Obtaining construction permits is a fundamental step to ensure the legal commencement of development projects within the Kingdom. With digital transformation, the process has become more structured and transparent. The steps to issuing and renewing a building permit are summarized by the property owner accessing the Balady digital platform and submitting an official request through a licensed engineering office. The office is responsible for uploading architectural plans and ensuring compliance with the Saudi Building Code, followed by paying the governmental fees and comprehensive insurance costs to issue the final permit or renew it as it approaches its expiration date, ensuring uninterrupted construction work.
What Are the Steps to Issuing a Building Permit?
To begin your construction project, the steps to issuing and renewing a building permit must be followed accurately through the unified digital pathway, as follows:
Issuing the Survey Decision:
Submitting a survey decision request via the Balady platform to define land boundaries and geographic location.
Contracting an Engineering Office:
Authorizing a licensed engineering consultancy to handle design, supervision, and preparation of the construction permit file.
Preparing Technical Drawings:
The office prepares architectural, structural, and electrical drawings in compliance with the Saudi Building Code.
Submitting the Application:
The engineering office uploads the complete file through Balady services to begin the technical review by the municipality.
Payment of Fees:
Once approved, the owner receives a notification to pay governmental fees and mandatory insurance costs to officially issue the building permit.
What Is Required When Renewing a Permit?
As the permit validity period (typically three years) approaches expiration, the steps to issuing and renewing a building permit change to include proof of the current building status. The requirements include:
Construction Progress Report:
A technical report detailing the current stage of construction, submitted through an engineering office.
Updating the Insurance Policy:
Ensuring the latent defects insurance policy remains valid or extending it to match the renewal period.
Engineering Inspection Certificate:
The municipality may require an engineering inspection to confirm compliance with the original permit.
Payment of Renewal Fees:
Paying the applicable fees via the platform based on the additional duration requested for building permit renewal.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Building Permit?
Costs vary depending on floor area and renewal duration and include:
Municipal Renewal Fees:
Administrative fees calculated automatically by the platform when initiating the renewal process.
Engineering Office Fees:
Covering site visits, preparation of the progress report, and updating the request on the Balady building permits platform.
Insurance Fees:
Some cases may require additional payments to the insurance company to cover the extended project duration.
How Does the Balady Platform Simplify Building Permits for Owners?
The Balady building permits platform is the core driver of digital transformation in the construction sector within the Kingdom. It allows owners to track application status in real time and receive expiration notifications. The platform also provides a list of accredited engineering offices, ensuring collaboration with reliable entities fully aware of updated municipal procedures and capable of avoiding technical errors that may delay or reject permit issuance.
The Importance of Engineering Inspection in Issuing and Renewing Building Permits
Engineering inspection is an integral part of quality assurance under the new Saudi Building Code. During permit issuance, the supervising engineer ensures compliance with global construction standards. In renewal cases, inspections confirm that no unauthorized modifications have been made—an essential requirement for successful permit renewal and uninterrupted legal construction work without exposure to fines or demolition risks.
The Role of Engineer Majdi Al-Harbi’s Office in Simplifying Permit Procedures
Many property owners face challenges understanding the technical complexities of Balady services. Here, the role of Engineer Majdi Al-Harbi’s Office becomes evident. The office manages all steps of issuing and renewing building permits on behalf of clients, from survey submissions to final permit issuance. With extensive experience in construction permits, the office ensures full compliance with municipal regulations, significantly reducing rejection risks while saving time and administrative and financial costs.
When Should You Start Renewing a Building Permit?
It is recommended to begin renewal procedures at least six months before the actual expiration date. This timeframe allows the engineering office sufficient opportunity to conduct site visits and submit required reports through the Balady building permits platform. Delayed renewal may result in fines for “construction under an expired permit,” increasing project costs and delaying the occupancy certificate required before permanent utility connections such as water and electricity.
Verifying Eligibility and Documents Before Issuing a Building Permit
Before initiating a building permit application, ensure that the title deed is updated and electronic, and that the property is not located within suspended zones or major project areas with special requirements. Commitment to the steps of issuing and renewing a building permit begins with reviewing land records at the Ministry of Justice and the municipality to avoid survey conflicts that could hinder permit issuance or cause disputes with neighboring properties.
Municipal Procedure Updates for 2026
Municipal procedures have undergone major updates focusing on faster response times and linking permits exclusively to accredited contractors to ensure construction quality. During permit issuance or renewal, the system now requires the registered contractor’s name to ensure professional supervision. These updates aim to reduce unregulated construction and enhance building efficiency in terms of thermal insulation and safety systems—standards fully implemented by Engineer Majdi Al-Harbi’s Office in all its engineering designs.
How Does Delay in Permit Issuance and Renewal Affect Insurance?
Latent defects insurance policies are linked to specific timelines and construction schedules. Any delay in issuing or renewing a building permit may require revisiting the insurance provider to amend coverage periods. Mismatch between permit dates and insurance policies can cause legal complications when applying for the final occupancy certificate, making continuous follow-up through Balady services essential to ensure consistency across all official documents and approved plans.
Engineering Consultancy and Its Role in Reducing Construction Permit Costs
Some believe that issuing and renewing building permits is limited to paying governmental fees. However, proper engineering consultancy can save substantial long-term costs. Professional offices optimize structural designs to reduce steel and concrete quantities while maintaining safety standards under the Saudi Code. This level of expertise distinguishes leading engineering offices that effectively balance regulatory compliance with the owner’s financial interests without compromising construction quality.
Understanding the steps to issuing and renewing a building permit is the first step toward the success of your development project in the Kingdom. By adhering to the digital pathway on the Balady building permits platform and collaborating with specialized experts, you can ensure fast and accurate permit issuance—protecting your real estate investment for years and avoiding legal accountability.
For comprehensive engineering services to ensure the issuance and renewal of your building permit, contact Engineer Majdi Al-Harbi’s Office today.
