Amman Plan-Main PDF

The Amman Plan
The Amman Plan
M e t r o p o l i ta n G r o w t h R e p o r t
M e t r o p o l i ta n G r o w t h
The Amman Plan
The Amman Plan
Metropolitan
Growth
Summary Report
The Amman Plan
The Amman Plan:

Metropolitan Growth
Published by Greater Amman Municipality
May 2008
P.O. Box 132
12 Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street
Hai Al-Muhajereen Madina District
Amman, Jordan
Website: www.ammancity.gov.jo
Email: ammanplan@ammancity.gov.jo
The Amman Plan
Table of Contents
HM KING ABDULLAH IIS MESSAGE
..........................................................................................................11
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
13
AMMAN: IT SLEEPS IN A POEM
14
1. INTRODUCTION
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A. THE AMMAN PLAN
18

B. WHAT MAKES AMMAN AMMAN
20

C. PLANNING FRAMEWORK
22

D. PLANNING APPROACH AND COMPONENT PLANS
24
2. AMMAN 2025: VISION AND ASPIRATIONS
...............................................................................................29

A. OUR VISION
31

B. OUR ASPIRATIONS
34

B.1 Amman: an Efficient City
34

B.2 Amman: an Inclusive and Multicultural City
36

B.3 Amman: a City with Citizen-Centered governance
37

B.4 Amman: a Destination City for Investment and Visitors
37

B.5 Amman: a City of Heritage and the Arts
38

B.6 Amman: a Green, Sustainable City
40

B.7 Amman: a City for Pedestrians
41

C. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES
42
3. METROPOLITAN GROWTH PLAN
.........................................................................................................45

A.INTRODUCTION
47

B. PLANNING CONTEXT OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
49

B.1 Planning History
49

B.1.1 Overview
49

B.1.2 Planning Chronology
49

B.1.3 Growth of Amman
49

B.2 National Context
52

B.3 Regional Context
54

B.3.1 Biophysical Context
56

B.4 Metropolitan Context
58

B.4.1 Greater Amman Municipality Since Amalgamation
58

B.4.2 Spatial Development Challenges
59

B.4.3 Municipal Administration
59

B.5 Greater Amman Municipality PLANNING AREA DEFINITIONS
62

B.5.1 Municipal Boundary
62

B.5.2 Planning Areas
62

B.6 Growth Projections
65

B.6.1 Population
65

B.6.2 Investment and Employment
65

B.6.3 Housing
66
The Amman Plan

C. PLANNING APPROACH

C.1 Settlement Growth

C.1.1 Background

C.1.2 Objectives

C.1.3 Phasing

C.2 Balancing Intensification and Expansion Areas

D. METROPOLITAN GROWTH PLAN AND COMPONENTS

D.1 Growth Structure

D.1.1 Key Growth Designations

D.1.2 Growth Concept

D.2 Limited and No Growth

D.2.1 Natural Heritage Plan

D.2.2 Quarries and Mineral Extraction Plan

D.2.3 Agricultural Plan

D.2.4 Cultural Heritage Plan

D.3 METROPOLITAN INFRASTRUCTURE

D.3.1 Transportation and Transit Plan

D.3.2 Integrated Servicing Infrastructure Plan

D.4 PRIMARY GROWTH

D.3.1 Settlement Plan

D.3.2 Metropolitan Corridors and Growth Centres Plan

D.3.3 Employment Plan

D.3.4 Open Space Plan
E. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE METROPOLITAN GROWTH PLAN
E.1 MGP IMPLEMENTATION Approach and Tools
E.1.1 Approach to Growth Management
E.1.2 Operating Principles
E.1.3 MGP Phasing Plan
E.1.4 Capital Improvements Program & Service Extensions
E.1.5 Service Areas & Service Standards
E.1.6 Financing Services - Charges & Incentives
E.1.7 Development Agreements
E.1.8 Plan Hierarchy & Zoning
E.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
E.2.1 Introduction
E.2.2 Regulatory Overview
E.2.3 Objectives of Proposed Regulatory Framework
E.2.4 Regulatory Approach
E.2.5 GAM Regulatory Framework
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E.3 URBAN MANAGEMENT INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

E.3.1 Urban Management Institutional Overview
E.3.2 Urban Management Institutional Approach
E.3.3 Urban Management Institutional Framework
E.3.4 The One-Stop-Shop
E.4 LEGAL FRAMEWORK
E.4.1 Existing Legal Context
E.4.2 Approach to Legal Implementation
E.4.3 Amman Plan Legal Framework

F. NEXT STEPS

F.1. Area Plans

F.2. Community Plan

F.3. Metro Infrastructure Servicing Strategy
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GLOSSARY ......................................................................................................................................198
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................................................................201
LIST OF SCHEDULES
Schedule 1: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Metropolitan Planning Area
Schedule 2: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Planning Areas
The Amman Plan
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
Schedule
3: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Regional Settlement and Agricultural Areas

4: Metropolitan Growth Plan
5: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Natural Heritage Plan
6: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Quarries and Mineral Extraction Plan
7: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Agricultural Plan
8: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Cultural Heritage Plan
9: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Transportation Plan
10: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Transit Plan
11: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Settlement Plan
12: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Metropolitan Corridors and Growth Centres Plan
13: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Employment Plan
14: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Open Space Plan
15a: Phase 1: Near- Term 2008 - 2013
15b: Phase 2 Medium-Term 2014 - 2019
15c: Phase 3: Long-Term 2020 - 2025
16: Conceptual Service Charge Areas
LIST OF FIGURES AND ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure 1: Amman Plan: Planning Scales
Figure 2: Amman Plan: Planning Framework
Figure 3: Spatial Growth of Amman - 1946 to 1985
Figure 4: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Amman Expansion
Figure 5: Metropolitan Growth Plan: National Context
Figure 6: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Regional Context
Figure 7: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Regional Commutershed
Figure 8: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Bioregional Context
Figure 9: Greater Amman Municipality Districts
Figure 10: Greater Amman Municipality Neighbourhoods and Villages
Figure 11: Comparison of Amman and London Population Pyramids
Figure 12: Amman Investment Projections
Figure 13: Amman Employment Demand
Figure 14: Greater Amman Comprehensive Plan (1988): Long-term Regional Pattern
Figure 15: Metropolitan Growth Scenarios
Figure 16: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Definitions
Figure 17: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Growth Concept
Figure 18: Primary Growth Area: Settlement Development Types
Figure 19: Sample Neighbourhoods
Figure 20: Neighbourhood Case Studies
Figure 21: Neighbourhood Housing Densities - Existing
Figure 22: Neighbourhood Housing Densities Planned for 2025 and Beyond
Figure 23: Population Distribution: 2025 and Beyond
Figure 24: The Proposed Planning Authority
Figure 25: Proposed Organisational Structure
The Amman Plan
Figure 26: Inner South Area Plan

Figure 27: Airport Road Conceptual Community Plan
Figure 28: Amman Plan for Tall Buildings: HDMU Site C Detailed Community Plan
LIST OF TABLES
Table B.1: Amman Population Projections
Table B.2: Greater Amman Municipality Metropolitan Employment Lands
Table E.1: Service Areas and General Service Standards
ANNEXES
Annex 1: Summary from the Mayors Roundtable on the Future of Amman
Annex 2: Amman Planning Chronology
Annex 3: National Administration
Annex 4: Metropolitan Spatial Development Patterns
Annex 5: Amman Neighbourhoods and Villages
Annex 6: Amman Growth Projections
Annex 7: Amman Natural Heritage
Annex 8: Amman Quarries and Mineral Extraction
Annex 9: Amman Agriculture
Annex 10: Amman Historical Periods
Annex 11: Road Hierarchy Table
Annex 12: Neighbourhood Study
Annex 13: Metropolitan Growth Model
Annex 14: Metropolitan Employment Land
Annex 15: Metropolitan Park Hierarchy
The Amman Plan
HM King Abdullah IIs Message

In the name of God, the most Merciful, the Compassionate
I send my greetings to you personally and to your esteemed team
at the GAM, along with my sincere appreciation for the hard work,
discipline and dedication you have all displayed in caring for and
safeguarding our beloved Amman.
In recent years, and as is evident for all to see, our city has witnessed
an accelerated rate of growth and expansion. This has been a result of
determined efforts and focused policies that have attracted investment
and have been served by a regional economic boom. It has also been a
result of the strategic location, political stability, safety, a qualified and
highly skilled workforce, as well as the hospitable environment and
natural beauty that our dear city has long enjoyed.
It is crucial that we all continue to do our utmost to ensure that our
beloved city will continue to be a magnet for pioneering development
projects and a fertile ground in which innovative ideas can take root
and blossom. It is also incumbent on us to ensure that Amman, the
Capital of Agreement and Reconciliation, maintains its heritage as
a city that embraces innovators and intellectuals, and that is rich in
intellectual diversity and multiplicity of its inhabitants origins, under
which it will flourish and gain strength, reaffirming its prominent
status as a highly attractive location to live, work and visit.
Our leading challenge is to strike the right balance that encourages the
growth, development and modernization of our city on the one hand,
while preserving the aesthetic quality, culture, tradition and charm
that uniquely characterize and differentiate our city. As we continue
to ensure the inflow of investment, growth and progress of our
country, we must ensure that this does not compromise, but, in fact,
improves on the quality of life for our people. Amman must continue
to embrace its families, young and old, ensuring a clean, safe, quiet and
peaceful atmosphere in which to live, work and socialize in.
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The Amman Plan
To achieve the optimum balance of healthy growth and quality living, flourishing
expansion and organized districts, 21st century conveniences and traditional
character, we must embark on a serious and comprehensive project of city
planning for Amman.
This project will examine the opportunities as well as the constraints inherent in
our city, it will respect its unique qualities and traditions, account for the needs of
its inhabitants, while at the same time forecasting for its growth in a well-studied
and well-planned manner. It will ensure that respect for our environment and
nature are an intrinsic element of everything we do, that our lands are zoned
according to a clear and well-considered master plan, that projects are granted
upon straightforward fulfillment of high standards but realistic specifications, that
lands are allotted according to a well-defined and transparent criterion, and that
an infrastructure that accommodates the latest technologies permeates the entire
city.
I ask you to start assembling a team that will commence work on this highly
significant endeavor, emphasizing that expertise and professional experience
are the only criteria upon which your choices should be made. I would also like
you to invite experts from all over the world to contribute to this effort, as the
sharing of successes and failures that they have witnessed in other cities can be of
tremendous value to us.
I, along with my fellow Jordanians, will look forward to seeing the outcome of
this effort. Although the GAM will lead us along the path of cherishing and
nurturing our Amman, it is the responsibility and duty of each and every citizen
to lovingly navigate that path. We all must stand behind you in caring for our
dear city. My hope is that this effort will provide a template and example that
can be replicated and evolved in our other cherished cities in Jordan so that our
country will continue to grow and flourish and itself be an example for others in
the region and the world.

Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein

Amman,
5 Rabi Al Thani 1427 Hijri
3 May 2006
His Majesty King Abdullah's letter to Amman Mayor Mr. Omar Maani on a new
Amman city development plan
The Amman Plan
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The Amman Plan
Message from The Mayor
Our City is a reflection of ourselves. It is our office to work in; it is our

home to raise a family in; and it is our playground to relax in. It is where
we spend our lives.
All of us have seen Amman grow over the past several years with
tremendous impact on transportation and other services, including
our neighborhoods and unique cityscape. This development has been
happening without a plan; we can no longer afford to grow without
direction for it will damage what is special about Amman and we will
miss opportunities to become a modern world city while retaining the
soul of our community.
The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) has embarked on the
preparation of its first official Amman Plan. This Plan will be the Citys
blueprint for sustainable development and will help Jordan achieve the
objectives outlined by the National Agenda. It will guide the growth
of our community and address such issues as the built and natural
environment, culture and heritage, transportation and infrastructure, and
community development . . .
We are committed to preparing this Amman Plan based on community
input so that it reflects the aspirations of our citizens. Such aspirations
begin with a Vision of what we want our City to be, rather than just
reacting to current problems . . .
Mayor Omar Maani
The Amman Plan
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Amman: It Sleeps in a Poem
Amman was not born to be placed

on a map
But rather to dwell in your heart
as a lover and a beloved.
It sleeps in a poem,
Wakes up in a painting
And climbs up a musical scale to
reach its tomorrow.
A City that paints, write, reads,
plays, tempts, and inspires.
It makes you angry and it makes
you love.
A year goes by and a new year
starts, and Amman remains to be
the city of the soul, the capital of
the heart, and a royal wedding for
the Arab Culture.

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Ahmad Bakheet, 2002
The Amman Plan
The Amman Plan
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The Amman Plan
Introduction
A. THE AMMAN PLAN
B. WHAT MAKES AMMAN AMMAN
C. PLANNING FRAMEWORK
D. PLANNING APPROACH AND COMPONENT PLANS
The Amman Plan
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A. The Amman Plan

The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) is pleased to present this
introduction to the evolving Amman Plan. The Amman Plan is a work
in progress being built and refined as different layers of planning in
Amman are contemplated and will remain so through to its 18-year
horizon and beyond.
The Amman Plan presents a somewhat unorthodox approach to
metropolitan, urban, and community planning. Conventional Master
Plans are typically structured from the top down that is, from the
larger, metropolitan scale down to the small community scale in
a progressively more detailed sequence. The Amman Plan is being
created at all scales simultaneously, from both the top down and the
bottom up. This approach has been adopted for the following reasons:
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The Amman Plan
Conventional plans for an area the size of Amman (1,662 square

kilometres) typically take from two to five years to complete and are
often out of date by the time they are approved.
Conventional plans are often compromised at the most detailed, or
community, level by decisions that were made at the larger scale
without full consideration for their downstream implications.
In order to respond to unusually rapid growth, the Amman Plan is
structured to respond as quickly as possible to immediate problems
on the ground as they arise, within the context of the City as a whole.
The Amman Plan can be implemented in interim stages, which
facilitates ongoing urban development with limited delay.
The Amman Plan
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B. What Makes Amman Amman

The Amman Plan builds on, and is defined by, the historic and contemporary
character of the City that is, by what makes Amman Amman. The Plan
seeks to extend this character into the future as a basis for the 21st century
City. Amman is not afraid of modernity, but seeks to ensure that future
development complements the beauty, serenity, and civility for which the
existing City is known. The following key characteristics have informed the
Amman Plan:
Response to Topography Amman was founded at the confluence of

important valleys (wadis) within the Jordan Hills, which gives the City a
distinct and unusual setting. Traditional neighbourhoods were founded
on separate hills (jabals) served by central streets that followed the natural
divides (e.g. Zahran Street). As the City expands, so does its relationship with
topography. Moving out from its original central core, the topography of the
Metropolitan Planning Area flattens out in particular in the desert areas to
the south and east of the existing City.
Natural Heritage Amman has an extensive underlying natural heritage

system formed by the interconnected wadis, the forests, vegetated slopes,
plateaus found on the jabals, and the eastern desert. This system was
historically more obvious but has been fragmented as the City has grown.
Today, Ammans natural heritage exists as a series of scattered, often
degraded, fragments.
Cultural Heritage Amman has an extensive network of cultural heritage

sites that were built as early as 8000 B.C. Ruins of Rabbath-Ammon (capital
of the early Ammonites) and of Philadelphia (a major Greco-Roman city)
are still in evidence, as are buildings from Ammans establishment as an
Arab Islamic city after 636 A.D. Heritage associated with Ammans rise as a
Hashemite capital since 1921 is visible throughout the City; many artifacts of
this period remain in active use.
Views and Landmarks Citizens of, and visitors to, Amman navigate
through the City using a complex system of views and landmarks. Views
include those to and from its prominent hilltops, along its wadi-corridors,
and towards the older, central city from the flatter periphery upon entering
the City. Landmarks include prominent heritage sites (e.g., The Citadel),
an extensive network of mosques and minarets - glowing green at night,
distinctive tall buildings, a number of public institutions, monuments (e.g.,
The Jordan Flag), and elements of civic infrastructure (e.g., Abdoun Bridge).

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The Amman Plan
Continuity of Public Space Amman is characterized by a distinctive and

continuous public realm formed by its historic streets that follow the hilltops,
the new arterial roads that follow its wadis, the long stairs linking the valleys
with the hilltops, and the rise and fall of its ring roads and radial streets as
they cross the hills and valleys.
Distinct and Stable Neighbourhoods Amman, and in particular historic
Amman, is characterized by a number of distinct neighbourhoods. As a
result of their historic coherence, these neighbourhoods have attained a
considerable degree of physical and economic stability. These include not
only such historic neighbourhoods as Jabal Amman and Jabal Webdie but
also economically stable communities, such as Abdoun and even certain older
refugee neighbourhoods.
Mixed-Use Streets Amman is served by a network of relatively dense,
mixed-use streets or commercial corridors that includes a wide range of
residential, commercial, retail, and even institutional land-uses. At one time,
these streets accommodated significant pedestrian traffic, but have since been
transformed for predominantly vehicular traffic, on-street parking, and some
basic public transit in the form of taxis and buses. Much of the character of
central Amman and its outlying shopping areas is defined by these mixed-use
streets.
Emerging Variety of Scales Traditionally, building heights in Amman
did not extend above four storeys. Much of the City is still being built
at or below this height; however, a more recent generation of building
types includes buildings with up to 12 or even 24 storeys. These new
building types have forced GAM and individual builders and developers to
accommodate new building uses and increased densities within the existing
urban fabric.
Uniformity of Building Form and Materials Almost all of the historic,
and many of the contemporary, buildings in Amman are clad with the natural
limestone found within the Jordan Valley Region; others make use of more
modern manufactured cladding materials that imitate limestone. Many
buildings employ simple and classic geometries, are orthogonal (i.e., square
or rectangular) in form, and have punched windows. The combinations of
materials and forms give the City a sense of order and consistency.
Ongoing Growth and Change In spite of the absence of a Plan, Amman
continues to grow and change at a fairly rapid pace. Outlying peri-urban
areas are changing particularly quickly and developers are buying up land in
all parts of the City.
The Amman Plan
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C. Planning Framework
The Amman Plan features sequential scales of planning and corresponding levels of
planning detail within an overall plan hierarchy (see Figure 1):
Metropolitan Scale: Relates to Ammans entire 1,662-square-kilometre

Metropolitan Planning Area and is the scale of the Metropolitan Growth
Plan - the subject of Section 3 of this report.
Planning Area Scale: The Metropolitan Planning Area will be split into
eight Planning Areas to provide a finer scale of planning detail. Area
Plans, when completed, will be based on the Metropolitan Growth Plan
and will include elements such as land use and major road alignments.
Community Scale: Occurs at the level of 228 existing neighbourhoods, which can be broken
into smaller planning blocks. Community Plans for these neighbourhoods will provide the
greatest level of planning detail, including detailed zoning and local road networks.
These scales are being looked at, and planned for, simultaneously so that the implications
and impacts of each on the others can be examined on an iterative basis. Each scale will be
informed by, and in sync with, the others.
METROPOLITAN GROWTH PLAN SCALE

Figure 1: Amman Plan: Planning Scales
Metropolitan Growth Plan Scale
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8th CIRCLE
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LANDFILL
KIIN
KIN
KI
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KING
BA
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AHRA
HR
HRAIN
HRA
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AN
BAHRAIN
PA
ARK
AR
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RK
PARK
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MADABA
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The Amman Plan
AIRPORT
Planning Area Scale

Inner South Planning Area
ARAFAT NODE
AIR
PO
RT
RO
AD
AL YADOUDA
Um Al Kondom
SOUTH PARK
ADC
Metro Gateway
COMMUNITY PLANNING SCALE

Metro Gateway Community Plan
Metro Gateway Community Plan
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D. Planning Approach and Component Plans

The Amman Plan is being developed in seven Planning Phases that
define a range of Plan Components (see Figure 2), each developed at
one of the Planning Scales defined above. The Amman Plan initially
undertook bottom-up, community-level planning in response to
immediate and critical pressures to develop tall buildings, urban
corridors, industrial areas, residential compounds, and the Airport
Road. Phases 1-4 described below reflect these first steps.
Phase 1: Amman Plan for Tall Buildings formerly: Interim Growth Strategy
The Amman Plan began at the community scale, with the preparation
of the Amman Plan for Tall Buildings that focused on the location,
planning, design, and regulation of High-Density Mixed-Use
(HDMU) development, including the location and regulation of tall
buildings.
Phase 2: Corridor Intensification Strategy
The Amman Plan continued at the community scale with the Corridor
Intensification Strategy for ten separate but interconnected urban
transportation corridors located in the west-central part of Amman
and measuring over 40 kilometres in total length (e.g., Mecca, King
Abdullah II, Queen Rania II, Zahran, and Arar).
Phase 3: Industrial Lands Policy
The Industrial Lands Policy designates industrial areas in selected

locations where scattered industrial development applications can be
consolidated with appropriate access to housing, transit and other urban
amenities (e.g., Al Jeeza Industrial Area and Sahab Al Mouwaqer
Corridor). This policy also introduces a new industrial classification
system.
Phase 4-A: Outlying Settlements Policy formerly: Rural Residential Policy
The Outlying Settlement Policy is a response to increasing interest

in residential developments, particularly large-scale compound and
gated communities, beyond the Amman Development Corridor in the
Greater Amman Municipalitys outlying areas. This policy designates
four growth areas around existing villages where outlying settlement
development will be consolidated.
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The Amman Plan
Phase 4-B: Airport Corridor Plan
The Airport Corridor Plan contains proposed conceptual land use plans
for five communities that will be developed in phases from north to
south: Arafat Intersection, South Park, Al-Yadouda, Metro Gateway, and
Alia International Airport. This plan also addresses the expansion and
development of the new Metro-Park.
Phase 5: Metropolitan Growth Plan (2008 - This Document)
The Metropolitan Growth Plan is the highest-scale component of the

Amman Plan. It provides an overall settlement structure and growth
framework with supporting policies for the entire Metropolitan
Planning Area and encompasses all earlier and subsequent plans. This
Plan also includes a Phasing Plan to provide guidance for planned
capital improvements.
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Phase 6: Area Plans (2008 forward)
Two Area Plans are scheduled for preparation and approval in 2008.
These will likely be the Central Area Plan and the Inner South Area
Plan. These Area Plans will provide a link between the larger-scale
Metropolitan Growth Plan and the more detailed Community Plans.
Phase 7: Planning Initiatives (2008 forward)
!
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Further components of the Amman Plan will include Metropolitan

Corridor Plans, Urban Corridor Plans, further Area Plans, Heritage
Studies, Urban Design Studies, Community Plans, and Sector Plans
(e.g. Affordable Housing and Economic Development). Some
additional studies of these types are already underway and listed here:
Amman Development Corridor Master Plan
Amman Metropolitan Transportation Study
Amman Housing Plan
Inner East Area Plan
Amman Heritage Studies
Amman Urban Design Studies
Zahran Heritage Study
Airport Corridor Detailed Design
Government City
Amman Urban Corridors
Community Plans
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Figure 2: Amman Plan: Planning Framework
This overall Planning Framework represents the individual plan components included in
the Amman Plan and identifies the various tools that will be used to implement them.
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The Amman Plan
The Amman Plan
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Employment
Growth
Centers
Corridors
Inner East
Telecommunicatios
Public
Programs
Amman Urban Corridors
Government City
Public Infrastructure
Works
Zahran Corridor Heritage Study
Inner East Area Plan
Public
Projects
Governance and
Public Participation
SECTOR STRATEGIES
IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS
Zoning
Amman Urban Design Studies
Airport Corridor Detailed Design
Outer East Area Plan
Outer East
Energy and
Electricity
Amman Development Corridor
COMMUNITY PLANS
Inner South
AREA GROWTH PLANS
Housing
Airport Road Concept Plan
Central
Openspace
and Public
Institutions
Outlying Settlements Policy
Agriculture
South West
Development
Review
Public/Private
Partnerships
Community Plans in Progress
Completed Community Plans
Urban Design
Guidelines
To be continued ...
Amman Heritage/Conservation Studies
Industrial Lands Policy
Outer South
Water and Storm Water Solid Waste Transit and

Roads
Watsewater Management Management
Transportation and Infrastructure
Corridor Intensification Strategy
West
Cultural
Heritage
GROWTH PLAN
Primary Growth
METROPOLITAN
AMMAN VISION AND ASPIRATIONS
N A T I O N A L P O L I C I E S (National Agenda)
Amman Plan for Tall Buildings
Natural
Heritage
Limited / No Growth
North
Mineral
Extraction
Regulations
and Incentives
AMMAN PLAN
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The Amman Plan
Amman 2025:
Vision and
Aspirations
A. OUR VISION
B. OUR ASPIRATIONS
C. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES

The Amman Plan
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2. Amman 2025:Vision and Aspirations

Your vision will become A. Our Vision
clear only when you look Our Vision is the foundation of the Amman Plan. It is the result of
extensive community consultation involving thousands of stakeholders.
into your heart.
It engaged citizens, including the children of the City, investors and
business owners, professional organizations, academia, government and
Who look outside,
civic society groups; their voices are reflected in our Vision. (see Annex 1)
dream. Who looks inside, Amman 2025: Amman is a bustling World City that has been able to
blend its rich natural and cultural heritage and its unique cityscape with
awakens. Carl Jung
modern urban development.
The City takes special pride in its cultural mosaic, celebrates pluralism,
and has become a model of multiculturalism in the Arab world. In
Ammans hinterland, the City Government has been careful to protect
the traditional villages that dot the landscape, maintaining their cultural
integrity and traditional lifestyles.
Amman has become a favourite destination for travelers; for many,
visiting Amman is a pilgrimage. The annual Amman Festival is a world
event, attracting more than a million visitors. The Festival celebrates
Arab arts and culture, explores the spirituality of Islam, and builds on
The Amman Message that was drafted nearly twenty years ago.
The City has established itself as the Capital of Agreement and
Reconciliation within the region. The Amman Message has forged
an international East-West cultural bridge, establishing goodwill and
friendship that has extended into the business world. As a result,
Amman has become a major centre for investment in the Middle East.
The Citys knowledge-based industries are flourishing, particularly
the spin-off activity resulting from innovation at the R&D incubators
on the campuses of its major universities. Amman has become the
Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) back-office for many
international companies, with state-of-the art business parks providing
technical and professional services ranging from software development
and web hosting to legal, accounting, engineering, and architectural
services. Amman is now the hub for Arab-language call centres.
(left, top to bottom) Conserving our cultural

heritage; Celebrating a pluralist city;
Protecting our unique cityscape
30
Ammans biomedical research and medical tourism sector has fully

matured and is attracting clients from both the MENA region and
Western Europe. Major outsource contracts with the public health
agencies of Holland, France, and Italy have provided stability and
growth to this sector. The recognition that its knowledge-based sectors
are world-class has given Amman, and Jordan, a unique edge in the
MENA region, while providing the traditional tourism sector with a
tremendous boost.
The Amman Plan
To feed-the-soul, Amman has evolved into a centre of the arts in the

