Shared housing layout drawings for the Dubai Municipality permit
Shared housing layout drawings show each bedroom with its area and occupancy, and the kitchen, bathroom, dining, recreation and laundry facilities, for the DM permit and DCD.
The short answer
For the shared accommodation permit, the layout drawings must show that every bedroom gives at least 5 m² per person and that the property has the required facilities (Dubai Municipality circular, reported by Khaleej Times on 8 October 2026). We survey the property, draw the existing and proposed layout, mark the category and occupancy, and prepare the fire and life safety layout for Civil Defence (DCD). Where partitions or loads are added, our engineers check the structure.
Official sources: Dubai Municipality · Dubai Civil Defence · Khaleej Times report on the DM circular
Shared housing layout drawings: what you need to know
- Survey: We measure the property on site.
- Occupancy: 5 m² per person per bedroom.
- Facilities: Kitchen, bathroom, dining, recreation, laundry.
- Fire safety: Layout for DCD approval.
What to send us
- Title deed (owner), or tenancy contract with owner NOC (tenant)
- Emirates ID or passport
- Affection plan or site plan
- Existing drawings, if available; we can survey
- Photos of the rooms and facilities
- Trade licence, if a company owns or operates the property
Who does what
From check to permit
The order of the DCD and DM steps can vary; we confirm it for your property.
| Step | Approval route | Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Check the area and category You and us | Confirm the property is in an allowed area, and choose individual or family housing. | Allowed areas |
| Owner NOC (tenants) Owner | A tenant applies with a NOC from the owner. The owner NOC is enough; no other NOC is needed. | Tenants |
| Survey and layout drawings Structural Solutions | Rooms of at least 5 m² per person, plus kitchen, bathroom, dining, recreation and laundry. | Layout drawings |
| Structural check Structural Solutions | Partitions and any added loads are checked by our engineers. | — |
| Civil Defence (DCD) Structural Solutions → DCD | Fire and life safety approval for the shared accommodation. | DCD approval |
| Shared accommodation permit Structural Solutions → Dubai Municipality | The permit to operate the property as shared accommodation. | The permit |
How it works
How it works
1. Check
Area, category and occupancy for your property.
2. Drawings
Survey and layout drawings to the DM rules.
3. Approvals
DCD approval and the DM shared accommodation permit.
4. Operate
Rent the property as permitted shared accommodation.
Questions
More questions about shared housing layout drawings
Do I need drawings for the permit?
Yes, the layout drawings are needed.
Can you use my old plans?
Yes, we check them on site.
Do the drawings need a stamp?
We prepare and stamp them as consultant.
Do you include the structural check?
Yes, where partitions or loads change.
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