Updated Building Regulations: Changes in Elevator Requirements, Renovations, and More

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change has introduced significant changes to the Building Regulations. The changes cover elevator requirements, emerald calculations, re-licensing, and renovation applications for existing buildings. The scope of non-emerald areas has been clarified, and common usage areas have been defined. The new regulations provide clarity on the calculation of the number of floors for elevator requirements. This includes independent sections, annexes, or common areas in the basement. However, basements consisting only of technical spaces such as heating centers, engine rooms, and water tanks are excluded from this calculation. The changes aim to standardize the application of emerald calculations by incorporating previously applied general provisions into the regulations. Pergolas and decorative pools that do not constitute independent sections and cover up to 20% of the garden area are considered non-emerald. Entrance canopies, certain roof areas, and specific common usage areas are also excluded from emerald calculations. The process for re-licensing has been detailed, with an emphasis on complying with current regulations for critical aspects such as fire safety, earthquake resistance, and energy efficiency for buildings whose construction began within 2 years of the initial license date.