Arab world. The Darat King Abdullah II is a world-class architectural
marvel. The Cultural Village that has grown up around the Darat King
Abdullah II includes the regions leading theatre and visual arts school.
It also houses an arts and cultural incubator of affordable studios, which
allows artists from Jordan and elsewhere to celebrate their craft. This
creative activity has spun-off a vibrant cultural industry that is now
recognized around the globe; it has become known as the Amman
Movement.
Amman, a World City

that takes you a step
beyond, for it is a City
with a Soul!
Amman is a city of choice. One can step back in history by walking

through the designated heritage districts. These pedestrian-friendly
neighbourhoods have been thoughtfully restored and generously
landscaped to provide ample shade. Traffic is limited to local residents
only and a careful blend of inclusive residential and commercial
development makes this area a favorite destination. The old Downtown
has been transformed into a meeting place for Ammanis and has been
greened to become the Citys lung. The heart of the City blends
culture, the arts, history, commerce, and residential development, and
now forms a major tourist destination for the country.
For those with an interest in contemporary living, Amman provides
ample options. The City is known for its distinctive architectural style.
Partnerships between the design community, the City Government, and
investors have resulted in a carefully crafted city design that respects
local topography and historic built form, reflects the creativity of the
Amman Movement, and is unique to Amman.
Zahran Boulevard Ammans signature street is an example of the
impact the Amman Movement has had on the design of the city; it is a
blend of contemporary architecture that has a unique Ammani texture
and feel. The streetscape boasts a wide promenade, with outdoor living
spaces and cafes that link into a pedestrian network. This network
extends into the Sweifieh District, which is now a fashion district
with pedestrian shopping streets and lofts - both design studios and
residences. Dotted with exclusive clothing and jewelry shops, boutique
hotels, and restaurants, the district has become the SoHo District of the
Arab world and is a favorite destination for Emirate shoppers.
Nurturing the Citys medical knowledge sector
The Amman Plan
31
The Abdali Central Business District has become a vibrant centre for
commerce and modern living, and has been connected with a public transit
system that provides easy access from all parts of the metropolitan area.
Public transit ridership is made up of all sectors of society, and the Citys
integrated transportation system has become a best practice model that is
being replicated in all major Arab cities. Ammans physical growth has been
carefully planned, and the Intensification and Densification Policy adopted
nearly twenty years ago has paid off. Metropolitan Ammans hinterland
has been protected from urban sprawl and presents Ammanis with an
undisturbed and varied landscape, including arid desert, gently sloping hills
with lush vegetation, and a productive agricultural area that specializes in
organic produce - now in high demand in a health-conscious Amman. This
organic agriculture also supplies a thriving export market. Ammani families
continue the old habit of escaping the Citys summer heat, and protected
green reserves, which serve as the lungs of the city, provide for quiet shady
settings where families can enjoy Friday outings.
Amman has become known as an inclusive and socially responsible city.
In 2006, the Greater Amman Municipality began a program of Corporate
Social Responsibility. It also created a social contract between the
private sector, non-governmental organizations, international donors,
and government to assist those with special needs. This relationship has
provided ample affordable housing, developed centres for those with special
needs, retrofitted the City for Ammanis with disabilities, and created a
community development program that secures meaningful employment for
under-privileged residents. The current Mayor of Amman is a graduate of
the Child Friendly Initiative, as are nearly a third of City Council members.
The City motto is Citizens First!, and leadership and civic responsibility
are the cornerstones of Ammans success. This success is the legacy of an
initiative that began over twenty years ago - the City is now harvesting its
fruits. We have built a sustainable city with a bright future.
We continually aspire to move Amman a
step beyond; we are a City with a Soul!
Greening the city
32
The Amman Plan
B. Our Aspirations
To achieve our Vision, we foresee Amman evolving into:
An Efficient City
An Inclusive and Multicultural City
A City with Citizen-Centered Governance
A Destination City for Investment and Visitors
A City of Heritage and the Arts
A Green, Sustainable City
A City for Pedestrians
B.1 Amman: An Efficient City

Amman will be an organized and efficient city, with modern infrastructure
and transportation facilities that meet current and future development needs.
These facilities will be provided in a sustainable and orderly manner, balancing
priorities to upgrade services in existing built-up areas and to expand into new
undeveloped areas.
Special attention will be paid to transportation, with a shift in emphasis from
moving vehicles to moving people and goods. We envision Amman as a city
with one of the best public transit systems in the MENA region, boasting
ridership made up of all social groups.
Recent examples of Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) initiatives that achieve
this aspiration include:
Omar Mattar Project
Multi-storey parking for municipal staff is planned along todays Omar Matar
route. The structure, which will provide 1,000 parking spaces on four levels,
is designed to follow the lines of the valleys natural topography. Two parallel
roads (Omar Matar and Muhajirin), currently lying on different levels, and
the median block will be consolidated and reorganized vertically. The new
road atop the car park will provide a differentiated streetscape of through and
service lanes, sidewalks, and planted medians. Service towers with staircases
are planned at regular intervals for access to the facility. These towers will also
serve as connectors that link the upper neighborhoods with the low-lying GAM
strip. Planters will cover the structures frontage.
Municipal Info-structure
Information infrastructure, or Info-structure,helps modern cities to function

and attracts investment. GAM is currently using many technologies in order
to better manage the City. Plans are underway to increase this technological
capability and to make it available to citizens and investors through the Internet.
For example, a comprehensive computer mapping database is being developed
and will be accessible to investors and the public on the Web. This database will
enhance many services, including emergency response. Using in-vehicle global
positioning systems (GPS), this service will save lives.
The Amman Plan
33
B.2 Amman: An Inclusive and Multicultural City

Amman is the cosmopolitan capital of Jordan. Amman will remain a
welcoming home for diverse ethnic and religious groups and its citizens will
continue to open their arms and hearts to neighbours in distress.
For the first half of the 20th century, Ammani neighbourhoods were vibrant
with diversity, social inclusiveness, and tolerance. People from different
socio-economic backgrounds used to frequent the same places; we want to
rekindle this community spirit of the past.
We envision Amman as a community that:
celebrates its ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity
provides equal access to community services for everyone
takes special care of the disadvantaged and the disabled
engages the children of the community in civic affairs, nurturing the
civic leadership of tomorrow
Recent examples of GAM initiatives that achieve this aspiration include:

Amman Child Friendly City Initiative
This program teaches children about civic responsibility, leadership, and

democratic principles. It also brings together children from different
neighborhoods in Amman and engages them in civic affairs, providing
valuable input into city governance. The initiative elects a Childrens
Council that mirrors the City Council in its function and outlooks. It is
helping build the civic leadership of tomorrow.
Queen Rania Park
Queen Rania Park (QRP) is located in the Um Nuwara neighbourhood

near the Ten Bridges, between Al Nasr and Quweismeh, and covers an
area of 26 acres. The QRP project aims to provide educational, health,
and physical care for children and to develop their intellectual capabilities.
It also provides training and educational opportunities for women. This
project also seeks to provide an outlet for area residents to engage in
recreational activities and to offer other educational and cultural functions.
QRP facilities include a special computer room that provides community
access to the digital world.
34
The Amman Plan
(top right) Protecting our natural

heritage; (above) A childfriendly city; (left) A multi-cultural
city; (top left) New Abdali Central
Business District; (bottom) Blending
the past with the present
The Amman Plan
35
B.3 Amman: A City with Citizen-Centred Governance

GAMs governance culture will be citizen centered. It will be based on
principles of transparency, accountability, inclusive citizen participation,
and efficiency in service delivery. The motto Citizens First will drive the
design of business processes and services will be designed from the outsidein with a focus on the citizen, including corporate citizens. E-government
tools will be fully utilized to provide 24-hour easy access to services,
resulting in greater transparency.
GAM will be committed to citizen participation in key civic government
decisions. For example, major changes to the Amman Plan will be subject
to public hearings, as will the preparation of detailed plans within the
districts.
GAM Website and Blog
Advancements in city management are facilitated by the latest technology.

This technology will be used to allow citizens to provide input and have
access to GAM information, including web-based mapping. In the future,
the GAM e-government portal will provide 24-hour-a-day services in such
areas as development and construction permit approvals. Amman will grow
as a smart and electronic city.
Citizen Participation in Civic Affairs
GAMs leadership has made a commitment to reach out to its citizens and
key stakeholders in the formulation of civic policies and initiatives. This
will continue and, again, technologies will be used to facilitate this twoway flow of information. For example, the Blog site will allow citizens to
provide feedback directly to the Mayors Office.
B.4 Amman: A Destination City for Investment and Visitors

Amman will be recognized as one of the major destination cities within the
MENA region. As Jordans engine for economic and employment activity,
it will build on this role by expanding its economic sphere to become a
major destination for investment within the MENA region, particularly in
the knowledge-based and financial sectors.
Amman also accepts its national responsibility to spin off economic activity
to other regions to ensure balanced growth and employment within the
country. This will help reduce in-migration to Amman by creating jobs
where people live, providing the added social benefit of keeping families
together in their home towns and villages.
36
The Amman Plan
Amman will also aspire to become a major international tourist destination

that builds on the gateway function it already serves to tourists visiting
Jordan. Ammans moderate climate, arts and cultural heritage attractions,
and hospitable citizens will transform it into a major destination city.
Programs will be established to ensure the Citys tourism infrastructure is
supported by modern facilities and a service culture that is internationally
renowned. A major international branding campaign will promote Amman
as a special destination.
Amman Convention Centre
A new Amman International Exhibition and Convention Centre is proposed

for Amman that will feature a hall with a capacity of at least 3,000 people,
allowing large events such as major trade international trade fairs.
Amman Summer Festival
The summer of 2006 introduced Amman to a Summer Festival that

celebrates the Citys artistic community and provides citizens and visitors
with free entertainment by performers from around the world. Organized
by GAM in partnership with the private sector, the Festival is a citywide
event that uses venues throughout Amman. The Festival brought the
community together, with over 400,000 people participating in its activities,
and is destined to become a major international tourist attraction.
B.5 Amman: A City of Heritage and the Arts

Amman is a city with a story that has not yet been told. We envision it as a
modern urban centre that celebrates its cultural and architectural heritage.
The City proudly promotes itself as the cradle of urban civilization,
harmonizing heritage into the Citys evolving development. Amman aspires
to be a liveable heritage community, not a museum.
Ammans visual and performing arts hub will become an integral part of
community development. We envision Amman as one of the centres for the
arts within the MENA region, attracting artists and visitors from around the
globe. The arts will also be a bridge that connects the pieces of Ammans
social mosaic and will help to establish a strong community bond and
identity.
Downtown Revitalization & Raghadan
Various projects are underway to regenerate the historic downtown,

including Faisal Street Project, Abdali Park and Library, and Rainbow
Street. These projects are located in the heart of Amman; in earlier days,
one was able gauge the pulse of the community in its coffee shops, hotels,
banks, and souks. It is the communitys aspiration to revitalize these areas
and recapture the magic of this central meeting place for all Ammanis and
visitors to enjoy.
The Amman Plan
37
A major anchor of the downtown cultural corridor is the Raghadan

Regeneration Project, which has been designed to celebrate the Roman
period of Ammans cultural heritage. The centrepiece of the project is the
Roman Amphitheatre; it will be surrounded with generous public spaces
and facilities that complement this important archeological marvel.
Ashrafiyeh Regeneration Project
Located next to the Baheer Hospital and Abu Darwish Mosque, two of the
major Jordanian history landmarks, this project aims to create a welcoming
and lively urban square with a variety of functions. The square will become
a place where people can stroll or linger and enjoy the wonderful vista
of old Amman. A wide range of activities can take place at this site both
during the day and at night.
Ammans Proposed Centre for the Performing Arts
In 2006, GAM helped to establish the Amman Symphony Orchestra, which

had a full season of monthly performances. To accommodate the symphony
and many other activities, a major initiative is underway to establish a
Centre for the Performing Arts on the site of the old cigarette factory,
across from the Al Hussein Cultural Center. This centre will become the
anchor for an arts and cultural district that will provide equal access to the
arts for all sectors of society.
B.6 Amman: A Green, Sustainable City

Amman will develop in a sustainable way, balancing economic aspirations
with environmental considerations. GAM will be committed to decreasing
its carbon footprint by reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and encouraging
the private sector to follow its lead. Solar energy will be explored as a
major alternative energy source.
Water presents the major limit to growth for Amman and, therefore, water
conservation will be a major theme in sustainable development. Grey water
will become a key supply for irrigating the green spaces within the City;
modern water harvesting techniques will be explored to enhance supply.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle will become the basis for the municipal waste
management program. Waste will be considered a resource with value,
and hazardous waste will be carefully managed to international standards.
Greening the City with parks and trails, conserving Ammans limited
forested areas, and planting and maintaining trees will provide ample
shade during hot summer days and stability to Ammans steep, hilly terrain.
Major urban parks will be established in all populated areas and green
reserves will be created to provide Amman with the lungs it needs to
support healthy growth. These natural elements will also provide a variety
of landscapes for residents and visitors to enjoy.
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The Amman Plan

Marka Park
Located in the eastern part of the City, 15 kilometres from the city centre,
Marka Park will be a meeting point and recreational area for eastern
Ammani families. This project aims to accommodate entertainment,
cultural, and sports activities for different age groups. Marka Park will
reflect GAMs aspiration to provide social services that will enhance its
neighborhoods and make the living experience more enjoyable. The
project is also environmentally friendly, converting an old landfill into a
district park. Green space will be irrigated with recycled grey water.
Environment Street
Environment Street is a project developed by GAM, in collaboration with

USAID. This innovative model of urban landscaping utilizes alternative
water resources (reclaimed water) for irrigation. As landscaping design
creates efficient landscape features requiring less water than usual,
freshwater is preserved for higher-value uses 50 to 100 cubic metres of
freshwater are preserved each day. Environment Street is located on Jordan
Road, covering 75 dunums of land.
Centre for Arts in the Arab World:

Zaha Hadid Architects design for the Competition for the Darat King Abdullah II;
The Amman Plan
39
B.7 Amman: A City for Pedestrians
(above) A pedestrian city; (below left) Tourism

Projects: Proposed arts and crafts market at
the former electrical company hanger; (below
right) Inclusive community: engaging our
children
Amman is envisioned as a pedestrian-friendly city with a network of

sidewalks, pedestrian shopping streets, alleys, souks, urban stairs, and
hiking trails. Becoming a City for Pedestrians will enhance the social
fabric of the city by facilitating social interaction and encouraging
a healthier lifestyle for its citizens. Achieving this vision requires a
major shift in thinking and behaviour. Many projects have already
been initiated and a comprehensive urban pedestrian strategy will be
prepared. Also, the recently-adopted Amman Plan for Tall Buildings
and Corridor Development Strategy include urban design requirements
concerning the pedestrianization of the City.
Recent examples of GAM initiatives that achieve this aspiration
include:
Wakalat Pedestrian Promenade A First Step
In the summer of 2006, Wakalat Street became the first pedestrian

shopping promenade in Amman. It is part of an overall strategy
to create urban public spaces within Amman and has become a
popular meeting place for Ammanis and city visitors. Located in
Sweifieh, Wakalat Street is the beginning of a pedestrian-friendly
neighbourhood.
Removing Pedestrian Obstacles
GAM has removed and replanted thousands of olive trees that were
impeding safe pedestrian movement. Although these trees were
originally planted with good intentions, the low canopy of the olive tree
makes it inappropriate for use on sidewalks.
40
The Amman Plan
C. Planning and Development Principles

The following Planning and Development Principles establish a set of fundamental
rules to follow in creating a sustainable future for Amman. The substance of each
principle is to be reflected within the various components of the Amman Plan.
1. Plan for complete communities that provide residents with a choice of
housing, a full range of urban amenities parks, schools, clinics, cultural
centres, etc. and good accessibility to employment, shopping, and recreational
facilities.
2. Plan and develop inclusive communities rather than segregated ones, by
allowing for different lifestyles, building typologies, and public spaces that
unite citizens from different socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
Special care must be taken to accommodate people with disabilities in the built
environment and in the provision of services such as public transit.
3. Encourage compact urban growth in order to make the best use of existing
services, promote increased transit use, improve pedestrian accessibility, and
improve affordability for both the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) and its
residents.
4. Direct growth to both existing built-up area, in order to make the best use of
existing services, and to new designated expansion areas that are located close
to the urban core. Special attention must be paid to preserving the organic
historic growth of the City and to providing conditions that replicate this style
of urban form.
5. Promote mixed land use in general, and a healthy mix of residential and
employment uses in particular, in order to foster a diverse economy and to limit
commuting times. This mixed-use development will be promoted in all socioeconomic sectors of society.
6. Promote clear distinctions between urban, suburban, and traditional
communities in order to protect valuable environmental and agricultural lands
and to support traditional lifestyles and culture.
The Amman Plan
41
7. Focus GAMs transportation policy on moving people and goods,

rather than moving vehicles. Promote public transit and develop a
transportation system that offers residents choices for going shopping,
going to work, taking time off to relax or play, and getting back home
again. Provide for a safe and convenient pedestrian environment that is
integrated with other modes of transportation.
8. Create a connected Natural Heritage System that protects and
connects important environmental features forests, wadis, highlands,
deserts, and aquifers at the same time as it accommodates a network
of public walking trails throughout the City. An urban parks system
will be an integral part of the Natural Heritage System, including
neighbourhood parks, playgrounds, and large open green spaces within
the urban setting.
9. Conserve the cultural heritage of the City, including modern and
ancient heritage, and promote it as an integral part of the overall
contemporary metropolitan living experience.
10. Promote sustainable development practices and encourage
environment-friendly green building standards that minimize the
Citys carbon footprint on the global community.
42
The Amman Plan
Metropolitan
Growth Plan
A. INTRODUCTION
B. PLANNING CONTEXT OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
C. PLANNING APPROACH
D. METROPOLITAN GROWTH PLAN AND COMPONENTS
E. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE METROPOLITAN GROWTH PLAN
F. NEXT STEPS
The Amman Plan
43
3. Metropolitan Growth Plan

A. Introduction
The Metropolitan Growth Plan (MGP) is a physical planning and policy
framework that will guide the growth and development of the Greater
Amman Municipality (GAM). As the fifth stage of the overall Amman Plan
and introduced with the release of this report, the MGP steps back from
the detailed planning undertaken to date and answers some fundamental
questions: Where will Amman grow? And how? Spurred by GAMs
recent annexation, which almost tripled the Citys land base, the MGP is a
strategic response to these questions presented in ten component plans.
The MGP is a new approach to planning in Jordan. For the MGP to be
effective, it must not only accurately interpret the physical and contextual
realities of Amman but also capture the imagination of Ammans citizens,
Council representatives, the Royal Court, and, perhaps most importantly,
GAM planners, technicians, and managers who will turn the Plan into
reality.
The MGP tackles difficult questions concerning Ammans growth within
an overall growth management framework. This framework is essentially
about intensifying and expanding existing communities in a way that is
socially and environmentally cohesive and financially pragmatic. The
MGP offers a preferred direction concerning urban growth, protection
of cultural heritage, environment and natural resources, and provision of
infrastructure and transportation services. Based on consultation with a
broad cross-section of Amman society, the MGP follows consensus-based
planning and development principles (see Section 2C). These principles
will ensure that, once the MGP is implemented, Amman will remain
Amman.
The MGP is presented in the following five sections:
Section B presents a planning overview, including historical references and
the national, regional, and metropolitan context of planning in Amman.
This section also presents the assumptions made to project Ammans
growth in the future. Finally, Section B outlines the Metropolitan Planning
Area covered by the MGP.
44
The Amman Plan
Section C describes the growth management approach adopted by the

MGP and lists the main tools that will be used to direct growth.
Section D presents the MGP in full, including its ten component plans.
Each component contains policy that establishes growth parameters and
development control tools.
Section E outlines how the MGP is to be implemented, including the
phased development of various expansion areas, a regulatory framework,
an institutional framework that governs MGP administration, and the
legal framework that will ensure the MGP will be effectively implemented
within current national and municipal law.
Section F describes the challenges that lay ahead with respect to fully
integrating metropolitan scale planning with planning occurring at the
local or community scale.
The Amman Plan
45
B. Planning Context
Opportunities and Challenges
B.1 Planning History
B.1.1 Overview
From 1955 to 1988, four separate Master Plans were prepared for
Amman. The last of these was the Greater Amman Comprehensive
Development Plan (1985-2005), which was published in seven volumes
by the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) in 1988. The most
common feature of these plans was a proposed ring and radial road
network, which is the only part that has since been implemented, albeit
partially.
Based on over four years of detailed research, analysis, and production,
the 1988 Plan was indeed comprehensive, and it remains a significant
resource for ongoing planning of the City and its surroundings.
However, little attention was paid to either its political acceptance
or its enactment and, as a result, it was never formally adopted.
Consequently, planning in Amman has continued to be governed by the
Citys outdated zoning bylaws, overlaid on its emerging ring and radial
road networks.
B.1.2 Planning Chronology

A chronology of important planning events that have influenced
Amman and its surroundings since 1950 is included in Annex 2.
B.1.3 Growth of Amman

Over Ammans relatively short modern history, the City has experienced
significant population growth and geographic expansion. Founded in
1921, the Amman Municipality occupied an area of 31 square kilometres
by 1946 and had a population of 60,000 persons. By 1959, the boundary
of the municipality had expanded to include 50 square kilometres and
the population had increased to 246,475 persons. Since that time, the
municipality has experienced continuous and rapid population growth
and numerous boundary expansions. By 1986, Ammans population had
reached 870,000 persons and the urban area had increased to 91 square
kilometres (see Figure 3).
In 1987, GAM was created, encompassing an area of 532 square
kilometres. Subsequent boundary expansions in 2000, 2001, and 2005
increased the total GAM land area to approximately 680 square kilometres
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The Amman Plan
which, by that time had been divided into 20 local districts and 167
neighbourhoods. Keeping pace with this rapid boundary expansion, the
population of Amman had grown to approximately 2,200,000 persons
by 2004.
In December 2006, as part of the National Agenda to amalgamate
lower-tier municipalities, the National Assembly expanded GAMs
boundaries by annexing the former municipalities of Sahab, AlMouwaqer, Al Jeeza, Marj-Al-Hamam and Naour, Um Besalteen, and
Hesban. As a result of this expansion, GAMs geographic boundary
increased from 680 to 1662 square kilometres and an additional
190,000 residents were absorbed into the City (see Figure 4).
The development of Amman through zoning (i.e., fitting land-use
zones over the aforementioned ring and radial road network) continues
today. At the end of 2005 (before more recent expansion), zoned areas
constituted 62.2 percent of total GAM area. Moreover, the growth
rate for zoned areas had reached about 2 percent of total area per year.
While the gradual expansion of the radial and ring road network has
allowed Amman to grow without major traffic problems, the recent
rapid increase in traffic volumes and the absence of effective public
transit have become critical issues for future planning of the City.
Under the MGP, the urban boundary expansion provides GAM with
a strategic opportunity to realize a number of key objectives that were
first identified in the Comprehensive Plan of 1987:
Establish a single municipal authority capable of governing the
entire metropolitan area in accordance with a unified planning
vision
Direct growth in a manner which limits sprawl and preserves prime
agricultural land, natural resources, and heritage sites
Phase and coordinate infrastructure and servicing in association
with planned new development
Plan and prioritize capital improvement projects and expenditures
Implement an integrated transit and transportation strategy
Figure 3: Spatial Growth of Amman 1946 to 1985
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47
TO IRBID
Figure 4: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Amman Expansion
ZARQA
SALT
8th CIRCLE
LANDFILL
SAL
TO DEAD SEA
KING OF
BAHRAIN
PARK
TO A
ZRA
Q
AIRPORT
TO DEAD S
MADABA
TO
y
05 km2
57 km2
62 km2
AQA
BA
LEGEND
Greater Amman Municipal Boundary
GAM Area before 2007:
705 km2
GAM Amalgamation after 2007: 957 km2
TOTAL: 1,662 km2
48
The Amman Plan
B.2 National Context

In its short modern history, the nation of Jordan has been largely influenced
by events occurring across the Middle East. Bordered by Syria to the
north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the east and south, and
Palestine to the west, Jordan plays a moderating role in Middle East affairs
(see Figure 5). Instability in Lebanon and Palestine and the ongoing wars in
Iraq continue to shape Jordans social and political landscape.
Jordan accommodates about 5,500,000 people within a land base of 92,300
square kilometres. As of 2005, about 1,800,000 Palestinian refugees were
registered in Jordan, the vast majority of whom live in urban areas. Recent
events in the region have led to another population boom in Amman as
hundreds of thousands of refugees and asylum-seekers from Iraq search
for peace and security in the country. Estimated numbers of Iraqi refugees
in Jordan vary wildly from 50,000 (DOS) to 500,000 (UNHCR). For the
purposes of the MGP, refugees were included in the migration rates used to
calculate population in 2025.
Since the early 1990s, the Jordanian Government has implemented
a macro-economic program of economic restructuring and trade
liberalization. In that time, large sectors of the nations economy have been
opened to private enterprise and investment. As integration with world
markets continues to be a central platform of the Central Government,
Amman finds itself competing within a globalized economy, specifically
with respect to the manufacturing and tourism sectors as well as finance,
insurance, real estate, and health care services.
The MGP is not a decentralization plan. Rather it focuses on directing
and managing future growth within the City to better ensure the capture
of economic investment and infrastructure development. Coordinating
major servicing infrastructure and linking intra-regional transportation and
transit systems assume a prominent role at the national and regional level
in this context. The MGP provides a framework within which the Central
Government and other agencies can integrate planning activities. For
additional information on national administration see Annex 2.
Jordans regional stability, coupled with Ammans central location in the
Middle East, is attracting additional investment, skilled labour, and valueadded industries. In terms of trade, Amman shares direct transportation
and transit links to other national centres including Cairo, Damascus,
Beirut, Jerusalem, Riyadh, and Dubai. In addition, Amman is well
connected internationally by the Queen Alia International Airport, by
existing and planned regional rail and road networks linking Amman
directly to neighbouring countries, and more broadly by the Aqaba
International Port.
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49
Figure 5: Metropolitan Growth Plan: National Context
Beirut
Mediterranean
Sea
LEBANON
Damascus
SYRIA
IRAQ
Lake
Tiberias
Irbid
Aijloun
Tel
Aviv
W EST
BANK
Mafraq
Jerash
As Salt
Ramallah
Zarqa
Amman
Jerusalem
Azraq
Madaba
Dead
Sea
SAUDI ARABIA
Al Karak
J O R D A N
EGYPT
gulf
of
Aqabah
SAUDI
ARABIA
Al Aqabah
Haql
Al Bir
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The Amman Plan
37.5
75
Kilometers
150
B.3 Regional Context

