Article 1 of the Saudi Building Code Law

This is the definitions article. It fixes the meaning of the terms used in the Law unless the context requires otherwise. The main ones are:

• The Code: the Saudi Building Code, which is the set of conditions and requirements, with the implementing regulations and annexes that follow from them, relating to building and construction; its purpose is to ensure safety and public health.
• Building: what is constructed and prepared for use and occupancy and has a classification in the Code.
• Designer, contractor (executor) and supervisor: licensed natural or legal persons engaged by the owner; the first for studies and designs, the second for building, installation, operation or maintenance work, and the third for supervision work.
• Building permit: permission to build issued by the municipal body (the amanah or municipality).
• Occupancy certificate: permission to occupy the building, issued by the municipal body after confirming that it complies with the Code.
• Practice license: a permit from the competent authority to carry out design, execution or supervision work in accordance with the Code.
• Related authorities: the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Interior (General Directorate of Civil Defense), the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization.
• Violation: any departure from the Code, whether intentional or not, and dangerous violation: any violation that puts lives or property at risk.

The article has been amended twice: the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization was added to the related authorities by Royal Decree No. M/15 dated 19/1/1441 AH, and the definition of "National Committee" was amended to become "the Center: the Saudi Building Code Center" by Royal Decree No. M/204 dated 12/9/1446 AH.

Note that a violation exists even if the person responsible did not intend it.