Building Violations Settlement
Guide to settling building violations in Egypt. El-Eman Office provides the required survey for settlement files.
Preparing the settlement file step by step
Settling building violations starts with knowing the type of violation, the location of the property and when it was built, because this decides whether the property is covered by settlement at all. Some violations affect the safety of the building or breach essential requirements, and may be excluded from settlement under the regulations. An official enquiry is therefore the first step. After that, the survey, a structural safety report from a competent body and the other required documents are prepared. The papers are submitted through the competent authority according to the mechanisms it announces, and receipts for every step are kept.
What the survey must show
A general sketch is not enough. The survey must show precisely what is needed for assessment and must match the attached documents.
- The plot boundaries, its area and its relation to streets and neighbours.
- The plan and area of each floor, the number of floors and the total height.
- Setbacks from the front, rear and side boundaries.
- The violating parts, marked by colour or clear description so they are distinguished from the licensed parts.
- The actual use of each unit and floor.
Common mistakes that delay the file
Among the most frequent causes of delay is mismatched data: the owner's name in the documents differs from the application, the drawing area does not match the contract area, or the drawing is not stamped by the approved body. A file can also be rejected if the structural report does not cover the whole building or comes from an unapproved body. Another mistake is submitting before ownership status is resolved or while a dispute over the land exists. A full internal review of the file before submission is advised to reduce comments.
- Enquire whether your property is covered by settlement and what type of violation it is, according to official announcements.
- Gather ownership and identity documents and proof of the date of construction.
- Request the survey and the structural report from approved bodies.
- Check that areas and names match before submitting, and keep complete copies.
After the application is accepted
Acceptance of the application is not the end of the road. There remain payment of the dues and obtaining the documents that confirm legalisation. Keep complete copies of receipts and decisions, because they prove the status of the property when selling, financing or connecting utilities. If modifications to the building are requested, they must be carried out under a qualified engineer's supervision and the survey drawing then updated to reflect what was done. It is also advised not to make any new additions after settlement without a permit, so that a new violation does not arise.
Frequently asked questions
Does settlement mean the building is accepted as it is?
Settlement legalises the situation in return for the set conditions and fees, but it does not waive the safety report, and some parts may be required to be corrected.
Does the procedure differ by governorate?
The basis is the same, but the implementing procedures, opening dates and supporting documents may differ by local authority, so refer to the authority responsible for your area.
When is the survey a decisive part of the file?
When the violation concerns area, height or setbacks, since the survey is the evidence compared against the permit.
