
165
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES
16.2.2 MUSSALA (PRAYER ROOM)
a) A reasonable space that can accommodate 5% of the building
occupants with ablution facilities shall be provided for male
and female prayers in all building types located close to
building entrance/reception, with exception to residential
buildings & villas.
b) All requirements for people with disability shall be covered
for facilities such as ramps, lavatories, etc.
c) The number of worshippers is counted as 0.75 square meter
for a single worshipper.
d) Allocate in the design an area with shelves for shoes
temporary storage to avoid keeping them in the entrances.
e) Separate entrances and facilities shall be provided for men
and women worshippers.
f ) The location and the entrance of the lavatories and ablution
shall be separated from the prayer room, and lavatories shall
not be set or located in the same *Qibla direction, according
to the Islamic doctrine (Sharia). (figure -72)
Prayer Room
Ablution
rec la
n
Rack for Shoes
tio
Di *Qib
Figure-72 General Mussala (Prayer Room) Requirements
166
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES
16.3 COMMERCIAL TYPE
16.3.1 RESTAURANTS, EATING PLACES AND FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS:
16.3.1.1 Food and drink establishments such as restaurants,
cafeterias, cafes, fruit juice shops, green-grocers, cake
and sweet shops, soft drink shops, mills, roasteries,
stores that sell chilled, frozen and dried goods,
bakeries, super-markets, sea food sales outlets and
other establishments shall be designed according to
the Public Health Requirements issued by the relevant
Authorities and E.H.S..
16.3.1.2 The floors, walls and ceilings of restaurants, food and
drink shops shall be made of a smooth material that
is easily cleaned, non absorbent, fire resistant, pale-
colored, non-toxic and crack-free. The floors shall have
a slight slope, in order to facilitate flow of water during
clearing. The angles between the walls, the floors and
the ceiling shall be completely sealed and rounded to
facilitate the cleaning process.
16.3.1.3 Natural and mechanical ventilation and lighting should
be provided for all internal space in accordance with
these regulations.
16.3.1.4 The minimum area of a kitchen or food preparation site
in the establishments, is as follows:
Minimum Area of Kitchen or
Activity
Food Preparation Establishments
Restaurants; Minimum Area is 40% of the restaurant area, with Minimum 40 square
100 square meters meters + storage area of 25% of the kitchen area
Cafeteria 40% of the Seating Area, with Minimum 20 square meters
Caf and Fresh Juice Shop 10 square meters
Traditional Sweet Shop 40% of the total area, with minimum 20 square meters
Bakeries 20 square meters
Meat Seller/Fish/Seafood
Working area to be 60% of the total area, + 20%
Seller minimum area is 50
storage area kitchen area
square meters
Assembly Halls 40 square meters
Table -15 Kitchens or Food Preparation Areas via Food Establishments Types
167
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES

16.3.1.5 Kitchen Requirements: order to maintain the building elevation presentable.

The chimneys shall rise to a maximum height of 3.0
a) The required kitchen shall be constructed of fire
meters above the building roof. They should be treated
resistant materials and shall comply with standards
with environmental protection filtering kit to prevent
required by the Authority.
hazardous effects on the neighbors and /or ruin the
b) Floors and walls shall be impervious to moisture general image.
and capable of being cleaned by washing down.
16.3.1.7 Cold stores and freezers shall be provided with
Floors shall be hard- surfaced, non-absorbent and
thermometers for taking temperature readings. Such
adequately drained. They shall be constructed with
thermometer shall be fitted in such a way as to allow
waterproof, non-absorbent washable materials
taking readings externally. Doors should be open-able
without fissures or crevices.
from both sides, inside and outside.
c) Walls shall be tiled to a height of 2.1 meters above
16.3.1.8 The minimum area of an establishment is as follows:
floor level with ceramic tiles. Internal walls shall
be smooth, waterproof, resistant to fracture, light Activity Minimum Area (square meters)
colored and readily cleanable.
Greengrocer 20
d) Drains shall incorporate grease and pea (rice) traps Butcher 15
and interceptors.
Soft drinks 10
e) Working surfaces for preparation of food are to be 15 square meters the display area shall
of stainless steel or other approved impervious Mills
be separate from the preparation area
material to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of Roastery 25
hygienic conditions.
200 square meters, 50 square meters
Super Market
f ) Mechanical extraction with exhaust hoods and fans of them as a storage
shall be provided to all areas involving cooking Grocer 12
activities i.e. stoves, gas rings, tan doors etc
Table -16 The Minimum Areas for Food Establishments
g) Gas pipes to cookers, rings etc., and shall be laid
in an approved manner with approved materials 16.3.1.9 The facilities should have a provision for people with
i.e. copper or steel tubing, permanent joints, and disability as per Authoritys related code
minimum flexible hose. a) Restaurants and eating spaces should be as
h) Kitchens shall be fitted with recommended fire accessible as possible to a wheelchair user.
extinguishers as decided by the Fire Officer. b) In self-service restaurants, tray slides and counters
i) Layout and construction details of any temporary should be mounted at a minimum height of 0.9 meter
canteen required during the period of construction from the finished floor level. Food shelves should be
shall be approved by the Authority. mounted at a maximum height of 1.2 meter.

16.3.1.6 The chimneys that are installed in bakeries, restaurants c) Cantilevered tables or tables with straight legs at
and roasteries shall be located on the rear side of each corner are preferable to central pedestals that
the plot or through the building shafts and ducts, in might restrict wheelchair access.

168 169
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES

16.3.2 HOTEL ESTABLISHMENTS (HOTELS, MOTELS AND HOTEL d) In Hotels and Motels there should be separate
SERVICED APARTMENTS) public lavatories for male and female to serve the
reception, waiting area and another two sets to
16.3.2.1 Hotel establishments shall be located in an area serve the dining room.
which has been set aside for hotel establishments, in
Each lavatory should have a wash basin, a toilet
accordance with the DCR for the related business unit.
with a seat and cover, and a washing hose or bidet.
16.3.2.2 Hotel establishments shall be designed according to There should be a door separating the basin from
approved requirements and the rules of the Department the toilet. Each lavatory must have hot and cold
of Tourism and the provisions of these building running water.
regulations. If the dining room is on the same floor as the
reception hall, they can share one set of lavatories
16.3.2.3 Parking spaces shall be provided, in accordance with
for male and female. Each set shall include minimum
section-15 of these regulations.
of two wash basins, two toilets and two bidets or
16.3.2.4 Hotels and Motels shall have minimum of 10 rooms. two washing hoses.

Staff sanitary installation requirements, as

16.3.2.5 Number of single hotel rooms shall not be less than
mentioned on section-17.
50% of the total hotel rooms.
e) The minimum area of hotel room, excluding bathroom
16.3.2.6 Hotel Apartments shall have minimum of 8 apartments,
and entrance lobby, shall be as followings:
villas or studios.
For single room: 12.0 square meters.
Technical conditions shall be as follows: For double room: 15.0 square meters.
a) The ground floor level shall consist of a reception For triple room: 20.0 square meters.
counter, a safety deposit room and an adequate
f ) The minimum area of motel room, excluding
waiting hall (for the hotels, motels and hotel
bathroom and entrance lobby, shall be as follows:
serviced apartments).
For single room: 8.0 square meters.
Also a dining room or cafeteria with a pantry
For double room: 10 .0 square meters.
or kitchen shall be provided (for the hotels and
motels). For triple room: 12.0 square meters.

b) A small storeroom shall be presented in all typical The minimum number of bathrooms shall be as
floors. follows:
25% of the rooms shall have attached private
c) An electrical elevator shall be provided for buildings
bath rooms.
higher than three floors (ground floor plus two
floors above). 75% of the rooms should have shared bathrooms,
minimum of one bathroom per 2 rooms.

