RIYADH: New regulations allowing residential villas to build additional basement floors have come into effect in Saudi Arabia. The government has increased the permissible building percentage for the ground and first floors of residential villas from 70 percent to 75 percent, aimed at expanding residential supply in the Kingdom. The regulations, which have been approved by Saudi Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail, apply to new construction permits and took effect from July 15. The ministry had previously posted the residential building regulations on its consultation platform to gather feedback until Feb. 21. The move forms part of the nation’s push to increase home ownership to 70 percent by 2030, up from 63.74 percent in 2023, under the Housing Program, a Vision 2030 initiative. In addition, floors in residential villas can now be separated into independent housing units, each with its own entrance, provided that a parking space is available for each unit within the property boundaries. The ministry also allows the removal of the front wall facing the street to utilize the set back area for parking spaces for the villa’s residential units, thereby increasing the number of parking spaces. Each residential villa with an area of 400 sq. meters or less must provide one parking space within the property, while villas exceeding 400 sq. meters must provide two parking spaces. The new guidelines also allow the ground floor of a multi-story residential building to be used for parking, which will not be counted as part of the official number of floors. In addition, the amendments permit an increase in the housing percentage in upper floor annexes to 70 percent and the use of basements for housing in both residential villas and buildings, provided that natural ventilation and lighting are ensured, according to Saudi Building Code requirements. The regulations follow international best practice to enhance quality of life. They encourage investment, improve the urban landscape, and regulate development, positively impacting the urban environment and the fabric of Saudi cities. The amendments stipulate that the minimum width of a driver or domestic worker’s bedroom should be 2.1 sq. meters and the area not less than 6.5 sq. meters. The placement of air-conditioning units and all types of extensions on facades facing roads and main streets is prohibited. The new building regulations do not apply to hotels and lodges on highways outside urban areas, hotels, and hotel apartments. They also exclude senior citizens’ and disabled centers, rest houses, high-rise towers, and communal housing for individuals. Existing buildings and those under construction can benefit from the increased building percentages, heights, and all updates mentioned in the decision, ensuring the building’s safety without harming neighboring properties. The regulations encompass spatial planning requirements, which outline how land and space should be allocated and utilized. They also cover technical specifications such as architectural design, structural integrity, and electrical systems, as well as mechanical installations, plumbing standards, and fire prevention and protection measures.