Sports Boulevard

Design Code

The Sports Boulevard Foundation (SBF) Design Code is driven by the principles of Salmani Architecture, based on both achieving originality and modernity in design. By way of regulation standards for design, the Code seeks to deliver a modern and sustainable environment that enhances quality of life for Riyadh’s residents and visitors. These regulations are set out in a series of Manuals which provide detailed architectural and urban planning regulations and requirements intended to uplift architectural quality around the Sports Boulevard project while delivering harmony and distinctive local identity. The Design Code Studio is available to provide support and advice to all applicants in achieving compliance with these regulations. *NEW* The Design Code Sustainability Manual has now been published. Please click here for more information.

The Sports Boulevard Foundation (SBF) Design Code is driven by the principles of Salmani Architecture, which is based on achieving originality and modernity in design. By way of regulation standards for design, the Code seeks to deliver a modern and sustainable environment that enhances the quality of life for Riyadh’s residents and visitors.

These regulations are set out in a series of Manuals which provide detailed architectural and urban planning regulations and requirements intended to uplift architectural quality around the Sports Boulevard project while delivering harmony and distinctive local identity.

The Design Code Studio is available to support and advise all applicants in achieving compliance with these regulations.

The Design Code Sustainability Manual has now been published. Please click here for more information.

The Sustainability Manual applies standards of green certification (Mostadam or LEED) and measures relating to district cooling to the development of land subject to the Design Code. Full details can be found in the Sustainability Manual which can be downloaded below.

The requirements of the Sustainability Manual will come into effect on 4 January 2025.

Mostadam certification is administered by the National Housing Company (NHC) and LEED is administered by the US Green Building Council.+

Further details about Mostadam and LEED certification can be found by contacting the relevant organization and visiting their website:

NHC (Mostadam)

USGBC (LEED)

Search for the Plot’s Design Code Manual

Geo Portal

You can view the Plot’s Design Code Manual through the Geoportal of the Riyadh Region Municipality by clicking on the icon. For more information, please see the below points:

Geo Portal →

Search Box

Select 'Add Search Criteria' from the search box, then 'Plans' from the list and enter the plan number.

Plot Number

By repeating the previous step and after entering the plan number, select 'Add Search Criteria' and enter the plot number.

Plot Selection

After clicking on 🔍, several results will appear. Then, click on the plot you want to inquire about. You can find out the Manual by zooming the map on the plot until the Design Code Manual’s symbol appears.

Design Code Manuals for Plots

T3.1

T3.2

T4.1

T4.2

T5.1

T5.2

T5.3

DESIGN CODE TRANSECT MANUALS

To reflect the diverse character of the land covered by the Design Code, different regulatory zones (called Transects) have been applied to each plot of land, with varying requirements set out in Transect Manuals. The Transect that applies to specific land can be found in the Riyadh Regional Municipality’s Geoportal. Please note that ownership may span multiple Transects and therefore multiple Manuals may apply.

The Sustainability Manual applies to new development in all Transects from 4 January 2025.

T3.1 Design Code Manual

T3.2 Design Code Manual

T4.1 Design Code Manual

T4.2 Design Code Manual

T5.1 Design Code Manual

T5.1 TOD - Design Code Manual

T5.2 Design Code Manual

T5.3 Design Code Manual

T5.3 Design Code Manual - TOD

T6 Design Code Manual

Sustainability Manual

Sustainability is at the heart of the Sports Boulevard project and Design Code. As part of our aspirations to achieve and promote sustainable development, we have published the Design Code Sustainability Manual.

BIM

Forms

The following form and requirements must be considered when submitting applications for design review.

Design Approval Form

Design Code FAQ Arrow Icon

Design Code

WHAT ARE THE URBAN DESIGN CODES?

The Urban Design Code is detailed architectural and urban regulations and requirements. It aims at achieving harmony and integration in the urban form in terms of the shape of the building and its relationship with its surroundings.

WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS URBAN DESIGN CODE?

The Urban Design Code aims to impart a distinctive local identity through the implementation of the principles of “Salmani Architecture”, in addition, it will also contribute to raising the level of development to align with the Sports Boulevard. The Code will also support with achieving the following:

Providing diverse and new housing development styles that contributes to the strengthening of the housing sector
Encouraging development aligned with standards that contribute to achieving sustainability and energy savings

HOW DO I SUBMIT MY DESIGN FOR APPROVAL?

By printing and filling out the form on this link , and submit it to Riyadh Municipality.

