The government of Dubai is peculiar about the aesthetics of the Emirate. To maintain it, the government has imposed rules and regulations on the building maintenance and its usage. These rules and regulations obligate land owners to maintain their properties. In fact, the government provides detailed guidelines on the maintenance and usage of balconies.
Let’s discuss balcony rules in Dubai and fines for breaching these laws in more detail but first, let’s take a look at the definition of the balcony.
Definition of Balcony
According to Dubai Building Code, any projection (complete or partial) on the external wall of the building that can be accessed from inside the building is known as a balcony. This definition also clears the confusion between balconies and terraces. Balconies are suspended in the air, whereas the terrace is supported by a structure beneath.
Construction Regulations of Balconies in Dubai
Here are the guidelines that must be catered to for the legal construction of balconies in Dubai.
- The height of the balcony from the ground level should not be less than 1200 mm.
- The difference between vertical posts or members should not exceed 100 mm.
- Any bar, climbable object or horizontal element should not be installed up to 760 mm.
- A guard (parapet) is required if the balcony is elevated more than 760 mm.
- Projections outside the main boundary are permissible on the road-facing buildings only when the width of the road is more than 9 m.
Rules and Regulations on Balcony Usage
Other than the construction rules, there are some balcony laws in Dubai. These laws ensure the adequate and purposeful use of balconies.
Here is the list of things prohibited by the Dubai balcony rules:
- Hanging any sort of laundry or curtains on the balcony Is prohibited. Instead, you can use drying racks for airing clothes.
- Placing furniture or any other household item on the balcony like washing machine, toys, basket or mop. Installing antennae or satellites on the balcony is also not allowed.
- Feeding birds or other animals from the balcony.
- Storing or throwing waste, sharp objects and cigarette butt/ash.
- Storing any flammable liquid in balconies.
- Barbecuing, grilling or any sort of cooking.
- Letting water flow or spill down from balconies.
Safety Precautions for Balconies
Apart from the aforementioned laws, here are some safety precautions for people living in a home with a balcony.
Unattended Children and Adults: It is suggested not to leave children, adults or people of determination unattended on the balconies.
Keeping Ladders: Avoid keeping any furniture or other element that can be used as a ladder. This imposes a significant threat on children, who can use this to climb high on the balcony.
Security: Always ensure that the doors and access to balconies are properly locked and secured.
Alcohol and Intoxications: Consuming alcohol or other types of drugs on the balcony is against civic ethics.
Fines on Misusing Balconies
Government can impose fines on residents for misusing or violating any balcony law in Dubai. The fine can range from AED 500 to AED 1500, depending upon the offence and size of the balcony.
Other than the government, building authorities can also impose fines on the residents violating any code of conduct related to balconies.
FAQs
Can I dry clothes on my balcony in Dubai?
No, airing clothes or any other type of laundry on the balcony is strictly prohibited. You can be fined up to AED 1500 for this breach.
Can I cook pork on my balcony in Dubai?
Cooking or barbecuing any eatables is not permissible in Dubai, as it is a fire hazard.
Can I smoke shisha on my balcony?
You can smoke shisha and cigarettes on the balcony if your developer permits it. However, make sure not to throw ash or butts on the ground from the balcony. Also, ensure that your neighbors are not disrupted by this activity.
These were all the building rules in Dubai that every resident is liable to follow. Apart from the aforementioned activities, balconies can be used for enjoying the fresh air and leveraging the weather. Therefore, if you are living in a house without a balcony you are missing a lot. Browse through these apartments for rent in Dubai and move into an apartment with a balcony. If you already have a balcony read our blog on balcony decoration ideas to increase the aesthetics of your house.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s property blog for more information on balcony rules and regulations.
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