The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing in Saudi Arabia has unveiled new health, safety, and technical standards for group housing facilities nationwide. These standards cover building specifications, site selection, noise control, parking provisions, and essential services, aiming to enhance living conditions for large resident populations.
Group housing has been classified into three categories: residential buildings, residential complexes, and mobile cabins, accommodating between 500 and 10,000 residents, as reported by a local news source.
Residential Building Specifications
Residential buildings may house a maximum of 500 individuals. Each bedroom must have a minimum area of four square meters per person, with no more than ten individuals allowed in a room. Required facilities include two kitchens, restrooms, and bathing areas for every eight residents, along with designated rest areas, laundry facilities, access to clean water, climate control, cleaning services, and pest management. A Saudi national is required to be appointed as a supervisor for daily operations.
Residential Complexes
Residential complexes can support up to 10,000 residents, adhering to similar spacing and occupancy guidelines. Additional stipulations include two kitchens for each floor, laundry services, prayer rooms, a medical emergency room for every 1,000 residents, and a medical clinic for every 5,000 individuals.
Mobile Cabins
Mobile cabins, often utilized for temporary accommodation at project sites, must meet the same occupancy standards. They are required to include a central kitchen, laundry facilities, prayer rooms, health isolation sections, climate control systems, emergency rooms, and clinics. These cabins must be designed for significant operational demands and should be easily transportable, constructed from steel or aluminum frames, with insulated composite walls, non-slip floors, and pitched roofs. Standards for electrical, plumbing, insulation, and ventilation must also be satisfied.
Planning, Safety, and Accessibility Regulations
The new guidelines enforce stringent licensing requirements, necessitating approvals from relevant authorities, construction permits, execution plans, and health and safety documentation. Facilities must include fire alarms, first-aid kits, regular maintenance checks, and provisions for emergency services access. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is also mandated.
Construction on the land must not exceed 40 percent of the total area. Housing sites must incorporate electric vehicle charging stations, fuel pumps, repair facilities, commercial and service zones, pedestrian and bicycle paths, shaded parking areas, recreational spaces, and modern lighting solutions.
The parking allocation must provide one space for every 100 residents, alongside bus parking sufficient for half of the population and designated spots for individuals with disabilities. Architectural designs must comply with urban planning regulations, including secure stair railings, window sills, efficient drainage systems, and proper waste management for taller buildings.
Certain design features are also restricted, including boundary walls on commercial streets, barriers above fences, and the placement of air conditioning units or satellite dishes on balconies.