Riyadh: has announced that full enforcement of the regulatory controls and penalties set out in the Car Park Shade Canopy Design Guidelines will take effect from June 24, 2026, following the conclusion of the compliance grace period granted for existing structures. This step forms part of RCU's ongoing efforts to regulate urban elements and enhance the quality of the built environment, ensuring the preservation of AlUla's distinctive visual and heritage identity while strengthening harmony between the urban landscape and the area's cultural and natural character.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the guidelines establish a unified regulatory framework applicable to all stakeholders, including government entities, property owners, and developers, with the aim of achieving the highest standards of safety, accessibility, and sustainability. The scope of application covers all existing and new shade canopies within AlUla Governorate across residential, commercial, hospitality, government, and infrastructure facilities, with the exception of enclosed parking garages attached to buildings.
With regard to design requirements, the guidelines set precise standards for dimensions and placement to ensure smooth urban movement. Shade canopies are prohibited outside private property boundaries, with a maximum projection of 3.8 meters and a permitted height range of 2.5 to 3.0 meters. Column setbacks from sidewalks must range between 0.2 and 0.5 meters to prevent obstruction of pedestrian and vehicle movement, building entrances, and emergency access routes.
RCU also emphasized architectural compatibility, requiring shade canopies to integrate seamlessly with surrounding buildings and prohibiting installations that distort fa§ades or obstruct sightlines. In terms of materials, the guidelines mandate the use of lightweight, sustainable options such as tensile fabric, while encouraging solutions that support sustainability, including the integration of solar panels. The use of flammable materials or untreated wood is strictly prohibited.
A color palette inspired by AlUla's natural environment has been adopted, including earthy and sandy tones and shades of green. The use of bright colors, as well as white, black, grey, and blue, is prohibited to minimize visual pollution.
The guidelines are grounded in the principles of the AlUla Sustainability Charter, requiring a minimum of 40% shading coverage across parking areas, achieved either through shade canopies or by enhancing green cover through the planting of native trees at a rate of one tree every six meters. The guidelines also reinforce the concept of inclusive design, ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities and older adults through the provision of ramps, non-slip surfaces, and adequate circulation paths.
From a regulatory perspective, RCU confirmed that obtaining prior approval before implementation is a mandatory legal requirement. RCU reserves the right to impose fines or remove non-compliant structures. Violations of the guidelines are subject to a SAR1,500 fine, with a final corrective grace period of seven days granted for recorded violations before penalties escalate, reaffirming the commission's commitment to consistent enforcement in support of sustainable urban excellence.
RCU affirmed that this regulation represents a key pillar of its comprehensive development journey and calls upon AlUla residents and investment partners to continue their proactive engagement and compliance with these standards, preserving AlUla as an inspiring global destination where quality of life is balanced with the highest urban and visual quality benchmarks.
