New Hulhumalé Regulation Bans Residential Use on Lower Floors, Mandates Parking Floors

The Ministry of Finance and Planning has published the “Regulation to Determine Hulhumalé Development Controls,” prohibiting residential use on ground and first floors and requiring all buildings to include a dedicated parking level.

The regulation came into effect upon publication today, replacing and voiding the “Regulation for Planning and Building in Hulhumalé” issued on 26 April 2023.

advertisement

Under the new rules, buildings must allocate a dedicated parking area either on the ground floor if there is no basement or in the basement where one is constructed. In both cases, the ground and first floors cannot be used for residential purposes.

The regulation applies to land allocated for residential development in Hulhumalé and sets out planning and usage controls in line with the island’s masterplan. Development criteria vary by neighbourhood, with specific details outlined in annexes to the regulation.

It also specifies how buildings of different heights must be utilised. For buildings up to 18.5 metres in height (six floors, including the terrace), the ground floor must be used for parking, while the first floor may be used for non-residential purposes. For taller buildings, up to 30.5 metres (10 floors, including the terrace), the ground floor must be allocated for parking and the first floor designated for non-residential use. Where a basement is included, it must be used for parking, but this does not change the restriction on residential use of the ground and first floors.

Additionally, the regulation allows for two-thirds of the terrace to be used for residential purposes.

The regulation further prohibits certain activities within residential buildings, including industrial work, storage or handling of flammable materials, and activities that generate excessive noise, odour, dust or waste. Warehousing and similar uses are also not permitted.

Where the first floor is used for commercial or public services, buildings must include accessibility features such as ramps for persons with disabilities.

While undeveloped plots may be used temporarily for other purposes, these uses must not fall under the prohibited categories outlined in the regulation.