Ammans regional importance dominates the nations economy,
commanding the majority of Jordans total investment while accounting for
39 percent of the nations population (over 50 percent if including Zarqa).
Existing settlement and transportation patterns at the regional scale inform
planning decisions about where growth will occur and how population
will be distributed within GAM. Figure 6 displays the Study Area for the
MGP and presents the GAMs regional context in terms of municipal
administrative areas, population, transportation linkages, and areas of
influence.
Amman shares regional development considerations with the municipalities
of Madaba, Salt, and Zarqa and with portions of the Dead Sea Valley. Each
municipality presents a different set of conditions, described below, that
impact the spatial development options of Amman and the region. Figure 7
displays commutersheds to cities within Ammans realm of influence.
Located 30 kilometres northwest of Amman, Salt is the administrative
centre of the Balqa region and serves as an important agricultural and local
tourist centre famous for its intact historic built heritage. Salt presents the
following spatial planning considerations with respect to GAM:
Salt is located within Ammans catchment area for day commuters
traveling to and from places of work in Amman.
As a historic centre, Salt shares important heritage links to Ammans
downtown, forming an important local tourism connection and
requiring greater attention to a shared public framework.
Salt is succumbing to regional development pressure as the
development influence of Amman is resulting in a greater number of
commuting residents living in the Salt - Sweileh Corridor.
Madaba is a medium-sized municipality located immediately southwest of
GAM. Madaba shares the following spatial planning considerations with
GAM:
The Madaba Plains, consisting of prime and intensively-cultivated
agricultural land, is shared by Amman and Madaba.
Madaba is a centre for local development on Ammans southwest
periphery.
Madaba is located within Ammans catchment area for day commuters
traveling to and from Amman.
The Madaba Road is an important regional linkage connecting Amman
to the Kings Highway and tourist destinations in the Dead Sea Valley.
Development pressure in Madaba will increase as land-use regulations
within Amman restrict development in agricultural areas.
The Amman Plan
51
Figure 6: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Regional Context
Metropolitan Amman Regional

Population Distribution
North Balka
To Ze
rash
Al Arda
To
A
Biraen
sS
alt
Greater Balka
Greater Zarqa
arq
Z
To
Central Amman
Inn
er
8th Circle
East Amman
dy
Stu
der
Un
West Amman
ea
Rin
Jabal Amman
dS
ea
D
To
Azraq
Sah
ab
AD
South Balka
Al M
ouw
aqer
To
Ir
R
port
Air
aq
oad
ab
Greater MadabaTo Mad
South Amman
Queen Alia
Airport
Al Jeezah
Population Distribution
GREATER BALKA (SALT) GREATER ZARQA
788,521
271,680
South Madaba
AL ARDA
BIRAEN
10,927
NORTH BALKA
Um Al Rassas
49,200
107,341
SOUTH MADABA
35,393
12,431
29,452
UM AL RASSAS
7,322
1,705,030
EAST AMMAN
GREATER MADABA
SOUTH BALKA
CENTRAL AMMAN
AL AZRAQ
9,550
85,854
WEST AMMAN
96,418
SOUTH AMMAN
32,229
Figure 7: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Regional Commutershed
Irbid
1 Hour
Aijloun
50 min
Mafraq
50 min
Jerash
35 min
Zarqa
25 min
As Salt
30 min
Azraq
Dead
Sea
Madaba
40 min
Al Jizah
35 min
Amman Commuter Shed
52
The Amman Plan
Zarqa is the largest satellite city within the Amman Study Area and presents
the following spatial planning considerations with respect to impacts on
GAM development:
Zarqa is both an urban growth centre and satellite city on the periphery
of GAMs effective planning boundary over 420,000 residents live in
the city proper while over 780,000 residents live in greater Zarqa.
Zarqa and Amman combined contain over 50 percent of Jordans
population.
Over 50,000 people commute from Zarqa to Amman each day.
Affordable housing projects, high-capacity transit links to Amman, and
lower land prices in Zarqa will continue to attract residents who work in
Amman to settle in Zarqa.
Development within Zarqa continues to expand to the northeast.
Quarry and landfill activities restrict southern expansion and greater
integration with GAM.
Military land in Zarqa is slowly opening up to development.
The Greater Balqa Region consists of agricultural-based towns and villages
and major resort developments along the shore of the Dead Sea and Jordan
River. Spatial planning considerations with respect to GAM include the
following:
Agricultural goods destined for Amman and the wider region are
transported on infrastructure shared between GAM and the Balqa
Region.
Tourism infrastructure shared by GAM and the Balqa Region is
important to efforts to diversify and expand local development
opportunities to other locations in the region
The Allenby crossing, located in the Balqa region, is a commuter and
economic linkage between Amman and centres in Palestine.
B.3.1 Biophysical Context

Growth in Amman also has distinct regional implications on a biophysical
scale (Figure 8). Previous experience has illustrated Ammans poor
recognition of its environmental impact beyond its administrative
boundaries. The degradation of the Azraq wetland is a prime example of
the negative impact that Ammans growth has had outside of its boundaries.
Ammans use of the wetland as a ready source of potable water has destroyed
over 90 percent of the nations most biologically diverse wetland ecosystem.
Similar impacts occur in the regions groundwater systems with ongoing
degradation of aquifers due to groundwater contamination through lack of,
and unplanned, servicing provision within the municipality. Water quality
and supply are arguably Ammans greatest sustainability challenges and a
major challenge of the MGP.
The Amman Plan
53
Figure 8: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Bioregional Context
ea
dS
ea
D
To
Azraq
Wetlands
Dead
Sea
Bioregion Boundary
GAM Boundary
Watercourses
Jordan River
Surface Water Basins
54
The Amman Plan
7.5
15
22.5
Kilometers
30
Regional Recommendation
In line with the National Agenda, the MGP serves as a framework and
a template for increasing regional cooperation, empowering lower-tier
municipalities, safeguarding the environment, and increasing municipal
financial resources. Greater planning control in GAM will lead to greater
development pressure in less-regulated areas outside of its boundary. The
MGP recommends conducting an in-depth regional planning exercise to:
Limit unnecessary paper subdivisions and incompatible land uses in
peripheral or sprawl-inducing areas
Ensure greater coordination among the various municipalities located
in the Amman Region
Capture greater cost sharing and efficiencies of scale with respect to
transportation, transit, and service infrastructure sharing
B.4 Metropolitan Context

B.4.1 Greater Amman Municipality Since Amalgamation
The expansion of GAMs boundaries, due to amalgamation in December
2006, has resulted in a larger land and population base. Today, GAM is
home to approximately 2,200,000 residents, located in both urban and
agricultural areas and living a range of modern and traditional lifestyles.
Encompassing 1,662 square kilometres, GAM now spans from the edge of
Jordans Rift Valley, with its steep topography, in the west to the drylands
and rolling hills of the eastern Badia and from the grazing hills of the
southern edge of Zarqa in the north to the semi-arid grasslands in the
south.
GAM has also increased its economic base, primarily due to the addition
of important roads, international gateways, and transportation corridors.
GAM now includes three major corridors of national and regional
importance: the Amman Development Corridor, the Airport Corridor
and its portion of the National Highway, and the Sahab Al - Mouwaqer
Corridor industrially important as a regional trade link. In addition,
Queen Alia International Airport, King Hussein Park, and significant
portions of the Hejaz Railway are counted within GAM boundaries.
GAMs jurisdiction has been extended to include additional areas of
resource development and of cultural and natural heritage significance.
Ammans cultivated area doubled with the expansion, increasing its primary
rainfed agricultural areas by over 50,000 dunums. Major cultural heritage
sites, such as Mushatta Castle, and regionally important sites, such as the
Al Jeeza Roman Pond and Railway Station, Yaduda, and Tell Hesban, are
now within GAM planning jusridiction. Tracts of forest in the west and
important bird migratory routes now also fall within the municipalitys
boundary. These areas will serve as important future focal points for
cultural exchanges and celebration among residents and guests.
The Amman Plan
55
B.4.2 Spatial Development Challenges

Amman faces many spatial development challenges on a metropolitan scale:
Expanding development pattern based on low-density urban sprawl
with single-use residential districts, very high land and housing costs,
and high levels of automobile ownership and use
Automobile-dominated transportation system with resulting
congestion, air pollution, and marginalization of the pedestrian
Decreasing level of focus in the urban structure with the decline of the
old downtown and the planned development of the Abdali complex,
regional shopping malls, and scattered residential projects
Influx of foreign investment capital triggering a building boom that is
not clearly linked to domestic need or demand and that could distort
land and housing markets
Serious shortage of affordable housing that will reach critical
proportions when the current regime of rent controls ends in 2011
Serious condition of water stress that will require the identification
of, and access to, new water sources, a huge investment in new
infrastructure, and the upgrading or replacement of existing
infrastructure
Growing socio-economic polarization of the City into zones of
affluence and poverty
Underdeveloped system for financing new urban infrastructure and
services placing a burden on general governmental revenues that
cannot meet the outstanding needs
A description of the current metropolitan spatial development patterns
appears in Annex 4.
B.4.3 Municipal Administration

GAM is currently administered through 27 Districts (see Figure 9), each
with a local committee that reviews and approves development applications
within zoned areas. Each district is further divided into neighbourhoods
for the purpose of administration and to delineate municipal electoral
ridings. GAM consists of 228 neighbourhoods and villages. Figure 10
presents the neighbourhoods and villages of Amman, Annex 5 lists their
2004 population levels.
56
The Amman Plan
Figure 9: Greater Amman Municipality Districts
ABU NUSAYR
SHAFA BADRAN
SWUAYLEH
AL JUBAYHAH
TAREQ
TLA'A AL-ALI &

UM AL-SUMMAQ &
KHALDA
AL ABDALI
BADR
AL JADEEDAH
WADI AL SEER
ZAHRAN
BADR
MARJ AL - HAMAM
NA'OUR
BASMAN
AL MADEENAH
MARKA
AL NASR
AL YARMOUK
RAS
AL AIN
OHOUD
AL QWAISMEH
UMM QUSAUR &

AL MUQABALAIN
KHIRBET AL SOUQ &

AL YADOUDEH
SAHAB
AL MOUWAQER
HUSBAN & UM AL BASATEEN
AL JEEZAH
Legend
District Boundaries
GAM Boundary
The Amman Plan
57
Figure 10: Greater Amman Municipality Neighbourhoods and Villages
B_01
B_05
B_04
B_02
B_03
B_09
B_06
B_08
B_07
B_11
B_10
B_13
B_16
B_15
B_12
B_17
B_14
B_21
B_25
B_23
B_22
B_20
C_01
B_18
B_24
B_19
B_26
C_07
C_03
C_02
B_27
C_06
C_09
C_08
B_29
B_30
B_31
C_04
B_28
C_10
C_05
C_14
B_33
C_11
B_32
C_16
C_13
C_15
B_34
A_07
C_21
A_03
E_01
A_06
A_04
A_02
C_22
C_18
A_08
C_12
C_19
C_17
B_36
B_35
A_05
C_20
C_24
C_23
C_25
C_31
C_28
C_32
C_26
C_29
A_11
A_01
A_12
C_27
A_09
A_19
A_13
C_35
H_01
A_17
A_26
C_37
E_02
A_23
A_21
A_18
A_25
A_24
A_20
A_16
C_38
H_03
H_02
A_15
A_14
A_10
C_30
E_03
A_22
A_31
A_34
A_29
A_28
A_32
C_33
A_30
C_39
C_36
A_27
A_35
A_33
A_39
C_34
A_38
A_36
C_43
C_41
A_41
A_42
A_45
C_42
H_04
F_01
E_05
A_40
H_05
A_43
A_37
C_40
E_04
A_44
D_02
A_48
D_01
A_47
D_07
H_06
A_46
D_08
A_49
D_06
D_05
D_03
H_08
D_14
D_35
D_16
D_15
D_32
D_33
D_04
D_34
D_13
D_12
H_09
D_23
D_29
F_03
D_31
D_11
D_10
D_30
D_09
F_02
D_42
D_27
D_20
D_26
D_43
D_22
D_18
D_40
D_28
H_07
D_25
D_19
H_10
D_21
D_41
D_24
F_04
D_39
D_17
H_12
D_37
H_11
F_05
D_38
D_36
G_01
H_15
F_06
H_13
H_14
G_04
F_07
G_03
G_02
F_08
G_07
G_08
G_05
F_09
G_10
G_06
G_15
G_11
G_09
G_14
G_13
G_16
G_12
G_21
G_17
G_26
G_18
G_20
G_25
G_22
G_24
G_19
G_23
G_27
G_28
Legend
58
Inner South
South West
Planning Area Boundary
North
West
Neighbourhood Boundary
Outer East
Central
Outer South
Inner East
The Amman Plan
B.5 Greater Amman Municipality Planning

Area Definitions
B.5.1 Municipal Boundary
The Greater Amman Municipal Boundary serves as the Metropolitan
Planning Area boundary for the MGP and appears in Schedule 1. This
Metropolitan Planning Area consists of 1,661,904 dunums (1,662 square
kilometres) and accommodates a population of 2,206,928 persons.
B.5.2 Planning Areas

For planning purposes, the MGP proposes that the Metropolitan Planning
Area be divided into eight Planning Areas as indicated in Schedule 2.
All population and land-use analysis is broken down according to these
Planning Areas. Planning Area boundaries were determined using a
combination of the following criteria:
Development patterns e.g., built, scattered, vacant
Geographic distribution
Physical boundaries e.g., main roads, natural features
Location with respect to the Urban Envelope (see Glossary) i.e.,
inside or outside
Neighbourhood boundaries
Former administrative boundaries
Planning Areas serve to provide rational planning boundaries within
which to conduct further detailed planning and to create Area Plans in the
future. It is important to note that the Planning Areas do not conform
exactly to current administrative boundaries (e.g., Districts). For proposed
institutional alignments see Section E.3.
The Amman Plan
59
Schedule 1: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Metropolitan Planning Area
60
The Amman Plan
Schedule 2: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Planning Area
North
West
Central
South West
Inner East
Inner South
Outer East
Outer South
The Amman Plan
61
B.6 Growth Projections

Growth projections form a critical component of the MGP; they are the
basis on which assumptions for required land area, housing, institutions,
and commerce are made. The main growth indices used are described
below with more detail and broader coverage included in Annex 6.
B.6.1 Population
The 2006 GAM population estimate is 2,206,928; by 2025, GAM
population will be approximately 6,500,000 persons (see Table B.1). Young
Ammanis will dominate this population 53 percent of residents will be
under the age of 25 (see Figure 11).
Table B.1: Amman Population Projections
2004
Total 1,896,426
2010
2015
2020
2025
2,929,510
3,956,163
5,138,677
6,474,482
B.6.2 Investment and Employment

Investment Breakdown
Amman attracts the largest percentage of investment in Jordan and is the

economic driver of the country. Overall investment levels in Amman have
been increasing at a fairly steady rate. See Figure 12 for overall investment
projections.
Figure 11: Csomparison of Amman and London Population Pyramids

The pyramid to the left shows Ammans predominately young population in contrast to the relatively older London population in the pyramid to the right. The red outline
indicates the largest population cohort Ammans under 24 years and Londons between 20 and 44 years.
Male
70-74
Female
Male
Female
60-64
50-54
40-44
30-34
20-24
10-14
0-4
Age
Age
LONDON POPULATION
AMMAN POPULATION
62
The Amman Plan
Figure 12: Greater Amman Municipality

Investment Levels
30,000
20,000
10,000
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2025
Based on population projections and a participation rate1 of 49 percent,

GAM will have a workforce of approximately 1,808,039 by 2025 (see
Figure 13). In addition to resident Ammanis, the workforce will include
non-resident workers and commuters from other municipalities; for
example, an additional 50,000 workers from Zarqa are expected to
commute daily into the City.
JD millions
Workforce Projections
Employment Lands
An account of the Employment Lands currently designated in the

Metropolitan Planning Area appears in Table B.2.
Table B.2: Greater Amman Municipality Metropolitan Employment Lands
Figure 13: Greater Amman Municipality
Employment
Use
Existing
Subtotal Office + Institutional
Total Area
Subtotal Commercial
Subtotal Industrial
Subtotal Existing Employment
Planned

Subtotal Commercial
Employment Demand
Vacant
8,365
1,774
29,722
1,672
512
37,754
88,799
539
1,496
16,989
39,861
39,938
3,636
11,977
Subtotal Industrial
19,024
10,577
3,781
93,465
8,365
1,774
33,358
2,211
2,008
60,107
Total Employment
107,823
43,497
64,326
Subtotal Industrial
Subtotal Planned Employment*
Existing + Planned
Developed
10,038
2,285
76,476

Subtotal Commercial
* Excludes Abdali

Based on an average of 3.38 dunums per JD 1,000,000 investment,
GAM employment land requirements will total 60,000 dunums for
by 2025. Existing employment land stocks exceed this requirement.
Employment land reviews every five years will ensure enough reserve
employment land is available to meet demand.
B.6.3 Housing
In GAM in 2004, the Census accounted for 401,785 occupied
households. A total of 500,858 homes are available, resulting in a
vacancy rate of 20 percent.
According to the Department of Statistics, the minimum number
of new dwelling units needed by 2025 is approximately 915,000.
Assuming a vacancy rate of approximately 40 percent (to include
investment and seasonal units), up to 1,300,000 units may be required.
The Amman Plan
Note: Participation rate: (employed + unemployed)/active population aged 15-60
63
64
The Amman Plan
C. Planning Approach
C.1 Settlement Growth
C.1.1 Background
The 1988 Greater Amman Comprehensive Plan (Volume 5: Final Report)
presented a Preferred Regional Settlement Pattern as well as a Possible
Long-term Regional Pattern (see Figure 14) for Greater Amman. The
latter identified key Urban Growth Corridors and long-term agricultural
lands, and suggested Satellite Towns - all of which were shown as being
located within what is now the Greater Amman Municipal (GAM)
boundary. There has been little consideration for this scale of development
- what we are now calling the metropolitan scale - since the submission
of that Plan. In response, the Metropolitan Growth Plan (MGP) is
designed to set forth a planning framework for what is now known as the
Metropolitan Planning Area.
C.1.2 Objectives
The MGP is not a conventional land-use plan. On the contrary, it is a
guide to more detailed planning for the anticipated Amman population
growth from approximately 2,200,000 persons in 2006 to an anticipated
6,500,000 persons in 2025 . 2As such, the MGP seeks to illustrate the
location of existing settlement areas accommodating residential or
employment uses within the overall Metropolitan Planning Area, as well as
the preferred locations for future settlement (residential and employment)
expansion. It also shows the projected future locations of new roads, public
transit corridors, major natural heritage sites, and areas for more intensive
mixed-use development (e.g., within designated Metropolitan Corridors
and Metropolitan Growth Centres).
The MGP limits development in agricultural areas and focuses
development in existing settlement areas (see Schedule 3). These
settlement areas will serve as the loci for future non-agricultural residential
development. Without this type of guidance, residential development will
continue to happen haphazardly throughout the agricultural parts of the
Metropolitan Planning Area, resulting in urban sprawl. Urban sprawl can
cost enormous sums of money if GAM must provide required servicing or
subsequent upgrading to urban standards.
2
Note: It is interesting to note that the 1988 Comprehensive Plan projected an urban population of 2,000,000
persons in Amman by 2005; this projection was not far off.
The Amman Plan
65
Figure 14: Greater Amman Comprehensive Plan (1988): Long-term Regional Pattern
66
The Amman Plan
Schedule 3: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Regional Settlement and Agricultural Areas
Mafraq
Aijloun
Jerash
Zarqa
JORDAN VALLEY
As Salt
Dead
Sea
Madaba
Al Jizah
The Amman Plan
67
C.1.3 Phasing
The MGP includes plans for phasing largely of infrastructure (see Section
E). The Metropolitan Planning Area is enormous in comparison to the
existing built-up area of Amman and, therefore, GAM and other utility
agencies simply cannot afford to provide normal urban services roads,
public transit, water supply, wastewater disposal, solid waste disposal,
electricity, and telecommunications to all of the expansion areas at or even
close to the adoption of the MGP. Consequently, services will be upgraded
and/or otherwise introduced in a phased fashion in order to promote
contiguous growth of the City and to ensure that costs are affordable and
achievable.
In principle, developers will have the right to proceed with developments
that may not be contiguous with current growth, provided that their
detailed plans conform to the MGP and that they pay for all associated
public costs, including planning and engineering services, as well as
required capital improvements (e.g., servicing infrastructure plus basic
social services and facilities).
C.2
BALANCING INTENSIFICATION AND EXPANSION AREAS
The conceptual foundation for the MGP is based on an examination of

three alternative scenarios of settlement expansion and intensification
sufficient to contain the projected population growth in Amman by the
year 2025 (from 2,200,000 to 6,500,000 persons) (see Figure 15). Applying
the planning and development principles described in Section 2C, each
scenario was evaluated. The preferred scenario became the foundation for
the MGP.
Scenario 1: The City continues to grow as it has for the past 10-15 years,
primarily through outward expansion onto undeveloped land and at the

current overall density of 5 persons per dunum. This scenario will fill
most of the Metropolitan Planning Area by 2025 and will require the
development of most of the existing agricultural land.
Scenario 2: The City grows through an equal combination of
intensification (see Glossary) of existing built-up areas and outward

expansion onto undeveloped land, resulting in an overall density of 10
persons per dunum. Growth in this scenario is largely contained within
the Amman Development Corridor, but spills over this boundary in the
Sahab-Al Mouwaqer area and a limited number of other designated areas.
Scenario 3: The City grows through a greater emphasis on intensification
combined with densification (see Glossary), resulting in a further reduction

in perimeter expansion and an increase in overall density to 15 persons per
dunum. Development is fully contained within the Amman Development
Corridor.
68
The Amman Plan
Comparative analysis of these three scenarios indicated, that:

The more emphasis that is placed on intensification and densification,
the less expansion onto undeveloped land is required and the smaller the
overall urban footprint.
The smaller the urban footprint, the more dense (compact) the City
fabric.
The smaller the urban imprint, the more agricultural land can be
retained for long-term use.
The smaller the urban footprint, the less the expenditure on urban
infrastructure.
Scenario 1 was judged to be unsustainable, unaffordable, and destructive
to the development character of GAM. Scenario 3 was judged to be only

partially achievable given current development conditions, pressures, and
constraints. A hybrid of Scenario 2 and Scenario 3 was selected, combining
the land requirements of Scenario 2 with the intensification and densification
features of Scenario 3.
Figure 15: Metropolitan Growth Scenarios
Current Built-up Area (2008)

Current
Current
Built-up
Built-up
AreaArea
(2008)
(2008)
Urban
Expansion
(2025)
Urban
Urban
Expansion
Expansion
(2025)
(2025)
Agricultural
Land
Agricultural
Agricultural
LandLand
Current Built-up Area (2008)

Urban Expansion (2025)
Agricultural Land

Density (people/donum)
Scenario 1:
Status
Quo Quo:
Status
Urban Envelope (sq.km)

Prime Agricultural Land Impacted (sq. km)
Density
(people/dunum)
Density
(people/dunum)
(people/dunum)
Cost
ofDensity
New Road
Infrastructure (Billion JD)
Urbanized Area (sq.km)

Urbanized
Urbanized
AreaArea
(sq.km)
(sq.km)
Status
Quo:
Quo:
5 Status
Expansion
Only
Expansion
Expansion
Only
Only
840
474
3.5
840
840840
Prime Agriculture Land

474
Prime
Prime
Agriculture
Agriculture
Land
Land
474474
Impacted (sq.km.)
Impacted
Impacted
(sq.km.)
(sq.km.)
Cost of new road
3.5
Status
Quo:
CostCost
of new
of new
roadroad
3.5 3.5
infrastructure (Billion JD)
Expansion Only
infrastructure
infrastructure
(Billion
(Billion
JD) JD)
Density (people/dunum)
Urbanized Area (sq.km)
5The
840
Amman Plan
Scenario 2:
Intensification + Expansion
Intensification +
Intensification
Intensification
+ +
10
Expansion
Expansion
Expansion
340
225
10
1.5 10 10
340
340340
225
225225
1.5
Intensification
+
1.51.5
Expansion
M e t r o p10
o l i ta n G r o w t h
340
Scenario 3:
Intensification
+ Densification
+ Expansion
Intensification
+
Intensification
Intensification
+ +
Densification15+
Densification
Densification
+ +
Expansion170
Expansion
Expansion
96
15
15 1.0
15
170
170170
96
96 96
1.0
Intensification
+
1.0 1.0
Densification +
Expansion
15
170
69
D. Metropolitan Growth Plan and Components

The Metropolitan Growth Plan (MGP) appears in Schedule 4 and
presents the recommended physical plan to guide development in the
Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) until 2025. Each component
of the MGP consists of a stand-alone schedule that presents the
metropolitan features related to a particular planning topic. The
schedules identify features consistent with the high-level planning of
the MGPs overall growth management approach. Each component
also contains policies that the City will adopt to ensure that the physical
plan is implemented and the intent of each plan is effectively captured
in day-to-day administration of the City.
This section is divided into four subsections that are representative of
the MGPs approach to growth management:
Subsection D.1: Growth Structure describes the key growth
designations used in the MGP and illustrates the overall growth
structure of the MGP.
Subsection D.2: Limited and No Growth includes biophysical,
cultural, and resource-related functions that require caution with
respect to new development.
Subsection D.3: Metropolitan Infrastructure includes
transportation and transit systems and policies, and servicing
policies that require careful integration with new development to
ensure high standards and affordability.
Subsection D.4: Primary Growth includes locations of settlement,
intensification, expansion, mixed-use, open space, and employment
areas that define where growth will occur and how people will
relate day-to-day to their environment.
D.1 Growth Structure

