Dh1,000 fine for smoking in Discovery corridors

In order to promote “safe and harmonious living” in Discovery Gardens, Nakheel has told residents not to overcrowd apartments, use balconies to store items, smoke in corridors, or set up dish antennas on building roofs.

Offenders will face penalties or even be reported to the Dubai Police.

As per the notice posted in the lobbies of most of the buildings in the master community, Nakheel said the maximum allowable occupancy in an apartment is one person per 200 sqft.

“Over crowded units will be referred to the authority, which may result in fines and disconnection of water and electricity,” the notice read.

In November 2011, Trakhees, the organisational arm of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), told Emirates 24|7 that the maximum allowable occupancy limit for apartments under its authority is one person per 200 sqft from the total property area.

Violators will face a minimum fine of Dh1,000 or a maximum of Dh50,000.

Trakhees supervises residential communities such as Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lakes Tower, International City, Discovery Gardens, Jumeirah Heights, Jumeirah Village and Jebel Ali Downtown.

Nakheel has also urged residents not to use their balconies as storage areas for any items other than seasonal furniture.

Linen, clothing, curtains, rugs, laundry and other articles should “not be shaken or hung” from any of the balconies or railings of community users’ property, the notice said. Trakhees has said it will issue a fine of Dh500 for this offence.

Besides, fixing private dish antennas on building roofs or external building façade has been prohibited.

The notice even tells children not to play in corridors or reception area.

“This is to avoid disturbance or noise complaints from other residents. This also causes damage to the building common area, plants, etc, hence, should be avoided.”

Smokers have been warned as well with a fine, with the notice saying “smoking is prohibited in corridors, staircase, etc due to the fire hazard.”

People have been asked not to park cars in front of the building main door.

Cars numbers will be provided to the Dubai Police, who may issue tickets.

Usha Pandey, a resident of Discovery Gardens, said: “It is good to see that efforts are being taken by the developer to clean up the area.

“Often, we see notices from the developer, but no action has ever been taken.”

Asma Hussian, a mother of a two-year old said that she frequently sees people parking their cars in front of building main doors.

“Even though there are barricade to stop cars from entering the common area, we still see people parking their bikes or cars there. We hope Dubai Police takes action against them.”

Residents, however, also complain of lack of security in the area.

“Unfortunately, there is no security guard in our building. All the doors are open and anyone can enter our buildings. This is more of a concern for us and this has to be addressed quickly,” Asma contended.

In March, Nakheel told apartment owners in Discovery Gardens to pay their service charges or they may face utility and third-party service disruption.

Discovery Gardens consists of six themed communities inspired by garden living, and includes Zen, Mediterranean, Contemporary, Mogul, Mesoamerican and Cactus courtyard gardens.

The development spans 26 million sqft and has 291 buildings.

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