B.4.2 Development Limitation _ Gate Level

B.4.2 Development Limitation
                    B.4.2.1 Gate Level

The gate level refers to the elevation of the plot’s access point (vehicular or pedestrian) at its boundary relative to the adjacent road level. This is the height difference between the road (either existing or planned) and the entrance to the plot.

The gate level of a plot must meet the following requirements:

• It should be at least +300 mm higher than the edge of the road.

• Alternatively, it can have a slope ranging between 2% and 5% from the road edge to the plot’s access point.

The gate level, along with the levels of the plot’s corners, must be determined based on the authority standard road cross-section for the right-of-way (ROW) adjacent to the plot.

In some cases, the plot boundary may have a boundary wall, while in others, it may be open. Regardless of the presence or absence of a boundary wall, the calculation of the gate level remains unchanged. The gate level is always determined based on the required elevation difference between the road and the access point, as per the authority’s standard cross-section.

C.6 Building Access and Vehicular Requirements
     C.6.1 Vehicular Entries and Accessible Routes

Accessible routes must maintain their level and minimum width without being disrupted by vehicular entry points. The ramp connecting the road to the plot boundary must be designed to ensure that People of Determination (POD) can cross safely and easily.

To address the level difference between an accessible sidewalk and a vehicular access, one of the following solutions must be applied:

• Flat Walkway Crossing: A designated crossing area should be provided at the same level as the sidewalk, allowing smooth passage for wheelchairs and pedestrians. Vehicles must not stop or park on this crossing under any circumstances.

• Sloped Kerbstones: Where a flat crossing is not feasible, kerbstones should be sloped to allow pedestrians to move up and down smoothly, with a maximum slope of 5% in any direction.

Additionally, barriers and queuing areas on vehicular access points must not obstruct accessible routes, ensuring uninterrupted movement for all users.

However, in some specific locations there are additional requirements. In these areas, the external ground level (outside the plot) and the internal ground level (inside the plot) must remain the same within the boundary wall zone. To achieve this, a setback for the pedestrian surface must be provided inside the plot, ensuring a seamless transition. Additionally, a green buffer zone within the plot can be incorporated to manage this requirement while maintaining both functional and aesthetic considerations.

Ensuring proper gate levels, accessible routes, and vehicular entries is essential for seamless movement and compliance with regulations. Gate levels must follow authority standards, accessible routes should remain unobstructed, and vehicular access must accommodate People of Determination (POD) with appropriate crossings or sloped kerbstones (max 5% slope).

Use our Slope Calculator to accurately define any required slopes in your design.

Disclaimer: The content of this post strictly references the Dubai Building Code (DBC) without any modifications, additions, or omissions. This post does not provide legal, engineering, or regulatory advice but solely cites the DBC as the authoritative source. I do not claim ownership of the referenced content, and any individual or entity should directly refer to the Dubai Building Code for official guidance. I bear no liability for any interpretations, misuse, or reliance on this content. For precise legal or technical matters, always consult the relevant Dubai authorities.