المملكة: Urgent: Organized outdoor sessions.. Learn about the new “municipalities” rules for occupying sidewalks

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing approved, “Municipal requirementsfor a sidewalk occupancy permit,” in a regulatory step aimed at regulating the use of public spaces outside commercial stores, ensuring a balance between supporting commercial investment and preserving the quality of life in Saudi cities.

These requirements are effective from the date of their publication on the Ministry’s website, with existing establishments being given a corrective period of twelve months to adjust their conditions.
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This is intended for The regulatory regulation aims to achieve multiple strategic objectives, the most important of which is ensuring the smooth flow of movement on public sidewalks and avoiding any obstacles that may obstruct pedestrian movement.

Through it, the Ministry also seeks to contribute effectively to improving the urban landscape of cities, and reducing various manifestations of visual distortion that may arise from the unregulated use of outdoor spaces. These requirements establish a clear regulatory framework for procedures for using additional spaces outside the boundaries of the commercial store.

Under the new regulations, any commercial establishment wishing to use the sidewalk must first obtain an occupancy permit. This requires submitting a detailed “occupancy plan” to the relevant secretariat or municipality for approval, so that the plan explains all the elements, dimensions, and equipment that will be placed in the outdoor space.

The Ministry stressed the need for all regular licenses for the facility to be valid as a basic condition for issuing the permit.

It is based on The requirementsare based on a number of basic principles, most notably ensuring safe passage for pedestrians, reducing visual distortions, and providing a clean and organized environment that takes into account the comfort of visitors and serves business owners alike.

The requirements included precise spatial requirements to ensure that pedestrian rights are not infringed, as they were obligated to provide a safe and clear pedestrian passage of no less than Its width is less than 1.8 metres.

The width of the occupancy area designated for outdoor seating is set at 1.5 metres, and the total width of the sidewalk is set at a minimum of 3.3 metres. Occupancy is only permitted within the boundaries of the storefront overlooking a commercial street, and it is forbidden to exploit sidewalks overlooking prominent residential streets.

On the technical level, the instructions stipulate that all equipment used, such as tables, chairs, umbrellas, and barriers, must be easily transportable and moveable, and it is strictly forbidden to install them permanently through drilling or holes in The sidewalk.

In the event that barriers are installed for establishments that do not serve tobacco products, their height must not be less than 70 cm and not more than 1.2 metres, while the minimum rises to 1.2 meters for establishments that provide these products.

Operationally, it is the responsibility of the permit holder to keep the designated area clean and free of waste in a manner that Permanent.

It is prohibited to use the outdoor space for storage, and after the expiration of the permit period or its cancellation, the facility owner is obligated to remove all equipment and return the sidewalk to its original condition.

The Ministry confirms that the secretariats and municipalities will monitor implementation and apply penalties against violators, while allowing room for grievances and complaints in accordance with the approved regulations.