12 Feb A comprehensive guide to obtaining building permits in Kuwait
Obtaining building permits in Kuwait is an essential step for anyone wishing to build a home or commercial facility. These licenses ensure that the construction process is carried out in accordance with approved legal and technical standards, which helps maintain public safety and urban organization.
In this article, we will review the required government procedures, the legal steps to follow, and how to avoid delays in obtaining building permits in Kuwait.
Documents needed to issue building permits in Kuwait
- A formal request from the owner.
- The license application form, which can be obtained from the competent department in the concerned governorate.
- A copy of the property ownership document or allocation letter issued by the Public Corporation for Housing Welfare.
- A contract of agreement between the owner and an authorized engineering office.
- An engineering plan of the building from the agreed upon office.
- The soil test report for the property, which must be issued by the testing station of the Ministry of Works or an accredited laboratory.
Procedures for issuing building permits in Kuwait
- Gather the required documents and head to the municipal branch in the governorate concerned – Engineering Licenses Department.
- Open a file for new vouchers or extract the file from the archive for previously built vouchers.
- Record the transaction in the registry at the municipality center.
- Submit the file and architectural plans to the draftsman for review and fill out the license form.
- Show the architectural plans to the architect for review and approval of the license form for architectural approval.
- Submit the structural plans to the structural engineer for review and approval of the structural approval license form.
- Show the plans to the Director of the Licensing Department to approve the license form.
- Print the license and pay the necessary fees for its issuance. The license will be audited by the architect and approved by the Director of the Licensing Department.
Legal steps to follow before construction begins
Even after obtaining building permits in Kuwait, there are some legal steps that must be adhered to to ensure the project runs without legal issues:
1. Compliance with building permit conditions
- The project must be carried out according to the approved plans and specifications.
- Any modification to the design must be approved by the relevant authorities.
2. Contract with an authorized contracting company
- Make sure that the contracting company you hire is licensed and registered with the relevant authorities in Kuwait.
- It is preferable to sign a legal contract that defines the obligations of both parties to avoid any future disputes.
3. Compliance with security and safety requirements
- Apply safety and security standards during construction to protect workers and neighboring buildings.
- Adhere to civil defense guidelines regarding fire prevention and public safety.
4. Periodic inspection by the concerned authorities
- The municipality conducts periodic inspections during the various stages of construction to ensure compliance with specifications and conditions.
- In case of violations, work can be suspended or fined.
How to avoid building permit delays in Kuwait?
To avoid delaying building permits in Kuwait, you should do the following:
1. Prepare the required documents in advance
- It is advisable to collect all the required papers and documents before applying to avoid delays due to lack of documentation.
- A legal advisor or engineering firm can be hired to facilitate the process.
2. Check local building codes
- Before starting, it’s important to check the building regulations for the area and make sure the design adheres to them.
- Laws can vary from region to region, so check with the municipality of the specific area.
3. Choosing a certified engineering firm
- Make sure that the engineering firm responsible for designing the plans is accredited by the authorities.
- Non-conforming plans may delay license approval.
4. Regularly follow up on the request
- After submitting the application, you should follow up with the municipality and the relevant authorities to make sure there are no obstacles or missing documents.
- In some cases, bureaucratic procedures can cause delays, so it’s best to follow through.
5. Abide by the laws and do not exceed the requirements
- Some people try to build additional floors or make unauthorized modifications, leading to delays or even revocation of the license.
- Any modification must be formally submitted for approval before implementation.
Conclusion
Obtaining building permits in Kuwait is a process that requires precision and adherence to legal procedures, but with good planning and constant follow-up, this process can be expedited and avoid unnecessary delays. If you are planning to start a construction project, it is best to hire a specialized entity such as Al Awda Contracting Company the premier partner in construction projects, to ensure the process runs efficiently and without a hitch.
