Saudi Building Code for residential projects implementation begins today

Workers at construction site

The implementation of the Saudi Building Code (SBC) begins today, July 1, enacted by the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing and relevant entities to achieve the set of standards and requirements and related executive regulations related to building and construction.

The building code will apply to all construction works in both public and private sectors, whether new buildings, including design, execution, operation, maintenance and changes, or existing ones, including renovation and expansion works.

SBC is a set of legal, administrative and technical regulations and requirements that specify the minimum standards of construction for building in order to ensure public safety and health.

This will be done to test the durability and stability of buildings and facilities, providing a healthy environment, lighting and adequate ventilation, rationalizing energy, carrying out thermal insulation, and protecting lives and property from earthquakes and other building-related hazards.

The Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Energy, and Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) will participate in the code enactment.