170 171
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES

g) The minimum area of hotel serviced apartments, Regarding its dimensions, the doors, the
excluding bathroom and entrance lobby, shall be as locations, the designs of the furnitures and
followings: location of the electrical switches, the minimum
For bedroom: 12.0 square meters. maneuvering space to be provided shall be 1.5
meter.
For studio:18.0 square meters.
c) The room should have a bathroom in accordance
h) Adequate natural lighting should be provided at with Authoritys related code, regarding the
the main entrance, corridors, staircases, rooms and toilet seat, bathtub, washbasin, cabinets,
halls. mirror, the type of flooring, the size of the doors,
i) Air conditioning shall be provided for all rooms, the location of the bathroom accessories and
halls, restaurants and entrance lobbies. the position of the bars and handles that do not
obstruct the movement within bathroom.
j) Self-illuminating signs must be placed in all the
d) Room to have an emergency exit leading directly
corridors, staircases, hallways, reception and
outside the building or to a balcony. Means of
places that are used by the public, in case of fire.
safety and security shall be provided for various
k) Fire extinguishers should be positioned in visible categories of people with disability.
and accessible places, with signs indicating where e) Car parking lots to be as near as possible to the
they are to be found. No materials or obstacles main entrances and shall be in accordance with
should be allowed to hamper the use of the Authoritys related code.
extinguishers.

l) Building architectural plan drawing shall be placed

behind the door of each guests room, indicating the
fire escape exits, in order to ensure safe evacuation
in case of fire hazard.

The minimum facilities provided to people with

disability, in hotels that are (3) star and above, shall
be as follows:

a) One hotel room, if the total number of rooms and

suites is less than 100. Two rooms if the number
is more than 100 and they should be located on
the first floor.

b) The room shall be in accordance with Authoritys

related code and International Standard
Requirements for people with disability.

172 173
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES

16.3.3 AUTOMOBILE SERVICE GAS STATIONS

16.3.3.1 Automobile service gas stations shall be located in

an area which has been set aside for gas stations,
in accordance with the DCR and master plan of the
related business unit.

5.65 m
16.3.3.2 Plots allocated for gas stations shall not be permitted
to be used for any other purpose except for some
secondary functional uses such as vehicle servicing
sales outlet for refreshments and fast food (Mini Mart
and the like) with a minimum area of 150.0 square 5.5 m
meters. 1.2 m 1.2 m

16.3.3.3 The minimum width of the driveway between two Two Short Islands
gas station islands with one pump each shall be 5.5
meters and 8.0 meters for an island with two pumps.
(figure -73)

16.3.3.4 The height of the sales outlet and its annexes shall not
exceed 4.2 meters.

16.3.3.5 A maximum of two rooms may be built for station

labor accommodation that is located within the city

10.0 m
limits, and maximum of 3 rooms in all stations outside
the city limits.

16.3.3.6 Construction shall be permitted right up to the limits

of the plot on the road side. A setback of 3.0 meters
shall be observed on the neighbors sides.

16.3.3.7 Public male and female toilets must be provided as

1.2 m 8.0 m 1.2 m
additional to the ones that are used by the station
workers. Two Long islands

Minimum of one toilet for male and one for female

with a washbasin shall also be provided in addition to Figure-73 Gas Station Minimum Dimensions
disabled people toilets.

174 175
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES

16.3.3.8 Installation of public telephone booth and ATM

machines are recommended for emergency purposes.

16.3.3.9 The car service and wash stations must be equipped

with devices and equipment, which are used
for draining and purifying water, such as sand
sedimentation rooms, oil traps and pumps to purify R

0.
10
the water before connecting it to the decomposition 10
.0

R
(septic) tanks or to the public drainage network.

45.0 20.0 m 45.0

16.3.3.10 Air and water hoses for the customer shall be
provided. road

m
6.
0

0
m

6.
16.3.3.11 Parking spaces shall be provided, in accordance with
section -15 of these regulations. Gas Station with Fuel Pump Islands Obliquely Angled (mainly for one-way traffic)

16.3.3.12 The consultant must submit a site plan of the station

showing: (figure -74) 45.0

a) The proposed entrances and exits, according to R 1 0.0

6.0 m
the existing speed limit on the road in which the
station is to be located.

b) All the existing elements that are within a distance

15.0 m
of 500.0 meters before and after the proposed
R
station, including traffic signs, lampposts, trees,

Boundary
10.0
inspection chambers, pump rooms and branch Front Corner
electricity stations.

Road
45.00
c) The direction of the traffic, number of road lanes
25.0 m
and speed limit.

