The Sharjah building code is an important part of the Sharjah Municipality approvals.
It is the cornerstone of urban planning and sustainable development.
One of the things that characterize Sharjah’s building code is the strong Islamic character and the use of the brown color shades that reflect the desert weather.
In this article, we talk about the Sharjah building code, its requirements, and how to avoid mistakes when applying for compliance with Sharjah Municipality.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Sharjah Building Code: Cultural, Environmental, and Legal Aspects
Building codes in Sharjah take into consideration different aspects related to the region’s culture, natural environment, and climate transformations.
Additionally, Sharjah implements advanced development strategies that prioritize sustainable development as an important part of the building regulations.
1- The cultural heritage is one of the most important aspects that Sharjah takes into consideration.
The buildings in Sharjah emphasize keeping the cultural image of the city by using traditional motifs in design.
In contrast, cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi focus more on showcasing modernity.
Also, the color schemes reflect the region’s natural environment, like light brown to reflect the desert environment.
The hot climate influences the color selection process. For example, white shades are used to reduce heat absorption.
2- Sharjah’s building codes address environmental concerns by promoting energy-efficient designs and the use of renewable resources.
The code also encourages using materials that reduce the ecological footprint of new constructions. Additionally, it supports compliance with waste management and water conservation, and both are crucial in arid regions.
3- Sustainable development is a priority in Sharjah’s development strategies, and it aims to achieve it through the regulatory frameworks.
This includes promoting green building certifications and ensuring new constructions feature elements such as solar panels and energy-efficient systems.
As a result, building codes in Sharjah not only ensure structural safety but also advance the emirate’s environmental stewardship and sustainable growth objectives.
Sharjah Building Requirements
Sharjah buildings must comply with the design and planning requirements, safety standards, zoning laws and structural criteria.
Construction permits must be obtained from the Planning and Surveying Department of the Emirate.
Projects must also adhere to fire safety, electrical, plumbing, and accessibility regulations, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
Each building type (residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional) has specific occupancy and design requirements.
Compliance is ensured through rigorous inspections and environmental regulations that promote sustainability, proper waste management, and the protection of public health and urban aesthetics.
1- Design and Planning Requirements for Buildings in Sharjah
Construction projects need to be approved by the Sharjah Urban Planning Council or relevant authorities to ensure designs comply with zoning, height restrictions, and land use regulations.
Key elements that must be clearly outlined in the building plans include:
- Building usage (residential, commercial or industrial).
- Number of floors.
- Setbacks (the minimum required distance between the building and property lines).
- Parking space allocation.
- Building coverage ratio.
- Floor Area Ratio (FAR), which compares the total floor area of the building to the size of the land plot.
The number of parking spaces is defined depending on the type of building.
For instance, in residential buildings, there must be one parking space for each apartment that measures at least 148 square meters.
2- Building Permits
Construction is only allowed on land that complies with the Land Use Classification Map issued by the Planning and Surveying Department.
Facilities and buildings are expected to be designed in accordance with British Standard Codes and Specifications.
Structural engineers can use non-British building codes for the engineering plans and calculations, but they should be authorized by the municipality first.
3- Building Materials and Safety Standards in Sharjah
The building must be designed to withstand all kinds of external forces like horizontal forces (wind forces or vibrations) and earthquakes.
In particular, earthquake resistance is essential for buildings higher than 10 floors.
Furthermore, soil quality tests must assess factors like soil type, groundwater level and other aspects.
4- Sharjah Fire Safety Regulations
SM collaborates with the civil defense to ensure compliance with the fire safety standards.
Some of the civil defense requirements include detection and alarm equipment, escape methods, and fire extinguishing and fighting equipment, in addition to the availability of engineering equipment such as ventilation, air conditioning and electrical equipment.
5- Electrical and Plumbing Standards
Electrical and sanitary extensions must comply with international or American specifications or their approved equivalents.
Besides that, it should be suitable for the local climate and nature and be certified by the competent authority.
Laboratory-certified test results, endorsed by local authorities, must be submitted along with material specifications to confirm their suitability for Sharjah’s climate and regulatory requirements.
6- Accessibility for people with disabilities
Individuals with special needs may have limited mobility or sensory impairments, requiring thoughtful design for ease of access.
Engineers must review the UAE Building Code for Special Needs before beginning construction.
7- Occupancy and Use Regulations
Each building has its own regulations, whether it is residential (workers’ housing, villas or apartments), commercial (companies, private schools, or shopping centers) or industrial, like factories.
For example, at schools the classroom area should not be less than 30 cubic meters, and teachers’ rooms should be compatible with the number of teachers.
At hotels, the building must be designed to get the most of sunlight and natural ventilation, the entrance door should be on the main street, and ceilings and floors should be resilient and colored with light colors.
At worker’s housing, each apartment must have at least one kitchen, depending on the number of members, and a room to get rid of disposals.
Mosques also have specific regulations for bathrooms, parking, staircases, doors, and elevators, taking into account people with disabilities.
8- Inspection and Compliance
In Sharjah, inspection and compliance within the framework of basic building requirements involve a rigorous process to guarantee that construction projects adhere to the local building codes, safety standards, and regulations set by authorities like the Sharjah Urban Planning Council and Municipality.
