Municipal councillors are urging the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry to accelerate approval of long-awaited regulations governing car shades outside homes, saying the move would provide residents with a clear legal framework, reduce violations and improve the appearance of neighbourhoods.
Northern Municipal Council member for Constituency Nine (western Hamad Town) Abdulla Al Qobaisi said the proposed rules governing residential car shades have completed the municipal approval process but are still awaiting formal adoption by the ministry.
According to Mr Al Qobaisi, the draft regulations were referred to the Northern Municipal Council in 2024 for review and discussion. Councillors approved the proposal, together with a series of recommendations and observations, in January last year before sending it back to the ministry for final endorsement.
However, he said the regulations have yet to come into force, leaving residents unable to obtain permits through the municipality’s electronic licensing system.
“Many citizens want to comply with the law and obtain permits for the car shades in front of their homes, but they cannot do so because the regulations have not yet been officially activated,” Mr Al Qobaisi told the GDN.
“The electronic system cannot process these applications until the legal framework is approved. As a result, residents are left in a difficult position despite their willingness to regularise their structures.”
He said introducing the regulations would provide clear standards governing the size, design and location of residential car shades, while helping improve the appearance of neighbourhoods.
“Approving the decision will address the current lack of regulation, reduce municipal violations and provide a transparent legal process that protects both residents and the urban landscape,” he added.
Northern Municipal Council member for Constituency Three (Budaiya, Jasra and Hamala) Mohammed Al Dossary said the proposed framework would benefit homeowners and municipal authorities alike.
“A clear licensing mechanism is in everyone’s interest,” he said.
“It will simplify procedures for residents, reduce uncertainty and ensure that installations meet approved engineering and planning standards. This is an important step towards improving municipal services.”
Northern Municipal Council financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman and Constituency Four (Salmabad, Jablat Habshi, Saraya, Northern Sehla, Abu Qawah and Saraya) councillor Dr Salman Abdulla said the council had completed its role by reviewing the draft and forwarding its recommendations.
“The council carefully studied the proposal before approving it with a number of observations designed to strengthen its implementation,” he said.
“We hope the regulations will be adopted soon so that applications can be processed through the electronic system without delay. This will create a clear legal pathway for residents and enhance consistency in municipal procedures.”
Councillors say they continue to receive regular enquiries from homeowners seeking guidance on car shade permits, with many keen to avoid potential violations while improving protection for their vehicles from Bahrain’s intense summer heat.
They believe the introduction of the new regulations will end the current uncertainty, provide a straightforward licensing process and contribute to a more organised and attractive streetscape across residential areas in the Northern Governorate.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))