Object rules
Site object rules catalog — United Arab Emirates
Choose a structure or utility object and check the planning passport: boundary setbacks, sanitary distances, fire-safety envelopes and source links.
Shown 14
Outbuilding
Garden shed
Auxiliary · depends on foundation
- Permit A built structure normally needs Dubai Municipality (or your emirate's authority) approval.
- Setback from plot boundary Follow the villa setback on your planning map; Dubai's reduced minimum is about 1.5 m on sides — confirm with the municipality/community.
Garden structure
Greenhouse
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Setback from boundary Keep within the villa setbacks shown on the planning map (Dubai side minimum ~1.5 m).
Garden structure
Swimming pool
Auxiliary · usually permanent
- Permit Check the local building code
- Local code check Use the local municipality / emirate / county requirements before final placement.
Bath & shower
Bathhouse / sauna
Auxiliary · usually permanent
- Permit Check the local building code
- Setback & height (annex) Dubai allows service annexes up to ~8 m over 2 floors; respect plot-boundary setbacks (≈1.5 m sides) — confirm locally.
- Heater / fire safety Electric/gas heaters must meet the UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice (Civil Defence).
Outbuilding
Garage
Auxiliary · usually permanent
- Permit Check the local building code
- Front setback Major structures kept ≥1.5 m from the front boundary in Dubai's revised rules — verify your community map.
- Approval Requires building approval from the municipality / emirate authority.
Outbuilding
Carport / canopy
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Front-boundary clearance ≈1.5 m from the front boundary in Dubai's revised planning rules — pergolas/canopies included; confirm with community.
Bath & shower
Outdoor shower
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Drainage / wastewater Connect to an approved drainage/sewer line per the municipality's Waste & Sewerage guidelines; no open discharge.
Animal housing
Poultry / rabbit house
Auxiliary · depends on foundation
- Permit Check the local building code
- Allowed? Often not permitted in city villa communities; allowed mainly on farm/agricultural land — confirm with the municipality.
- Distance from neighbours Keep away from boundaries/dwellings for hygiene; exact distance set by the municipality — check.
Sanitation facility
Outdoor toilet
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Drainage connection Must connect to approved sewer or a permitted holding/treatment tank per municipality Waste & Sewerage rules.
Sanitation facility
Septic tank / treatment unit
Auxiliary · usually permanent
- Permit Check the local building code
- Sewer connection first Where a public sewer exists, connection is normally mandatory; standalone tanks only by municipality approval.
- Setback from well/boundary Keep well clear of any well and the plot boundary; exact distance set by the municipality — check the guideline.
Water source
Well / borehole
Auxiliary · depends on foundation
- Permit Drilling allowed only with a municipality permit via a licensed groundwater-well drilling company.
- Distance from septic/sewage Locate away from septic tanks/soakaways to protect groundwater; exact distance per municipality — confirm.
Composting area
Compost bin
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Placement / nuisance No dedicated rule; keep away from boundaries and wells to avoid odour/hygiene complaints.
Open-fire facility
Barbecue grill / mangal
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- LPG & open flame Store LPG safely and keep flame clear of structures per the UAE Fire & Life Safety Code (Civil Defence).
Open-fire facility
Fire pit
Auxiliary · usually lightweight
- Permit Check the local building code
- Open-flame safety Maintain safe clearance from structures/fences and LPG per the UAE Fire & Life Safety Code (Civil Defence).
- Community rules Some master communities prohibit open fires — confirm before installing.