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