m
0
6.
Road

Access to Corner Gas Station

Figure-74 Access to Gas Station

176 177
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES
16.4 EDUCATIONAL TYPE
16.4.1 SCHOOLS
16.4.1.1 Schools shall be located in an area, which has been
set aside for schools, in accordance with the DCR and
master plan of the related business unit.
16.4.1.2 Schools shall be designed according to the approved
requirements of the Ministry of Education and the
provisions of these regulations.
16.4.1.3 Sanitary installation requirements for pupils shall be as
mentioned in section-17.
16.4.1.4 Teachers and employees shall have one lavatory and
washbasin per 10 employees.
16.4.1.5 Water coolers shall be distributed in various locations
inside the different parts and wings of school buildings
and in shaded areas of the open courtyards.
16.4.1.6 Natural ventilation, lighting, and air-conditioning shall
be available, according to Authority standard that apply
to every part of the school, especially for classrooms,
laboratories and halls.
16.4.1.7 Light fixtures shall be located on the left of each pupil
and shall not be opposite to the teaching board.
16.4.1.8 Classrooms, courtyards, school canteens and lavatories
for girls and boys, shall be segregated.
16.4.1.9 The school shall have a library, with adequate area to
accommodate the number of pupils in the school.
16.4.1.10 The school shall have enough laboratories, computer
rooms, and activities hall (Multi-purpose Hall or
Auditorium). The laboratories shall be away from the
classrooms and shall have strong extractor fans installed
or gas chambers where chemical experiments can be
carried out.
178
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES
16.4.1.11 School shall have a health clinic that consists of a
minimum of one physician room, nurse room, an
examination room and a lavatory.
16.4.1.12 School shall have required number of playing fields,
according to the rules of the Ministry of Education
and their area should not be less than double the area
allocated to classrooms, and part of them should be
shaded. Also a mast for the flag should be provided.
16.4.1.13 Vehicles (cars and buses) entrances/exits and routes
shall be away from the pupils route.
16.4.1.14 A provision for security/guard post, with minimum space
area of 6.5 square meters, should be provided.
16.4.1.15 Parking spaces shall be provided, in accordance with
section-15 of these regulations.
16.4.1.16 All teaching, administrative, common areas, auditoriums
and recreational facilities shall be accessible and useable
by people with disability.
16.4.2 KINDERGARTENS
16.4.2.1 Kindergartens shall be located in an area which has
been set aside for kindergartens, in accordance with the
DCR and master plan of the related business unit
16.4.2.2 Kindergartens shall be designed according to approved
require- ments of the Ministry of Education and the
provisions of these regulations.
16.4.2.3 Natural ventilation, lighting and air-conditioning shall
be provided according to Authority standards, for every
part of the building. All windows shall be provided with
appropriate curtains.
179
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES
16.4.2.4 The kindergarten building shall include waiting areas and
rooms for management staff, teachers, administrators
and supervisors. The areas of these rooms shall match
the number of children enrolled.
16.4.2.5 Kindergartens shall have a playground of an area not
less than double the area allocated to classrooms. At
least one third of this area shall be covered, and part of
it shall be planted. Toys and recreational facilities shall
be provided for children and shall be maintained and
inspected on regular basis.
16.4.2.6 Kindergartens shall have at least one canteen, and
multipurpose hall.
16.4.2.7 Childrens sanitary installation requirements shall be as
mentioned in section-17.
16.4.2.8 Teachers and employees shall have one lavatory and
washbasin per 10 employees.
16.4.2.9 Kindergartens shall have a health clinic that is consists
of a minimum of physician room, an examination room
and a lavatory.
16.4.2.10 A provision for security/guard post, with minimum
space area of 6.5 square meters, should be provided.
16.4.2.11 The kindergarten building must be independent and
it shall not include any other educational classes
belonging to any other academic levels. The classrooms
shall be located on the ground floor level.
180
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES
16.4.3 NURSERIES
16.4.3.1 Nurseries shall be located in an area which has been
set aside for nurseries, in accordance with the DCR and
master plan of related business unit.
16.4.3.2 Nurseries shall be designed according to the approved
requirements of the Ministry of Education and the
provisions of these regulations.
16.4.3.3 Children sanitary installation requirements shall be as
mentioned on section-17.
16.4.3.4 Teachers and employees shall have one lavatory and
washbasin per 2 nursery rooms.
16.4.3.5 Natural ventilation, lighting and air-conditioning shall
be provided according to Authority standards, for every
part of the building. All windows shall be provided with
appropriate curtains.
16.4.3.6 The minimum distance between beds in the nursery
rooms shall be 1.0 meter.
16.4.3.7 Nursery shall be located on either the ground or first
floor. It shall include open spaces that can be used for
childrens physical activities.
16.4.3.8 The building shall have a room that is used as a clinic with
all basic medical equipments and first aid supplies.
16.4.3.9 A provision for security/guard post, with minimum space
area of 6.5 square meters, should be provided.
181
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES
16.5 HEALTH BUILDINGS
16.5.1 HOSPITALS
16.5.1.1 Hospitals shall be located in an area which has been
set aside for hospitals, in accordance with the DCR and
master plan of the related business unit.
16.5.1.2 Hospitals shall be designed according to the approved
requirements and the rules of the Ministry of Health and
the provisions of these regulations.
16.5.1.3 Staff sanitary installation requirements shall be as
mentioned in section-17.
16.5.1.4 The areas of various departments, their relationship
to each other, the width of the corridors, doors, the
electrical, hygienic and mechanical facilities that are
needed and the materials used must fit in with the
types, specifications and measurements of the medical
apparatus and equipment required.
16.5.1.5 A provision of an isolation room for patients with
communicable diseases shall be provided.
16.5.1.6 Natural ventilation and lighting shall be available in
the patients rooms, the waiting rooms, the offices and
halls. Mechanical ventilation shall also be provided in
accordance with the approved standards, for areas that
have no natural ventilation.
16.5.1.7 The patients rooms should be as far as possible from
the road and car parking area. The walls should be
sound proof to prevent noise transmission.
16.5.1.8 The hospital shall have a reserve generator.
16.5.1.9 There shall be garbage rooms and ways of disposing of
waste, in accordance with section-19 of these regulations
and with the approval of the Authority.
182
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES
16.5.1.10 Parking spaces shall be provided, in accordance with
section-15 of these regulations.
16.5.1.11 The facilities that shall be provided to people with
disability:
a) All entrances should be accessible to a wheelchair
user.
b) All rooms should be accessible for the benefit of
patients, visitors and staff members with disability.
c) All clinics on all floors should be accessible.
d) All patients rest rooms should be accessible to a
wheelchair user.
16.5.2 CLINICS
16.5.2.1 Clinics shall be located in an area, which has been set
aside for clinics, in accordance with the DCR and master
plan of the related business unit.
16.5.2.2 Clinics shall be designed according to the approved
requirements and the rules of the Ministry of Health and
the provisions of these regulations.
16.5.2.3 The clinic shall have a minimum of:
a) Two rooms, one for the specialist doctor and the other
for examination or treatment, each one with minimum
area 12.0 square meters.
b) Reception lobby.
c) Male and female segregated waiting halls.
d) One Lavatory for people with disability in addition
to sanitary requirements shall be as mentioned on
section-17.
E) Pantry.
183
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES
16.5.2.4 The floors shall be of a smooth and cleanable material.
16.5.2.5 Parking spaces shall be provided, in accordance with
section -15 of these regulations.
16.5.3 PHARMACIES
16.5.3.1 Pharmacies shall have a minimum area of 28 square
meters and they should be located in districts with
commercial activities.
16.5.3.2 The minimum ceiling height of the pharmacy should be
2.7 meters.
16.5.3.3 The minimum distance between the new pharmacy and
any other existing pharmacies shall be 200 meters.
16.5.3.4 The floor should be made of a smooth and cleanable
material.
184
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES
16.6 INDUSTRIAL TYPE:
16.6.1 FACTORIES AND WAREHOUSES
16.6.1.1 Factories and warehouses shall be located in an
area which has been set aside for Industrial types,
in accordance with the map attached to the Land Use
Classification and Regulations in the Emirate.
16.6.1.2 Staff sanitary installation requirements, as mentioned
on section-17.
16.6.1.3 Parking spaces shall be provided, in accordance with
section-15 of these regulations.
16.6.1.4 Every factory and warehouse must have skylight
openings for natural ventilation and lighting that are
at least 5% of the floor area unless approved by the
Authority.
16.6.1.5 The net internal height of any depot, workshop or factory
must not be less than 4 meters and not more than 9
meters, unless otherwise permitted by the Authority.
16.6.1.6 Building coverage requirements, as mentioned in
section-7.1.
16.6.1.7 Building setback requirements, as mentioned in
section-7.
16.6.1.8 It is not permitted to undertake commercial activities or
to display goods for trading in industrial establishments.
The maximum commercial area within industrial types to
be 20% of total built up area.
16.6.1.9 Arrangements for special needs employees are directly
related to the type of work they perform. Arrangements
for people with disability not to be considered in heavy
manufacturing factories. Arrangements for all needs
185
SECTION: 16 BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT TYPES

of people with disability should be incorporated into

the design of new light manufacturing factories where
people with disability may be employed.

16.6.1.10 Adequate provision of mess room, pantry, and changing

with lockers facility for the employees should be
provided.

16.6.1.11 Kitchens and cooking are not permitted within industrial

facilities.

16.6.1.12 Mess, pantry and toilet to be provided with glazed

ceramic tiles to a minimum height of 2.1 meters above
floor level and flooring unglazed ceramic tiles.

186 187
 SANITATION
REQUIREMENTS
17
SECTION

188 189
 17
SECTION
Sanitation Requirements SECTION: 17 Sanitation Requirements

17.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 17.2 RESIDENTIAL BATHROOM AND LAVATORY

17.1.1 Every habitable building must include provisions for sanitary
facilities, unless otherwise permitted by the Authority. These
facilities must include the provision of at least one toilet.
17.1.2 Hot and cold water services shall be provided to washbasins.
17.1.3 Trapped floor gullies or drainage channels shall be provided in
ablutions to enable all areas to be washed down, cleaned and
drained.
17.2.1 The minimum areas for bathrooms and toilets shall be as
mentioned on section-8.
17.2.2 Bathrooms and toilets without ventilating windows shall be
replaced by ventilating ducts. The air inlet and exhaust should be
well designed.
17.2.3 Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other
environmental controls shall be in accessible locations.

17.1.4 All finished internal surfaces of ablutions shall be non-absorbent 17.2.4 It is convenient that bathrooms and toilets are adjacent to the
and cleanable. served spaces. (figure -75)

17.1.5 The construction of cubicles, wherever provided shall not impede

the free movement of air within ablution buildings.

17.1.6 Water closets, urinals and washbasins shall have a smooth

Living Room
and readily cleanable non-absorbent surface. They shall be
constructed and fitted to discharge through an effective trap corridor
of suitable dimensions and thence without storage to a pipe or
drain. The flushing apparatus for a water closet or urinal shall be
capable of effective cleaning of the receptacle.
Privacy
17.1.7 Ventilation pipes shall be of adequate size for their purpose but
not less than 0.05 meter internal diameter. They shall be carried
upwards to a certain height and be positioned in order not to
Bedroom Bathroom
transmit foul air odor.
Bedroom
17.1.8 Permission must be obtained from the Authority for the location
of any manhole within any building. Where permission is given,
such manholes must have a double sealed screwed down cover.

