ZP29 - Preliminary Design Approval Request

Planning to start a new development project in Ras Al Khaimah?

This service helps you obtain Preliminary Design Approval for your project plans by verifying the accuracy of the initial designs and ensuring their compliance with the planning and regulatory requirements of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, before proceeding to the final project drawings.

This service is segregated into two types: conceptual architectural design approval and the project sub-structure (piling) design approval.

This service is mandatory for construction projects that requires enabling works such as piling in addition to projects where the developers seek preliminary design approval on the projects. It supports streamlined project planning and helps reduce the number of modifications required at the New Building Permit stage. All other enabling works such as shoring, dewatering, soil improvement, excavations and site preparation can be requested prior to this service through ZP07 (Arrangement and Mobilization Permit Request) service.

Access and Circulation Studies (ACS) are required for all plot-level development projects through transaction (ZT42)-. Where the projected peak hour trip generation exceeds (500) trips, Transportation Impact Studies (TIS) must be submitted through transaction (ZT45)-Transportation Impact Study.

Available for? Approved and Registered Consultants

How Long Will It Take? 30 Working Days

What Will You Get? Preliminary Design Approval

How Do You Apply?

1. You can apply for this service through your consultant via https://rakdigital.rak.ae using UAE Pass. Select the service “Preliminary Design Approval” to begin your application.

2. The consultant fills out the application form and uploads all required documents.

3. Select the project from the list, then add a new building (or choose an existing one) and enter its details.

4. Choose at least one design discipline (e.g., architectural, structural), upload the relevant drawings, and submit the request.

5. Engineers will review the submitted drawings based on their respective disciplines.

6. Once all reviews are completed, a payment notification will be issued through the available payment channels.

How Much Will You Pay?

Fees are calculated based on the project type and its design.

What Documents Do You Need?

You can find the list of required documents for both Architectural and Structural in the file attached below.

The following sheet is mandatory to be submitted during the application submission with the required documents and drawings

What Terms and Limitations Apply?

Terms:

• The service is available only to consultants registered with Ras Al Khaimah Municipality.

• This service applies exclusively to development projects (real estate developers).

• A Town Planning Approval must be issued either by the master developer or by RAK Municipality.

• Conceptual Architectural Design Approval is prior to the conceptual structural (piling) approval

• ZT42 service approval for Internal parking review is mandatory for Conceptual Architectural Design Approval so it's recommended to initiate this review also in parallel to requesting Conceptual Architectural Design Approval.

Limitations:

• This service is not a replacement or a prerequisite of the New Building Permit service.

• The issued approval is considered a preliminary approval only. No super structure construction work is allowed on-site until the Building Permit is officially issued.

Services Link

You can apply online through https://rakdigital.rak.ae/index.html?sap-language=en#/Lobby/M028