The Impact of Urban Zoning Regulations on Mitigating Urban Sprawl in the Saudi System

Abstract

This study investigates the concept and boundaries of the urban boundary (scope) within the Saudi legal system, illuminating its definition as a policy for directing and controlling urban development. The urban scope is determined by outlining the appropriate boundaries for urban activities and accommodating urban growth within a specified timeframe. This approach aims to achieve the highest economic efficiency for available resources and realize the optimal size for cities and villages according to urban strategic directions. Furthermore, the study delves into the legal framework defining the urban boundary's limits, described as lines delineated on maps that illustrate the various stages of urban development and development protection limits. These boundaries are essential for locating urban activities and absorbing the growth of cities and villages over a specific period. The research highlights that the urban scope serves three primary purposes: directing and controlling urban development, providing public services and facilities efficiently, and achieving the optimal size for urban areas. The establishment of urban boundaries is depicted as a crucial step in preventing urban sprawl and ensuring orderly development. The study also addresses the impact of the urban boundary on preventing urban dispersion, noting that it contributes to reducing the financial costs associated with infrastructure development in low-density areas and addressing visual urban disfigurement. The urban scope's rules, issued by the Saudi government, play a significant role in limiting urban activities outside designated areas, thereby controlling urban sprawl and the spread of informal settlements. Overall, the research underscores the importance of the urban boundary in shaping the urban landscape of Saudi cities, highlighting its role in fostering sustainable urban development and preventing the adverse effects of unplanned urban expansion.