D.1.1 Key Growth Designations
The MGP uses the following specific key growth designations that
define the spatial growth of the City. These designations are visually
represented and defined further in Figure 16 (also see Glossary for more
detailed definitions of growth designations):
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Schedule 4: Metropolitan Growth Plan
ZARQA
SALT
8th CIRCLE
!
!
!
!
!
LANDFILL
KING OF
BAHRAIN
PARK
reas
Antiquities
!
!
MADABA
AIRPORT
SALT
!
LEGEND
ZARQA
Amman Metropolitan
Boundary
8th CIRCLE
SALT
!
Natural Heritage System
!
!
!
!
Quarry and Mineral Extraction Lease Areas
Quarry and Mineral Extraction Areas
!
Rangelands
!
Croplands
!
!
!
LEGEND
Core Cultural Heritage Centres / Major Antiquities
Amman
Boundary
Major Heritage Landscapes KING OF
8thMetropolitan
CIRCLE
!
Motorway
!
!
!
LANDFILL BAHRAIN
!
Rural Expressway
PARK
Urban Expressway
!
Rangelands
Major Arterial
!
Croplands
Railway
!
!
LEGEND
Potential High-Order Transit Corridors
Major Heritage Landscapes
Amman Metropolitan Boundary
Built Up Areas
KING OF
Motorway
Expansion Areas
BAHRAIN
Rural Expressway PARK
Metropolitan Corridor
!
Urban Expressway
Metropolitan Growth Centres
MADABA
Major Arterial
Rangelands
AIR
Built Employment
Railway
Croplands
Expansion Employment
!
Potential High-Order Transit Corridors
Open Space System
Built Up Areas
Expansion Areas
Motorway
Rural Expressway
T h e A m m a n P l a nMetropolitan
M e t r o pCorridor
o l i ta n G r o w t h
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Metropolitan Growth Centres !
Urban Expressway
!
MADABA
Built Employment
Major Arterial
AIRPORT
Railway
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The Amman Plan
Figure 16: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Definitions
LIMITED and
NO GROWTH AREAS
PRIMARY
GROWTH AREAS
Settlement Built Up Areas:
Natural Heritage Areas:

prevent development
around environmentally
sensitive areas, including
key watersheds, wadis and
forest areas
absorb 45% of future

population growth within
existing communities and
built up areas
Settlement Expansion Areas:

absorb 55% of future
population growth on
land that is currently
undeveloped
Cultural Heritage Areas:

protect significant cultural
or historical artifacts and
antiquities
Metropolitan Corridors:
allow significant intensification along designated portions with high-order transit
service
Rangeland Areas:
provide a buffer around
settlements for limited agriculture, desert reclamation,
and water harvesting
Metropolitan Growth Centres:

allow High Density and mixed
use development that will
absorb significant population
growth and support highorder transit service
Cropland Areas:
strenghthen agricultural
communities and limit
sprawl on Ammans prime
rainfed agricultural areas
Employment Built-Up Areas &

Employment Expansion Areas:
Quarry and Mineral

Extraction Areas:
absorb industrial, commercial

and office uses over the next
25 years through intensification of Employment Built-Up
Areas and additional expansion within Employment Expansion Areas
The Amman Plan
protect the existing

resource extraction land
and employment base
73
Primary Growth Areas: Within Primary Growth Areas, the MGP

defines Settlement Areas, Employment Areas, Metropolitan Corridors,
and Metropolitan Growth Centres, which will absorb most of Ammans
growth to 2025.
Within the Primary Growth Area, the MGP defines an Urban
Envelope, which includes the existing core built-up areas of Amman
and extends beyond them in designated areas to align with the Amman
Development Corridor. This Urban Envelope will contain 85 percent
of Ammans new growth.
Limited and No Growth Areas: Limited and No Growth Areas
include Natural Heritage Areas, Cultural Heritage Areas, Agricultural
Areas, and Mining and Quarry Areas where development is limited or
prohibited.
D.1.2 Growth Concept

Figure 17 provides a different view of the MGP spatial plan. This cross-
section represents Primary Growth Areas in yellow and orange, and

Limited Growth Areas in green and brown. Settlement growth will be
accommodated through intensification of designated Built-Up Areas and
through the extension of development onto vacant land. Additional higherdensity growth will be facilitated within key transit-supported Metropolitan
Growth Centres and within developments along Metropolitan Corridors.
Figure 18 further describes the types of development that can occur within
Primary Growth Areas.
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The Amman Plan
Figure 17: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Growth Concept
Urban Envelope
Built-up Areas
Built Boundary
Croplands
Expansion Areas
Expansion Areas
East
Figure 18: Primary Growth Area

Settlement Development Types
Built Boundary
Expansion
Built-up Area
Metropolitan
Growth
Centres
Metropolitan Corridors
West
Metropolitan Corridors
Greater Amman Municipal Boundary
Rangelands
Expansion Areas
Existing Settlement Area:

Ammans population lives primarily within
the built-up areas of cities, towns, and villages
located within the Greater Amman Municipal
Boundary. Approximately 40 percent of land in
the existing built-up area is vacant.
Settlement Densification:
A portion of the projected population growth
to 2025 will be absorbed by increasing the
permitted zoned density on individual plots
within the existing built-up areas of Amman. This
includes allowing additional floors and greater
lot coverage.
Settlement Intensification:
A significant portion of the projected population
growth to 2025 will be absorbed by developing
vacant land within the existing built-up areas of
Amman.
Settlement Expansion:
The largest portion of the projected population
growth to 2025 will be absorbed by extending
development beyond existing built-up areas of
Amman into vacant land.
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75
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77
Schedule 5: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Natural Heritage Plan
ZARQA
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em
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Roads
Proposed Roads
Railway
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D.2 Limited and No Growth

D.2.1 Natural Heritage Plan
Introduction
In cities, natural areas provide a range of tangible and intangible benefits as

people interact with the environment. These benefits include mitigating
the effects of air and water pollution, microclimate control, conserving
energy, providing opportunities for recreation, fostering cohesive
neighbourhoods, making cities more attractive to residents and tourists,
attracting businesses, and stabilizing property values. Many cities in the
world protect and rehabilitate natural areas using an ecosystem-based
approach that integrates the built environment of the city into the overall
biophysical landscape of the region (see Figure 8).
Natural areas in Amman are extremely vulnerable due to urban growth and
natural resource development pressure. Most water courses in the built-up
areas of the city have gone underground or disappeared all together. Air
pollution and poor public land management is threatening the remaining
pockets of forests. Urban development is creeping down the valleys in the
western portion of the City, threatening Ammans most biologically diverse
areas. Water pollution has already contaminated Ammans aquifers and is
putting great strain on remaining underground sources of drinking water
and remaining surface water sources in this water-poor country. All these
impacts reinforce the immediate need for Amman to do what it can to
improve the state of the environment within its boundaries.
The MGP Natural Heritage Plan presents a physical plan and policies that
will enable the city to create and manage a system of protected natural areas
(Schedule 5). Natural heritage planning is a unifying concept in landuse planning, integrating both physical planning and policy development
within an ecosystem-based approach. In Amman, the concept involves
rehabilitating and extending Ammans natural areas in parallel with the
physical growth of the city. Working in conjunction with the Open Space
System (see Section D.3.4), the Natural Heritage Plan will identify natural
areas of Amman that are to be conserved and areas of Amman that are to
rehabilitated and naturalized.
The MGP Natural Heritage Plan does not replace or supercede existing
national legislation on the environment and related fields. This Plan
requires inter-agency cooperation for effective implementation, especially
the Ministry of the Environment and related NGOs. The Plan will work
in conjunction with the Ministrys Environmental Protection Law, which
addresses a wide range of environmental issues, from biodiversity and
water protection to solid waste management and environmental impact
assessments.
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79
Approach
Amman needs to protect its natural systems, including both physical

and biological features, to develop a healthy and sustainable
community. Protection of natural areas in Amman is particularly
important because significant portions of the natural environment
have already been lost and the areas that remain are degraded and
fragmented. As natural features do not function in isolation, a systemsbased approach to protecting the natural environment was used; this
approach is outlined here:
Definition of a Natural Heritage System
The Natural Heritage System (NHS) unites natural features such

as forests, wadis, wildlife habitat (including habitat of rare species),
and other environmentally sensitive areas, as well as connections
between these core areas into an overall ecosystem (see Annex 7). This
ecosystem approach emphasizes the interrelation of individual features
and focuses on enhancing and rehabilitating both core areas and the
connections between the core areas. The NHS is used to prioritize
location of natural areas across the Metropolitan Planning Area and
apply consistent policy to land located within these areas. Over the
MGPs 18-year horizon, the city will actively work towards establishing
and conserving the NHS in the Metropolitan Planning Area.
Integration of Natural Areas with Land Use
The location of the NHS will be used to identify limitations on the

type and location of future land use and development. Moreover, the
location of the land contained in the NHS will be used by city planners
to properly buffer core natural areas from development. In addition,
developers can determine whether development sites require planning
alterations due to the presence of land located in the NHS.
Protection of Core Areas and Creation of Connections
In the MGP Natural Heritage Plans systems-based approach to

natural heritage protection, the connections between natural features
are as important as the features themselves; therefore, the NHS is
composed of both core areas and corridors. Forests and restored sites
form the core areas of the NHS while wadis, steep slopes, and other
significant physical features form connecting corridors. Although areas
(or portions of the areas) between the natural features are often not
natural themselves, protecting the connections improves the core areas
sustainability.
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The Amman Plan
Rehabilitation of Ammans Natural Areas
The NHS covers approximately 4 percent of the municipalitys land and

incorporates all natural areas that remain in GAM. The development of the
NHS was not based on the quality of the included features. In most cases,
the quality of the natural system is severely degraded and therefore presents
many opportunities for enhancement. A more detailed assessment of the
features would be required at the site-planning level as development or site
alteration is proposed to determine these opportunities.
Protection of Prominent Wadis and Jabals
GAM has deeply incised wadis (watercourses) that dominate the central and
western area of the municipality and rolling jabals (hills) across the northern
part of the city. The MGP Natural Heritage Plan incorporates and protects
the most prominent of these topographic features within the NHS. The
Plan retains the natural courses of wadis and provides protective land-use
buffers on both wadi banks. The Plan also conserves prominent ridgelines
and steep valley slopes from future development and/or alteration.
Retention of Forests and Tree Canopy
Today, the amount of forest and tree cover in GAM accounts for less than
1 percent of total land, if both natural and planted areas are included.
Historically, the western portion of land within the municipal boundary was
part of an extensive belt of Deciduous and Evergreen Oak forest that ran
along the eastern bank of the Rift Valley. The MGP Natural Heritage Plan
protects what remains of these forests by prohibiting development in all
remaining forested areas and by establishing connections between isolated
pockets of trees within the overall NHS of core areas and connections.
Using this approach, the overall tree canopy of the city will increase.
Protection of Water Resources
Surface water, including springs located throughout the municipality,

comes mainly from baseflow (supplied by groundwater basins), rainfall, and
wastewater treatment plant discharge, in various amounts depending on
the season. Over-exploitation of water resources has degraded the aquatic
ecosystem, including water quality. To protect the water resources from
further degradation and depletion, the MGP Natural Heritage Plan will not
permit altering (e.g., filling, paving, or replacing with box culverts) major
wadis and will preserve water catchment areas of naturalized land on either
bank of these wadis.
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81
Protection of Biodiversity
GAM is home to many distinct varieties of vegetation, which are the

result of the highly varied topography and climatic conditions across
the municipality. There are three distinct biogeographical zones within
the municipality: Mediterranean, Irano-Turanina, and Saharo Arabian.
These biogeographical zones contain diverse types of vegetation,
ranging from forest to desert communities. The MGP Natural
Heritage Plan will protect representative areas from each of these
biogeographic zones by including them in the NHS.
Natural Hazards and Natural Heritage Areas
Potential natural hazards in GAM include flooding, erosion, slope

failure, and earthquakes. To protect people and property in Amman,
the MGP Natural Heritage Plan establishes policies to limit
development in areas with hazard potential; steep slopes, ridges, and
wadis that have hazard potential are included in the NHS.
Objectives
The objectives of the MGP Natural Heritage Plan are to:

Preserve GAMs natural ecosystems
Increase the percentage of natural and green cover within the
municipality
Protect natural system from the influence of surrounding and more
intensive uses
Protect native species and natural vegetation communities
Direct development to appropriate areas in order to minimize
impacts on the natural ecosystem, wildlife, and landscape features
Create a healthier community for Ammani residents
Build a city that is based on the principles of sustainable
development
Ensure the wise management and sustainable use of natural
resources to protect their quality and integrity
Natural Heritage Policies
In building a city that is based on the principles of sustainable

development and ecosystem-based planning, and in meeting the above
objectives, the MGP Natural Heritage Plan contains the following
policies:
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The Amman Plan
1. Protect, conserve, and enhance the health and integrity of the

GAMs natural features (as well as the linkages between them)
and their ecological functions by designating a Natural Heritage
System (NHS) (Schedule 5) that includes:
Core Areas, consisting of:
Habitat for native flora and fauna, including forests
Watersheds and aquifer recharge areas
Landforms, wadis, physical features (steep slopes and ridges), and
other associated biophysical features
Connections and linkages between Core Areas, including:
Wildlife migratory corridors
Wadis, ridgelines, and steep slopes
2. Maintain the NHS in a natural state while allowing for:
Compatible recreational, cultural, and educational uses and
facilities that minimize adverse impacts on natural features and
functions

Conservation projects, public transit, public works and utilities

for which no reasonable alternatives are available and that are
designed to have only minimal adverse impacts on natural
features and functions
3. Protect and restore wadis to minimize servicing costs and protect

the natural hydrologic cycle, including groundwater recharge and
discharge.
4. With respect to wadis identified in the NHS:
Unless otherwise indicated, retain a 15-metre buffer on
either side of the wadi, measured from Top-of-Bank, where no
development is permitted except for uses identified in Policy #2.
Planting of native species will be encouraged within buffer
areas to increase canopy cover, reduce surface water runoff and
naturalize watercourses.
5. Require proposed development on land that includes a part of
the NHS to complete an Environmental Report that explains
the proposed use and integration of the NHS with the proposed
development.
6. Promote the use of water-conserving technologies and landscapes,
including the use of drought-tolerant, native plants, use of
permeable surface materials in the NHS and in development in
proximity to the NHS.
The Amman Plan
83
7. Recognize the joint role of, and opportunities for, partnerships between
public and private landowners, institutions, and organizations in
protecting, restoring, and enhancing the natural environment.
8. In cooperation with other agencies (e.g., the Ministry of the
Environment), monitor the health of the NHS and its relation to the
state of the environment in Amman, using specific indicators in a yearly
State of Ammans Environment Report that measures the objectives set
out in this plan as well as overall pollution levels in the city.
9. Educate and engage residents, business-people, and landowners
to protect and enhance the environment and to make responsible
environmental choices.
Natural Hazards Policies
To minimize the risks associated with natural hazards, the MGP Natural
Heritage Plan contains the following policies:
1. Where feasible, incorporate natural hazard areas into the NHS.
2. Reduce the risks to life, health, safety, property, and ecosystem
heath from natural hazards such as landslides, flooding, erosion, and
earthquakes by not permitting development in the NHS.
3. Promote the naturalization of steep slopes and wadis within the NHS.
4. Maintain and enhance shelterbelt plantings to manage desertification
and erosion within the NHS.
5. Reduce the adverse effects of flooding by requiring stormwater
management plans for new developments.
6. Conduct regular monitoring and reporting to ensure that potential
natural hazards are managed appropriately.
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The Amman Plan
The Amman Plan
85
D.2.2 Quarries and Mineral Extraction Plan

Introduction
Amman is fundamentally a mining town, built out of the stone quarried

from the surrounding hills of the original settlement. Ammans
architectural character is defined by this relationship between the built
environment and the skilled transformation of the sources of its urban
fabric. In keeping with Ammans distinctive urban form, quarrying and, to
a lesser extent, mineral extraction will continue within the Metropolitan
Planning Area ensuring Amman continues to be built out of local resources
using local craftsmanship.
Minerals and quarries are particularly important to cities because they
provide materials for the construction of roads, sewers, sidewalks, bridges,
and other infrastructure, as well as certain manufacturing and production
processes. The MGP Quarries and Mineral Extraction Plan presented in
Schedule 6 identifies Existing Major Quarry and Mineral Extraction Areas,
as well as Major Quarry and Mineral Extraction Lease Areas.
Approach
The MGP Quarries and Minerals Extraction Plan involved identifying

areas in use or of prospective interest to the extractive industry using the
following approach (see Annex 8):
Identification of Existing Mining and Quarry Areas
Mineral extraction and quarrying are not widespread, covering less than
1 percent of the total GAM area. Quarries that supply building materials
such as aggregates, sands, and limestone are located in the eastern part of
Amman. There are also many former quarry sites within existing urban
area; some of these sites are being rehabilitated, others are considered
hazardous sites. GAM will ensure that all mineral extraction and quarry
areas are identified according to existing use and status of the land as either
active, potential, closed, requires rehabilitation or rehabilitated.
Consideration of Land Use Compatibility
Mineral extraction and quarry areas need to be conducive to surrounding

land uses and not infringe on residential, employment, or public uses.
To this end, the MGP Quarries and Mineral Extraction Plan will ensure
adequate land-use buffers between incompatible land uses.
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The Amman Plan
Schedule 6: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Quarries and Mineral Extraction
ZARQA
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8th CIRCLE
LANDFILL
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MADAB
Lease Areas
Areas
LEGEND
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Railway
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Establishment of Rehabilitation Plan
All mineral extraction and quarry activities will need to be closed and
rehabilitated. GAM will be able to plan for uses phased over time with
respect to expected mine and quarry closures. GAM will require mine
and quarry developers to submit a mine and quarry closure plan and
rehabilitation plan that clearly outlines the lifespan of the mine.
Retention of Antiquity Quarry Areas
Several quarry areas in Amman were originally used as Roman quarries.
The MGP Quarries and Mineral Extraction Plan will ensure that these
areas are protected within the Cultural Heritage System and the Open
Space System (see Section D.3.4).
Objectives
It is important to manage resource extraction in such a way that

provides long-term prosperity while minimizing harmful environmental
and societal impacts. The objectives of the MGP Quarries and Mineral
Extraction Plan are to:
Protect resource extraction land and its associated employment base
Ensure sustainable practices for the extraction of mineral resources
and quarrying
Strictly control the creation of new stone quarries within GAM
Rehabilitate old quarries especially for inclusion in the Open Space
System (see Section D.3.4)
Protect quarries with cultural heritage value, including Roman
quarry sites
Quarry and Mineral Extraction Policies
1. Generally permit and zone new extraction sites in designated

Agricultural Areas, but not in designated Settlement (Built-Up or
Expansion) Areas.
2. Protect mining and quarry resources and operations from
development and activities that would preclude or hinder their
continued use and expansion or that would be incompatible uses for
reasons of public health, safety, and/or environmental impact.
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The Amman Plan
3. Ensure that negative environmental and social impacts associated with

resource extraction, including noise and vibration impacts, are avoided
and minimized where possible, including protection of ground and
surface water resources.
4. Prohibit resource extraction where it would require the elimination of
significant landscape features, including any combination of topography
and vegetation that create important scenic vistas.
5. Enforce a minimum separation distance between resource extraction
sites and sensitive uses such as residential lands.
6. Ensure that mineral extraction is compatible with adjacent planned
development and with existing development in the vicinity.
7. Require that developers of extractive sites, in consultation with GAM,
Natural Resources Authority, and Ministry of Environment, prepare
a suitable rehabilitation plan for the site that provides a compatible
end use when extraction is complete and takes into consideration the
surrounding land uses and approved land-use designations.
8. Incorporate old quarry sites within the Open Space System (see Section
D.3.4) and ensure antiquity quarry sites are incorporated into the
Cultural Heritage System.
9. GAM will coordinate resource management decisions with other levels
of government, as well as with relevant public and private agencies and
groups, including the Ministry of Natural Resources.
10. Ensure mineral extraction and quarry activities follow the rules and
regulations for operation as established under the Management of
Natural Resources Law No. 12 of 1968.
The Amman Plan
89
D.2.3 Agricultural Plan

Introduction
Before Ammans inauguration as the nations capital and its subsequent

rise in prominence, it was an agricultural community founded in the ruins
of Antiquity on the banks of the Sail Hesban. Early Circassian settlers
benefited from the rich soils and temperate climate that provided their
livelihood and enabled them to establish the community of Amman. The
importance of agriculture to the everyday life of these early residents is
reflected today in the wide variety of souks, markets, and supermarkets
located throughout the city that sell local agricultural products and in
Ammans agricultural communities that are, in part, sustained by the diverse
fields and numerous livestock in Ammans agricultural areas.
Agriculture remains an important part of the landscape and a vital sector in
Jordans struggle for self-reliance in the face of rising global dependencies,
especially regarding food products. Over-reliance on agricultural imports
can lead to periods of food insecurity in times of political or market
instability. As such, protecting agriculture in Amman is a national priority
as set out in the National Agenda. Even so, agricultural areas in Amman are
in swift decline. Pressure from speculative urban development has caused
fragmentation of the prime agricultural land-base and agricultural activity
has declined as land is left fallow or simply abandoned while owners wait
for offers from developers.
Protection of Ammans prime agricultural areas from development was
last established in the 1988 Greater Amman Comprehensive Plan. An
agricultural belt was to be the main deterrent that would limit expansion of
Ammans urban areas to the south and the west. Although the 1988 Plan
was never implemented and urban growth did occur in those agricultural
areas, the concept of retaining prime agricultural land in Amman remains
and is now a cornerstone of the MGP Agricultural Plan.
The MGP Agricultural Plan (see Schedule 7) retains the concept of
protecting Ammans prime agricultural lands by designating Agricultural
AreasLand and protecting them for agricultural uses and activities. While
the Plan prevents additional urban development on prime agricultural land,
it also acts as a buffer to limit the outward sprawl of Ammans built-up
areas onto Ammans Badia and desert areas.
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The Amman Plan
Schedule 7: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Agricultural Plan
ZARQA
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LANDFILL
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MADABA
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MADABA
lands
Agriculture
nds
LEGEND
Rangelands
Urban Agriculture
Croplands
Roads
Proposed Roads
Railway
sed Roads
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Approach
If properly supported through planning and policy, local agriculture offers

great benefits to cities, including stronger economic connections between
urban and agricultural communities due to shared markets and market
volume (e.g., niche markets for value-added products such as organic
goods), greater food security due to proximity of agricultural production,
reduced energy expenditures and pollution related to lower product
transportation requirements, and reduced greenhouse gases through
carbon sequestration in the crop plants. For all of these reasons, the
MGP Agricultural Plan focuses on supporting agricultural activities and
communities as follows:
Conservation of Prime Agricultural Land
Effective agricultural production requires a combination of fertile soils,

climate, and topography. Within GAM, this combination is present on
lands located primarily in the north and west, and less fertile areas located
in the south and the west. Within Ammans municipal boundary, rainfall is
the main limiting factor in agricultural productivity. The MGP Agricultural
Plan identifies prime agricultural areas based on rainfall and soil capability
and will prohibit non-agricultural use on this land.
Reduce Irrigation Dependency
Amman consists of prime agricultural areas, Badia, and desert areas that
vary in productive capability. The Badia and desert areas are more suitable
to livestock production as crops in these areas require water from irrigation
which tends towards water over-consumption (see Annex 9 for Agricultural
Context). Meanwhile prime agricultural land that is rainfed is underutilized
as only 55 percent of this land is cultivated. To reduce water consumption
in agricultural areas, -the MGP Agricultural Plan identifies agricultural
areas based on crop production potential, followed by grazing and livestock
potential and encourages land uses in these areas that reflect the greatest
potential.
Support for Existing Agricultural Uses and Agricultural Communities
Contiguous tracts of agricultural land are necessary to maintain an

effective land base for farming and essential to maintaining agricultural
communities. Unfortunately, current residential subdivisions are negatively
affecting agricultural productivity as they fragment the agricultural land
base. The MGP Agricultural Plan will restrict residential growth in
agricultural areas by establishing regulations for minimum parcel sizes and
by establishing hard boundaries for settlement expansion in agricultural
areas.
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The Amman Plan
Increase in Ammans Food Security
Due to Ammans heavy reliance on agricultural imports, it is important to

protect productive land and support the contribution of locally-grown food
to Ammans overall food supply. The MGP Agricultural Plan supports local
agriculture by designating land in the municipality for agricultural uses.
Reinforcement of Urban Agriculture
Urban agriculture is also important in Amman. Approximately one in six

households, in both high- and low-income areas, grow their own fruits,
vegetables and herbs; some even raise chickens and goats. On average,
these residents use up to 15 percent of their land for urban agriculture.
Urban agriculture in Amman generates approximately JD 1,900,000
annually. The Agricultural Plan supports the continued use of agriculture
in Amman by designating vacant land within the Urban Envelope as
appropriate for agricultural productivity.
Consideration of Land Use Compatibility
Another problem for farmers in the GAM is conflict between land uses
such as residential land uses that can curtail agricultural processes. Farm
operators need to be assured that their investment in agriculture will not
be affected by conflicting land uses. To this end the Agricultural Plan
prioritizes agricultural uses within agricultural areas.
Objectives
The MGP Agricultural Plan aims to preserve local agricultural

communities sustained by a diverse agricultural economy of locally-grown
and -produced agricultural goods. The MGP Agricultural Plans objectives
are to:
Conserve agricultural resources, especially high-quality rainfed
agricultural land
Reduce agricultural water use and improve water quality for agriculture
Support and accommodate urban agriculture
Increase water harvesting and conservation
Ensure compatible uses in areas adjacent to agricultural land
Improve the affordability of farming within GAM so that farmers can
continue to farm
Limit the fragmentation of the agricultural land base
Encourage high value-added economic and environmentally sustainable
agricultural production such as organic farming
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93
Agriculture Policies
To ensure the sustainable use of agricultural resources and a productive

agricultural industry, the MGP Agricultural Plan includes the following
policies:
1. Designate lands most suitable for agricultural production (prime
agricultural lands that are rainfed and have high-quality soil) as
Croplands and prioritize agricultural activities within these areas.
2. Permit only agricultural and agriculture-related uses including
growing crops and orchards, raising livestock, and associated
on-farm buildings and structures and other uses as defined by the
Ministry of Agriculture in designated Croplands.
3. Designate Badia and desert areas used for livestock grazing as
Rangelands and prioritize agricultural activities within these areas.
4. Permit agricultural-related uses in designated Rangeland areas,
including livestock grazing, agricultural processing, water
harvesting, agricultural-related research, and institutional and other
uses as defined by the Ministry of Agriculture.
5. Ensure compatible land uses adjacent to Cropland and Rangeland
Areas, recognizing that agricultural practices can result in noise,
dust and, odours that can cause conflicts with other land uses and
that agricultural uses will be given priority in Agricultural Areas.
6. Designate prime agricultural areas within the Urban Envelope as
Urban Agriculture Areas and permit agricultural activities within
these areas, including growing crops.
7. Encourage agricultural economic diversification to provide farmers
greater opportunity to obtain additional sources of income.
8. Restrict severance of agricultural lands in Cropland Areas (rainfed
with high-quality soils) except for:
Lots for agricultural uses that are sufficiently large to maintain
flexibility for future agricultural uses and operations (30 dunums
minimum)
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The Amman Plan
Lots on which there will be no adverse effects on agricultural

operations in the surrounding area
Lots for small-scale industrial and commercial uses that are directly
related to agriculture in areas with poor soil conditions
9. Comply with Jordans National Strategy for Agriculture and Ministry
of Agriculture laws including, Agricultural Law No. 44 of 2002 and the
Soil Protection Bylaw 2005, regulating agricultural uses.
10. Ensure collaboration with other government agencies and interest
groups in the development, implementation, and review of plans and
policies for agricultural lands.
The Amman Plan
95
D.2.4 Cultural Heritage Plan

