New building permit controls require strict procedures for citizens and contractors

The competent government authorities have revealed a comprehensive package of mandatory controls and procedures that all building permit holders must strictly adhere to. These new measures come within the framework of ensuring structural safety and protecting lives and property, based on the provisions of the Unified Building Law No. 119 of 2008 and its executive regulations. The new instructions set out a set of requirements to be applied before starting construction work. It has categorically prevented the commencement of any excavation works without obtaining the necessary permits from the competent administrative authority. It also obligated citizens to place a clear sign at the work site carrying all site data and the nature of the licensed works, in addition to the need to coordinate with the competent authorities to determine the quantities of excess backfill and dispose of them by proper legal methods. In the context of strengthening professional responsibilities, the controls tightened the role of the supervising engineer in providing Detailed periodic reports on the progress of the work, up to the issuance of the building's occupancy certificate immediately after the completion of the implementation works. The instructions required that a copy of this certificate be posted in the entrance to the property in a clear and visible manner to the public. The new controls held the supervising engineer and the contractor fully responsible for securing the adjacent buildings and taking all necessary precautionary measures to ensure the safety of pedestrians and surrounding property throughout the implementation period. This tightening comes To avoid any accidents or damages that may result from construction and excavation works. The authorities explained that the validity period of the building permit is limited to one year from the date of its approval, with the possibility of renewal for one additional year in the event that construction work does not start during the first period. It warned that the license becomes completely null and void after the lapse of these two periods in the event that implementation does not start, which requires the owner to obtain a new license.