The government has amended development regulations for Hulhumale', allowing buildings of up to 10 storeys on plots larger than 901 square feet.
Under the revised Hulhumale' Development Control regulations issued by the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the maximum building height for most areas excluding Neighbourhood 9 has been set at 30.5 metres, equivalent to 10 floors.
The change formalizes plans previously discussed by the former administration but not implemented.
Height limits by plot size
The regulations set out building height limits based on land size:
- up to 400 sq ft: 1 storey, maximum 6m
- 401–500 sq ft: 2 storeys, maximum 6.5m
- 501–600 sq ft: 3 storeys, maximum 9.5m
- 601–700 sq ft: 4 storeys, maximum 12.5m
- 701–800 sq ft: 5 storeys, maximum 15.5m
- 801–900 sq ft: up to 8 storeys, maximum 24.5m
- above 901 sq ft: up to 10 storeys, maximum 30.5m
The tallest privately owned buildings in Hulhumalé are currently six storeys.
In Neighbourhood 9, stricter limits apply due to aviation safety standards, with buildings capped at 18.5 metres, extendable to 22 metres including structures such as lift rooms.
The regulations also outline how different floors may be used.
Buildings up to 18.5 metres may include non-residential uses in the basement, ground, first and mezzanine levels.
For buildings taller than 18.5 metres:
- the ground floor must be reserved for parking
- the first floor must be used for non-residential purposes
- residential use is not permitted on the ground and first floors
Where a full basement is used for parking, limited flexibility is allowed for ground-floor use, though residential use on lower levels remains restricted.
Shops at ground level must also be accessible to people with disabilities.
Construction on residential plots requires prior approval from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), including submission of building plans.
Landowners are also advised to verify plot measurements against official records before starting work.
The regulations prohibit industrial activities, storage of flammable materials, and any operations causing excessive noise, pollution or public nuisance in residential areas. Warehousing is also not permitted.
