MC proposes amendment to ease construction restrictions on small residential plots

In a move aimed at easing the burden on homeowners, ten members of the Kuwait Municipal Council have submitted a proposal to amend current building regulations, allowing limited construction on the second-floor roofs of residential plots not exceeding 365 square meters—without counting it toward the total building percentage.

The proposal, spearheaded by Council member Walid Al-Dagher and co-signed by Council Chairman Abdullah Al-Mahri, Vice Chairman Khaled Al-Mutairi, and members Abdullah Al-Anzi, Fahd Al-Abduljader, Eng. Ismail Behbehani, Nasser Al-Jadaan, Fahd Al-Khenin, Saud Al-Kandari, and Nassar Al-Azmi, calls for amendments to Ministerial Resolution No. 2024/288, which governs building ratios, setbacks, and property line adhesion for private and model residential buildings, according to Al-Jarida daily.

Al-Dagher explained that many Kuwaiti citizens who own small plots have voiced concerns over the limited construction space allowed under the current regulations, which has hindered their ability to accommodate growing family needs or optimize their living spaces. He noted that the implementation of the resolution has led to numerous complaints, particularly from those with plots smaller than 365 square meters.

“These restrictions do not reflect the real housing needs of citizens,” Al-Dagher said, emphasizing that the proposal would restore fairness by allowing more efficient use of space without compromising safety, structural integrity, or urban aesthetics.

The proposal aims to:

• Allow construction on the second-floor roof of a residential building, up to 100 square meters, without it being counted toward the total building percentage, for plots of 365 m² or less.
• Amend Clause No. 7 to give owners design flexibility for these rooftop spaces, while maintaining setbacks when facing a public or service road.
• Adjust Clause No. 1 regarding ground floor construction near service roads, increasing the permitted building length along the facade from 70% to 90%, to address inconsistencies and ease restrictions.

The additional 100 square meters could serve as a laundry room, a maid’s room, a warehouse or storage space, a machine or utility room and a general service room, or even a “tiny house”-style extension for family needs.

The Council members stressed that many citizens had obtained building permits under older rules that allowed more flexibility—such as adhesion of 90% along the facade facing service roads and rooftop construction without specific ratio limits.

The new resolution, they argued, introduced disparities and imposed limitations without sufficient technical justification, particularly affecting government-distributed housing where the total buildable area was capped at 800 square meters.

The proposed amendments would reestablish fairness, enable better use of available land, and enhance housing flexibility for families—without negatively affecting Kuwait’s urban planning principles.

The Municipal Council’s proposal now awaits review and possible adoption by the relevant authorities.