Figure-75 Bathroom Convenient Location

190 191
SECTION: 17 Sanitation Requirements SECTION: 17 Sanitation Requirements

17.3 PUBLIC SANITARY FACILITIES Appliances Facility per Male Staff Facility per Female Staff
1 per 1-15 1 per 1-15
Every operational building must include provision of sanitary facilities,
2 per 16-30 2 per 16-30
unless otherwise permitted by the Authority.
WCs and 3 per 31-50 3 per 31-50
Washbasins
17.3.1 Sanitary facilities shall be provided at rates not less than the (no urinals 4 per 51-75 4 per 51-75
followings: provided) 5 per 76-100 5 per 76-100

a) Educational Building: For over 100 : plus 1 for

For over 100 : plus 1 for
every Additional 25
every Additional 25 or Part Thereof.
Schools and Kindergartens: sanitary provisions at rates or Part Thereof.
not less than mentioned in below table-17. 1 per 1-20
2 per 21-45
Appliances Kindergarten Special School School WCs and
3 per 46-75
Washbasins
1 per One Class with Size 1 per (urinals provided) 4 per 76-100
For Pupils 1 per 10 Pupils
WCs, Suitable to Children One Class
Washbasins For over 100 plus 1 for every Additional
and Urinals For Teachers 25 Persons or Part Thereof, but 1 in 4 of
1 per 10 Classes with Minimum 2 for each Gender the additional Fittings may be a urinal.
and Employees

Table-19 Sanitation Provisions for Offices and Shops

Table-17 Sanitation Provisions for Schools and kindergartens
Hotels: sanitary provisions at rates not less than mentioned
Nurseries: sanitary provisions at rates not less than in below table-20.
mentioned in below table-18.
Appliances Facility per Male Staff Facility per Female Staff
Appliances 1 per 100 up to 400. 2 per 100 up to 200,
WCs and
For over 400, Add at the Rate of for over 200, Add at the Rate of
For Children 1 per 2 Kids Rooms Washbasins
1 per 250 Persons or Part Thereof. 1 per 100 Persons or Part Thereof.
WCs and Washbasins Urinals 1 per 50 Persons
For Teachers and 1 per 10 Rooms with Minimum 2 for
Employees each Gender
Table-20 Sanitation Provisions for Hotels
Table-18 Sanitation Provisions for Nurseries
Restaurants and Cafes: sanitary provisions at rates not less
than mentioned in below table-21.
b) Religious Buildings:
Mosques: As mentioned in section -16, clause- 2. Appliances Facility per Male Staff Facility per Female Staff
1 per 100 up to 400. 2 per 100 up to 200.
WCs and
For over 400, Add at the For over 200, Add at the
c) Commercial Building: Washbasins
Rate of 1 per 250 or Part Thereof. Rate of 1 per 100 or Part Thereof.
Offices and Shops: sanitary provisions at rates not less Urinals 1 per 25 persons
than mentioned in below table-19.
Table-21 Sanitation Provisions for Restaurants and Cafes

192 193
SECTION: 17 Sanitation Requirements SECTION: 17 Sanitation Requirements

d) Health Buildings: 17.3.2 Requirements for uses not specifically listed herein shall be
Hospitals: sanitary provisions at rates not less than determined by the Authority, based upon the requirements for
mentioned in below table-22. comparable uses and upon particular characteristics of the use.

Appliances Facility per Male Staff Facility per Female Staff 17.3.3 The entry shall be laid out properly.
WCs and Washbasins 1 per 4 1 per 4
17.3.4 All passageways or corridors should have a minimum width
Table-22 Sanitation Provisions for Hospitals of 1.2meters.

e) Cultural Buildings: 17.3.5 The minimum dimensions of stalls shall be 0.9 x 1.25 meters with
Theatres and Banquet Halls: sanitary provisions as outward door opening and 0.9 X 1.50 meters with inward door
mentioned in below table-23. opening.
Appliances Facility per Male Staff Facility per Female Staff 17.3.6 The working parts of at least one of each type of dispenser,
WCs and 1 up to 250, plus 1 for Every 2 up to 75, plus 1 for Every receptacle and vender (coin slots, push buttons, dispenser
Washbasins Additional 500 or Part Thereof. Additional 50 or Part Thereof. openings, etc) shall be located 1.0 meter above the floor finish
Urinals
2 up to 100, plus 1 for Every level.
Additional 50 or Part Thereof.
17.3.6 Waste receptacles are recommended to be recessed into the wall,
Table-23 Sanitation Provisions for Theatres and Banquet Halls
out of everyones way.
Cinemas: sanitary provisions at rates not less than
17.3.7 In addition to general lighting, task lighting shall be provided for
mentioned in below table-24.
each functional area in the sanitary facility.
Appliances Facility per Male Staff Facility per Female Staff
WCs and 1 up to 250, plus 1 for Every 2 up to 100, plus 1 for Every
17.3.8 The doors to adjacent female and male washrooms shall not be
Washbasins Additional 500 or Part Thereof. Additional 100 or Part Thereof. next to each other as this is psychologically disturbing and does
2 up to 200, males plus 1 for Every not offer privacy. Doors shall be self closing wherever possible.
Urinals
Additional 100 or Part Thereof.
17.3.9 The use of common toilets in case both sexes are employed is
Table-24 Sanitation Provisions for Cinamas prohibited.
f ) Industrial Building:
Factories and Warehouses: sanitary provisions at rates not
less than mentioned in below table-25. 17.4 SANITARY FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY

Appliances Facility per Male Staff Facility per Female Staff A WC compartment for general use by people with disability shall allow
1 per 25, or Part Thereof. for a frontal or lateral transfer from the wheelchair, with space for
WCs and 1 per 25,
For over 100, add at rate of the attendant to assist. The details in accordance with Authoritys related
Washbasins or Part Thereof.
1 per 40 urinals also provided. code.
Table-25 Sanitation Provisions for Factories and Warehouses

194 195
 SWIMMING POOL
REQUIREMENTS
18
SECTION

196 197
 18
SECTION
SWIMMING POOL REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 18 SWIMMING POOL REQUIREMENTS

18.1 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS 18.4 SWIMMING POOL SYSTEMS (figure -77)

A swimming pool and its apparatuses shall be constructed of materials 18.4.1 Overflow Gutters: Over flow gutters extending completely around a
which are non- toxic to humans, inert, impervious, durable and shall be swimming pool, should be provided on all pools having water surface
capable of withstanding the design stresses of the particular swimming area of 380.0 square meters or more.
pool to be constructed, and a water-tight tank with a smooth, easily
cleanable surface shall be provided. 18.4.2 Surface Skimmers: Skimmers of an approved design are permitted
in swimming pools having a water surface of less than 380.0 square
meters.
18.2 STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND STABILITY
18.2.1 A swimming pool shall be constructed in such a shape and size, in
order to be safely patrolled and to provide good circulation of water.
0.2 - 0.34 m
18.2.2 Swimming pools shall be designed and constructed to withstand
the anticipated structural load when full or empty, and that the
design and materials used shall be in accordance with generally
accepted good structural engineering practices.

18.3 FENCES AND ENCLOSURES Overflow Gutter

The wall of a swimming pool shall be at least 1.8 meter setback from all
plot limits and from all adjacent structures (figure -76). Swimming pool
0.20 m.
requirements for covered rooftop is specified in section-11 of these regulations.
All filters, pumps, chemical feeding apparatus and other mechanical
equipment shall be secured and protected by an appropriate enclosure,
separate and apart from the enclosure of the swimming pool.

