Proposal for modifying construction regulations to permit simpler building projects on smaller residential lands
In a move to alleviate the struggles faced by homeowners, ten council members have suggested modifying current architectural norms for residential plots under 365 square meters. They've put forward a proposal to modify Ministerial Resolution No. 2024/288, the document that governs building dimensions, setbacks, and property line adherence, without inflating the total building percentage.
Spearheaded by Walid Al-Dagher and co-signed by others such as Abdullah Al-Mahri, Khaled Al-Mutairi, Abdullah Al-Anzi, Fahd Al-Abduljader, Ismail Behbehani, Nasser Al-Jadaan, Fahd Al-Khenin, Saud Al-Kandari, and Nassar Al-Azmi, this proposition seeks to lessen restrictions placed on homeowners with small plots, issues they have noted have hindered their ability to cater to growing family needs or enhance living spaces.
Residential building owners possessing these small plots have expressed concerns about the constraints set by the existing regulations, with a surge of complaints coming from those with plots no more than 365 square meters. Al-Dagher expressed that the rigid rules imposed by the regulation are not a reflection of the genuine housing demands of citizens. He further emphasized that the proposal is designed to reintroduce fairness by enabling smarter utilization of available space without compromising safety, structural integrity, or aesthetic value.
The plan includes the following amendments:
- The approval of construction on the second-floor roof of a residential building (up to a 100-square-meter area) without considering it towards the total building percentage.
- Adjustments to Clause No. 7, allowing for greater design freedom for these rooftop spaces while preserving required setbacks when facing public or service roads.
- A revision of Clause No. 1 concerning ground floor construction alongside service roads, increasing the permitted building length along the facade from 70% to 90%, addressing discrepancies and alleviating restrictions.
This additional 100 square meters offers versatility, accommodating options such as laundry rooms, maid's quarters, storage, machine or utility spaces, general service rooms, or even compact "tiny house" extensions catering to household requirements.
Council members have pointed out that many citizens had procured building permits before the new resolution's introduction, allowing for more flexibility in regards to property adherence and rooftop construction. They argue that the new regulation introduces disparities and imposes restrictions without meriting technical justification, specifically impacting housing allocated by the government where the total buildable area is capped at 800 square meters.
The proposed amendments aim to reinstate fairness, optimize the usage of available land, and increase housing flexibility for families while preserving Kuwait's metropolitan principles. The Municipal Council's proposal is now under evaluation by the relevant authorities, awaiting their scrutiny and potential approval.
- The proposed amendments to Ministerial Resolution No. 2024/288, driven by concerns from homeowners, aim to redefine business practices within the finance sector of real estate, as these changes could lead to increased property values and potential growth in the housing market.
- If approved, the changes in residential building regulations could significantly influence the political landscape, as they address the general-news topic of citizens' dissatisfaction with restrictive housing policies and create a more cooperative atmosphere between residents and policymakers.