Introduction
Amman is a city with a story that has not been told yet. It is a modern
urban centre that represents one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world
and serves as a gateway to many significant cultural heritage sites. Amman
is also part of a larger national and regional cultural heritage network,
including world-renowned heritage cities of Madaba, Jerash, Um Rusas,
and Petra. Cultural heritage in Amman reflects religious and ethnic
diversity embodied in a unique urban character.
Despite its significance, cultural heritage in Amman faces many challenges:
Cultural heritage sites are frequently threatened by new developments
and in danger of destruction and/or marginalization.
Current building regulations and development controls do not secure
enough protection for cultural heritage sites, often leaving planning
decisions about their surroundings up to the discretion of individual
developers and landowners.
The absence of a comprehensive legal framework for protecting
cultural heritage limits GAMs ability to preserve heritage sites.
The MGP Cultural Heritage Plan (Schedule 8) lays the foundation
for the protection, conservation, and rehabilitation of Ammans wide
range of cultural heritage features. The first of its kind for Amman, the
MGP Cultural Heritage Plan integrates modern and ancient heritage
elements within an overall heritage framework for the purposes of land
use integration, adaptive reuse, and conservation. Annex 10 contains a
summary of the various periods in Ammans long history that the Plan will
address.
Approach
Everyday, residents of Amman encounter history within the Citys streets,
buildings, cafes, topography, arcades, and other features. It is the goal
of the MGP Cultural Heritage Plan to create a physical template that
reinforces the active relationship between people and the history of place.
The approach of the Cultural Heritage Plan is outlined here:
Definition of Cultural Heritage
The MGP Cultural Heritage Plan recognizes the variations of meaning

inherent in the concept of cultural heritage, succinctly captured here by
UNESCO:
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Schedule 8: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Cultural Heritage Plan
k
To Su
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To J
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AsSalt
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Yabouq Trail
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Wadi Seer
Citadel
!
!!
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Quweismeh Tomb
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Madina
Rainbow Street !
!!
Zahran Street
AsS
!
Al Qastal Ruins
!
Qasr Al Mushatta
Madaba
LEGEND
Metropolitan Amman Boundary
Core Cultural Heritage Centers
Major Antiquities
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97
Having at one time referred exclusively to the monumental remains

of cultures, heritage as a concept has gradually come to include new
categories such as the intangible, ethnographic or industrial heritage. A
noteworthy effort was subsequently made to extend the conceptualization
and description of the intangible heritage .. The concept of heritage in
our time accordingly is an open one, reflecting living culture every bit as
much as that of the past.
Following from this concept, heritage can contain many natural, social,
and cultural elements, as well as the relationships between them. Heritage
features within the GAM boundary include:
Immovable features such as town centres, historic antiquity sites,
and man-made landscape elements that are in a fixed and permanent
location
Movable features such as artifacts that can be easily transported from
one location to another
Intangible heritage such as traditional belief systems and cultural
elements
Identification of Appropriate Scale
As a spatial plan, the MGP Cultural Heritage Plan identifies metropolitanscale cultural heritage features that are of national, regional, and/or
metropolitan significance. Within this metropolitan framework, additional
cultural heritage features will be identified in further detail at the planning
area and community scales.
Identification of Cultural Heritage Layers
The MGP Cultural Heritage Plan marks a new approach for Amman that
departs significantly from a segregated view of antiquity and archaeological
conservation efforts. Antiquity and architectural elements are both
subsumed within three broadly defined heritage layers. Each layer is
important in its own right and deserves the same degree of attention within
municipal planning regulation.
1. Core Cultural Heritage Centres
This layer consists of town and village centres that range in age from
thousands of years to a few decades old. Cultural Heritage Centres vary in
spatial organization, form, and architectural typology. All of these centres
are inhabited, but their physical environments and authentic lifestyles have
been preserved to varying degrees. Core Cultural Heritage Centres consist
of Historic and Heritage Districts, which reflect both modern and antiquity
settlement history in Amman as indicated below:
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The Amman Plan
Historic Districts consist of the spatial organization, structure, materials,

forms, and functions of a group of buildings that reflect the civilization
during which it was built and inhabited. For example, the Medina District
is an urban centre based on a Greco-Roman city plan, with an acropolis
(the citadel), temples, and a lower city.
Heritage Districts are clusters of buildings whose spatial organization,
structure, materials, forms, and functions reflect a special character of an
area from the late 19th and early 20th century. These centres original
urban organization is clearly recognizable and authenticity is undeniable.
Many of these centres have lost significance and have been encroached on
by new developments and uses.
2. Major Heritage Landscapes
This layer refers to heritage resources that consist of both natural and
cultural heritage landscapes that recognize both the overarching impact of
human activity on the natural world and the overarching impact of nature
on the cultural world. Major Heritage Landscapes include the following
features:
Historic Corridors consist of trails that have significant stations, milestones,
or landmarks along their paths and that have been used for more than 200
years. Many trails pass through historic town centres or represent a historic
path that symbolizes events, traditions, or religious memories. Some
of these trails are thousands of years old and were the only connectors
between Amman and other cities in the region. This was very clear during
the Roman Period, when Amman was connected to other members of the
Decapolis, and during the Ummayyad Period, when pilgrims passed by
Amman on their way to Mecca.
Heritage Corridors consisting of trails that have significant stations,
milestones, or landmarks along their paths and have been used within the
last 200 years only. They reflect the significance that Amman has gained
recently, especially after the establishment of the Hejaz Station and since
the announcement that it would replace Salt as the capital.
Area Landscapes consisting of man-made landscapes that have become
part of the memory of the city due to their function, location, setting, or
association with a certain event or activity. Area Landscapes represent
features such as cemeteries and gardens, but also wadis, agricultural
landscapes, and natural landscapes inscribed with human experience, such
as viewpoints and view corridors.
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99
3. Major Antiquities
The Major Antiquities layer consists of individual archaeological sites

(that collectively form the archaeological resource-base) of national and/
or regional significance in the Metropolitan Planning Area. These sites are
distributed in a variety of locations and settings that are associated with past
human activities, endeavours, or events. These sites may occur on or below
the modern land surface and may take the physical form of surface scatters
of artifacts, subsurface strata that are of human origin or incorporate
cultural deposits, the remains of structural features, or a combination of
these attributes. These features are defined by the Antiquities Law, Law
no. 21 for the year 1988:
A- Any object, whether movable or immovable, which has been
constructed, shaped, inscribed, erected, excavated, or otherwise
produced or modified by humankind earlier than the year 1700 A.D.
including caves, sculpture, coins, pottery, manuscripts and all sorts
of artefact that indicate the rise and development of sciences, arts,
manufactures, religions, and traditions relating to previous cultures, or
any part added thereto, reconstructed or restored at a later date.
B- Any object, movable or immovable, as defined in the previous subsection
referring to a date subsequent to the year 1700 A.D., which the
Minister may declare to be antique by order published in the Official
Gazette.
C- Human, plant and animal remains going back to a date earlier than the
year 600 A.D.
Objectives
The objectives of the MGP Cultural Heritage Plan are to:
Recognize a range of cultural heritage features, including historic
and heritage town centres, landscape corridors, areas, viewsheds, and
antiquity sites at the metropolitan scale
Identify major cultural heritage features and integrate them where
appropriate into the metropolitan planning structure
Promote the cultural heritage of the City as part of the contemporary
living experience
Ensure that heritage features inherited from the past are passed on for
enjoyment and care by future generations
Support tourism development within Amman
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The Amman Plan
Cultural Heritage Policies

In meeting the objectives above, the MGP Cultural Heritage Plan
contains the following policies:
1. Incorporate major cultural heritage features as an integral part of
the modern planning exercise for the city. At the metropolitan
scale, this necessitates the development of modern land-use controls
and architectural preservation guidelines that minimize impact
on cultural heritage features through integration with land-use
planning and infrastructure alignments.
2. Recognize Core Cultural Heritage Centres including:

Madina Historic District (downtown)
Heritage Town Centre of Amman, including the Heritage

Neighborhoods in the districts of Zahran, Abdali, Yarmuk, and
Ras Al Ayn
Heritage Town Centres of Wadi Seer, Sweileh, and Naour
3. With respect to Core Cultural Heritage Centres:

Protect stable historic neighbourhoods and develop

Community Plans for those deemed most significant. Plans
should be based on a comprehensive analysis of socioeconomic conditions, built environment, and public spaces.
Develop design guidelines that respect the unique character,

scale, materials, details, craftsmanship, and use in each Core
Cultural Heritage Centre. Review these centres in a wider
context to explore their suitability for adaptive reuse that would
reflect the history of the centre while protecting the authentic
lifestyles of the community members.
4. Recognize the following Historic Corridors as Heritage Landscape

features:

Amman - Ahl Kahf (Seven Sleepers) Road
Yabouq Trail (Ayn Ghazal - Sukhneh)
Roman Trail / Kings Way
Amman - Wadi Seer Iraq Amir Road
Amman - Azraq Road
Darb Al-Haj Al-Shami (Pilgrimage Trail)
The Amman Plan
101
5. Recognize the following Heritage Corridors as Heritage Landscape

features:

Amman - Salt Road
Amman - Wadi Seer Road
Hejaz Railway Road
Amman - Mahatta Marka Road
Downtown - Rainbow Street - Zahran Street (to the 5th Circle)
6. Recognize the watercourse of Sail Hesban, the Raghadan Royal

Complex, and Iraq Al Amir as Heritage Landscape features.
7. With respect to Major Heritage Landscapes:

Narrate the story of Historic and Heritage Corridors by

encouraging certain uses (e.g. interpretation centres and tourist
attractions) put special emphasis on significant destinations
within these corridors, especially the start and the end points
Develop design guidelines to protect viewsheds and natural

landscapes
Integrate Heritage and Historic Corridors into the wider

transportation network of the City to connect them with other
cultural heritage sites, as well as to regional and national tourist
attractions
Announce the most significant sites as protected areas development in these sites should be minimized and should have
minimum impact on the natural elements
8. Recognize the following features as major Heritage Antiquities:
102
Amman Citadel
Ayn Ghazal
Cave of Sleepers
Iraq Al Amir Palace
Mushatta Palace
Nymphaeum
Qasr A l Nuweijes
Qastal Palace
Quweismeh Tomb
Roman Theatre
Tel Hesban
The Amman Plan
9. With respect to Major Antiquities:

Capitalize on Area Antiquity Sites as major tourist

attractions and increase public access through an appropriate
transportation network
Look at Area Antiquity Sites in a wider context and consider

the suitability of the surrounding structures for adaptive reuse
that would reflect the history of the site
10. New policy will be consistent with existing national heritage

legislation, namely:

Protection of Urban and Architectural Heritage Law (Law no.

5 for year 2005), which is the legal tool for preserving heritage
sites in the City
Antiquities Law (Law no 21 for year 1988), which protects all

antiquity sites identified by the Department of Antiquities
11. Institutionalize a transparent development review process

for cultural heritage sites so that the integrity of these sites is
maintained. Allow for a large project development process that
engages community members and facilitates appropriate mitigation
measures to secure the rights of those who might be affected
negatively by the new development.
12. Encourage tourism as a pillar of the national economy. Capitalize
on cultural heritage sites and promote them as major tourist
attractions or routes. This goal should be reflected in land-use
plans, which should allow for appropriate uses. These uses should
be linked to a regional network of a tourism plan and may include
museums, interpretation centres, visitor centres, etc.
3
Note: Any location or building that is
of importance either with regards to the
structural technique, or its relation to a
historically important personality, or its
relationship to important national or religious
events, and was constructed after the year
1750.
13. Allow for a comprehensive

transportation network to serve
the heritage sites where needed.
This is especially important in
centres and at sites where visitors
are desired, but where vehicular
traffic can impact negatively on
heritage features.
The Amman Plan
103
104
The Amman Plan
The Amman Plan
105
D.3 Metropolitan Infrastructure

D.3.1 Transportation and Transit Plan
Introduction
The transportation system is a major physical and functional part of any
City. Amman is no exception; the roads, bridges, tunnels, buses, taxis,
sidewalk pavements, and stairways are all physical elements that that help
to define the City. The way that Ammans citizens use these transportation
system elements has great influence over the quality of life in the City.
The MGP Transportation and Transit Plan (Schedules 9 and 10) and
associated policies will guide GAM transportation and transit operation
and expansion to 2025. The Plan identifies the scale of the transportation
infrastructure and services that the City will require by 2025 to provide
adequate mobility for people and goods, and that is needed to support
the overall development pattern identified in the MGP. The policies will
guide development of the GAMs transportation programs, and provide a
framework for transportation infrastructure investment.
The current pattern of transportation system development in Amman has
been the result of very rapid growth in the populations dependence on
privately-owned automobiles for travel within the City. In responding to
the explosion of automobile use, GAM has allocated a disproportionate
investment of capital to building roadways designed almost exclusively
to maximize the carrying capacity for automobile traffic. Numerous
conventional City streets have been widened or upgraded by the
construction of bridges and tunnels designed to maximize traffic capacity at
the expense of all other considerations.
The general decline in the attractiveness of transit use as a travel option
and increasing road congestion, coupled with a variety of social, economic,
environmental, land use, and financial concerns, has generated the
need to carefully evaluate rebalancing the transportation infrastructure
investment priorities. Greater public investment must be made in higherquality, higher-capacity, and more effective transit service and other more
environmentally-friendly forms of transportation, notably walking.
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The Amman Plan
To Je
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Schedule 9: Metropolitan Growth Plan:Transportation Plan
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The Amman Plan

Motorway
Rural Highway
Urban Expressway
Major Arterial
Major Arterial (Tunnel)
Existing Railway
Proposd Railway
107
2.5
Approach
In well-organized cities, each element of the transportation system is
conceived as part of a hierarchy of elements, each with its own role
and function within the context of an integrated and interconnected
network. The hierarchy defines the function, scale, design features, access
permissions, operational characteristics, and investment priorities for all
elements of the integrated transportation system.
The following key components describe the approach used to identify an
effective transportation and transit system in the MGP. The MGP deals
with high-order transportation and transit elements; more detailed plans
will be created at the planning area and community scales to deal with
lower-order elements.
Transportation
Identify a Roads System
A hierarchical designation of roads in the municipality must be identified

to systematically describe the physical and operational characteristics
of each type of roadway, and to ensure that physical design, operational
characteristics, and transportation investment objectives are consistently
applied in practice over the life of the MGP.
The road hierarchy will include controlled access roads, arterial roads,
collector roads, industrial roads, local roads, and lanes. Within each
road designation there will be subcategories with their own unique
characteristics and functions. The characteristics will relate to the width
of the right-of-way, roadway, and pedestrian pavements. The road
hierarchy will also include other items such as the typical carrying capacity
of the road, conditions by which access from private property will be
provided from the road, and the general intent and function of anticipated
investment in the road.
A complete description of the hierarchy of road designations and associated
attributes appears in Annex 11. The MGP road hierarchy is illustrated in
Schedule 9.
Integrate Land Use, Transportation and Investment
The relationship between urban land use and transportation systems must
be recognized and the development of compact, integrated land uses must
be emphasized to encourage a shift from automobile travel to walking and
transit use. The MGP reflects this land use-transportation integration
by identifying significant high-density activity centres featuring a mix of
residential and employment land uses located along corridors which can be
well served by high-order transit.
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The Amman Plan
Employ New Methods for Addressing Road Junction Capacity
GAM will adopt a new approach to addressing road junction capacity.

This approach is based on a sophisticated technical assessment of the
operation of both the intersection and the road network as a whole. GAM
will develop and implement systems for controlling and assigning rightof-way at junctions using modern traffic signal control technologies, and
will recognize that adding new road linkages in the network will cause a
redistribution of traffic demand.
Encourage an Extensive, Connected, Safe and Attractive Pedestrian Network
The City has a history of being a walking City, as evidenced by the

marvelous staircases found on hillsides throughout the City. The MGP
will promote a culture of walking in the City by ensuring that pedestrian
networks and facilities are comprehensively integrated into transportation
planning.
Identify and Implement a Comprehensive Parking Policy
An adequate supply of conveniently-located, well-designed public

automobile parking is essential to a Citys economic vitality. New standards
will be used to determine the supply, design, and operational practices of
parking.
Integrate with Freight Rail Corridors
The Central Government is preparing a Railway Master Plan, which

proposes the creation of a new and national railway that would pass
through the southern and eastern portions of GAM, east of the Queen
Alia International Airport and east of the Amman Development Corridor
Motorway. The MGP will provide support for this new railway.
The Amman Plan
109
Transit
Identify a Transit System
A transit hierarchy will be defined to include high-order transit lines,

major bus routes, standard bus routes, and service taxis. Each category
will include physical characteristics, such as exclusive lanes and special
provisions, and operational characteristics, such as service frequency and
vehicle type.
The transit network identified in the MGP Transportation and Transit Plan
(Schedule 10) includes only High-Order Transit Corridor designations.
The network will constitute the principal rapid transit network serving
the whole municipality by the end of the planning period and serves as a
framework for the first systematic assessment of the potential costs and
benefits of a rapid transit network. Lower order elements of the transit
system will be defined at the Community Plan level.
GAM will implement a hierarchical designation of transit services,
pedestrian routes, and multimodal interchanges within the municipality
that, by evolving with subsequent detailed planning at the planning
area and community scale, will systematically describe the physical and
operational characteristics of each type of public transit, pedestrian
framework, and intermodal interchange within the municipality.
Each public transit service will be assigned one of the following
designations:
High-Order Transit Service
Major Bus Service
Regular Bus Service
Service Taxis
Integrate High-Order Transit with Land Use
High-order transit service can be configured with the capacity to

accommodate between 5,000 and 25,000 passengers per hour per direction.
A high-order transit service can take one, or a combination of different
forms, including: underground metro, traditional light rail transit, advanced
light rail transit, or bus rapid transit. The selection of the most appropriate
technology will be based on passenger demand estimates, corridor
land-use characteristics, and various physical, operational, and financial
considerations.
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The Amman Plan
To Je
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Schedule 10: Metropolitan Growth Plan:Transit Plan
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LEGEND
Primary High-Order Transit Corridor
Potential High-Order Transit Corridor
Existing Railway
Proposed Railway
The Amman Plan
111
2.5
High-order transit service will be provided within corridors that feature

transit-supportive high-density mixed-use land-use plans and will be
located so as to link high-intensity redevelopment districts. Intermodal
transfers will be facilitated at identified station locations, which will be
designed to feature park-and-ride lots and passenger pick-up and drop-off
areas. High-order transit alignments can be on the surface, below grade,
or above grade within exclusive or shared rights-of-way. Where highorder transit operates in shared rights-of-way, provision will be made to
ensure that transit is given operational priority. Passenger boarding will be
permitted only at designated suitably-designed stations.
Conduct Comprehensive Multimodal Transportation Planning
Planning and operating transportation systems in large modern cities is

best conducted in a comprehensive multimodal fashion. Municipalities
must develop and employ processes to ensure that investment decisions
in transportation system infrastructure and operations take into account
a wide variety of factors and consider all modes of transportation with
suitable priority attached.
Objectives
Ammans transportation system will be an integrated multimodal
transportation system that moves people and goods from origin
to destination by the most efficient, equitable, economic, safe, and
environmentally responsible mode. It will enhance our quality of life,
respect the natural environment, enhance the economy, and be managed in
a responsible and responsive manner.
The MGP Transportation and Transit Plan will meet the following key
objectives at a regional and metropolitan scale:
Integrate land-use and transportation planning to ensure the timely
implementation of transit and transportation infrastructure supportive
of the objectives of the MPG land-use plan
Create a comprehensive multimodal transportation planning system
Identify a metropolitan transportation hierarchy
Identify intermodal transportation interchanges
Improve the quality of transit services
Produce a significant change in the individual decisions of citizens
concerning choice of travel mode in favour of more walking and more
transit use
Assess and employ new methods for addressing road junction capacity
Create and implement a consistent priority structure for guiding
investment decisions in the transportation system
Build institutional capacity to plan a sustainable transportation system
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The Amman Plan
Transportation and Transit Policies

In meeting the above objectives, the MGP Transportation and Transit
Plan includes the following policies:
Transportation Policies
1. The roadway network identified in the MGP Transportation and
Transit Plan (Schedule 9) includes the following designations:
Motorway
Rural Highway
Urban Expressway
Major Arterial Road
2. GAM will, in a timely way, undertake studies with respect to
horizontal and vertical alignment, right-of-way requirements, and
other studies as required to confirm the need and feasibility of each
roadway element and to secure the required road right-of-way.
3. Arterial roadway corridors within Built-Up Areas should be
designed to optimize carrying capacity based on people per hour as
opposed to vehicles per hour. In this way, priority is given to the
greater efficiency provided by high-quality transit systems.
4. The safety of all road users will be given a high priority in planning
and design. GAM appreciates the complex challenge of improving
road safety and encourages the Central Government in its efforts
to enhance road safety through better street design, better driver
education, stronger traffic laws and stricter enforcement. GAM will
ensure that safety is a primary consideration in all transportation
undertakings within the municipality. GAM recognizes that in
urban areas, pedestrians and transit system users are particularly
vulnerable, and will address the safety of pedestrians and transit
users with high priority.
5. Encourage and facilitate the transfer of people from one mode of
transportation to another mode, when appropriate, by locating
intermodal transfer stations at strategic locations that allow people
to leave their car in a parking lot and take rapid transit to the city
centre, or to transfer from rapid transit to local transit.
The Amman Plan
113
6. Investment in bridges and tunnels will be focused on roads that are

defined as Urban Expressways within the road network hierarchy.
Continuous roadway capacity will be built along designated expressway
corridors where it has been deemed desirable for traffic volumes to be
concentrated.
7. On arterial roads and other streets, modern traffic signal systems will
be used to control and manage traffic volumes. On arterial roads, free
flow movement will be interrupted at regularly spaced traffic-signalcontrolled intersections that allow for all cross traffic movements and
pedestrians to safely cross streets at grade.
8. GAM will create an integrated Transportation Planning Unit,
which will be responsible for preparing comprehensive multimodal
policies and programs consistent with, and informed by, the land-use
policies of the MGP. The unit will prepare a comprehensive plan for
investment in transportation infrastructure and for the enhancement of
transportation systems.
9. The MGP will specify comprehensive on-site parking and loading
requirements for each land use designated within the regulatory
framework.
10. GAM will, as part of its comprehensive transportation planning
process, identify future needs for right-of-way acquisition for major
roads and transit infrastructure and for other properties in support of
the provision of municipal transportation services.
11. The following policy of the MGP Transportation and Transit Plan
refers to infrastructure features:
Support the early implementation of the upgrade of the Airport
Highway between 8th Circle and the Queen Alia International
Airport to enhance its capacity, safety, and operational
characteristics, including the elimination of substandard
intersections and access to private property
Encourage and support the early implementation of upgrades
to King Abdullah II Urban Expressway between 8th Circle
and Sweileh, including the completion of interchanges and the
elimination of substandard intersections and access to private
property
Identify the western portion of the ADC Motorway between the
Airport Road and As Salt Highway within the MGP Transportation
and Transit Plan, but encourage the Central Government to
rigorously reassess the need to implement this motorway, given
the early implementation of upgrades to the eastern and northern
sections of the Airport Highway and King Abdullah II Urban
Expressway
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The Amman Plan
Plan for, secure the right-of-way for, and implement as required, a

new Urban Expressway in the first phase extending from Al Hizam
Al-Da Eri southward to cross the Hejaz Railway line and connect
to ADC motorway, and then to extend further southward east of the
Queen Alia International Airport to a junction with the proposed
Outer Ring Motorway near the south city boundary a short distance
east of the Airport Highway. ,
new Major Arterial Road extending from the Airport Highway to the
Zarqa Highway roughly parallel to and west of the ADC Motorway
Zarqa Highway roughly parallel to and east of the ADC Motorway
Support the early implementation of a Major Arterial Road between
the Airport Highway at Queen Alia International Airport interchange
and Madaba
new Major Arterial Road identified in the point above
Plan for, secure the right-of-way for, and implement as required,
all other elements of the road hierarchy within GAM jurisdiction
identified in the Hierarchy of Roads Designation (Annex 11)
12. In addition, it is policy of the MGP Transportation and Transit Plan to
cooperate with other government agencies in the following ways:
Support the early implementation of the ADC Motorway between
the Airport Road and the Zarqa Highway
Encourage the Central Government to consider the early
implementation of the northern section of the ADC Motorway
between the Zarqa Highway and the Jerash Highway
Support the Central Governments implementation of an Outer Ring
Motorway located near the southern- and eastern-most city limits
Encourage and support the creation of a bypass of the Airport
Highway to the west of the built-up portions of Al Jeeza to be
completed in such a way as to allow the existing section of Airport
Highway within Al Jeeza to be reconfigured as a Major Arterial Road
designed to serve the existing and future residents of Al Jeeza and
provide a connection to Amman
Support the Central Governments Railway Master Plan and facilitate the
approximate alignment for the new proposed railway corridor within the
MGP.
The Amman Plan
115
Transit Policies
1. Except for the Amman to Zarqa LRT Corridor, GAM will, in a
timely way, assess the Potential High-Order Transit Corridors
identified in the MGP Transportation and Transit Plan with
respect to passenger demand expectations, horizontal and vertical
alignment options, right-of-way requirements, and other relevant
factors related to need and feasibility.
2. GAM will assess and plan for new public investment in
infrastructure upgrades along the High-Order Transit Corridors
identified in the MGP Transportation and Transit Plan.
3. GAM will enhance the competitiveness of transit services relative
to the private automobile, and accordingly ensure that transit is
the first priority for transportation infrastructure planning and
major transportation investments, including rapid transit, enhanced
bus transit, conventional bus transit, enhancement of pedestrians
systems, and support for other modes which provide access to
transit.
4. Decisions on transit planning and investment will be made
according to the following principles:
Use transit infrastructure to shape growth, and plan for high
residential and employment densities that ensure the efficiency
and viability of existing and planned transit service levels
Place priority on enhancing existing transit systems to support
intensification areas
Provide high-order transit service in accordance with the MPG
Transit Plan to serve large-scale areas planned to achieve,
transit-supportive residential and employment densities,
together with a mix of residential, office, institutional, and
commercial development
Facilitate improved linkages from nearby neighbourhoods
to growth centres, major transit station areas, and other
intensification areas
Improve the reliability, safety and comfort of the transit
experience and increase the number of transit users
5. Metropolitan Growth Centres will be interconnected by highorder rapid transit service passing through areas of continuous
corridors of high-density mixed-use. The complementary elements
of high-density mixed-use development and high-order transit
service will contribute to the creation of an efficient, liveable
city where citizens have choice regarding place of work, place of
residence, and mode of travel.
6. For the urban transportation system in Amman to be efficient and
116
The Amman Plan
effective, people must be able to transfer safely and conveniently from

one mode of transport to another during the course of a single trip. In
a timely way, GAM will identify the opportunity to create strategically
located, suitably accessible and properly designed intermodal terminals
and park and ride lots, and will act to implement such facilities as
required.
7. Where major development areas are being planned and developed,
particularly areas where high-density mixed-use development forms
are specified, GAM will ensure that planned transit services and
infrastructure are implemented during the earliest stages of occupancy
of the area so that new residents and employees will have the
opportunity to choose transit first. It is anticipated that this policy will
result in lower automobile dependency, reduced demand for parking
facilities and less traffic congestion in such areas.
Financial and Investment Policy