Walkway
1.2 m Plot Limit
Surface Skimmers
Setback
1.8 m

Figure-77 Swimming Pool Systems

Gutter Width

Swimming Pool 18.5 DECK AND WALKWAY

18.5.1 A continuous unobstructed deck or walkway at least 1.2 meter wide
Setback
1.8 m

excluding the width of the coping or the interior portion of a gutter

shall extend completely around swimming pools. The walkway or
Adjacent Structure 1.8 m deck shall be immediately adjacent to the pool (figure -76).
Setback
18.5.2 The deck or walkway shall be constructed in concrete non-slip tile
or other equally impervious material with a smooth, but non-slip,
easily cleanable surface.
Figure-76 Swimming Pool Setback and Walkway Requirements

198 199
SECTION: 18 SWIMMING POOL REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 18 SWIMMING POOL REQUIREMENTS

18.5.3 All decks and walkways shall be sloped at a grade 2.5%, in order
to effectively drain the water to deck drains.
18.6 LADDERS AND STEPS (figure -78)
18.6.1 Pools shall have ladders if the depth exceeds 0.6 meter.
18.6.2 Pools with steps only may be permitted in case the depth is
shallow and does not exceed 1.0 meter.
18.7 DIVING BOARDS
18.7.1 A minimum clear head height above the diving board shall be 4.8
meters for head movement.
18.7.2 Diving boards shall be fully covered with anti slippery material.
18.7.3 For diving board fitted up to 1.0 meter height over the water
surface; the minimum water depth underneath the diving board
is 2.5 meters.

18.6.3 A minimum of one ladder shall be installed within each 30.0
meters of the pool perimeter. There shall be at least one ladder
located at the deep end and another at the shallow end.
18.6.4 Material for the swimming pool ladder shall be corrosion resistant,
and shall be provided with non-slippery stepping surface with at
least 0.10 meter clearance from the wall.
18.6.5 The minimum tread of a step shall be 0.15 meter and the maximum
riser shall be 0.3 meter.
18.6.6 Swimming pool ladders shall be provided with a side balustrade
that extends around the water surface on both sides of the ladder
or the recessed wall steps.
For diving board fitted of more than 1.0 meter height over water
surface; the minimum water depth underneath shall increase at
the rate of 0.3 meter for each 1.0 meter extra height for diving
board or any part thereof. (figure -79)
18.7.4 A horizontal spacing of at least 3.0 meters shall separate between
the diving boards, and between any diving boards at the side wall
of the pool.
Ceiling

Clear Height 4.8 m

Swimming Pool Perimeter Ladder

Plot Limit
diving
30.0 m

Depth 0.6 m board

30.0 m 1.8 m
Setback

1.0 m
Ladder
water surface
0.15 m Balustrade

Water Depth
2.5 m
1.0
0.3 m

0.1 m
Figure-78 Ladders and Steps Figure-79 Diving Board

200 201
SECTION: 18 SWIMMING POOL REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 18 SWIMMING POOL REQUIREMENTS

18.8 LIGHTING, VENTILATION AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
18.8.1 All indoor swimming pool equipment, rooms, bathhouses,
dressing rooms, shower rooms and toilet spaces shall be
ventilated adequately either by natural or mechanical means, or
by the combination of both.
18.8.2 Swimming pools shall be provided with adequate lighting,
both above and under the water surface in order to provide an
adequate illumination for the overall area of the pool.
18.8.3 Every electrical circuit shall be provided with earth leakage circuit
breaker.
18.11 GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
18.11.1 An appropriate place for the lifeguards high chair, and notice
boards with the guidelines and policies for the swimmers to
follow, shall be provided.
18.11.2 A signboard showing water depth shall be fitted at the pools
edge and shall mark the location of slope changes showing the
maximum and minimum depth and the point at which the slope
changes.
18.11.3 Provide an adequate number of life saving devices (rings, etc.)
in the area. All details shall be as per the approval of E.H.S.

18.9 SWIMMING POOL FACILITIES

Swimming pools shall have adequate numbers of facilities depending on
the type,size and location of the swimming pool and shall be as per E.H.S.
requirements. A minimum one toilet, shower and changing room shall be
provided for each gender with privacy considerations, and changing rooms
shall not be less than 1.0 meter wide, 1.25 meter deep and 2.0 meters
height.
Pools for public shall have showers and taps for washing feet at the rate
of one per 25.0 meters of pool perimeter and at a minimum of one of each
type.
The requirements of people with disability should be provided for public
swimming pool such as lavatories, changing rooms, and ramps leading to
swimming deck and shall be as Authority related code.

18.10 STANDARDS OF WATER

Swimming pools shall comply with all the requirements for health and
safety, such as:
18.10.1 Filtering and water circulation.
18.10.2 Purifying and sterilizing the water.
18.10.3 Other control procedures concerning public health and safety, to
be implemented during the design process and, at the operational
stage.

202 203
 REFUSE DISPOSAL
REQUIREMENTS
19
SECTION

204 205
 19
SECTION
REFUSE DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 19 REFUSE DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

19.1 GARBAGE ROOMS AND COLLECTION AREAS 19.1.4 In buildings with an area exceeding 180.0 square meters, garbage
rooms shall be provided as below table-26:
19.1.1 All types of buildings shall be provided with a garbage collection
point within the plot limits or a garbage room at the ground floor
Rubbish Amount Room Accommodate below
level of the building for garbage collection purposes. (Kg) Dumpsters Number

19.1.2 The garbage room specifications are as follows:-

Up to 100 One Dumpster, 1.1 *(m3) Capacity.
19.1.2.1 It shall be located close to the adjacent road or alleyway,
if there is no service route to facilitate removing the One Dumpster, 2.5 *(m3) Capacity
Up to 250
Or Two Dumpsters 1.1 *(m3) each.
containers and transporting them to the garbage
collection vehicles. Up to 500 Two Dumpsters, 2.5 *(m3) Capacity each.
19.1.2.2 It shall have a door with a minimum width of 1.8
Up to 750 Three Dumpsters, 2.5 *(m3) Capacity each.
meter, rust proof with louvers or any other mechanical
ventilation that opens outwards leading to the garbage
Up to 1,000 Four Dumpsters, 2.5 *(m3) Capacity each.
loading area. (figure -80)
The number of garbage rooms is decided
19.1.2.3 The minimum height of the garbage room shall be 2.4 according to special study requirements
meters. More than 1,000 or calculating the same averages as
above for half of the volume that exceeds
19.1.2.4 It shall have a water supply directly connected to the 1,000 Kg.
network or from the distribution (pumping) tank.
Table-26 Garbage Room Size via Rubbish Amount
19.1.2.5 It shall be connected to the buildings drainage network.

19.1.2.6 It shall be provided with adequate lighting and ventilation 19.1.5 The standard measurements for the garbage room areas are as
system. follows: (figure-80)

19.1.2.7 All windows shall be airtight and protected by a metal 19.1.5.1 There should be at least 0.3 meter of clear space between
mesh wire screen in order to prevent insects and rodents the dumpsters and the wall of the garbage room.
from getting into the room.
19.1.5.2 There should be at least 0.3 meter distance between
19.1.2.8 Floors and walls shall be ceramic tiles, for easy cleaning. one dumpster and the other, on all directions.

19.1.3 In buildings with an area less than 180.0 square meters, garbage 19.1.5.3 There should be a minimum space of 0.6 meter between
room of 1.2 x 1.8 meter with minimum door width of 0.9 meter, the dumpster and the door location.
automatic closing with mechanical ventilation shall be provided
19.1.5.4 The minimum internal corridor width of the garbage room
at the ground floor level only.
shall be 1.2 meter.

*m3 = cubic meters

206 207
SECTION: 19 REFUSE DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 19 REFUSE DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

0.3 m 0.3 m 19.2 GARBAGE CHUTES

Garbage 19.2.1 For buildings with more than three stories a garbage chute shall
Trolleys
Capacity be installed.
2.5 *(m3)
19.2.2 The materials for the garbage chute shall be non-corrosive, non-

2.04 m
combustible, prevent dampness, and have smooth inner surface.

1.48 m 19.2.3 The minimum chute diameter shall be 0.6 meter inside the small
room of not less than 0.9 x 0.9 meter in size. Door of minimum

0.3 m
0.8 meter wide, opening outwards with an automatic closing
1.22 m mechanism shall be fitted to all typical floors.
Internal

1.26 m
Corridor Garbage 19.2.4 For plot area less than 1500.0 square meters, the garbage chute
Trolleys
Capacity
can be replaced by a small room 1.8 x 1.2 meter on each floor in
1.2 m 1.1 *(m3) addition to the main garbage room on the ground floor.

The doors shall be 0.9 meter minimum width opening outwards

0.6 m

1.8 m
and shall have an automatic door closing mechanism and
mechanical ventilation.
1.2 m

19.2.5 Service elevator located separately from the main buildings

elevators lobby, close to the garbage room at the ground floor
can replace the garbage chute in addition to the small room in
each floor of not less than the size of the service elevator.
Ramp
19.2.6 The owner of the building or the authorized representative is
slope 8% responsible for cleaning the building internally and externally,
together with the surrounding area to the public road.
Figure-80 Garbage Room Mearsurements
19.2.7 If the location of the chute is far from the road surrounding the
plot, the garbage collection room shall be located near to the
road, or alleyway in case of non- existence of a road.

19.2.8 Active chemical waste, liquids and /or any other hazardous toxic
materials shall not be place inside the garbage dumpsters or
containers.

*m3 = cubic meters

208 209
SECTION: 19 REFUSE DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
19.3 RUBBISH CALCULATIONS AND DUMPSTERS MEASUREMENTS
19.3.1 The calculation of the daily garbage amount for different building
uses shall be as follows:
19.3.1.1 Residential Use: an average of 12 kg for each 100.0
square meters of occupied area.
19.3.3.2 Commercial use:
a) Shopping Mall and Retail: an average of 12 kg for
each 100.0 square meters of occupied area.
b) Office: an average of 5 kg for each 140.0 square
meters of occupied area.
c) Hotel: an average of 3 kg for each room, 5 kg for
each suite and for other areas according to the type
of activities.
19.3.2 The standard measurements for the garbage dumpsters
(containers) as follows: (figure -80)
a) The measurements of a 1.1 *(m3) dumpster is 1.22
x1.26 meter.
b) The measurements of a 2.5 *(m3) dumpster is 1.48 x
2.04 meter.
*m3 = cubic meters
210
SECTION: 19 REFUSE DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
19.4 DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF BUILDINGS:
19.4.1 In hotel establishments, it is possible to provide a hydraulic
compressor. This requires the submission of a special study, and
the approval of the Authority.
19.4.2 In educational establishments, a dumpster collection point must
be provided, that will accommodate not less than two of 2.5 cubic
meters dumpsters, one of them for papers and other for waste
products.
19.4.3 In health establishments, provision for a dumpster collection
point that will accommodate not less than two of 2.5 cubic meters
dumpsters is a must. This is in addition to containers for patient
rooms, offices and administrative area where garbage output
calculation is 12kg/day for every 100.0 square meters of the net
space area. Proper segregation shall be provided for the hospital
and the ordinary waste.
19.4.4 In staff accommodation, a dumpster collection point shall
accommodate an average of one 2.5 cubic meters dumpster for
each 1000.0 square meters total building area in addition to the
garbage rooms each floors.
19.4.5 In industrial installations, a dumpster collection point must
be provided with an area that is at least 3 x 3 square meters.
It should be tiled with washable tiles, and a water supply for
washing. The collection point should have accommodate the
number of dumpsters required, at an average of one 2.5 cubic
meters dumpster for each 2000.0 square meters of the building
total area.
19.4.6 In residential villas, in investment complexes, which consist of
a number of villas, a dumpster collection point shall be at an
average of one 2.5 cubic meters dumpster for every 10 villas.
211
 LANDSCAPE
REQUIREMENTS
20
SECTION

212 213
 20
SECTION
LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 20 LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS

20.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS a) In general the minimum width for footpath shall be
1.5 meter, and for one lane cycle paths shall be
20.1.1 All sites must be suitably landscaped to:-
1.0 meter while for two lanes shall be at least 2.0
a) Provide an attractive and pleasant appearance. meters. (figure -81)
b) Contribute to the relief of heat, noise, dust and glare through
proper placement of green planting.
c) Provide visual privacy, in which significant trees are to be
planted adjacent to boundaries, acting as a buffer zone.
d) Provide a natural shading device.
20.1.2 Regular maintenance is to be ensured.

2.5 m
20.1.3 All landscaped areas are to be provided with a permanent
irrigation system supplied by either high quality (human contact
standard) treated sewerage effluent, or with relegated reverse
0.7m 1.0 m
water osmosis, protected by a back-flow system. However, it shall
be as per Authority related code 1.0 m 1.0 m 1.0 m 0.7 m
One Lane -
20.1.4 A landscaped plan shall indicate the design, materials, species, Cycle Path Minimum Width Two Lane - Cycle Path Minimum Width
landscape, feature elements and irrigation system and shall
be submitted to the Authority for approval as part of the
development application process.

20.2 LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS Foot Path

Generally the details of landscape and coverage area shall be as per the Car Parking
DCR of the related business units. 0.75 m
1.5 m 0.25 m
20.2.1 Softscape
Foot Path Running Along Driveway
Indicates the numbers, species, sizes and positions of all trees,
shrubs, ground cover plants and lawn areas.
a) It is preferable to introduce softscape species, in combination

3.0 m
with the extensive use of date palms or other varieties of palms, to
produce an individual character of the UAE or Gulf environment.
Cycle Path Foot Path
b) Design for private landscape areas is to maximize the Car Parking
softscape in preference to the hardscape such as paving.
0.75 m 2.0 m 1.5 m 0.25 m
20.2.2 Hardscape
20.2.2.1 Landscape surfaces: Pavement for pedestrian along Foot and Cycle Path Running Along Driveway
driveways including pedestrian access to buildings,
foot paths, cycle paths, outdoor steps, ramps, etc.. Figure-81 Landscape Surfaces

214 215
SECTION: 20 LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 20 LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS

b) The minimum unobstructed width for footpath c) External steps within landscape area to be more
leading to public building shall be 3.0 meters. shallow than normal steps, the minimum tread and
(figure -82) the maximum riser shall be as mentioned in section-
13. (figure -83)
Public Building Entrance
0.28 - 0.35 m

Footpath

3.0 m
3.0 m
4.0 m
Tree 0.15 - 0.165 m
2.75 m
1.75 m

0.5 m

6.0 m 2.0 m 3.0 m 2.0 m

0.28 - 0.35 m
public building 0.15 - 0.165 m

Tree
4.0 m

Footpath Road
2.5 m

2.75 m
Figure-83 Landscape Surfaces - External Steps
3.0 m 0.5 m
d) Color and material types should be consistent in
size, material and proportion appropriate to the
Figure-82 Footpath Requirements for Public Building Entrance
pavements location and use.

216 217
SECTION: 20 LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS SECTION: 20 LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS

e) Requirements for people with disability are to be
provided for within the landscaped area and shall
be as per Authoritys related code.
20.2.1.2 Hardscape features: (sculptures, water features,
signage, street furniture and lighting standards).
a) Signage
should be a darker tone compared to that selected
for the street furniture. Smaller bollard type lights
will be used in smaller pedestrian routes where
lighting is only required for immediate pedestrian
use. This will avoid excessive illumination. In
general, minimum light fitting height for parking
area shall be 3.0 meters. (figure -81)

Signage can be divided into the followings:

1) Street Signage: This signage pertains to the

street names and to individual addresses. A
standard clear simple graphic sign attachable
to a multi use or smart pole system, displayed
in Arabic and English, needs to be designed.

2) Pedestrian Signage: A signage to assist

pedestrians and allow connectivity between the
various parts of the development or the project.
Cycle and footpath signage height should not
be an obstacle element and a minimum clear
height shall be 2.4 meter if it is suspended from
the ceiling.

b) Street Furniture

A set of street furniture shall be chosen as per

the approval of the Authority. Items such as park
benches / tables recycle and litter bins, bollards,
drinking fountains, signage units, stands and
bus shelters. There will be a need for specialized
furniture as well as special decorative fences /
railings that may be used within the environments.

c) Lighting Standards

A set of streetlight fittings shall be chosen as per

the approval of the Authority for use on pedestrian
paths during night time. The color of these fittings

218 219
 UTILITY21
SERVICES SECTION

220 221
 21
SECTION
UTILITY SERVICES
21.1 WATER SUPPLY TANKS
21.1.1 Water supply tanks and installations shall comply with
the Authoritys relevant code.
21.1.2 Water supply tanks shall be provided with lockable inspection
openings of adequate size for cleaning process. Openings shall
be located away from the direct day to day movements and
sources of contamination, and shall be positioned higher than
the floor level.
21.1.3 Design of tank shall take into consideration that the tank
shall be free from sharp corners that may accumulate dirt or
prevent thorough cleaning.
21.1.4 Location of water supply tanks shall be chosen as far as possible
from drainage network lines, inspection chambers, septic tanks
and soak ways. In all cases, drainage pipe lines shall not be
permitted to run above or next to water tanks in case such tanks
are fitted underground.
21.2 SEPTIC TANKS
21.2.1 Septic tanks shall comply with the Authoritys relevant code.
21.2.2 Septic tanks shall be within the plot limits.
21.2.3 Septic tanks shall be located close to the approach road or
alleyway and distanced from the main building and the adjacent
buildings to the plot. Location shall be subject to approval by the
Authority and should be capable of being connected in future
with the public drainage network.
21.2.4 Septic tank ceiling shall be made of reinforced concrete in order
to withstand the load of vehicle traffic if necessary.
21.2.5 Tanks shall have an opening of adequate size with a heavy duty
lockable cover and top surface of the cover shall not rise above
the finished ground level of the site in which it is situated.
21.2.6 Septic tanks shall be accessible for cleaning, maintenance
and evacuating process.
222
SECTION: 21 UTILITY SERVICES
21.2.7 If the tanks are made of reinforced concrete and non-porous
material, a minimum distance 1.0 meter shall be provided from
the adjacent building and fence. If it is made of block work or
brick, a minimum distance of 3.0 meters shall be provided with a
minimum depth of 1.5 meter from the level of the bottom surface
of the pipe connected to the inlet.
21.3 PLUMBING WORKS
21.3.1 Plumbing works shall comply with the Authoritys relevant code.
21.3.2 An inspection chamber shall be fitted at each point where the
direction of drainage pipes changes or at which the degree
of slope changes or at the junction of a branch and main line.
Distance between any two successive inspection holes shall not
exceed 15.0 meters.
21.3.3 No inspection chambers shall be constructed inside roofed
buildings except in shafts, service rooms, car sheds and
adequately ventilated corridors. Such chambers shall be of
dry type. Drainage pipes that extend underneath the flooring
and inside walls shall be protected from any external works or
against settlement of floors.
21.3.4 All inspection chambers shall be dug within the plot limits.
21.3.5 All basement levels shall be provided with appropriate means
and ways for drainage and filtration of water such as sand
separation rooms, pumps, grease traps, etc.
21.4 RAINWATER DRAINAGE
21.4.1 Rainwater drainage shall comply with Authoritys relevant code.
21.4.2 The system for carrying rainwater from a roof shall be adequate.
The system shall carry the flow to an outlet to minimize the risk of
blockage or leakage and be accessible for cleaning blockages.
223
SECTION: 21 UTILITY SERVICES
21.4.3 Every exposed roof, canopy or building shall be finished with a
gradient of not more than 2% and not less than 1.4% in order to
direct the rainwater to suitable channels, gutters, and outlets or
down pipes.
21.4.4 All rainwater shall be either drained into a specially constructed
soak away or into the approach road to prevent dispersal of
surface water towards adjacent plots.
21.5 GAS FACILITIES
21.5.1 Central gas supply and gas cylinder requirements shall comply
with the Authoritys relevant code.
21.5.2 Gas cylinders shall be kept in a covered, well-ventilated area
outside the kitchen or the habitable spaces.
21.5.3 The gas cylinder storage in public buildings shall be well
ventilated, easily accessible to facilitate changing the empty
cylinders and to be isolated, in case of fire.
21.5.4 All gas connections shall be confirmed to the standard
specifications approved by the Authority.
21.6 VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING
21.6.1 Design and installation of all air conditioning and ventilation
systems shall be in accordance with current guidelines of the
Authoritys relevant code.
21.6.2 Architectural features should be introduced in the elevations/
facades in order to conceal the air conditioning equipment
from the public eye. The minimum distance between any air
conditioning unit and the neighbors boundary shall be 0.9
meter.
224
SECTION: 21 UTILITY SERVICES
21.7 ELECTRICITY/LIGHTING AND TELEPHONE INSTALLATIONS
21.7.1 Electricity, Lighting & Telephone requirements shall comply with
the Authoritys relevant code.
21.7.2 Electrical rooms in buildings shall satisfy the following
requirements:
a) Proposed location and dimensions of the electrical room
shall be subject to approval by the related Authority.
b) The Electrical transformer room may be situated in the
setback area as such transformer provides a public service
to the buildings in the area.
21.7.3 Telephone requirements:
a) An appropriate area or areas shall be set aside for the
location of termination boxes, distribution frames equipment
etc. This may vary from a vacant wall in a secure room to a
complete room depending on the telephone requirements of
the building.
b) A comprehensive system of horizontal and vertical cable
trays and/ or conduits from the external cable termination
point to telephone points throughout the building shall be
provided.
225
 INSULATION22
REQUIREMENTS SECTION

226 227
SECTION: 22 INSULATION REQUIREMENTS

Insulation requirements shall comply with Authoritys relevant code.

22.1 Water proofing and heat resistant material shall be subject to the following
conditions:

22.1.1 Bathroom, toilets and kitchen floorings shall be provided with

insulated material.

22.1.2 Water proofing and heat resistant material shall be fitted on the
rooftop in order to protect it from water leaks and solar effects.

22.1.3 Insulation layers shall be put around the building sub structures
up to 0.3 meter height above the earth level.

23
22.1.4 All categories of metals that can become rusty shall be protected
by insulation and paint. It shall be maintained on a regular basis,
with particular reference to drainage and water supply pipes.

22.2 The block works shall comply with the thermal isulation standards and POWERS OF
guidelines of Dubai Municipality.
THE AUTHORITY SECTION

228 229
SECTION: 23 POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY

23.1 At the discretion of the Authority, the building permit may be cancelled or
suspended if:
a) Work was carried out in contravention of the conditions of the building
permit or of any regulations issued by the Authority.
b) It is subsequently revealed that the building permit was issued on
the basis of erroneous information supplied by the developer or his
agent.

23.2 The building permit will not be withheld unreasonably, but the Authority
shall have the discretionary power, when issuing a building permit,
to attach such special conditions thereto as related to all or any of the
following matters:

24
a) Filling or excavation within the plot.
b) Construction of boundary walls or fences.
c) Construction of the external appearance of the building, in relation to
fitness for its intended purpose and location. RESPONSIBILITIES
d) Disposal of soil, waste and rain water.
e) Health and safety of personnel and environmental conditions of the
AND DISPUTES SECTION
workplace and surroundings.
f ) The engineering standards to which any process installation is
constructed.

23.3 The Authority is empowered to change, amend, replace and/or update the
regulations without notice. It is the developers responsibility to obtain
updated regulations and ensure compliance.

23.4 It is the responsibility of the developer to apply up-to-date regulations,

Authority notices, etc. that may supersede ones mentioned in these
regulations.

23.5 The Authority reserves the right to reject the appointment of consultants
or contractors for particular jobs if they are not deemed competent to
fulfill the related responsibilities.

23.6 The Authority reserves the right to suspend a consultant or a contractor

for non- compliance with the regulations.

230 231
SECTION: 24 RESPONSIBILITIES AND DISPUTES

24.1 Neither checking of the drawings, structural calculations; nor inspection

of the work during the progress of construction, shall be construed in
any way to impose responsibility and/or liability on the Authority or their
agents. The developer and his agents shall remain entirely responsible for
all errors in the design and execution of the project and for the stability
and safety of construction during the progress of the works and after
completion.

24.2 All complaints and disputes concerning building permits and the erection
of buildings shall be referred to the Authority. Any financial disputes shall
be referred to Dubai Court.

INDEX:
FIGURES & TABLES

232 233
 INDEX: FIGURES
Figure No. Figure Title Page No.
Figure -1 Court Yard Definition 18
Figure -2 Gross Area Calculation Definition 20
Figure -3 Gross Lease-able Area Definition 20
Figure -4 Vehicles Access to Plot for Corner Plot 42
Figure -5 Vehicles Access to Plot for T- Junction Road 43
Figure -6 Maneuvering within Plot Limits and Segregation
between Light and Heavy Vehicles 44
Figure -7 Plot Coverage Area 48
Figure -8 Building Height 49
Figure -9 Ground Finished Floor Level (GFFL) for Plot Located
on Different Road Level 50
Figure -10 Shops and Showrooms Clear Height 52
Figure -11 Setback (S) For All Building Types except Industrial 54
Figure -12 Building Setback (S) in Industrial Districts 55
Figure -13 Fencing Height (H) Measurement 58
Figure -14 Earth Retaining Structures 59
Figure -15 Minimum Areas and Dimensions for Residential
Spaces 63
Figure -16 Areas and Dimensions for Service Spaces 64
Figure -17 Windows Requirements 68
Figure -18 Window Sill Height via Different Usage 69
Figure -19 Width of Door Opening and Egress Capacity 71
Figure -20 Doors Opening Styles 72
Figure -21 Court Yard for Habitable Spaces 74
Figure -22 Shaft for Maid's Room 75
Figure -23 Shaft for Closed Kitchen 76
Figure -24 Open Kitchen 77
Figure -25 Shaft for Closed Pantry / Bathroom 78
Figure -26 Building Projections (Balconies / Canopies) within
Setback 82
Figure -27 Building Projections (Balconies / Canopies) over Road 84
234
INDEX: FIGURES
Figure No. Figure Title Page No.
Figure -28 Open Balcony with Screen 85
Figure -29 Terraces 87
Figure -30 Privacy Considerations for Stepped Terraces 88
Figure -31 Transparent Pergola within Setback 89
Figure -32 Pergola over Swimming Pool on Rooftop 89
Figure -33 Rooftop 95
Figure -34 Corridor Clear Width 101
Figure -35 Kiosk Provision within Corridors 102
Figure -36 Internal Corridor Minimum Width 103
Figure -37 Elevator Lobby Width 104
Figure -38 Glazed Arcade Double-Level 107
Figure -39 Staircase Minimum Dimensions 110
Figure -40 Normal Staircase Dimensions 111
Figure -41 External Staircase Dimensions 111
Figure -42 Curved Staircase Dimensions 112
Figure -43 Spiral Staircase Dimensions 112
Figure -44 Ladder Dimensions 113
Figure -45 Headroom Measurement 114
Figure -46 Staircase Location via User 115
Figure -47 Landing Provision 115
Figure -48 Fire-escape Stairs Types 118
Figure -49 Straight and Curved Vehicles Ramps Requirements 122
Figure -50 Vehicles Sloped Parking Area 122
Figure -51 Straight and Curved Vehicles Ramps Dimensions 123
Figure -52 Helical Vehicle Ramp Slope & Dimensions 124
Figure -53 Vehicle Ramp Grade Transition 125
Figure -54 Service Ramp Requirements 126
Figure -55 Concrete Wheel Stopper 133
Figure -56 Reserve Space for Entry and Exit 134
Figure -57 Dead End Driveway 135
235
 INDEX: FIGURES
Figure No. Figure Title Page No.
Figure -58 Parallel Car Parking 135
Figure -59 (45) Angled Car Parking 136
Figure -60 (60 and 75) Angled Car Parking 137
Figure -61 (90) Angled Car Parking 138
Figure -62 Indoor Car Garages 139
Figure -63 Bus Parallel Parking 140
Figure -64 (90) Buses Angled Parking 140
Figure -65 Cycles Stands 141
Figure -66 Loading / Unloading Area with ( 90) Maneuvering
for 15.0 meters Long Trucks 148
Figure -67 Headroom Criteria for Covered Loading Decks 149
Figure -68 Loading / Unloading Area with (10 and 45)
Maneuvering for 15.0 meters Long Trucks 150
Figure -69 Dwelling Unit 154
Figure -70 Villas Annexes 157
Figure -71 General Masjid (Mosque) Requirements 163
Figure -72 General Mussala (Prayer Room) Requirements 166
Figure -73 Gas Station Minimum Dimensions 175
Figure -74 Access to Gas Station 177
Figure -75 Bathroom Convenient Location 191
Figure -76 Swimming Pool Setback and Walkway Requirements 198
Figure -77 Swimming Pool Systems 199
Figure -78 Ladders & Steps 200
Figure -79 Diving Board 201
Figure -80 Garbage Room Measurements 208
Figure -81 Landscape Surfaces 215
Figure -82 Footpath Requirements for Public Building Entrance 216
Figure -83 Landscape Surfaces-External Steps 217
236
INDEX: TABLES
Table No. Table Title Page No.
Table -1 Internal Clear Height for Different Building Types 51
Table -2 Minimum Areas and Dimensions via Different
Space Types 62
Table -3 Space Allowances via Occupancy 65
Table -4 Minimum Door Width via Types 71
Table -5 Angled Car Parking Minimum Dimensions 136
Table -6 Cycles Stands Minimum Dimensions 141
Table -7 Awqat Masjid within Residential Areas 160
Table -8 Jame Masjid within Residential Areas 160
Table -9 Awqat Masjid within Town Centre Areas 161
Table -10 Jame Masjid within Town Centre Areas 161
Table -11 Awqat Masjid within Rural Areas 161
Table -12 Jame Masjid within Rural Areas 162
Table -13 Awqat Masjid within Public Places/ Gardens and
Parks 162
Table -14 Awqat Masjid within Public Places/ Highways 162
Table -15 Kitchens or Food Preparation Areas via Food
Establishments Types 167
Table -16 The Minimum Areas for Food Establishments 169
Table -17 Sanitation Provisions for Schools and kindergartens 192
Table -18 Sanitation Provisions for Nurseries 192
Table -19 Sanitation Provisions for Offices and Shops 193
Table -20 Sanitation Provisions for Hotels 193
Table -21 Sanitation Provisions for Restaurants and Cafes 193
Table -22 Sanitation Provisions for Hospitals 194
Table -23 Sanitation Provisions for Theatres and Banquet Halls 194
Table -24 Sanitation Provisions for Cinemas 194
Table -25 Sanitation Provisions for Factories and Warehouses 194
Table -26 Garbage Room Size via Rubbish Amount 207
237