Mandatory in Riyadh: Steps to obtain a permit to fence vacant land to avoid fines
In a move aimed at enhancing compliance with municipal regulations and improving the urban landscape of the capital, the Riyadh Municipality announced the availability of a service for issuing permits to protect vacant land through its approved electronic channels. This step aims to streamline procedures for landowners and enable them to fulfill their regulatory obligations to avoid incurring fines for violations.
The mechanism for issuing permits via the "Rasdi" platform
The municipality explained that the new service allows owners of vacant land to issue fencing permits through a simple and streamlined digital process. This begins with registering on the dedicated online portal and accurately selecting the land's location via the interactive map. Next, the necessary data and documents are entered, and the approved fencing model that suits the land's location and characteristics is chosen. Finally, the required attachments are uploaded, and the permit is issued and printed instantly via the "Rasdi" platform.
Context of the initiative and efforts to improve the urban landscape
This measure is not an isolated decision, but rather part of a comprehensive national initiative led by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing to address visual pollution in major Saudi cities. The campaign to fence off vacant land began in several phases, initially targeting land along commercial and main streets, with the aim of unifying the city's appearance and reducing haphazard development. This initiative is a key component of the municipality's strategy to improve the urban environment and eliminate the negative aspects that can arise from open and unfenced land.
Economic and social dimensions of the decision
The decision to mandate the fencing of vacant land is of paramount importance, extending beyond mere regulatory considerations. It directly supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Quality of Life Program. From an environmental and health perspective, fencing prevents these lands from becoming dumping grounds for waste and construction debris, or haphazard parking areas for abandoned vehicles, thus promoting public cleanliness and environmental health. From a security and social standpoint, protecting these sites reduces encroachment and contributes to preserving both private and public property rights.
Important clarification regarding fees and undeveloped land
In a related context, the Riyadh Municipality clarified a crucial point to prevent confusion among landowners, emphasizing that obtaining and adhering to a fencing permit does not exempt the landowner from the "white land fees" stipulated by applicable regulations and instructions. Fencing is a regulatory measure to improve the urban landscape, while white land fees are an economic tool aimed at stimulating real estate development and breaking up monopolies; these are two separate regulatory processes.
The Secretariat called on all owners of vacant land in the targeted areas to quickly take advantage of the electronic service and to comply with the approved technical requirements for fencing, stressing that the monitoring teams will follow up on compliance and apply the legal fines against those who fail to fence or who violate the approved specifications.
