Munira Al-Amir, Chairwoman of the Technical Committee at the Municipal Council

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: Chairperson of the Technical Committee at the Municipal Council Munira Al-Amir announced that the committee approved the proposed amendment to Schedule No. Eight, stating the requirements and specifications for nursery buildings in various parts of the country, confirming that each nursery must include only one office for its administration and annexes. Al-Amir emphasized the “prevention of using nursery plots for any purpose other than that for which they were designated, to preserve their agricultural character and prevent their conversion into use for unauthorized commercial activities.”

She explained that Schedule Eight differentiates between State-owned nurseries under the supervision of the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) and privately owned nurseries with areas starting from 2,000 square meters, setting clear requirements appropriate to the nature of each category. She clarified that the requirements stipulate that the basement construction must not exceed 100 percent of the plot area, allowing multiple basements to be used entirely for nursery operations, including storage or parking. Additional basements must be designated solely for parking.

The ground floor construction must not exceed 50 percent of the plot area, so the remaining space could be covered with lightweight, removable, light-transmitting materials suitable for agricultural activities. The mezzanine construction must not exceed 30 percent of the plot area, allowing the use of a portion of it as an office. The remaining mezzanine is allocated to the nursery’s operations without requiring separate commercial licenses.

The amendment clearly regulates commercial licensing, specifying building heights and construction regulations within the plot boundaries, while fully adhering to fire safety and other public safety requirements. It also prohibits the construction of any additional extensions. To support the economic viability of privately owned nurseries, the amendment allows the use of up to five percent of the plot area for supplementary activities such as cafés or restaurants, subject to regulations that ensure these do not overshadow the primary agricultural activity.

By Inaas Awadh Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff