Category: Design
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
An urban code is a set of rules issued by a municipality or development authority for a city or area, setting the urban character, facades, materials, colours, heights and boundary walls, often more detailed than the general building requirements.
Why it matters on a project
If your plot has an urban code it takes precedence over the general rules, and breaching it gets the permit returned. Knowing it before design saves rounds of changes.
Common mistake
Designing the facade to taste, then finding the area's urban code requires different materials and colours.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my plot has an urban code?
From the plot's building system on Balady or the municipality; the engineering office checks it before design.
Is the urban code the same as the Saudi Architecture guidelines?
They are linked: the guidelines set the style, and the urban code may detail the area's heights, materials and walls.
Related terms
- Saudi Building Code (SBC)The mandatory design and construction requirements in Saudi Arabia.
- Facade designDesigning the building's exterior with materials, openings and shading.
- Building permit (Balady)The official approval to build, issued online through the Balady platform.
- SetbackThe required distance between the plot boundary and the building line.
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