60 days for approving residential plans in Mecca | Land division guide
In a strategic move aimed at regulating urban development, the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites has unveiled a draft of the “Technical Standards Guide for Land Subdivisions.” This guide aims to provide a comprehensive and sustainable regulatory framework for land design and subdivision, specifying a 60-day timeframe for approving private residential plans . The guide serves as a comprehensive reference point for improving quality of life and enhancing infrastructure efficiency, in line with the objectives of comprehensive development and the master plan for the Holy City.
Urban development in Mecca: Between the richness of history and the challenges of geography
Makkah boasts a unique historical and geographical background. Its rugged mountainous terrain and deep valleys have posed a continuous challenge to urban expansion throughout the ages. Historically, construction was concentrated around the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). However, with the increasing number of residents and pilgrims, residential areas have expanded to encompass the mountain slopes and flatlands. This rapid expansion has necessitated regulatory intervention aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes urban development and the facilitation of services. Hence, the urgent need arose for the issuance of modern regulatory guidelines that consider Makkah's complex topography and ensure sustainable urban growth that preserves the identity of the holy city and provides a safe and comfortable environment for its residents and visitors.
The strategic impact of adopting residential plans according to the new standards
The new guidelines are of paramount importance and have a multifaceted impact. Locally, expediting the approval of residential development plans will inject more developed land into the real estate market, contributing to price stability and providing housing options that meet citizens' needs, while ensuring sufficient space for parks and public facilities. Regionally and internationally, developing Makkah's infrastructure enhances the city's capacity to accommodate the increasing numbers of pilgrims, supporting the Hajj and Umrah program and reflecting the Kingdom's advanced capabilities in managing and developing cities of global religious significance with high efficiency.
Precise standards for land areas and public services
The draft guide clarified that the geographical scope of application includes development projects and new plans within the Authority's direct supervisory area, explicitly excluding the "Central Area" and the "Holy Sites Area." Precise criteria were established for various land areas, ranging from plots smaller than 10,000 square meters to large holdings exceeding two million square meters. The Authority emphasized the necessity of allocating 33.33% of the total plan area as a free, standard planning percentage for streets, parks, and parking, in addition to reserving 1% for the Authority as a reserve for future urban development.
Urban planning patterns and street requirements
The technical details addressed the classification of urban development areas into several homogeneous categories, including older urban areas (pre-1973), flatlands, mountainous areas, valleys, and logistics and industrial zones. The guide adopted four basic patterns suitable for Makkah's nature: the "organic pattern" adapted to the topography, the "cluster" pattern, the "network" pattern, and the "strip" pattern designated for mixed-use developments. The standards also specified minimum street widths for residential areas, starting at 15 meters for low-density areas and reaching 40 meters in areas with public services and hospitals, to ensure smooth traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
Detailed studies and rigorous governance before implementation
The authority mandated that developers provide in-depth, detailed studies prior to approval, including topographical analysis, flood channel analysis, and environmental impact assessments, along with three planning alternatives for each project. In terms of governance, the guide introduced three expedited procedures within 60 days, progressing from initial approval to phased release and final approval. The draft warned against any attempts to subdivide approved plots afterward, emphasizing the requirement to include the indivisibility clause in the final plan to maintain population density. The authority concluded by affirming that the guide will be continuously updated every three years to keep pace with rapid urban development.