In connection with the above policies, the MGP Transportation and Transit
Plan includes a clear set of guiding principles for making decisions relating
to investment in transportation systems. These principles are as follows:
The first priority is to maintain the existing infrastructure in a state of
good repair to specified standards of integrity, safety, and cleanliness.
The second priority is to enhance the existing infrastructure to ensure
its optimum configuration for moving people and goods efficiently and
safely, and generally improving the functionality of the public space
within the road allowance.
The third priority is to develop new connections within the system
and to optimize the configuration of the network and to support the
achievement of land-use intensification goals for existing built-up areas.
The fourth priority is to incrementally expand the transportation
system to provide an acceptable standard of mobility in MGPdesignated Growth Areas.
The fifth and lowest priority is to expand the transportation system
to provide the minimum acceptable standard of mobility to areas of
growth not designated in the MGP.
The Amman Plan
117
D.3.2 Integrated Servicing Infrastructure Plan

The MGP will provide the policy framework that will guide current and
future service network standards, upgrading, and extensions (detailed studies
are ongoing). GAM is responsible for stormwater drainage, roads, and solid
waste, while the public utilities manage water, wastewater, electricity, and
telecommunications. The MGP Phasing Plan (see Section E) will guide the
capital improvement priorities for all of these service providers.
GAM will work with the public utilities to develop an Integrated Servicing
Plan. The Integrated Servicing Plan is to be complete by the end of 2008.
The following presents key policies that GAM will undertake within the
MGP working with Central Government, public utilities and the private
sector:
Key MGP Water Supply and Wastewater Policies

Upgrade and extend water and wastewater services through a Capital
Improvement Program structured around the phasing of the MGP
Fully implement a developer-funded financial framework for the
provision of water and wastewater services (development charges and
agreements)
Upgrade and improve the efficiency of the existing water distribution
system to reduce water loss
Manage and limit access to groundwater resources
Protect natural water supplies (groundwater and surface water) from
wastewater contamination
Encourage efficient and cost-effective agricultural and industrial use of
water
Expand and upgrade the water and wastewater networks in a costeffective and efficient manner
Encourage cooperative planning and partnerships between GAM,
public utilities, and stakeholders in the stewardship and conservation of
water and the disposal or reuse of wastewater
Key MGP Stormwater Management Policies

Treat stormwater as a resource to be protected, managed, and utilized
while recognizing its importance as a part of the ecosystem and the
hydrologic cycle
Include stormwater drainage provisions, with full consideration of
flood protection and storm water utilization for irrigation, as a standard
component of the review and approval for all development
118
The Amman Plan
Provide stormwater facilities through a Capital Improvement

Program structured around the phasing of the MGP and
implemented through a developer-funded framework
Retain and create tree cover or natural vegetation along wadis and
natural areas to facilitate ground infiltration of stormwater e.g.,
integrate stormwater management with the Open Space System
Key MGP Electricity, Other Energy, and

Telecommunication Policies
Provide electrical and telecommunications facilities through a
Capital Improvement Program structured around the phasing of
the MGP and implemented through a developer-funded framework
Encourage collaboration between GAM, public utilities, and
stakeholders in the efficient use of electricity, reduced reliance
on carbon-based fuels, the encouragement of alternative energy
sources, and the promotion of green building practices
Reduce automobile dependence through compact development
patterns and mixed-use development
MGP Solid Waste Management Policies

Manage waste in a manner that will conserve natural resources and
protect the environment and public health e.g., decreasing litter
and dumping
Manage solid waste disposal in an integrated waste management
system to minimize land filling by reducing solid waste volume
and by maximizing recycling and source-separated organic waste
management
Incentivize waste diversion within City waste management
programs and provide public education about waste reduction and
diversion
Promote the reduction, reuse, and recycling of waste in all
households, businesses, and municipal operations
Provide solid waste management services and facilities according to
the phasing of the MGP with implementation through a developerfunded framework
Provide various specialized waste management services e.g.,
hazardous waste and medical waste.
The Amman Plan
119
120
The Amman Plan
D.4 Primary Growth

D.3.1 Settlement Plan
Introduction
Over the last 20 years, growth in Amman has involved fairly rapid outward
expansion due to both urban development and a series of amalgamations
(see Sections B.1.3 and B.4). Growth is transforming Amman from its
former distinct pattern of hill development to a large metropolitan body
with a variety of settlements, including cities, towns and villages, located
within its boundary (see Annex 4 Spatial Development). Ammans built-up
area has absorbed former peripheral towns such as Wadi Seer, Naour and
Sweileh. The continued expansion of Amman threatens other somewhat
distinct towns and villages and threatens the very identity of Amman as a
fairly compact city.
The challenges to Metropolitan Amman from this growth are indicated
in Section B.4.2. In addition to those challenges, prior to amalgamation
planning approvals were conducted without the benefit of a larger planning
framework. As a result, Ammans Metropolitan Planning Area is visibly
fragmented due to scattered development, resulting in problems from
inadequate servicing and transportation and transit infrastructure, lack of
social facilities and urban amenities and unnecessary loss of agriculture
and natural heritage. Development that is approved but not yet built
will further compound these problems. Unless growth is defined and
rationalized Ammans spatial form will become unrecognizable by 2025.
The 1988 Amman Comprehensive Development Plan recommended that
a zoned residential area become that only location to approve development
to 2005. Moreover, the Plan recommended that the majority of these
areas be located in the east. The Amman Plan builds on this concept
and accommodates the majority of anticipated development within a
concentrated core that also emphasizes development to the east. Other
areas have been identified to accommodate expansion of Settlement Areas
not in the core.
The MGP provides the overall direction for Ammans growth to 2025 and
the Settlement Plan (Schedule 11) establishes the areas most suitable for
settlement growth including intensification of settlements within existing
built-up areas and expansion of settlements. The form is intentionally
simple to ensure clarity and transparency. Developed in concert with
planning at the Area and Community Plan scale, the MGP Settlement
Plan is an iterative plan that works towards greater sustainability across the
metropolitan landscape.
The Amman Plan
121
Approach
The MGP anticipates tremendous population growth in Amman, from the
current 2,200,000 to over 6,500,000 by 2025. In addition, national housing
projections based on Census information indicate that an additional
915,000 housing units will be required by 2025 for a total of approximately
1,300,000 units. The MGP Settlement Plan establishes a growth
framework to meet this demand within Primary Growth Areas based on the
following key components:
Designation of Settlement Built-Up Areas
The MGP facilitates growth within existing built-up areas through both
intensification and densification (see Figure 18 and Figure 19). Up to
40 percent of land within Ammans built-up areas is vacant, allowing for
a large degree of intensification. In addition, certain parts of Amman,
such as Abdali, have already been approved for redevelopment as areas of
densification. 45 percent of new housing units within the Urban Envelope
will be accommodated within the Built-Up Area.
Designation of Settlement Expansion Areas and Urban Envelope
The Amman Development Corridor provides a clear and appropriate urban

edge - called the Urban Envelope in the MGP - that will serve to contain
most of Ammans projected growth (see Figure 24). Settlement Expansion
Areas are primarily located within this Urban Envelope, but are also found
in designated Primary Growth Areas outside of it see Schedule 11. Future
growth outside of the Urban Envelope is anticipated to add up to 700,000
additional residents especially within the Metropolitan Growth Centre
planned in Al Jeeza, adjacent to the airport. Outside of the Urban Envelope
and outside of designated Settlement Built-Up and Expansion Areas, only
low-density agriculture-related housing development, within the current
zoning as-of-right, is planned and allowed. 55 percent of new housing
units within the Urban Envelope will be located in Settlement Expansion
Areas.
Application of Growth Modeling from the Neighbourhood to the
Metropolitan Scale
To project Planning Area population growth and density increase to 2025

and beyond, 20 sample neighbourhoods (see Figure 19) were analyzed.
Each sample neighbourhoods growth was modeled (see Figure 20 for
the examples and Annex 12 for all samples) and used as precedent to
project growth within Ammans 228 neighbourhoods. These results were
combined with the planned densities defined in the Amman Plan for Tall
Buildings and the Corridor Intensification Strategy to extend modeled
growth to the entire Metropolitan Planning Area (see Figure 21). These
calculations resulted in the target densities and populations for each
Planning Area (see Figure 23), presented in the MGP.
122
The Amman Plan
Schedule 11: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Settlement Plan
ZARQA
SALT
8th CIRCLE
LANDFILL
KING OF
BAHRAIN
PARK
SALT
MADABA
AIRPORT
p Areas
ion Areas
MADABA
ed Roads
y
LEGEND
Built Up Areas
Expansion Areas
Roads
Proposed Roads
Railway
The Amman Plan
123
The metropolitan model uses 2004 Census information rather than

national averages and is, therefore, more responsive to geographic
distribution of demographic information, such as population per unit and
unit sizes. A summary of the metropolitan growth model appears in Annex
13, where results are summarized by areas inside and outside of the Urban
Envelope and by Planning Area.
Provision of Affordable Housing

At present, affordable housing has become a critical issue in Amman due
to inflation in land, construction, and energy prices. This inflationary
pressure is exacerbated by the following issues:
The average Ammani family earns JD 576 per month and income
growth is not keeping pace with inflation.
International standards indicate that housing should not consume more
than 30 percent of income, which leaves the average family less than
JD 173 per month for rent and the operational costs of a house, such as
heating, water, and electricity.
Large numbers of young Ammanis are starting new families
(approximately 30,000 additional families each year).
National rent controls will be removed in 2010.
Although not directly responsible for housing (this responsibility rests
with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing), GAM feels it has a social
responsibility to support the Central Government in providing affordable
housing. The Settlement Plan establishes actions that GAM will undertake,
as identified in the policy below.
124
The Amman Plan
Figure 19: Sample Neighbourhoods
ZARQA
SALT
14. AL HAI AL SHARKI

6. AL MEDINAH
AL TIBIEH
10. AL GHROOS
12. ABU ALIA
3. AL SALHEEN
4. UM UTHAINA 5. SHMESANI
18. MARKA
8th CIRCLE
!
7. AL ROWNAK
1. JABAL AMMAN
!
!15. AL MANARA
2. ABDOON
LANDFILL
8. AL QUWAYSMEH
!
16. HETIEN
11. SAHAB
9. MARJ AL HAMAM
!
17. WEST NAOUR
KING OF
BAHRAIN
PARK
MADABA
13. AL MOUWAQER
AIRPORT
19. AL JEEZA
The Amman Plan
125
Figure 20: Neighbourhood Case Study
JABAL AMMAN
Infill 85% of vacant land
Stable Historic Neighbourhood
Units per : (ha) 30 (Dunum) 3 Net uph: 34

Units : 797
pph : 120 (Dunum) 12 Net pph: 134
population : 3,188
Vacant Land : 12%
Gross Area : 26 (ha) (Dunum) 2.6
Net Area (Less Roads) : 23 (ha) (Dunum) 2.3
Unit
Unit
pph
pop
Vaca
Infill 85% of Vacant land

and Densifiy 50% of Existing Lots
AL ROWNAK
Intensification (West Amman)

Units : 1,509
pph : 57 (Dunum) 5.7 Net pph: 70
population : 4,397
Vacant Land : 38%
Gross Area : 76.5 (ha) (Dunum) 7.65
Uni
Uni
pph
pop
Vac
AL MANARA
Intensification (East Amman)

Units per : (ha) 31 (Dunum) 3.1 Net uph: 42
Units : 1,730
population : 9,853
Vacant Land : 22%
126
The Amman Plan
Uni
Uni
pph
pop
Vac
population : 416
Vacant Land : 1.
ea : 26 (ha) (Dunum) 2.6

(Less Roads) : 23 (ha) (Dunum) 2.3
AL AMMAN
Historic Neighbourhood
land
ROWNAK

ification (West Amman)
r : (ha) 30 (Dunum) 3 Net uph: 34

97
0509
(Dunum) 12 Net pph: 134
on : 3,1885.7 Net pph: 70
(Dunum)
and
12%
on : :4,397
Units : 1029
ea
(ha) (Dunum)
2.6
and: :26
38%
pph
:
156
15.6
(Less
Roads)
23 (ha) (Dunum)
2.3 Net pph: 173
ea
: 76.5
(ha) : (Dunum)
7.65
population : 4166
Historic Neighbourhood
Vacant Land : 1.8%
AL AMMAN
Units
Unitsper
per: (ha)
: (ha)3
Units ::1029
Units
2,609
pph
:
156
pph : 102(Dunum
(Dun
population : 416
population : 7
Vacant Land : 1.
Vacant Land : 6

ROWNAK
MANARA
land
ification
(West Amman)
ification (East Amman)
f Existing Lots
r : (ha) 31 (Dunum) 3.1 Net uph: 42

,730
6 (Dunum) 17.6 Net pph: 236
97
on : 9,853
0 (Dunum) 12 Net pph: 134
and : 22%
on
: 3,188
rea
: (ha)
(Dunum)
2 5.6
Net uph: 24
: 5620
(ha)
(Dunum)
and
:
12%
509
ea : 26 (ha)
(Dunum)
5.7 (Dunum)
Net pph: 2.6
70
Units
per
: (ha) 342.3
(Dunum) 3.4 Net uph: 41
(Less
Roads)
:
23
(ha)
(Dunum)
on : 4,397
Units
:
2,609
and : 38%
: 102 (Dunum)
10.2 Net pph: 124
ea : 76.5 (ha) pph
(Dunum)
7.65
: 7,827
(Less Roads) :population
63 (ha) (Dunum)
6.3
ROWNAK
ification (West Amman)
MANARA
Vacant Land : 6%
Units per : (ha)

Units : 11,871
Units
3
pph : per
212: (ha)
(Dun
Units
: 1029 : 1
population
pph
:
156
(Dunum
Units
: (ha)
Vacantper
Land
:3
population
: 416
Units : 2,609
Vacant
Land
: 1.
pph : 102
(Dun
population : 7
Vacant Land : 6

ification (East Amman)
r : (ha) 31 (Dunum) 3.1 Net uph: 42

,730
6 (Dunum) 17.6 Net pph: 236
ron
: (ha)
20 (Dunum) 2 Net uph: 24
: 9,853
Units per : (ha) 47 (Dunum) 4.7 Net uph : 63
509
and : 22%
Units : 11,871
(Dunum)
5.7 (Dunum)
Net pph: 5.6
70
ea : 56 (ha)
on
:
4,397
population : 11,871
and : 38%
Land
: 3.2%
ea : 76.5 (ha) Vacant
(Dunum)
7.65
The Amman Plan
Units per : (ha)

Units : 11,871
Units
(ha)
pph : per
212:(Dun
Units
:
2,609
population : 1
pph
: 102
(Dun
Vacant
Land
:3
population : 7
Vacant Land : 6
127
PROPOSED DENSITY MODELS
Legend
Rural Agriculture
0.1 to 0.9 net upd
1.0 to 1.9
2.0 to 2.9
3.1 to 3.9
4.0 to 4.9
5.0 to 6.6
7.0 to 7.9
8.0 to 8.9
Figure 21: Neighbourhood Housing Densities Existing (Dwelling Units / Dunum)
9.0 to 10.3
PROPOSED DENSITY
MODELS
PROPOSED DENSITY MODELS
Legend
Legend
Rural Agriculture
Rural Agriculture
0.1 to 0.9 net upd
0.1 to 0.9 net upd
1.0 to 1.9
1.0 to 1.9
2.0 to 2.9
2.0 to 2.9
3.1 to 3.9
3.1 to 3.9
4.0 to 4.9
4.0 to 4.9
5.0 to 6.6
5.0 to 6.6
7.0 to 7.9
7.0 to 7.9
8.0 to 8.9
8.0 to 8.9
9.0 to 10.3
9.0 to 10.3
Figure 21: Neighbourhood Housing Densities Planned for 2025 and Beyond (Dwelling Units / Dunum)
128
The Amman Plan
Objectives
The objectives of the MGP Settlement Plan are to:
Accommodate up to 6,500,000 residents by 2025
Direct new housing to the fully serviced areas of GAM to minimize the
negative impacts of sprawl
Ensure an adequate supply of Settlement land in areas already serviced
with adequate transportation and transit options
Rationalize existing development approvals with settlement growth
Encourage compatible mixed-use development in a compact urban form
Encourage new residential development near employment centres
Support affordable housing within designated Primary Growth Areas
Integrate Settlement Expansion with servicing availability
Balance and distribute future population within a supporting structure of
employment land, commercial and retail amenities, transportation and
transit, and servicing
Settlement Policies
In meeting the above objectives, the MGP Settlement Plan establishes the
following policies:
1. The MGP Settlement Plan will accommodate development within
designated Settlement Built-up Areas and Settlement Expansion Areas.
2. Future housing is to be located within Settlement Built-Up and
Expansion Areas (see Schedule 11). GAM will make sufficient land
available to meet the future demand of 1,300,000 housing units by 2025.
3. 85 percent of new growth in Primary Growth Areas will be
accommodated within the Urban Envelope.
4. 45 percent of new housing will be accommodated by within Settlement
Built-Up Areas and 55 percent will be accommodated within
Settlement Expansion Areas. GAM will exercise development controls
on land to ensure this ratio is maintained.
5. Settlement Built-Up and Expansion Areas will accommodate a range
of uses and development types according to regulations and guidelines
indicated in subsequent Area Plans and Community Plans.
6. New development in Settlement Built-Up and Expansion Areas will
have to meet established density targets prior to approval.
7. A Phasing Plan will prioritize servicing provision for settlement
expansion within Primary Growth Areas (see Section E).
8. Within the MGP Settlement Plan, density targets are minimum
densities for Planning Areas. These targets will have to be met or
maintained by all subsequent development. Density targets below
are established to ensure that growth is sustainable.
The Amman Plan
129
9. The MGP Settlement Plan facilitates growth within Settlement Areas

within the Urban Envelope according to the following net density
targets established for each Planning Area:
Planning Area A has a density target of 6.5 units/net dunum,
accommodating upwards of 1,300,000 residents, for a net
population density of 26.5 persons/dunum.
Planning Area B has a density target of 3.4 units/net dunum,
accommodating upwards of 700,000 residents, for a net population
density of 15 persons/dunum.
Planning Area C has a density target of 3.7 units/net dunum,
population density of 15 persons/dunum.
Planning Area D has a density target of 4.2 units/net dunum,
population density of 19 persons/dunum.
Planning Area E has a density target of 3.3 units/net dunum,
population density of 15.5 persons/dunum.
10. Within Settlement Areas outside the Built Envelope (Schedule 11),
future development will be located within existing settlements or within
established Expansion Areas adjacent to or within existing centres.
New developments will be clustered near to existing centres reducing
infrastructure costs and ensuring a more mature and larger local
economy necessary for sustainability.
11. The MGP Settlement Plan accommodates growth within Settlement
Areas outside of the Urban Envelope according to the following density
targets established for each Planning Area:
Planning Area F has a density target of 0.125 units/net dunum,
density of 0.65 persons/dunum.
Planning Area G has a density target of 2.8 units/net dunum,
density of 12.9 persons/dunum.
Planning Area H has a density target of 1.2 units/net dunum,
of 5.5 persons/dunum.
130
The Amman Plan
12. Although not directly responsible for housing, GAM will support the
provision of affordable housing through the MGP Settlement Plan by:
Assessing its municipal land bank and making available, in
partnership with Central Government and the private sector,
surplus lands that are suitable for affordable housing.
Providing bonus-zoning for developers committed to building
affordable housing.
Introducing flexible zoning to facilitate density increases and
alternative development types in low-income areas. As part of the
new zoning regime, GAM will look into additional height, assuming
that:
the building has structural integrity, and
the infrastructure services in the area can manage the additional
density load
Cooperating with the private sector, professional associations, and
Central Government to undertake research into creative housing
typologies and alternative construction and insulation techniques
that reduce the cost of housing.
Partnering with Central Government to provide free structural
assessments to property owners interested in taking advantage of
the additional density policy.
Cooperating with the private sector, professional associations, and
Central Government to undertake research about creative housing
typologies, and alternative construction and insulation techniques
that reduce the cost of housing.
Reducing building licensing fees
in designated Affordable Housing
Areas and for projects outside of
these areas that are committed to
providing affordable housing.
North
West
Central
Inner East
Figure 22:
Population Distribution: 2025 and Beyond
Planning Area Density Target* Population
A Central
6.4
B North
3.4
700,000
C West
3.7
1,080,000
D Inner South
4.2
1,550,000
E Inner East
3.3
1,200,000
F Outer East
0.125
260,000
G Outer South
2.8
710,000
H Southwest
1.2
Total**
South West
1,260,000
Inner South
170,000
Outer East
Outer South
6,930,000
* Dwelling Units per Net Dunum

** Greater than projected population of
6.5 million to ensure a competitive land market
The Amman Plan
131
D.3.2 Metropolitan Corridors and Growth Centres Plan

Introduction
The idea of a network of mixed-use corridors and centres serving the dayto-day needs of the Amman residents came from the historic City itself.
For example, Zahran Street, the historic main street of Amman, is both
a corridor and a series of centres or circles, as they are popularly known.
Each of the eight circles along the street has its own character, changing
as one moves from the historic centre of the City at 1st Circle out to the
periphery at 8th Circle.
The 1988 Greater Amman Comprehensive Plan redesignated, or proposed
the creation of, a series of new Commercial Corridors in its Preferred
Structure Plan. In turn, these corridors linked a series of existing or
proposed District Centres with each other, thus creating a primary
development framework for the new City.
The MGP builds on these ideas and observations by creating a hierarchy
of comparable corridors and growth centres that serve as an important
overlay to the basic land-use plan. This hierarchy is shown on the MGP
Metropolitan Corridors and Growth Centres Plan (see Schedule 12).
Approach
Identification of Corridors
Metropolitan Corridors include the existing Airport Road, Sahab-AlMouwaqer Corridor, and the proposed Amman Development Corridor
(ADC) (currently under construction). Linked together, these three
corridors will provide Ammans residents with safe and easy access to all
parts of GAM, as well as to important links to other parts of the region,
the country, and to Jordans borders. While they will serve as both primary
traffic and transit corridors, they will remain relatively green in character
and will provide access to major recreation facilities and metropolitan
parks.
Provision of Urban Structure and Form
The Airport Road Corridor will continue to link the growing City with
the expanding Airport and, as such, will serve to define the major entrances
to Amman from both the south and the north. This corridor is currently
being completely reconstructed in order to expand its capacity and to add
service roads on both sides. Plans for its future also include a potential
light-rail transit link with Queen Alia Airport, which is also being expanded
to accommodate an increase in passenger numbers from the existing
3,000,000 to 9,000,000. The airport is also evolving as an important new
residential and employment centre.
132
The Amman Plan
Schedule 12: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Metropolitan Corridors and Growth Centres Plan
ZARQA
SALT
8th CIRCLE
LANDFILL
KING OF
BAHRAIN
PARK
SALT
MADABA
AIRPORT
or
h Centres
MADABA
LEGEND
Roads
Proposed Roads
Railway
The Amman Plan
133
The ADC provides a new eastern bypass around the City and leading to
Zarqa, the Syrian Border, and northern Jordan. At the same time, it will
anchor the eastward expansion of GAM and will serve to define the Citys
eastern and southern borders, separating it from desert lands beyond. The
ADC is envisaged as a major economic development initiative that will
bring new economies to Amman.
The Sahab-Al-Mouwaqer Corridor establishes the eastern gateway into the
City from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and (to a lesser extent) Syria. Major centres,
including Sahab, and the industrial land in and around the corridor will
continue to serve as the industrial heartland of Amman. New infrastructure
investment in the ADC and a new freight rail will ensure that the Sahab-AlMouwaqer Corridor remains a major economic conduit.
Identification of Growth Centres
These Metropolitan Corridors will anchor a series of new Metropolitan

Growth Centres, which will be located at where these corridors intersect
with each other (see Schedule 12). These centres will serve to define major
gateways to and from Amman and will be served by both metropolitan
motorways and high-order public transit. The Metropolitan Growth
Centres will combine a wide variety of residential, institutional, and
commercial land uses combined with vibrant public spaces, including major
and minor parks, pedestrian promenades, and public gardens.
Provision of Urban Structure and Form
Given the prominent role that these Corridors and Growth Centres will
perform, it is important that they set a new standard for metropolitan
planning and design in GAM, as they will define not only its edges but also
its gates.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the Metropolitan Corridors are to:
Provide connectivity between different transportation modes for
moving both people and goods
Carry through-traffic around the City
Link places of employment with places where people live, and to
provide these places with access to a mix of metropolitan facilities
Offer a balance of transportation choices that will reduce reliance upon
automobile movement and promote public transit
Encourage the most financially- and environmentally-appropriate
transportation modes possible
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The Amman Plan
The primary objectives of the Metropolitan Growth Centres are to:

Provide for a mix of commercial, retail, employment, institutional,
and residential uses appropriate to the metropolitan population as a
whole
Define effective and striking gateways to and from the City
Also serve local populations in adjacent neighbourhoods and other
communities
Metropolitan Corridors and Growth Centres Policies

