Urbanco restricts guesthouse business in Hulhumale Phase I
As per the new regulation, only ground and first floor can be used for commercial purposes.
By
Ahmed Mizyal
Urbanco has published a set of new regulations which prohibit commercial, large scale guesthouse businesses in Hulhumale Phase 1.
Under the Hulhumale Planning and Construction Regulations gazetted by Urbanco on April 26, the rules apply to residential plots allotted from neighbourhoods one, two and three in Hulhumale Phase 1.
According to the regulation, the plots allotted for residential purposes can only be used for residential purposes. However, in some cases, the ground and first floor of a building can be used for commercial purposes in a manner permitted by Urbanco.
Activities that cannot be allowed at any circumstance include:
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Industrial work
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Building places where fire-fighting materials can be stored
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Activities that are too loud or smelly to cause inconvenience to the public
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Activities that produce burning or dust
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Warehousing (for warehouses, storage purposes, etc.)
The regulation allows construction of basements. However, both the basement and the ground floor can be used for commercial purposes only if the total area of the two floors does not exceed the net size of the plot. Commercial permits can only be issued if at least a one-room apartment is built in the building and used for permanent living.
The three neighbourhoods of Hulhumale Phase 1, which are targeted by the regulation, are home to a large number of guesthouses. The terrace of some buildings are also being used for cafes/restaurants.
However, as per the new regulation, only ground and first floor can be used for commercial purposes.
