Article 2 of the Saudi Building Code Law
المادة 2 من نظام تطبيق كود البناء السعودي
The article applies the Building Code to all public and private construction and to existing buildings when they are modified, with gradual application within 5 years and a ban on applying any code other than the Saudi Code.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- يطبق الكود على جميع أعمال البناء في القطاعين العام والخاص، بما في ذلك تصميم البناء وتنفيذه وتشغيله وصيانته وتعديله، ويطبق كذلك على المباني القائمة في حالة ترميمها، أو تغيير استخدامها، أو توسعتها، أو تعديلها.
2 - يكون تطبيق الكود تدريجيًّا وفقاً لما تحدده اللوائح خلال مدة لا تتجاوز خمس سنوات من تاريخ نفاذ النظام.
3 - يحظر تطبيق أي كود - بعد العمل بالنظام وفقاً للتطبيق التدريجي المشار إليه في الفقرة (2) من هذه المادة - غير الكود السعودي.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 2 explained in plain English
This article answers the question: to whom and to what does the Code apply? It has 3 paragraphs.
Paragraph 1 - scope: the Code applies to all construction work in the public and private sectors, including:
- The design and execution of buildings.
- Their operation, maintenance and modification.
It also applies to existing buildings, but only in specific cases: when they are restored, their use is changed, they are expanded, or they are modified.
Paragraph 2 - gradual application: the Code is applied gradually as the regulations determine, within a period not exceeding 5 years from the date the Law takes effect. The Law does not set the stages of the gradual application itself; it leaves them to the regulations.
Paragraph 3 - ban on any other code: after the Law is in force under the gradual application, applying any code other than the Saudi Code is prohibited.
Under Article 1, the Code is the set of conditions, requirements, regulations and annexes relating to building and construction to ensure safety and public health. In practice, an owner who builds a house or commercial facility, or restores an existing building or changes its use, is subject to the Saudi Code, and no other code may be adopted once the gradual application ends. The Ministry follows up and monitors the application of the Code under Article 3. For a question about a particular case, a lawyer specializing in real estate and construction matters can be consulted.
Practical example
Khalid bought an existing villa in Riyadh and wants to convert part of it into a commercial office. This is a change of use, so it falls within the scope of the Code under paragraph 1 even though the building was built earlier, and he must adopt the Saudi Code and not any foreign code.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 2 of the Saudi Building Code Law
Does the Building Code apply to private buildings?
Yes. The Code applies to all construction work in the public and private sectors.
Does the Code apply to old buildings?
It applies to existing buildings when they are restored, their use is changed, they are expanded or they are modified.
Can a foreign building code be used in Saudi Arabia?
Applying any code other than the Saudi Code is prohibited after the Law is in force under the gradual application.
How long is the gradual application of the Code?
A period not exceeding 5 years from the date the Law takes effect, as the regulations determine.
More articles on Scope of the Saudi Building Code
- Article 1Amended by M/204
This article defines the terms of the Law on Implementation of the Saudi Building Code, such as the Code, building, designer, contractor, supervisor, building permit, occupancy certificate, practice license and dangerous violation.
يقصد بالألفاظ والعبارات الآتية - أينما وردت في هذا النظام - المعاني المبينة أمام كل منها، ما لم يقتض السياق خلاف ذلك: الوزارة : وزارة الشؤون البلدية والقروية. ا
- Article 3
The Ministry follows up and monitors the application of the Building Code, without prejudice to the right of the related authorities to carry out their tasks and responsibilities under their own laws.
دون الإخلال بحق الجهات ذات العلاقة في ممارسة مهماتها واختصاصاتها وفقاً لأنظمتها، تتولى الوزارة متابعة تطبيق الكود ومراقبته.
- Article 16
This article provides that the Saudi Building Code Law takes effect one year after its publication in the Official Gazette and repeals every provision that conflicts with it.
يُعمل بهذا النظام بعد سنة من تاريخ نشره في الجريدة الرسمية، ويلغي كل ما يتعارض معه من أحكام.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.