New Rule: Shared Housing 300m from Schools, Hospitals

New national regulations for shared (collective) housing for individuals now require these facilities to be located at least 300 meters away from schools and hospitals. The rule is part of updated municipal spatial-planning requirements and applies to site selection for new collective housing sites.

Under the regulations, shared housing cannot be established in specified residential areas and neighborhoods where such activities are restricted. The 300-meter buffer first appeared in the municipal spatial-organization requirements published for public consultation in 2025, and is now reflected in the 2026 implementation measures.

Correction Period for Existing Facilities

Existing licensed collective housing facilities have been granted a correction period of at least one year — up to the expiry of their current operating licenses — to adjust their status and apply the new technical and health requirements, including the 300-meter buffer where applicable.

Buildings and complexes that already hold previous building permits explicitly issued as group housing are exempt from the new spatial-location requirements, provided they fully comply with the updated safety and public health standards.

Why It Matters

Authorities frame the buffer as a community safety, traffic, and privacy protection measure. The aim is to reduce pressure on traffic flow and safeguard neighborhood privacy around vital facilities such as schools and hospitals.

Compliance with the buffer and other collective housing conditions is handled through municipal and housing ministry channels and the Balady platform, which serves as the main digital portal for licensing, site approvals, and regulatory documents. No specific fees or fines tied exclusively to the 300-meter rule are detailed; any penalties would fall under the general municipal violations and collective housing permit framework.

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