Dubai is renowned for its modern architecture and urban development. The city’s skyline continues to evolve, with residential and commercial structures being expanded, modified and upgraded. To maintain the safety, quality and sustainability of these buildings, the government of Dubai has established a regulatory framework for modifications or additions to existing structures.
Whether it’s a homeowner looking to renovate their property or a developer planning to expand an ongoing project, obtaining the necessary permits is essential. They ensure that all construction work adheres to the strict guidelines set by local authorities.
Here’s how to request permit modifications/additions for buildings in Dubai.
How to Request Permit Modifications/Additions for Buildings in Dubai
In Dubai, obtaining a permit for modifications or additions to buildings is a crucial step. It ensures that all construction activities comply with Dubai’s building codes and regulations.
If you’re making small interior changes or large structural additions to a building, you need this permit from Dubai Municipality. This assures the modifications are safe, legal and follow sustainability standards. In addition, the process helps maintain Dubai’s standards of urban development.
Let’s learn more about this process and how to apply for it.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
The required documents for permit modifications/additions for Dubai buildings include the following documents. Moreover, the applicant should submit the building plans in the following format.
- Highlight modification locations in yellow on the plans that are already approved.
- Show proposed modifications in red on the new plans.
- Mark any demolition work in green on the approved plans.
Additionally, include plans for any other areas that could be impacted by the changes. They may include structural, insulation or electrical connections in Dubai. This also covers roads and Civil Defence-related modifications.
PROCESS STEPS
The service channel for this permit is the official website of Dubai Municipality. Here are the steps to apply for this service:
- Access the official Dubai Building Permit System online platform using your credentials.
- Proceed with the service by filling out the required application form. Ensure that all necessary details about the modifications or additions are included in your submission.
- For first-time applicants, there are no initial fees. For subsequent applications, make sure to pay the applicable fees at this stage.
- Within 3 working days of submitting your application, you will receive feedback from the Dubai Municipality via the BPS. The response will indicate one of the following: Approved, Rejected, or requires further amendments or completion.
- Once your application is approved, pay the final fees as required.
- After the payment is processed, you will receive a payment receipt through the website.
- Once all the steps are completed and the fees paid, the official building permit will be issued. You can then download the permit from the website.
The time for service completion is three working days.
FEES
The fee structure for permit modifications/additions for buildings in Dubai is laid out as follows.
Application Fees
There are no charges for first-time service applications. After that, for every subsequent application, a fee is applied based on the scope of the modifications, regardless of the type of building. The fees are structured as follows:
- Minor or Medium Modifications: For smaller-scale changes, such as interior renovations or moderate structural adjustments, the fee is AED 100.
- Major or Radical Modifications: For more significant changes that involve substantial structural alterations or expansions, the fee is AED 200.
Permit Fees
For minor modifications made to a building after the project has been completed, specific permit fees apply. It is based on the type and size of the areas being altered. The fees are calculated as follows:
- Internal Floor Area: For changes made inside the building, such as room adjustments or interior renovations, the fee is 30 Fils per square foot of the total internal floor area.
- Exterior Concrete Walls: Any modifications to the external concrete walls of the building are charged at 10 Fils per linear foot of the wall being altered.
- Outdoor Concrete Slab: For outdoor concrete slab areas, the fee is 10 Fils per square foot of the slab being modified.
- Outdoor Pergola Area: If adding or modifying a pergola in an outdoor space, the fee is 15 Fils per square foot of the pergola area.
- Swimming Pool Areas and Other External Services: For modifications to swimming pools or other external services for landscaping and lawn maintenance, the charges are 30 Fils per square foot.
Minor modifications/additions to existing buildings
Submitting a modification request for the first time is free of charge. For any additional modification requests beyond the first, there is a fee of AED 100 for each new application.
As for the permit fees, here’s a simplified breakdown.
- If you are modifying a private villa, the permit fee is AED 200.
- For modifications to industrial facilities or public service buildings, the permit costs AED 300.
- If the modifications involve multi-storey buildings where the floor area ratio is a key factor, the permit fee is also AED 300.
Now that we know the different charges for permits, here’s how to pay them.
PAYMENT CHANNELS
Here’s an explanation of the payment channels and methods for the permit fees:
Smart Applications
- You can make payments through the official Dubai Municipality app. It allows for convenient access to various municipal services, including permit applications.
- Dubai Now app offers a range of services, including the payment for building permits and other fees.
Dubai Smart Government Portal
This portal provides another online option for submitting applications and making payments for building permits and modifications.
Al Ansari Exchange
For this permit, you can make payments at the Al Ansari Exchange branch in Dubai. Note that if you’re paying by cheque, it should be made out to ‘Al Ansari Exchange’. This option also allows for cash payments.
Other Payment Methods:
- Payments can be made using digital wallets integrated with Dubai Municipality’s payment systems.
- Set up a direct debit from your bank account for automatic payment of permit fees.
- Use a credit card to pay the fees online through the municipal website or app.
- For users of Apple and Samsung devices, payments can be made through these mobile payment platforms.
- For larger payments, you can arrange to pay in instalments through the Financial Affairs and Revenue Department at Dubai Municipality’s Al Garhoud office.
TERM AND CONDITIONS
Similar to certain requirements for modifications of leased properties in Dubai, this service has some terms. They are as follows:
- The permit for minor modifications is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued. If construction work does not begin within this period, the permit must be renewed to remain valid.
- Contractors undertaking modifications or additions that involve an area of 300 square metres or more must hold an insurance policy.
- Minor modifications or additions do not involve major construction work or changes that affect parking spaces, design or building use. They usually include small adjustments that do not significantly alter the structure or functionality of the building.
FAQs
How much is the building permit fee in Dubai?
The fee for a new building permit in Dubai varies for each building type. For instance, it costs AED 100 for private villas.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Dubai?
It takes around three working days to get a building permit in Dubai.
What is the process to get a building permit in Dubai?
You can apply for the service via the Dubai Building Permits System (BPS).
That is all on the permit modifications/additions for buildings in Dubai. To apply for this service, make sure to submit the required documents and pay the required fee.
Moreover, if you are planning to settle in the megacity, these apartments for sale in Dubai offer comfortable accommodation. You can also consider these new residential projects in Dubai to invest in the city’s real estate development.
To learn more about building permits and modifications in Dubai, keep reading dubizzle’s real estate blog.
