Today's Edition
YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN KAPADIA (ABU DHABI)
The emirate of Abu Dhabi has issued regulations on the illegal use of windows and balconies, and how to maintain their appearance.
The Department of Municipalities and Transport - Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi DMT) took to social media to issue a notice on the implementation of regulations prohibiting the placing of laundry or the cleaning of carpets and covering on windows and balconies overlooking public roads.
The post highlighted the nature of violations and corresponding fines. According to Clause No. 12 of the rules, placing drying racks outside windows or balconies on any side of the buildings overlooking a public road would be subject to an initial fine of Dh500.
The fine would be doubled to Dh1,000 for the second violation, and Dh2,000 for a third and repeated violations.
Clause No. 15 of the rules stated that cleaning or placing carpets, coverings, or other items on windows and balconies facing the public road would be subject to an initial fine of Dh500, which would be doubled to Dh1,000 in case of a second violation, followed by a fine of Dh2,000 for a third and repeated violations.
Such awareness campaigns aim to maintain the beautiful appearance, combat such distorting elements and ensure compliance with the laundry-drying laws in the emirate. These campaigns are launched pursuant to the Law No. 2/2012 for the maintaining the general appearance, health and tranquility in Abu Dhabi Emirate.
The Municipality has reiterated the importance of adopting modern laundry-drying techniques such as electric driers, and clothes drying racks instead of hanging laundry over the balustrade directly overlooking the street.
DMT emphasised that this resolution, which enforces amendments to the law on maintaining public appearance, health, and tranquility, is part of an ongoing series of legislative efforts that embody Abu Dhabi’s vision for a thriving and sustainable future.
Fine discount
Earlier in 2024, The DMT issued Administrative Decision No (220) of 2024 concerning the enforcement of violations, fines, and administrative penalties related to Law No (2) of 2012, concerning the preservation of public appearance, health, and tranquillity in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
This decision also ensures the implementation of Law No (10) of 2022, which amends Law No (2) of 2012.
The new resolution authorises municipal inspectors to detect violations, notify offenders, and offer them the opportunity to settle by paying 75% of the fine on the condition that the violation is corrected.
If compliance is not achieved, the municipality will rectify the violation at the violator's expense. Violators have the right to appeal within a week of the violation issuance.
Increased fines
Moreover, the resolution stipulates that repeating the violation will be considered an aggravating circumstance that will result in increased fines for offenders. The same penalty applies to those who fail to remedy violations within the specified timeframe.
Public appearance
Furthermore, the new resolution encompasses a range of regulations addressing maintaining public appearance, preservation of public spaces, and disturbance in public spaces. It includes guidelines for camping and events, satellite dish usage, abandoned vehicles, and maintenance of walls and road signs.
The regulations for public appearance address activities that negatively affect the visual appeal of buildings and structures, such as neglecting property maintenance to the extent that it negatively impacts the public appearance or poses a threat to public safety.
Other violations include installing car parking shades without a permit, improper handling of flags or banners, failing to provide appropriate waste containers in establishments and commercial premises, decoration of building facades, and inappropriate storage of materials on rooftops, balconies, or pathways between residential properties.