This process includes pre-construction plan reviews, ongoing site inspections during construction to verify materials, workmanship, and adherence to approved layouts, and post-construction assessments to confirm safety and compliance before issuing occupancy permits.
Key focus areas encompass structural integrity, fire safety, electrical and mechanical systems, sustainability aspects, and accessibility for persons of determination. Licensed professionals such as engineers and inspectors conduct these inspections, and thorough documentation is maintained throughout.
Non-compliance can lead to penalties, rectification orders, or legal actions, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to standards to verify buildings are safe, sustainable, and legally compliant for occupants and the public.
If inspectors identify any deviations from the approved plans, contractors must submit a rectification plan. For projects with significant non-compliance issues, special approval procedures for non-conforming structures may be required to obtain the final completion certificate
9- Environmental regulations
The engineer must select materials that do not harm the environment, public health, or distort the overall appearance of the buildings, whether during use or after completion.
He also must pay attention to the design of flower beds, landscaping, and site landscaping.
However, it’s illegal to remove trees within the property boundaries without the permission of the municipality.
The engineer should manage the site to reduce dust and dirt emissions by spraying the soil with water and preventing the dumping of debris from upper floors.
Additionally, the responsibilities of the engineer include collecting and sorting waste at the work site and transporting it to designated areas to prevent its accumulation and contamination of the surrounding environment.
Avoiding Building Rejections in Sharjah: Top 5 Compliance Tips
To avoid building rejections, it is crucial to verify that all the documents are accurate and follow the approved plans and regulations.
Furthermore, the usage of environmentally friendly materials is a priority, and it can be achieved with proper site management and maintaining environmental measures.
Finally, proactive communication with the inspector and addressing their feedback is an opportunity to correct any error.
1- Ensure Accurate Documentation
It’s important to prepare all the required documents and be committed to documentation rules and avoid any mistakes like wrong file naming or missing files while applying.
Making these errors causes rejection or delays in the adherence process.
2- Follow Approved Plans and Regulations
Engineers and contractors must follow the building code and the safety standards and adhere to the drafts and the submitted documents.
Any change applied to the building must be modified and resubmitted in the documents again.
3- Use Approved and Environmentally Friendly Materials
Using eco-friendly materials is a crucial requirement that the contractors and engineers should stick to, because saving the environment and reducing the ecological footprint is one of the goals of Sharjah municipality.
4- Maintain Proper Site Management and Environmental Measures
Managing the work site ensures reducing the materials waste and collecting it in one place.
Setting specific working hours to reduce noises. Confirm the quality of work and supervise workers, which helps in avoiding any mistake that can be made.
5- Proactively Communicate and Address Inspector Feedback
Effective communication with the inspector assists in addressing any issues and modifying them later.
Also, it ensures meeting the standards of the Sharjah authorities and avoidance of any mistake that can lead to rejection.
How DAEM Contracting Ensures Compliance with Sharjah’s Building Code
Our experienced team meticulously reviews each project’s design plans to align with occupancy and use regulations specific to residential, commercial, industrial, and specialized structures like mosques and schools.
We prioritize adherence to climate regulations by selecting eco-friendly materials, implementing effective site management practices, and ensuring waste is properly sorted and disposed of, thereby minimizing harm to the environment.
Throughout construction, DAEM Contracting LLC coordinates closely with licensed inspectors to facilitate thorough inspections, promptly address any feedback, and ensure that all safety, structural, and accessibility standards are met.
We strictly follow approved plans, maintain accurate documentation, and keep open communication with regulatory authorities to prevent delays or rejections.
By integrating these comprehensive compliance strategies, DAEM Contracting LLC guarantees that every project not only meets Sharjah’s building codes but also promotes safety, sustainability, and accessibility for all occupants.
DAEM Contracting LLC ensures the following requirements through:
- Review Plans Carefully.
- Adherence to Regulations.
- Environmental Responsibility.
- Close Coordination with Inspectors.
- Strict Documentation.
- Following Approved Plans.
- Effective Communication.
- Quality and Safety Focus.
- Commitment to Sustainability.
Conclusion
Adhering to the Sharjah building code is mandatory to achieve the goals of protecting public health and ensuring the structures are safe and habitable.
The goal of building codes is more than maintaining safe buildings; it also plays an important role in reflecting the city’s cultural characteristics and adapting to environmental changes.
DAEM Contracting LLC is committed to upholding these standards, ensuring all projects are compliant, sustainable, and aligned with Sharjah’s developmental vision.
FAQs
1- How to Get a Food Permit in Sharjah?
To get a food permit in Sharjah, apply through the Sharjah Municipality by submitting your trade license, floor plan, and food safety documents. Approval is required before starting any food-related business.
2- How to Check Sharjah Municipality Case Status Online
Visit the Sharjah Municipality Smart Services portal, log in, and enter your case or application number to view the latest status.
3- Is environmental permit mandatory for construction activities?
Yes, an environmental permit is required. It ensures that construction activities comply with Sharjah’s environmental regulations, including waste management, dust control, and use of eco-friendly materials.
