Housing Ministry: No Commercial or Administrative Activities in Basements of Residential Plots

Cairo - Nihad Imam: The Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities has settled the debate sparked on social media regarding the permissibility of utilizing basement floors in residential buildings and villas for residential, commercial, administrative, educational, or service-oriented investment activities. The ministry affirmed that circulating claims to the contrary are incorrect, stressing that such activities are not permitted in the basements of residential land plots, in line with its commitment to applying appropriate planning regulations for residential areas.

The New Urban Communities Authority reiterated its ongoing commitment to establishing all conditions and regulations that ensure quality of life in new cities.

In the same context, the New Urban Communities Authority clarified that the primary permitted use for basements, according to the decision of the Main Committee for Planning and Projects, is to provide parking spaces to serve the property, in accordance with the Egyptian Garage Code and its amendments.

The authority added that if there are surplus spaces after meeting the required number of parking spots, their use may be permitted for certain activities dedicated solely to serving the property’s residents. These include electromechanical works, non-commercial storage rooms, a guard room with an area not exceeding 20 square meters, and a non-commercial gym for residents.

It emphasized that allowing such uses is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements and regulations and obtaining the necessary approvals from competent authorities, including Civil Defense, as well as meeting structural safety requirements.

The New Urban Communities Authority renewed its emphasis on its commitment to formulating and implementing regulatory controls that ensure the preservation of urban planning and achieve quality of life in new cities.