WHY WERE CERTAIN AREAS OVERLOOKING THE PRINCE MOHAMMED IBN SALMAN ROAD HAD A BUILDING LISCENCE ISSUANCE FREEZE?

This was mainly done to reset specific urban regulations and requirements aimed at integrating the area surrounding the Sports Boulevard project

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS THAT OF THE URBAN DESIGN CODE?

All requirements and regulations that pertain to the Urban Design Code are available in the Urban Code page featured on the official website of the Sports Boulevard project.

https://sportsboulevard.sa/en/design-code/

HOW CAN ONE APPLY FOR THE URBAN DESIGN CODE?

You can apply through the Riyadh Municipality. SBF will also provide guidance for the implementation of the Urban Code through the Design Studio Service.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE URBAN DESIGN CODE ?

It imparts a distinctive local identity in accordance with the artistic concepts of the Salmani Principles. It will also regulate the urban character of the project and the real estate and other features that surround it.

WHAT AREAS DOES THE URBAN DESIGN CODE COVER?

The Urban Design Code covers the lands specified in the digital map of building regulations and land use.

WILL THE URBAN DESIGN CODE APPLY TO COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES?

The Code is concerned with all areas depicted on the map of various uses.

WILL THE SPORTS BOULEVARD FOUNDATION PROVIDE SUPPORT IN THE FOLLOWING CODE?

Yes, those who are subject to the Urban Design Code can book an appointment to visit the Design Studio to obtain any type of assistance.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING A BUILDING LICENSE?

It is done as per the Riyadh Municipality procedures

WILL THE URBAN DESIGN CODE BE APPLIED TO EXISTING BUILDINGS OR THOSE IN THE FINISHING STAGES?

Existing buildings are not subject to the regulations or requirements of the Urban Design Code. However, in the event of new developments within the Code, or any new requests related to refurbishment or modification, they shall be subject to the requirements of the Urban Design Code.

WHAT IS THE FORESEEN ECONOMIC IMPACT FOR THE RESIDENTS OF AREAS THAT ARE COVERED BY THE URBAN DESIGN CODE AND THE CITY IN GENERAL?

Some of the projected positive outcomes include:

Improving the quality of the architectural and urban design. This boosts efficiency and strengthens the overall economic prospects of the city, to bolster its investment potential.
Reenergizing the housing sector by providing fresh and diversified design options and development typologies.
Revamping pedestrian networks within local neighborhoods.
Advancing urban sustainable lifestyles and energy conservation.

Sustainability FAQ Arrow Icon

Sustainability

What is the benefit of introducing the requirements of the Sustainability Manual for landowners and developers?

Achieving Mostadam/LEED certification on all Design Code development will ensure the delivery of higher quality, sustainable buildings, helping combat climate change, improve quality of life and protect the environment.

Mostadam/LEED certification can result in increased operational efficiency and reduced energy/water consumption, leading to cost savings and return on investment from efficient use of energy, water and natural materials. Moreover, building certification can make landowners’ buildings more attractive to tenants and investors, adding value.

What is the benefit of introducing these requirements for the environment and residents of Riyadh?

We envisage that this move can result in significant benefits to water savings, energy savings and air quality improvements, estimated as follows:

2.1 billion litres of potable water per year saved, equivalent to 675 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
115 million kWh of electricity and 67,698 tons of carbon (CO2) avoided each year, equivalent to planting 2.2 million trees or removing about 57,000 cars removed from the roads yearly.
37% carbon emission reduction and 6% fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) reduction, equivalent to planting 1.2 million trees or removing about 31,500 cars from the roads yearly.

What is the process for achieving Mostadam/LEED certification?

Please see the Sustainability Manual for a description of the certification process and how this sits alongside the building permitting process. Please contact NHC (Mostadam) or USGBC (LEED) for further details.

What consultant should I use to achieve Mostadam/LEED certification?

There are many local Accredited Professionals (AP) who can assist with achieving either Mostadam or LEED certifications. Please contact NHC (Mostadam) or USGBC (LEED) directly to find an Accredited Professional.

Should I seek to achieve Mostadam or LEED certification?

This is entirely up to the applicant.

Mostadam is a local, Saudi accreditation developed by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Housing and tailored to Saudi Arabia’s local climate and environmental characteristics. LEED is an American accreditation developed by the US Green Building Council and used internationally. Both involve similar processes and requirements.

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Official government website of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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Design Code Manuals for Plots