In order to achieve the objectives set out above, the MGP Metropolitan
Corridors and Growth Centres Plan contains the following policies:
1. The MGP designates three corridors as Metropolitan Growth
Corridors and six centres as Metropolitan Growth Centres.
2. Metropolitan Growth Corridors will be planned:
As locations for mixed-use linear development including
metropolitan parks and/or open space, residential, commercial,
recreational, cultural, entertainment, and industrial uses
To accommodate and support major transit and transportation
infrastructure
To link high-density, mixed-use areas to each other and to the
3. The Metropolitan Corridors are identified in Schedule 12 and
include:
Airport Road (Sweileh to Jeeza)
Amman Development Corridor (Airport Road to Zarqa)
Sahab-Al-Mouwaqer-Corridor Road
4. Metropolitan Growth Centres will be planned:
As focal points for investment in institutional and regional
public services, as well as for residential, commercial,
recreational, cultural and entertainment uses
To accommodate and support major transit infrastructure
To serve as high-density, mixed-use areas that will attract
significant employment uses
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135
5. The Metropolitan Growth Centres are identified in Schedule 12 and

include:
Central Core Centre
Sweileh Growth Centre
Southern Gateway Growth Centre
Jeeza Growth Centre
Sahab Growth Centre
Zarqa Growth Centre
6. All future development along Metropolitan Growth Corridors and in
Metropolitan Growth Centres should be planned and designed to:
Attract a significant portion of population and employment growth
Provide a diverse and compatible mix of uses
Provide high-quality open spaces with site design and urban design
standards that create attractive and vibrant places
Support transit, walking, and cycling for everyday activities
Achieve an appropriate transition of built form to adjacent areas
7. The Mayor should encourage appropriate ministries to direct their
investment in infrastructure and institutional support towards the
realization of the above objectives.
8. GAM staff should meet regularly with staff from the Ministry of
Public Works to coordinate planning efforts regarding Metropolitan
Corridors and Growth Centres.
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137
D.3.3 Employment Plan

Introduction
Changes in Ammans economy are reflected in the landscape and built
environment of Amman itself. The Citys earliest quarry sites and
associated rock-cutting industry originally built the historic downtown.
At that time, the quarry sites served as Employment Areas (i.e., locations
where people worked) situated close to where people lived. Today, those
same quarry areas still serve as Employment Areas, housing, industrial,
institutional and commercial uses.
The challenges to employment areas in Amman today include, the scattered
pattern of individual businesses located within GAMs recently annexed
areas that lead to greater outward sprawl of the city, problems associated
with land use compatibility in Ammans existing Employment Areas
primarily due to non-employment uses infringing on established businesses,
and an overall lack of employment land dedicated to the changing nature
of industry itself specifically due to the rise in global prominence of the
knowledge sector.
The 1988 Amman Comprehensive Development Plan supported the
concept of a compact urban form by locating employment land within or
adjacent to the urbanized area close to land for residential uses. The 1988
Plan also recommended the addition of large land areas to be available for
businesses that have greater land requirements. This concept is carried
forward in the MGP where the same employment land identified in 1988 is
retained to continue providing business with options for locations either in
or adjacent to the existing Settlement Built-Up Areas.
Additional Employment Areas are located near, or adjacent to, existing and
proposed Settlement Areas in order to promote a more integrated mixeduse concept of development. By locating jobs near to peoples homes,
Ammans communities will become less energy-intensive, more humanfocused, more creative, and more sustainable. Ammans Employment Areas
will also become more competitive as investors are attracted to locations
where places of work also offer urban amenities. The MGP Employment
Plan (Schedule 13) identifies where major Employment Areas are located
within the Metropolitan Planning Area and if the land is built-up or vacant
and policies that are to ensure that these Areas provide a vital contribution
to Ammans growth .
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Schedule 13: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Employment Plan
ZARQA
SALT
8th CIRCLE
LANDFILL
KING OF
BAHRAIN
PARK
SALT
MADABA
AIRPORT
ment
ployment
MADAB
ds
LEGEND
Built Employment
Roads
Proposed Roads
Railway
The Amman Plan
139
Approach
Employment planning has to be responsive to the changing economic
and physical requirements of investors, workers, government agencies,
and other stakeholders. Employment Areas need to be integrated with
transit and transportation systems, other types of land uses and existing
infrastructure. Employment planning must be in line with the National
Agenda of diversifying the existing employment base by supporting
value-added manufacturing and service sector jobs, particularly in the
knowledge sectors. In order to meet current employment demand while
accommodating for future demand from new production processes
and services, the MGP Employment Plan utilizes the following key
components:
Definition of Employment
The MGP Employment Plan plans for two major types of employment that
allow for more responsive policy-making and market demand assessments:
Export-based employment: generated by businesses serving a regional,
national, or international market, typically in the primary, manufacturing,
or value-added services sectors of the economy and housed in employment
districts such as business parks, industrial areas, or large office districts.
Population-serving employment: generated by private- and public-sector
employers serving primarily a local market, typically comprising retail, food
service, personal service, education, health care, and public administration
jobs and distributed throughout a community, in mixed-use areas, local
commercial areas, workshops, institutions, and the public sector (see Annex
14 for a further description).
The MGP Employment Plan focuses on the first category of employment
(i.e., Export-based Employment) and designates additional areas for these
types of businesses to locate. The MGP also provides for large Populationserving Employment areas located within the mixed-use Metropolitan
Growth Centres and Metropolitan Corridors (see Section D.3). Additional
employment areas will be designated at subsequent planning scales.
Accommodation of Future Employment Demand in Primary Growth Areas
According to population projections and workforce participation rates,

Amman will need to accommodate over 1,800,000 jobs by 2025 1,300,000
more than the existing workforce (see Figure 14). GAM currently has a
total of 108,000 dunums of zoned Employment Land, of which, 64,000
dunums is undeveloped (see Annex 14). As Ammans young population
enters into prime working years, the location and access to places of work
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The Amman Plan
will be major influences in peoples day-to-day lives. In planning for this

future workforce, the MGP Employment Plan must provide enough land
supply within Primary Growth Areas to meet future workplace demands
and protect for a range of employment uses within these areas.
Identification of Employment Land Stocks
Existing Employment Areas consist of formal and informal residential,

industrial, commercial and institutional activities (Annex 14). In order to
quantify industrial land supply across the Metropolitan Planning Area, the
amount of vacant land available in Employment Areas needs to be assessed
(see Annex 14). The MGP Employment Plan utilizes existing employment
land assessment to identify the Municipalitys available employment land
supply.
Intensification and Expansion of Employment Areas
The density of employment land will intensify over time partly in response
to changing economic and processing requirements and partly in response
to changing land values. For example, as medium and heavy industries
expand and require higher regional mobility, they typically relocate from
central areas to areas in the periphery of municipalities, where land is less
expensive and larger plots are available, or closer to regional transportation
infrastructure; land-intensive (and usually cleaner) light, prestige and
transitional industries usually take their place - diversifying Employment
Areas and increasing compatibility with surrounding uses. The MGP
Employment Plan will ensure that existing Employment Built-Up Areas
are intensified and that enough supply of land is available in Employment
Expansion Areas (see Glossary).
Integration of Land Use and Accommodation of Market Changes
Centrally-located Employment Lands within the Urban Envelope (see

Glossary) remain important production locations due to their proximity
to housing, services and other urban amenities, offering workers attractive
communities within which to establish themselves. The MGP will retain
these areas for future employment use and promote portions of these areas
as business sites to be utilized by the knowledge sector.
Consolidation of Employment Areas
Employment Lands and businesses in the annexed areas of Amman are

scattered in their location. Moreover, due to ease of licensing in previously
un-zoned areas, designated Employment Areas were not utilized. The
MGP will consolidate and designate concentrated areas of existing
businesses operating in un-zoned land and will prevent future approvals for
employment uses outside of these designated areas.
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141
Business will also be consolidated within Employment Areas to provide

more effective servicing. All designated Employment Areas will be
serviced according the MGP Phasing Plan (Section E.1.2). The MGP
Employment Plan encourages developers to locate new places of work
close to existing servicing and, therefore, provide Ammans existing
serviced and underutilized Employment Areas with a competitive
advantage.
Objectives
The MGP Employment Plan has the following objectives:
Accommodate 1,800,000 jobs across GAM within a flexible
planning framework
Support a range of employment uses within the City by providing
sufficient zoned land to accommodate industrial, commercial,
Research and Development (R&D) and institutional land
requirements
Cluster employment uses to enhance competitiveness and reduce
infrastructure costs
Improve opportunities and access to jobs for disadvantaged
communities
Encourage the development of Prestige-oriented employment uses
that diversify and stabilize the Citys economic base
Provide space for new and expanding high-tech industries with low
environmental impact
Support urban development that is attractive to value-added
industry and employees by reducing commuting times and offering
reliable transportation options
Locate Employment Areas in proximity to Settlement Areas
Employment Policies
The MGP Employment Plan includes the following policies:
1. The MGP Employment Plan will accommodate a portion of the
1,800,000 jobs by 2025, the majority of which will be located within
designated Employment Lands. The remaining Employment Areas
will be designated at the Area Plan and Community Plan scale
primarily along mixed-use corridors.
2. Employment Lands appearing in Schedule 13 Employment Areas
consist of both Built-Up Employment Areas and Expansion
Employment Areas. Specific uses will be regulated by land-use
policies and zoning controls at the Area Plan and Community Plan
level, respectively.
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The Amman Plan
3. GAM will encourage the intensification of Built-Up Employment Areas

and transformation of parts of these Areas toward accommodating
prestige-oriented employment uses, including R&D incubators,
particularly in the north and the south of Amman.
4. GAM will ensure adequate infrastructure servicing and transportation
and transit provision to the designated Employment Areas.
5. GAM will ensure that future demand is met through periodic
employment land reviews that are to identify currently available
Employment Expansion Areas and additional Employment Expansion
Areas that would be required to meet demand. Assessments should be
conducted every five years.
6. GAM will undertake a Special Study of the Medina District to assess its
viability as an Employment Area. The Study should include potential
connections to the Abdali development and opportunities for new
mixed-use office and commercial uses.
7. The MGP recognizes Abdali as a major Employment Area. Centrally
located, it is to linked and accessible through provision of public transit
and transportation.
8. GAM is to consider the reuse of quarry and mining areas for
Employment Areas. GAM will also identify the future use of the Ohud
Employment Area and determine its viability as an Employment Area.
9. GAM will identify an Employment Area to be used as a location for
heavy industry. Future site design should meet the requirements of the
Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Industry.
10. GAM will provide Employment Areas with reasonable access to
housing, social facilities and transportation and transit to create an
urban form that is attractive to new residents and employees with a
variety of skills in value-added business sectors.
11. While focusing on Major Employment Areas, the Plan recognizes
the importance of small- and medium-sized industry to GAMs local
economy, especially within highly-urbanized built environments.
While the scale of the Employment Plan does not allow identification
of these important family-run businesses, it supports the continued
integration of small and medium enterprises within Ammans existing
communities.
12. GAM will continue to work with the Ministry of Industry, Jordan
Investment Board and Chamber of Industry in attracting investment
to Amman and facilitating the demands of the investment community
within the intent of this Plan.
The Amman Plan
143
D.3.4 Open Space Plan

Introduction
Open space is a critical component of cities as it defines the public realm
by framing development within a network of parks, squares, boulevards,
trails, recreation areas and other open spaces that accommodate everyday
social interaction. Without open space, public life becomes more difficult
as people depend on private spaces for interaction. Moreover, without
open space cities become more congested without the benefit of breaks in
the built form. On a regional scale, open space systems connect cities to
land outside of built-up areas providing opportunities for integration with
surrounding landscapes
GAM currently has no designated Open Space System (OSS) and therefore
is unable to define and plan for connections within and between Settlement
Areas within its boundary. This is reflected in the void of parks and public
areas in the built-up portions of the city. Many parts of east Amman, where
the population density is the highest, do not have open space except within
scattered, private, vacant lots. Public interaction occurs almost entirely on
the street and in places of worship. One of GAMs biggest challenges is to
increase and enhance open space in its existing built-up areas and ensure
sufficient open space is included in all new development.
Previously, the 1988 Greater Amman Comprehensive Development
Plan included many policies related to natural environment and open
space. One of the goals of the Plan was to develop an overall open space
strategy that would include parks, forests, recreation areas and agricultural
land within an overall system. Unfortunately, the 1988 Plan was not
implemented and the creation and protection of such a system did not
occur. The MGP Open Space Plan (Schedule 14) renews the earlier 1988
Plan concept by identifying an Open Space System for Amman.
Approach
When open spaces are not protected, they become vulnerable to
construction and infrastructure development. Then, cities miss out on the
significant economic, social, and environmental benefits that open spaces
can provide. In order to ensure open space is an integral and valued part
of the city, GAM created a Metropolitan Open Space Plan consisting of
the following key components according to the location of open space
components inside or outside the Urban Envelope:
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The Amman Plan
Schedule 14: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Open Space Plan
ZARQA
SALT
8th CIRCLE
LANDFILL
KING OF
BAHRAIN
PARK
SALT
MADABA
AIRPORT
MADABA
e System
oads
LEGEND
Open Space System
Roads
Proposed Roads
Railway
The Amman Plan
145
Open Space System (OSS) Inside the Urban Envelope

Composition of the Open Space System Inside the Urban Envelope
GAM currently has a number of parks and forest areas designated within
the Urban Envelope but not connected within an overall system. GAM will
include the following components within the Open Space System that may
be either publicly or privately owned:
Core Open Space Areas consisting of the following features:
Forests and nature preserves and buffer areas
Regional Parks and Recreation Areas
Cultural Heritage Sites and buffer areas
Large Insitutional Uses
Rehabilitated Quarries and Mineral Extraction Areas
Urban Fringe Areas
Private Open Space
Connections between Core Open Space Areas, including the following
features:
Linear natural heritage features such as wadis, slopes and ridgelines
Cultural heritage corridors
Linear parks and recreation areas
Institutional Spaces
Linear connections between the open space areas including trails,
pedestrian pathways, corridors, stairways, boulevards, bike paths
Watershed divides
Portion of Metropolitan Corridors and the Built Boundary
Utility Corridors
Open Space Landscapes, including the following features:
Cultural heritage landscapes
Urban tree canopy
Urban agricultural areas in including orchards in the existing built-up
area
Definition of Urban Edges
Open space is used to define edges of cities or urban areas. The MGP
Open Space Plan utilized a perimeter edge to future Amman development
along the edge of the designated Urban Envelope. Within the Urban
Envelope, the Built Boundary also serves as a defining edge between the
existing Built-Up and Expansion Settlement Areas4.
Note that urban agriculture is defined as sites in which food products are grown or raised in urban areas for personal or commercial purposes.
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The Amman Plan
Integration of Built-Up Areas and Open Spaces
Open space systems provide for the connection and integration of open space
on the periphery of urban areas into the built form. The Open Space Plan
provides a framework for integrating future development into the OSS and
creating stronger links between urban core and peripheral undeveloped spaces.
Within the MGP, the Metropolitan Corridors and Growth Centres will
serve as important meeting points between Built-Up and Agricultural Areas
between Primary Growth Areas and Limited and No Growth Areas.
Distribution of Open Space Across GAM
The OSS within the Urban Envelope covers less than 10 percent of the
total area. Within the Built-Up Area park space (existing and proposed)
accounts for approximately 11.5 percent of land. The distribution of
this park space is unbalanced with the lowest level in the most denselypopulated inner residential areas. Within the MGP Open Space Plan,
GAM will assess lands in the built-up area of the city to identify land with
good potential for inclusion within the OSS and the Open Space Plan.
Establishment of Park Requirements
Due to the lack of parks and opens space, GAM must make parks and
open space a requirement of all new development. In order to provide a
consistent approach to the allocation of parks and across the municipality,
the Open Space Plan developed a Parks Hierarchy (contained in Annex 15)
has that outlines park requirements at each planning scale.
Open Space System Outside the Urban Envelope

Composition of the Open Space System Outside the Urban EnvelopeThe
OSS outside of the Urban Envelope includes all open space areas between
the ADC and the municipal boundary. The components are the same as
the OSS within the Urban Envelope with the addition of Agricultural Areas
(i.e., not just land used for urban agriculture). Therefore, OSS outside the
Urban Envelope includes the following additional component:
Cropland and Rangeland Areas
Integration of Natural Heritage and Cultural Heritage
The Natural Heritage System, parks, linear connections, and cultural

heritage sites and corridors comprise less than 10 percent of the OSS
outside of the Urban Envelope. Most of the remaining 90 percent of the
OSS outside of the Urban Envelope is high-quality agricultural land. The
establishment of parks in the OSS outside of the Urban Envelope will
be based on the protection of natural and cultural resources, as well as to
accommodate other proposed recreational facilities.
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147
Definition of Settlement Area Edges
Open Space can be used to establish the Built-Up Boundary of Settlement

Areas, ensuring towns and villages retain a distinct form and identity.
GAM will define Settlement Areas through the application of OSS on the
periphery of Settlement Expansion Areas.
Objectives
The objectives of the MGP Open Space Plan are to:
Provide for a contiguous system of open spaces
Increase the quality and quantity of parks and open space in Amman
and ensure an equitable distribution of these features across the
municipality
Establish a OSS targets for new development
Provide a visual and scenic contrast to the built environment and
defines developable parts of the City
Provide a buffer to separate and define developed or developable parts
of the City
Providing land for recreational, cultural, and community celebrations
and gatherings
Support the conservation of natural or semi-natural habitats and sites of
scenic, cultural, or heritage interest
Allow for the integration of stormwater management with recreation,
groundwater recharge, and water quality management
Improving health and general quality of life
Open Space System Policies

OSS Policies Inside the Urban Envelope
1. Provide a variety of publicly-accessible built and natural settings

for recreation equitably distributed within the Urban Envelope,
including regional parks that are aesthetically pleasing, support a sense
of belonging to the community, and allow for a variety of activities
throughout the year
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The Amman Plan
2. GAM will prioritize funds for existing areas within the OSS that
require rehabilitation and improvement and prioritize creating as
many parks in the Central Planning Area as possible through the
use of vacant and government lands.5
3. The MGP Open Space Plan establishes a target of 13% open space
for Settlement and Employment Expansion Areas within Primary
Growth Areas. Further Open Space targets will be established at
the Area and Community Plan scales.
4. GAM will improve access to publicly owned open spaces and
encourage access to private open spaces where appropriate asthis is
often easier and less costly than creating new open spaces
5. GAM will expand the existing network of open spaces by:
Utilizing surplus land from existing road rights-of-way, former
quarries, and closed landfill sites
Acquiring linkages between parks and other open spaces where
feasible
Acquiring lands or easements over lands associated with private
development, which can be connected to the system for the
extension of recreational trails or which have important natural
heritage value
6. Within the OSS, encourage urban agriculture and related uses by
permitting and providing incentives for cultivation, and farmers
markets on these properties
7. Ensure Open Space is retained along the edges of Settlement
Areas and used to distinguish development boundaries along
Metropolitan Corridors.
8. Ensure well-designed and prominent open space within the
Metropolitan Growth Centres.
9. Protect the integrity of the cultural heritage components of the
OSS while enhancing their quality and accessibility for educational
and tourism purposes
Note that only regional parks and linear open spaces are relevant at the scale of the MGP. Area and neighbourhood
parks will be addressed in subsequent Planning Area and Community Plans.
5
The Amman Plan
149
10. Utilize a variety of tools to acquire public land for the OSS and to
manage these lands in the future The OSS will be implemented for
all Expansion Area development and implemented where possible for
development in built-up areas
11. Prohibit development within the OSS, except for recreational and
cultural facilities, conservation projects, and essential utilities where
supported by an appropriate impact assessment
12. Any development occurring in the OSS will:
Protect, enhance, or restore trees, vegetation, and other natural
heritage features
Preserve or improve public visibility and access, except where
access will damage sensitive natural heritage features or areas or
unreasonably restrict private property rights
Maintain, and where possible create linkages between, parks and
open spaces to create continuous recreational corridors
Maintain or expand the size, and improve the usability of, OSS
areas for public parks, recreational, and cultural purposes
Respect the physical form, design, character, and function of OSS areas
Provide comfortable and safe pedestrian conditions
13. Discourage the sale or disposal of publicly owned lands in the OSS
however, publicly owned lands in the OSS may be exchanged for other
nearby land of equivalent or larger area and comparable or superior
quality, when appropriate
14. Engage internal and external stakeholders in the selection and
management of parks and open space areas
15. Encourage other public agencies and the residents of Amman to
support the protection, enhancement, and restoration of links within
and between components of the OSS and the Natural Heritage System
16. Promote the use of stormwater management practices using naturalized
methods to mitigate the effects of stormwater runoff and integrate
stormwater management features into the OSS.
OSS Policies Outside the Urban Envelope
1. Provide a variety of publicly-accessible built and natural settings for

recreation, including parks, public squares, and other areas that are
aesthetically pleasing to support a sense of community and allow for a
variety of activities throughout the year
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The Amman Plan
2. Design and maintain the OSS to include and permit the use of public spaces
that allow for traditional community gatherings and activities
3. Improve the quality and access to existing natural heritage features, parks,
and linear open space connections in OSS Areas outside of the Urban
Envelope
4. Encourage access to privately owned lands for public use, where appropriate,
in OSS Areas outside of the Urban Envelope
5. Prevent the spread of desertification in the OSS outside of the Urban
Envelope with shelterbelt plantings
6. Protect natural components of the OSS (including forests, wadis, steep
slopes, ridges, and linkages between these features) from site alteration and
development by acquiring these lands or easements over the lands from
private landowners, where feasible
7. Protect the integrity of the cultural heritage components of the OSS
while enhancing their quality and accessibility for educational and tourism
purposes
8. Prohibit multiple-building development projects within in the OSS, except
for agricultural and associated uses, recreational and cultural facilities,
conservation projects, and essential utilities where supported by an
appropriate impact assessment. Development that is permitted will require
the following:
Protect, enhance, or restore trees, vegetation, and other natural heritage
features, as well as cultural heritage sites
Maintain, and where possible create linkages between, parks, cultural
heritage sites, and natural features to create continuous recreational
corridors
Respect the physical form, design, character, and function of parks or
natural features
9. Discourage the sale or disposal of publicly owned lands in the rural OSS
however, if the sale or disposal of lands is necessary, encourage the exchange
of municipally owned lands in the OSS for other nearby land of equivalent
or larger area and comparable or superior quality, when appropriate
10. Engage internal and external stakeholders in the selection and management of
parks, natural areas, and cultural heritage sites and areas. Encourage other public
agencies and the residents of Amman to support the protection, enhancement,
and restoration of links within and between components of the OSS
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151
Map 15: Sample Neighborhoods
152
The Amman Plan
The Amman Plan
153
E. Implementation of the
Metropolitan Growth Plan
E.1 MGP Implementation Approach and Tools
E.1.1 Approach to Growth Management
GAM will use its regulatory authority to control the timing and sequence
of development to achieve broad public goals as expressed in the Metro
Growth Plan (MGP). The authority of GAM to plan and regulate
development, within its boundaries, will be applied through the MGP
and its subsidiary plans to address urban growth problems such as traffic
congestion, overstressed urban services, and inadequate community
facilities. New development will be directed toward locations that are
consistent with the compact and efficient urban form reflected in the MGP.
This growth management approach is described in detail within the main
implementation components below:
Operating Principles
MGP (this Plan) see Section D
MGP Phasing Plan (Location & timing of development)
Capital Improvement Programs (CIP) - GAM and the public utilities
Service Areas and Service Standards
Financing Services - Charges & Incentives
Development Agreements
Plan Hierarchy and Zoning
E.1.2 Operating Principles

Several operating principles are reflected in the MGP Implementation
Plan:
The location and timing of urban growth should be controlled and
directed by GAM through the Development Approval Process and
the CIP to achieve community goals as reflected in the MGP. All
implementation should be guided by the adopted MGP and its
component plans (Amman Plan for Tall Buildings, CIS, etc.).
Sufficient services and infrastructure capacity (transportation, water &
sanitation, electricity, community facilities, etc.) should be available to
support new urban development as a precondition for its approval.
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The Amman Plan
Deficiencies in the capacity of the existing services and infrastructure

should be the highest priority for new investment to accommodate
existing demand as well as new demand resulting from intensification
(infill & outfill) within the existing built-up area.
Development Charges for services and infrastructure to support
development, within the framework of the Amman Plan for Tall
Buildings, should reflect all of the costs that are attributable to that
development. GAM and the public utilities should not subsidize private
development through infrastructure and services provision except when
providing planned incentives for preferred patterns of growth and other
community goals.
While GAM has direct authority over the provision of roads, transit,
and storm water capacity, the public utility service providers (water,
sanitation, and electricity) as well as the providers of community
facilities and services (education, healthcare, etc.) are expected to
coordinate their investment priorities with GAM and follow the
policies and priorities reflected in the MGP and the MGP Phasing
Plan.
E.1.3 MGP Phasing Plan

The MGP Phasing Plan divides the planning and implementation period
(2008 thru 2025) in to three six-year phases Near, Medium, and Long
Term. The Plan is general and flexible given the uncertainties inherent
in predicting future growth pressures and circumstances. In general,
the phasing follows the following general sequence in order of location
priorities:
Phase 1: Intensification & Densification Areas within Built-Up Areas

Urban Growth Centers and Airport Corridor Communities
Phase 2: Expansion Areas within the Urban Envelope and Sahab - Al

Mouwaqer Industrial Area
Phase 3: Primary Growth Areas outside the Urban Envelope
As indicated in Section E.1.3 below, proposals which accelerate
development beyond this Phasing Plan must be consistent with the MGP
and must assume the full costs of the detailed planning and servicing
required by the proposal. In addition, bulk service facilities and main line
extension capacity required by the full development of the area in question
must be provided by the initial development subject to reimbursement
provisions as additional development occurs.
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155
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The Amman Plan
The three MGP Phases are described and illustrated below:

Phase 1 Areas Near Term (2008 2013)
Areas to be developed in Phase 1 reflect the near-term priority of

consolidating development in and around existing built-up areas of Amman
to maximize the use of existing infrastructure and services and to minimize
urban sprawl. Phase 1 development areas are listed below and illustrated on
Schedule 15a.
Intensification and densification of Built-up Areas within the Urban
Envelope
Localized service upgrades to Built-up Areas outside the Urban
Envelope
Development of large areas of vacant land (expansion) within the BuiltUp Area inside the Urban Envelope, including High-Density, MixedUse (HDMU) Areas A, B, and C
Abdali Development
Metropolitan Growth Centre at the Arafat Airport Road Intersection
south and west of HDMU Area C
The Phase 1 CIP should emphasize existing service capacity upgrades,
limited service extensions into designated Expansion Areas inside the Urban
Envelope, and the planned road and transit linkages within Built-Up and
Expansion Areas.
Phase 2 Areas Medium Term (2014 2019)
Areas to be developed in Phase 2 shift the development emphasis onto

