The Hulhumalé Development Control Regulations have been amended to allow the construction of buildings up to 10 storeys (30.5 meters) on land plots exceeding 901 square feet. However, in Neighborhood 9, which is located in close proximity to the airport, the maximum permissible building height remains restricted to 18.5 meters.
Under the new regulations, the maximum allowable height is determined based on the total area of the land plot. For instance, plots smaller than 400 square feet are limited to single-storey structures, with the number of permitted floors increasing proportionally to the size of the land. For buildings exceeding a height of 18.5 meters, the ground floor must be dedicated to parking, while the first floor is designated for non-residential purposes. Nevertheless, if a basement is constructed and utilized for parking, the ground floor may be allocated for other functional uses.
Prior to the commencement of construction, developers are required to obtain building permit approvals and have their architectural designs verified by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). Additionally, HDC will facilitate the demarcation of land boundaries. The regulations strictly prohibit industrial activities, the storage of hazardous materials, or any actions that may cause a public nuisance on these residential plots. Furthermore, the guidelines mandate that all commercial spaces within these buildings must be designed to ensure full accessibility for persons with disabilities.
