Amman, June 24 (Petra) — The Cabinet’s approval of the Building
Permits and Oversight System within the Greater Amman Municipality
for 2026 marks a major step in modernizing legislation governing
urban development and construction activity in the capital, Executive
Director of Licensing at the Greater Amman Municipality Adel Suhaiba
said Wednesday.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Suhaiba said the new
system builds on a series of legislative reforms in Amman, most
notably the issuance of the Amman Planning System earlier this year,
and aims to establish an advanced regulatory framework that keeps
pace with technological developments and modern licensing practices.

He said the system leverages advanced digital tools and software to
streamline licensing procedures, improve service efficiency, and
create a comprehensive governance framework that clearly defines
authorities and decision-making mechanisms according to the size,
nature, and urban impact of projects.

Suhaiba noted that the system strengthens transparency by committing
the municipality to specific timelines for processing applications,
while consolidating multiple documents and procedures into a single
application process, reducing duplication and saving time and effort
for citizens, investors, and engineering firms.

He added that the new framework represents a significant advancement
in licensing services, enhancing the customer experience and
improving the investment environment in the real estate development
sector through clearer, more flexible and transparent procedures.

Among the system’s key features, Suhaiba highlighted the issuance of
detailed instructions for classifying applications and defining the
procedures applicable to each category, as well as the creation of
specialized tracks for strategic and high-value projects.

He said the municipality will coordinate directly with entities whose
prior approvals are required for such projects, helping accelerate
procedures and support a more competitive investment environment with
positive economic impacts.

To strengthen public participation, the system grants the Central
Planning Committee the authority to hold public hearings or publish
notices in newspapers and online regarding certain major projects
that may affect an area’s urban character or the rights of
neighboring residents before final decisions are made.

Regarding processing periods, Suhaiba said the system establishes
clear and transparent timelines based on the type and scale of a
project and the extent of any violations. Projects that fully comply
with regulations or involve minor violations can receive permits from
the relevant regional authority within a maximum of five business
days, while decision-making authority escalates according to the
nature and severity of violations.

He added that the system classifies construction violations into
three categories, minor, moderate, and major, to determine the
appropriate authority responsible for addressing them and the
timeframe required for a decision.

The system also requires authorities to provide clear justifications
for permit rejections while preserving applicants’ rights to appeal.
A specialized appeals committee has been established to review
objections to decisions issued by licensing authorities or committees
responsible for rectifying violations.

Suhaiba said applicants will be able to review all required approvals
and conditions from relevant external entities before submitting
applications. He noted that the municipality is working to establish
electronic integration with all stakeholders through a unified
platform that includes defined timelines for responding to
applications.

On the regulatory side, he said the system establishes clear
procedures for inspections conducted by qualified municipal personnel
and outlines enforcement measures based on the severity of
violations, while strengthening coordination with other oversight
bodies.

The framework also addresses buildings that may pose risks to public
safety, including abandoned, deteriorating and structurally unsafe
properties, as well as buildings that negatively affect the urban
environment.

Regarding implementation, Suhaiba said the municipality is preparing
a comprehensive digital guide outlining application procedures,
required approvals, estimated fees and expected processing times.

He added that the municipality is also developing pre-audit tools
powered by advanced software and artificial intelligence to help
applicants assess compliance with applicable regulations before
submitting applications and receive feedback to address deficiencies
in advance.

Suhaiba said the municipality is currently reengineering procedures
in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Economy and
Entrepreneurship and upgrading its electronic systems to ensure
alignment with the new legislation and improve service efficiency and
delivery speed.

He stressed that the new system represents a qualitative leap in
regulating and managing the construction sector in the capital,
advancing digital transformation and good governance while balancing
urban development needs with the rights of citizens and investors and
the preservation of Amman’s urban environment.

//Petra// AJ