Balcony Rules And Regulations In Dubai

What Is Meant By A Balcony?

First and foremost let us see what exactly we mean by a balcony. Any projection—complete or partial—on the building's outside wall that is reachable from within is referred to as a balcony under the Dubai Building Code. An extended outdoor platform or place that is usually attached to a home, flat or other residential unit is called a balcony. The distinction between balconies and terraces is also made obvious by this definition. While terraces are supported by a structure below, balconies are suspended in the air.

It is often accessible from the inside of the structure through doors or windows and is situated above ground level. In Dubai, balconies function as outside additions to living areas, giving inhabitants a place to unwind, take in the scenery, and breathe fresh air without having to leave their apartments. To ensure safety, beauty, and harmony in the city, balconies can vary widely in size, style, and feature. Additionally, their use and regulations may be subject to certain rules and guidelines created by property developers, community management, or municipal authorities.

Certain Rules To Abide By While Constructing A Balcony

• Any slab or balcony that is two meters or higher above the ground is required by the National Building Code to have protective railings or a grill.
• The Grill's height must not be less than four feet, under the same law.
• Grills with vertical rather than horizontal railings should be installed on balconies that kids frequently visit. Children find it incredibly easy and alluring to climb horizontal rails. There shouldn't be a space between neighboring rails larger than 4-4.5 inches.
• The balcony's height above ground level must be at least 1200 mm. 
• There should be no more than 100 mm separating vertical posts or members from one another. 
• Up to 760 mm, no bar, climbable object, or horizontal element should be installed. 
• If the balcony is raised over 760 mm, a guard (parapet) is needed. 
•  On structures facing the road, projections beyond the main border are only allowed if the road's width is greater than nine meters.
   

Guidelines To Be Followed While Using The Balcony

Right Furniture

Although there are restrictions on the kinds of furniture and décor that are permitted, you may like to transform your balcony into a small outdoor retreat. It is advised to use lightweight, easily movable furniture inside. Permanent or heavy items are not permitted.

Statutes For Barbecue

Though many of us love grilling, not every balcony is ideal for this kind of activity. Generally speaking, open flames are not allowed on balconies due to the risk of fire. Check to see if there is a common grilling space since some buildings have these.

Proper Plantation Of Greenery

Even if you might wish to add some greenery to your outside area, keep in mind that your plants shouldn't block your neighbors' views. This is frequently a building regulation rather than merely a courteous request. The local administration of Dubai has established guidelines for the proper usage of balconies. Maintaining the area's aesthetic appeal and safety for everybody is the goal.

Laundry Rules

It is not permitted to hang curtains or do laundry on the balcony. You can air-dry items on drying racks instead. 

Access Door Away From Children

Balcony doors need to have latches positioned high enough to keep tiny children from reaching them.

Smoking Policies

Another activity that should be done carefully is smoking. Smoking is a harmful habit that increases the risk of fire, which can also make your neighbors uncomfortable or result in fire mishaps. It's not a good habit to smoke on balconies, and smoking is already prohibited in several communities.

Spilling of Water

You should be careful while watering your plants or using water on the balcony. Residents are strictly prohibited from allowing water to trickle or fall from balconies. 

Pets Regulations

Pet owners in Dubai must abide by certain rules, some of which also apply to balconies. A pet should always be accompanied by its owner or an adult when it is outside on the balcony. Verify that they are unable to leap or tumble off the balcony. Make sure there are no strict pet regulations in place before moving in, although some developments have them.

Owners Compared To Renters

Always examine your rent agreement for any additional balcony rules that might apply to you if you are renting out your apartment or flat. Although owners typically have more freedom to use the balconies of their apartments, they are nevertheless bound by building and local laws.

Safety Measures For Balcony

In addition to the restrictions indicated above, residents of homes with balconies should follow these safety guidelines. 

• It is advised against leaving adults, children, or determined individuals unattended on balconies.
• Keep away from storing any furniture or other items that could be used as ladders. Children are seriously endangered by this since they can use it to scale the balcony. 
•  Make sure the doors and the balcony access are always securely locked. 
•  It is unethical to use drugs or alcohol while sitting on the balcony. 

Additive Precautions

Everyone's safety is a key issue, so balcony glass partitions should be made of high-quality materials, according to standards, and at a safe height. Kids should never go on the balcony alone; they should always be with their parents or another adult. To prevent kids from climbing up and hurting themselves, it's also a good idea to keep items away from the balcony edge.

The majority of Housing Societies/RWAs have authorised grill designs that are consistently fitted in all Flats in case the balcony needs to be enclosed for safety reasons.

By doing this, safety is prioritised while preserving the property's homogeneity and beauty. Utilising Grill Installing companies that have been approved by the Society additionally guarantees that the seller is knowledgeable of the Society's enhanced dos and don'ts.

Penalties For Misusing Your Balcony

All property owners must abide by the stringent balcony laws and regulations that the Dubai Municipality has implemented. The goal is to preserve the balcony's visual appeal, preventing it from growing unsightly or perhaps becoming a community problem.

Before applying any penalty, we should know what causes the misuse of the balcony. Some examples are as such:

• Misuse is defined as any behavior that causes your neighbors any kind of disturbance, discomfort, or aggravation. This can involve acting disruptively, throwing loud parties, or playing loud music.
•  Excessive litter accumulation on the balcony, whether it be furniture, cartons, or other items, can detract from the building's and the neighborhood's overall aesthetic appeal.
•  Generally speaking, hanging laundry—clothes, towels, or other items—on your balcony is forbidden. The building's and the nearby houses' aesthetic attractiveness may be impacted by this practice.
•  Combustible items like fuel, chemicals, or petrol cylinders shouldn't be kept on balconies. This is to guarantee safety and stop fire hazards.
•  It is deemed misused to alter the balcony's structure without the required authorizations and consent. This includes building enclosures, dividers, and awnings without the necessary permissions.
• To protect neighbors' privacy, privacy screens or walls on balconies should abide by height and design guidelines. It may be deemed misuse if your screens or partitions block other people's views or privacy.
• It is typically not permitted to use a balcony for anything other than what it was designed for, such as creating an extra room, storage space, or workstation without the necessary permits.
•  It may be prohibited to smoke on a balcony, particularly if it interferes with other people's comfort. This includes guidelines to stop smoke from creeping into nearby apartments.
• Misuse may occur if you let your pet cause noise, disruptions, or any other type of annoyance on your balcony.

Fines Levied

Residents who misuse their balconies or break any balcony laws in Dubai may be fined by the government. Depending on the violation and balcony size, the punishment can be anywhere from AED 500 to AED 1500. 

In addition to the government, residents who break any code of conduct about balconies may also be fined by the building authorities.