What is the process for obtaining permission for development or carrying on a new designated use?
The DUPM has established a streamlined process to review development proposals, depending on the nature of the development.
This process in short includes a review which will be tailored to small, medium and large applications, comprising:
The DUPM will hold an initial meeting as soon as a development site has been acquired, where the DUPM will explain plans and policies that will determine site development potential and outline the upcoming development review. It also helps set the parameters for supportable development and alerts the applicant to the documents/agencies that should be consulted.
The applicant will then prepare site analysis (including elements such as transportation, habitat, climate and infrastructure) to prepare preliminary development options for the site. Two options for general land use and site layout must be provided.
The DUPM shall review this to check compliance with the Emirate’s urban planning policies (eg Capital 2030, land uses, densities and Estidama (an environmental concept/plan)).
The applicant and the DUPM select the preferred option and work together to prepare a complete concept review application.
This application covers all of the systems-level components of a development consent. It will include site and massing plans, a comprehensive approach to open space and community facilities. The DUPM and up to twenty other review agencies evaluate the plan to check it complies with other plans and polices and agree on the seven key elements of the plan which include: land use; density; building form; site layout/design; services; strategies; and phasing.
Applicants with small and medium sized projects shall prepare and submit detailed site and building plans for review. This step also confirms that any conditions of approval have been met.
For large projects, this stage of the process is aimed at helping applicants translate concept masterplans into detailed regulations and guidelines.
For small and medium sized projects once these steps have been satisfactorily carried out, this is the end of the planning review process and they can move on to apply for municipal building permits from the relevant municipality. Additional developer and DUPM/municipal review shall be required for large projects to ensure compliance with DUPM-approved regulations and guidelines before they can apply for building permits.
The four step review of the proposal is carried out for the purpose of obtaining permissions for significant new developments. There are limited laws dealing with changes of use without actual building work. Following a successful review, a building or works permit then needs to be obtained from the relevant municipality. This is done by submitting the proposed drawings to the relevant municipality. There is no limit on the grounds under which the municipality can refuse permission.