Saudi’s group housing laws: What one must follow

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing in Saudi Arabia has announced comprehensive health, safety, and technical regulations for group housing facilities across the country. The new standards address building dimensions, location, noise levels, parking availability, and essential services to ensure improved living conditions for large groups of residents.

Group housing has been categorised into three types: residential buildings, residential complexes, and mobile cabins, with capacities ranging from 500 to 10,000 residents, a Saudi Gazette report said.

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Residential buildings are limited to a maximum of 500 residents. Each bedroom must provide at least four square meters per person, with no more than ten occupants per room. Facilities must also include two kitchens, restrooms and bathing areas for every eight people, as well as designated rest areas, laundry rooms, potable water, climate control, cleaning services, and pest control. A Saudi national must be assigned as a dedicated supervisor for operations.

Accommodation capacity

Residential complexes can accommodate up to 10,000 residents and must follow similar spacing and occupancy rules. Additional requirements include two kitchens per floor, laundry facilities, prayer rooms, emergency rooms for every 1,000 residents, and a medical clinic for every 5,000.

Mobile cabins, typically used for temporary housing on project sites, must meet the same occupancy criteria. They are required to feature a central kitchen, laundry services, prayer rooms, health isolation areas, climate control, emergency rooms, and clinics. Cabins must be designed for heavy operational loads and frequent transport, constructed with steel or aluminum frames, composite insulated walls, anti-slip flooring, and pitched roofs. Electrical, plumbing, insulation, and ventilation standards must be met.

Planning, safety, and accessibility requirements

The new regulations also impose strict licensing conditions, including approvals from relevant authorities, building permits, execution plans, and health and safety documentation. Fire alarms, first-aid kits, regular maintenance, and access for emergency services are mandatory. Facilities must also be accessible for people with disabilities.

Built-up areas cannot exceed 40 per cent of the land plot. Housing sites must provide EV charging points, fuel stations, repair centers, commercial and service areas, pedestrian and bike paths, shaded parking, recreational zones, and modern lighting.

Parking must be allocated at a ratio of one space per 100 residents, with bus parking for half the population and dedicated spaces for those with disabilities. Architectural features must comply with urban design codes, including safe stair railings, window sills, drainage systems, and waste disposal for high-rise buildings.

The regulations also prohibit certain design elements, including boundary walls on commercial streets, barriers above fences, and placing air conditioners or satellite dishes on balconies.