Expansion Areas within the Urban Envelope and Expansion Areas along
the Sahab - Al Mouwaqer Corridor. This allows for the efficient extension
of urban service networks and the maintenance of a compact and efficient
urban form. Phase 2 development areas are listed below and illustrated on
Schedule 15b.
Expansion Areas within the Urban Envelope
Airport Corridor Communities: South Park, Al Yadouda, and Metro Gateway
Industrial areas along Sahab - Al Mouwaqer Corridor
The Phase 2 CIP should emphasize service mainline extensions with road
and transit linkages into designated Expansion Areas inside the Urban
Envelope and ongoing capacity upgrades.
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157
Phase 3 Areas Long Term (2020 2025)
The Phase 3 Areas emphasize the completion of perimeter expansion

within the defined urban envelop, the continuing development of growth
centers, and the development of Settlement Expansion Areas outside the
Urban Envelope. The Phase 3 Areas are listed below and illustrated on
Schedule 15c.
Continuing Perimeter Expansion - Urban Envelope
Growth Centers: Airport Corridor (South Park, Al Yadouda & Metro
Gateway)
Settlement Expansion Areas outside the Urban Envelope (Al Bahath,
Naour, Um Rumana Jalluwl, Al Kutayfa)
Industrial Areas outside the Urban Envelope (Al Jeeza, Al Quastal)
The Phase 3 CIP should emphasize service mainline extensions with road
and transit linkages into designated Primary Growth Areas outside the
Urban Envelope.
158
The Amman Plan
Schedule 15a: Phase 1 Areas
ZARQA
SALT
8th CIRCLE
LANDFILL
KING OF
BAHRAIN
PARK
ZARQA
SALT
8th CIRCLE
MADABA
AIRPORT
MADABA
KING OF
BAHRAIN
PARK
AIRPORT
PHASE 1 : 2008 - 2013

PHASE 1 : 2008 - 2013
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159
Schedule 15b:
15c: Phase 3
2 Areas
ZARQA
SALT
8th CIRCLE
LANDFILL
KING OF
BAHRAIN
PARK
ZARQA
SALT
8th CIRCLE
MADABA
AIRPORT
MADABA
KING OF
BAHRAIN
PARK
AIRPORT
PHASE 2 : 2014 - 2019
PHASE 2 : 2014 - 2019
160
The Amman Plan
ZARQA
SALT
8th CIRCLE
LANDFILL
KING OF
BAHRAIN
PARK
ZARQA
SALT
8th CIRCLE
MADABA
AIRPORT
MADABA
KING OF
BAHRAIN
PARK
AIRPORT
PHASE 3 : 2020 - 2025

PHASE 3 : 2020 - 2025
The Amman Plan
161
E.1.4 Capital Improvements Program & Service Extensions

The following are the critical elements of Capital Improvement Programs
for GAM and the public utilities which are described in more detail below:
MGP Phasing Plan basis for CIPs
CIP Budget Estimates & Projections - Multi-year (5+ yrs.) Capital
Investment
Service Areas defined for Metropolitan GAM and Service Standards for
each Area
Service Main Extension Policy as applied to Water, Sanitation, &
Electricity
Subdivision Regulations for each Service Area & Standard defining
minimum servicing requirements for subdivided land.
Engineering Analysis of existing servicing capacities of GAM & Public
Utilities
Engineering Design & Cost Estimates for the capacity required to
service the Growth Areas defined in the MGP
MGP Phasing & CIPs
GAM and the public utilities will coordinate their budgets for the
upgrading and expansion of service networks. A multi-year CIP will be
created by each service provider, which is based on the phasing priorities
of the MGP and the annual capital improvement budget capacity of GAM
and the public utilities. The final and approved MGP and MGP Phasing
Plan will form the basis for restructuring capital investment programming
in light of the projected annual budgets for capital improvements. Annual
adjustments to the MGP Phasing Plan and the CIP, in terms of timing and
sequence, will be required in light of short-term variations in construction
costs, schedules, and government or utility revenues.
Service Areas & Standards
The central component of the GAM MGP policy is that a defined

threshold or standard of services and service capacity must be available in
an area before development can occur. This availability and capacity of
services must be in place or must be created by a project developer as a precondition to approval. The Service Areas, defined conceptually below, and
the variations in service standards that they represent, set the threshold for
services that must be available in a given location before development can
be approved.
Development proposals for a given area will not be approved until the
defined and required service standard level has been provided. Cost
estimates for required services will be identified through detailed
162
The Amman Plan
engineering studies as part of the CIPs. Project Developers have the choice
of waiting for the phased CIPs to reach a given development area or to
advance the provision of services, at the standards specified, at their own
expense through a development agreement.
Service Networks, such as water, sanitation, and electricity, must be
available at the completion and occupation of development in the interests
of general health, welfare, and safety. If certain public facilities, such as
parks or schools, are not completed at the same time as a project, the
development can be occupied if assurances are provided (Development
Agreements, Performance Bonds) that these facilities are provided in
a timely manner. GAM must have assurance that public services and
adequate capacity will be in place or that the development approval has
been conditioned upon timely provision.
Service Main Extension Policy
The policy and practice of the public utilities concerning the extension of
service mains into un-served or partially-served areas must be consistent
with the MGP. The capacity of any proposed main extension must support
the projected demands of the area being served, as expressed in the MGP,
rather than a single development proposal only. In addition, any extension
cannot cause the loading on the overall system to exceed its capacity
resulting in a loss of service quality for existing development. Upgrades
in the capacity of the system, in addition to the main extension, may be
required if the existing capacity is exceeded. The financing of service main
extensions is further addressed in Section E.1.5.
The GAM policy, operationalised by the public utilities, for main-line
extensions into new development areas prohibits extensions that would
exceed the capacity of the overall system supply, treatment, disposal, etc.
If existing service networks and capacity are insufficient to accommodate
the demands of a development proposal the following alternatives are
available to GAM, the public utilities, and the Developer:
Development approval is refused until public services and facilities at
the required service standards.
The Developer decreases the size and/or density of the development
proposal such that existing service network capacity is not exceeded.
The Developer agrees to phase the development in a manner consistent
with planned increases in service network capacity.
The Developer agrees to provide the public service capacity required or
to finance construction these facilities.
The Amman Plan
163
Developers are allowed to extend service mains into planned growth

areas ahead of the CIPs subject to negotiated reimbursement provisions
contained in a development agreement. A Developer can build or finance
the required service network capacity and public facilities at the service
levels specified if the development will otherwise not be approved. The
policy will usually require the construction of service capacity that is
greater than that required for the project in question given the need for
capacity to service surrounding future development. The developer is
entitled to reimbursement for the cost of the excess capacity when it is
utilized by other projects with development charges being credited to the
Developer as they are collected from other projects.
Subdivision Regulations
Subdivision Regulations, based on the defined Service Areas and Standards,

will be developed by GAM for application in each service area. In general,
these regulations will prohibit the subdivision of land into development
lots unless services, roads, water, sanitation, electricity, are provided
consistent with adopted service areas and standards. The current practice
is to subdivide and sell land for investment purposes in the absence of any
required road access or service provision. This has resulted in underlying
subdivision patterns across large expanses of vacant land in the annexed areas
that greatly complicates the achievement of metropolitan planning goals.
Subdivision regulations should be adopted for the various service areas
with requirements for detailed information about service availability or
planned provision as defined by the service area and required service
standards. These regulations should support and be consistent with
location, phasing, and density provisions of the MGP. The approval of
land subdivision proposals, especially in designated Primary Growth Areas
outside the Urban Envelope, will be conditioned on access and service
provisions and environmental impact assessments including provisions for
the protection of ground water resources from pollution and depletion.
Engineering Analysis, Design, & Cost Estimates
The implementation of this element of the MGP will require a detailed

analysis of the capacity of existing service networks and proposals for
the upgrading and extension of service newtworks to designated Primary
and Limited Growth Areas in the GAM Planning Area. This analysis will
provide the basis for the final determination of development charges and
the definition of service areas and service standards. The Scope of Work
for this analysis will include the following:
General GAM-wide assessment of service networks, in both Primary
and Limited Growth Areas, as required establishing the broader
services context for an assessment of required network service
upgrades, extensions, and the definition of service areas.
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The Amman Plan
Assessment of the GAM Metropolitan Area in terms of servicing

capacity, development limits, and required servicing upgrades for water
& sanitation availability & capacity, roads and transportation, storm
water drainage patterns & capacity, electricity & telecommunications
availability & capacity, and solid waste collection & disposal.
The development of priorities and phasing for bulk service and network
development and extensions based on planned settlement growth and
expansion as proposed in the MGP.
The preparation of cost estimates for all MGP servicing plans, bulk
services and networks, and the development of a framework for the
distribution of servicing costs to enable the proportional assessment of
costs to developers and property owners.
E.1.5 Service Areas & Service Standards

Based on engineering analysis of the GAM Metro Area and the
development densities proposed in the MGP, Service Areas will be defined
with associated service standards. In general, the standard of services
provided will match the density of development in order to increase
affordability and cost recovery and decrease environmental impacts. The
highest levels of servicing (Primary Growth Areas) will be provided to the
highest densities and the lowest levels to the lowest densities (Limited
Growth Areas). The following interim framework for conceptualizing and
assessing service provision is applied in the MGP while detailed engineering
studies are completed and a final framework is provided.
Service Standard Designations
The following general designations for services levels are applicable within
the Planning Area and reflect a descending scale of services related to
development density.
A Central: Public utility provided and managed service with central
service supply and service distribution networks Water, Sanitation,

Electricity, Gas, and Solid Waste. Networks are connected to major
centralized sources of supply and/or disposal that serve the Built-Up
Areas within the Urban Envelope.
B.1 Local Community: Public utility provided and managed services
with localized service supply and service distribution networks Water,

Sanitation, Gas, and Solid Waste. Networks are local with a localized
source of supply and/or disposal that serves a local area only. These
systems can be designed to connect to a centralized system when main
lines are extended.
The Amman Plan
165
B.2 Local Neighborhood: Neighborhood provided and managed
services with localized service supply and service distribution networks

Water, Sanitation, and Solid Waste. Networks are neighborhood
based; serving a limited number of plots with a source of supply and/or
disposal that serves a limited number of plots only. These systems can
be designed to connect to a larger community system and eventually to
a centralized system when main lines are extended.
C Plot: Services provided and managed on plot by plot owner water
wells or boreholes, on-site tanks with tanker truck delivery, individual

septic tanks, fuel powered electric generators, etc.
Mixed Services Provisions: Outside of the Built-Up Areas, and other
Settlement Expansion areas, service provisions will evolve incrementally
to progressively higher standards as densities increase. At any given point
in time, during the planning period, there will be a mixture of the central,
local, and plot services.
The Service Level Designation defined recognize and allow variations in
service levels based upon the location, type, and density of development
that reflects MGP policy and phasing considerations. Level of service
standards and associated development charges are adjusted to encourage
infill development, redevelopment, and compact growth.
Service Areas
The GAM Planning Area (Schedule 1) is divided by the MGP Primary
and Limited and No Growth areas (Figure 16). Settlement Built-Up and
Expansion Areas, within the Urban Envelope, will absorb most of the
projected population growth over the planning period. Primary Growth
Areas outside the Urban Envelope will also absorb a significant amount
of growth within designated Settlement Built-Up and Expansion Areas.
Limited Growth and No Growth Areas which include all remaining
areas within the Metropolitan Planning Area contain prohibited or
limited growth at agricultural density standards. The Development Area
designations translate directly into Service Area designations.
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The Amman Plan
This preliminary service area definition, as described on Table E.1 below,

suggests the following servicing standards:
Primary Growth Areas within Urban Envelope Settlement Built-Up
and Expansion Areas with Central services standards required
Primary Growth Areas outside Urban Envelope Settlement Builtup and Expansion Areas with a mixture of Central and Local service
standards
Limited Growth Areas Limited growth areas with plot services
predominant and some Local-Neighborhood services (central electrical is
probable)

Table E.1: Service Areas and General Service Standards
Development Area Designations
Service Standard Designations

A
C
B Local
Central 1.
Plot
2. Neigh.
Comm.
Service Area Designations

Urban
Envlope
Built-Up Areas
Expansion Areas
Outside
Urban
Envelope
Built-Up Areas
Expansion Areas
Limited Growth
Intensification
Densification
Urban Corridors
Local Corridors
X
X
X
Growth Centres
Growth Corridors
Expansion Areas
Urban Growth Ctrs.
X
X
X
X
X
X
Intensification
Densification
X
X
Exp.
Growth Ctrs.
Agriculture
Open Space
NHS
The Amman Plan
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
167
The intensification policies applied to arterial transportation corridors in

the CIS are generalized in the MGP to all comparable corridors within
the defined Urban Envelop along with Local Corridors and designated
Metropolitan Corridors. Designated corridors, Metropolitan and Urban,
are planned for major commercial, office, high-density residential,
and mixed-use development. Many of the corridors will extend from
Settlement Built-Up Areas into Settlement Expansion Areas transitioning
from intensification to expansion development. As a result of higher
densities proposed under the CIS and the MGP, transit systems including
light rail transit as well as bus rapid transit, will become increasingly viable
and necessary.
Under the Limited and No Growth Service Area with Local or Plotbased service levels, the utilization of private wells and septic systems as
an alternative to centralized public utility services will be subject to public
controls and clearly defined limits. GAM will clarify and strengthen its
authority to control and limit the use of private wells and septic systems
within the planning area. The low development densities permitted under
Limited and No Growth Areas, which are insufficient to support centralized
public water and sanitation services, are the only locations appropriate for
plot based services. This policy serves the general public welfare and interest
by limiting sprawl, increasing service network affordability, and protecting
groundwater resources from depletion and pollution.
Specifically for water and sewer, standards will be developed for wells and
septic tank systems in order to protect public health and safety in areas
where low development densities permit local and plot-based systems.
A minimum lot size will be required, under agricultural zoning, for
development utilizing plot-based wells and/or septic systems in order to
provide sufficient land area for disposal, avoid the concentration of separate
disposal systems, and to maintain required separations wells and sanitary
disposal systems.
A preliminary conceptual delineation of Service Areas in indicated
on Schedule 16, which will guide policy until the required studies are
completed.
168
The Amman Plan
Schedule 16: Conceptual Service Charge Areas
SALT
AREA 1
LANDFILL
LAN
NDFILL
8th CIRCLE
CIRC
RC
CLEE
East
Inner Ea
ast
s
West
South Wes
est
stt
Outer
East
Outerr E
ast
Inner
So
IIn
nner S
o
AREA 2
AIRPORT
R
MADABA
r Sou
S
South
Sout
out
o
ou
AREA 3
The Amman Plan
169
E.1.6 Financing Services - Charges & Incentives

The cost of service upgrades and extensions will be recovered from
the final users of those services in proportion to the demand that
each developer places on the system. This applies to all development
projects within GAM and addresses all bulk services, service main
extensions, and associated upgrades required outside of a project area.
Developers will assume full responsibility for the cost of local Project
networks.
Infrastructure and services are currently financed out of general GAM
and Public Utility budgets with contributions from Development
included on an ad-hoc basis through negotiations with the Developers
of individual projects. Under the policies of the MGP, the financing
of infrastructure and services will shift to development charges with
a decreased reliance on general revenues. This transition will not be
completed in the short term and bridging finance will be required.
Development Charges for infrastructure and services under the MGP
will include the following:
Capital Development Levy
GAM will provide all service infrastructure required for proposed

development that is consistent with the MGP and the MGP
Phasing Plan. Alternatively, the Developer can provide the
required improvements subject to GAM and Public Utility approval
and supervision. GAM and the Public Utilities assess a project
Owner/Developer a one-time charge to cover the required capital
expenditures. This Capital Development Levy will cover those services
provided by GAM (Roads & Transportation, Storm Water Drainage)
and those provide by other Utility Agencies (Water, Sanitation,
Electricity, Telecommunications). In some cases, the investor will
also be required to pay for a proportional share of all capital and bulk
service costs, including upgrades to existing systems, which benefit a
larger catchment area of properties. The Capital Development Levy
will be a one-time payment, charged and collected by GAM but will
reflect the following components and cost recovery policies of GAM
and the public utilities:
Roads & Transportation
A charge will be assessed by GAM to cover capital expenditures for to

road upgrading, new road construction, and land acquisition for road
right-of-ways. Costs for adjacent arterial, collector, and transit roads
and adjacent major intersections will be allocated on a proportional
basis to all properties benefiting with the cost of the local road network
entirely the responsibility of the Developer.
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The Amman Plan
Storm Water Drainage
A charge will be assessed by GAM to cover capital expenditures related to

the construction of Storm Water Drainage Systems, including the primary
collection system and bulk facilities. The existing storm water drainage
system in Amman is minimal and a new policy of storm water development in
association with all major projects will be instituted. The costs will be allocated
on a proportional basis to all properties benefiting from the facilities.
Water & Waste Water (Sanitation) Service
A charge will be assessed by GAM to cover capital expenditures including

the local networks and bulk facilities allocated proportionately to all
properties benefiting. This includes the local water distribution and
sewerage collection networks (Myahuna), sources, treatment, mains, pump
houses, reservoirs and sanitation trunk sewer drains, pump houses, and
treatment facilities (Jordan Water Authority - JWA). The local network will
be the responsibility of the Developer while bulk facilities covered by the
rates are not included.
Electrical Service
A charge will be assessed by GAM to cover capital expenditures including

the local networks and substations allocated on a proportional basis to all
properties benefiting the cost of major substations and transmission lines
will not be charged. The Central Electric Generating Company (CEGCO)
manages generation capacity and sells power to the National Electrical
Power Company (NEPCO) which manages high voltage lines and major
substations. The Jordan Electrical Power Company (JEPCO) manages
electrical distribution including local substations and networks. No charge is
assessed to Developers for the bulk facilities (CEGCO & NEPCO) while the
cost associated with the local network and substations will be fully recovered
from Developers including the cost of land acquisition for local substations.
Telecommunications Service
A charge will be assessed by GAM for Jordan Telecom (JTC) to cover capital
expenditures including the local networks and RLU substations, including the
cost of land for substations, allocated on a proportional basis to all properties
benefiting but the cost of bulk facilities lines will not be charged.
Public Amenities Fee
Developers will be required to pay a fee to be deposited into a fund

earmarked for specified public amenities. This includes but is not limited
to open space acquisition, heritage preservation, and other community
improvement projects. The public amenities fee will be based on a formula
specifically created for the type, size, and location of development and the
governing Area, Sector, and Community Plans.
The Amman Plan
171
Purchase of Development Rights
The owners of property designated by the MGP and subsidiary plans (Amman
Plan For Tall Buildings, CIS, ILP, Outlying Settlements Policy, Area, and
Community Plans) for development rights greater than the current as-of-right
development limits will realize a windfall benefit in land value resulting from
an act of public policy. A portion of this benefit will be claimed by GAM and
returned to the Amman Community in the form of an earmarked fund for
community improvement projects. A landowner or Developer will be required
to purchase the development right from GAM and the purchase price or
fee will be a portion of the land value inflation attributable to the increased
development potential.
Location Incentives
The Capital Investment Levy, in general, is based on the policy position that
project developers should pay a proportional share for the infrastructure and
service capacity that is required for their projects. This policy applies regardless
of whether the infrastructure and service networks exist in full, need to be
upgraded, or must be designed and implemented completely. Developers must
pay for existing capacity as well as any new capacity required for their projects.
However, it is the policy of GAM and the public utilities, to provide incentives for
locational decisions that support the goals and objectives of the MGP. Toward
this end, the standard schedule of charges for the Capital Development Levy will
be adjusted to create incentives for locating projects within infill and outfill (Area
1 - Phase I) areas in the near term and disincentives for locating beyond the Urban
Envelop (Area 3 Phase 3). This policy will incentivise compact and efficient
growth by encouraging Developers to identify project sites within the Urban
Envelope See Schedule 16.
E.1.7 Development Agreements

For Major Projects, prior to the issuance of a Construction License based on
the Detailed Technical Review, GAM and the Developer will negotiate and sign
a Development Agreement that will include terms, conditions, requirements,
obligations, and responsibilities of all parties in association with the development
project in question. The content of the Development Agreement will include:

172
Conditions of Approval from the Design Review Process

Capital Improvement Charges: Services
Capital Improvement Charges: Roads & Transportation
Capital Improvement Charges: Storm Water Drainage
Public Amenities Fee
Purchase of Development Rights
Off-site Construction to be Completed by Developer
Off-site Construction to be Completed by GAM
The Amman Plan
Also included in the Development Agreement will be a Subdivision

Improvements Agreement that guarantees the construction of infrastructure
and service networks on-site or within the project.
E.1.8 Plan Hierarchy & Zoning

Within the framework provided by the Metropolitan Growth Strategy,
a hierarchy of plans will be created over time to provide greater levels of
detail to support and operationalize the MGP. In practice, it is anticipated
that overlap will occur, in terms of the level of detail provided, between
each type of plan. Some of these Lower Order Plans (e.g., Area Plans and
Community Plans) have already been created by GAM and other will be
scheduled for development in a sequence driven by development pressures
and priorities as well as geographical and socio-economic equity. The
Amman Plan hierarchy is described in Section 1C and 1D. Section E.2.5
describes what is regulated at each level in the planning hierarchy.
E.2 Regulatory Framework

E.2.1 Introduction
From a legislative point of view, the Amman Plan and its regulatory
framework represent a modern approach to urban planning that is not
entirely consistent with Jordans legislative framework. However, the
regulatory framework supporting implementation of the Plan is capable
of adaptation to existing legislation. As a result, the approach to regulation
does not rely on passing new legislation.
Primary attention has been focused on revising and updating Ammans
current regulations in a format that will complement the overriding
objectives of the MGP, building on what makes Amman Amman.
Accordingly, the new regulations are form-based and call for a
combination of mandatory requirements (e.g., land-use zoning, lot
development and building envelope regulations and parking requirements)
with discretionary design guidelines. While it is anticipated that the
former will be regulated by responsible municipalities, the latter imply
input from local residents in the form of formal or informal design review
commissions or committees.
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173
E.2.2 Regulatory Overview

Existing GAM Regulatory Framework
The Amman Plan will be the first development plan that is legally
effective in the GAM area. Until now development control has been
exercised without a guiding planning vision. Since 1967 building has been
regulated under the City of Amman Zoning and Building Regulation. This
regulation provides for land use zones and typical development standards
such building envelopes, lot standards and parking requirements.
Special regulations have been made for particular developments. They
include the Abdali Zoning Regulation and the HDMU Regulation, which
were adopted as an interim measure pending completion of the Amman Plan.
In the territory added to GAM in 2007, there are zoning regulations in
place for Settlement Areas, again lacking development plan support. In
unzoned areas, development is controlled under Regulation 535 of the
Supreme Planning Council.
E.2.3 Objectives of Proposed Regulatory Framework

The new regulatory framework is based on four primary scales of
development: the Region, the GAM Metropolitan Area, the Planning Area
and the Community. The major strategic directions of the new planning
framework are to:
Direct growth to the existing settlements
Achieve compact mixed-use communities
Emphasize good design
Preserve environmental integrity
Conserve resource areas
E.2.4 Regulatory Approach

A four-tier policy approach is embedded within three types of planning
documents: the Metropolitan Growth Plan, Area Plans and Community
Plans. The MGP captures citywide objectives and visions while the Area
Plans further the objectives of the MGP within smaller sub areas of the
municipality. Community Plans represent the most detailed level of
planning. A new Zoning Regulation is an implementation tool to achieve
the planning objectives of these documents.
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The Amman Plan
The regulatory framework utilizes the following approach:

Designation of Primary and Limited Growth Areas:
New development will be concentrated within designated Built-Up Areas

within the designated Urban Envelope by reusing already developed
land, intensifying vacant parcels and encouraging densification where
appropriate. Designated Expansion Areas within the designated Urban
Envelope will accommodate traditional expansion growth. Within the
Limited Growth Area, growth will be accommodated within designated
Settlement Built-Up and Expansion Areas.
Identification of General Land Use
Developments must be coordinated to preserve and complement their

context; key facilities and amenities must be strongly linked through
streetscape enhancements and good building design; landmark projects
must be developed in the right locations to respect their status and
surroundings; resources and natural areas must be preserved and growth
outside the Urban Envelope directed in a coordinated manner to villages;
and public improvements must be phased properly so that, when integrated
with new development, they create a real sense of place and vitality.
Improvement to the Public Realm
Each level of the regulatory framework recognizes the creation a Natural

Heritage System (NHS) and Open Space System, including the provision
of specific zones within the new zoning bylaw. The creation of an NHS
network preserves areas of biological and geological importance, allows
residents expanded recreation opportunities and provides a basis for a
sustainable City.
Identification of Zoning Regulations and Urban Design Guidelines
These will ensure that new development achieves the vision for Amman
while providing clarity and flexibility for the development community. The
intent is to encourage development that respects the existing urban fabric,
neighbourhood form and the limits of existing hard services.
E.2.5 GAM Regulatory Framework

The regulatory framework demonstrates the relationship between the
Amman Plan and the emerging zoning categories and development
standards. The framework has been divided into four scales: Region,
Metropolitan, Planning Area and Community (see Figure 2). The
framework represents a logical flow of detail from the region to the
community level.
The Amman Plan
175
Regional
The highest level within the framework is the regional scale, which
identifies Settlement Areas, Agricultural Areas,Cultural and Natural
Heritage Systems, Quarries and Mineral Extraction Areas, and Regional
Corridors and Growth Centres and places Amman within the national
context.
Metropolitan Area
The Metropolitan scale includes all lands within the Amman

metropolitan boundary and identifies Primary and Limited and No
Growth Areas. Primary Growth Areas consist of Settlement BuiltUp and Settlement Expansion Areas, Employment Built-Up and
Employment Expansion Areas, Open Space and Public Institutions,
Utility Areas, and Metroplolitan Growth Centres and Corridors.
Limited and No Growth Areas consist of Natural and Cultural
Heritage Systems, Agricultural Areas, and Quarries and Mineral
Extraction Areas. The maps, goals and policies help to integrate
decisions on land use, transportation, the environment, heritage, and
social and economic planning into a broad municipal strategy.
Planning Area
The MGP divides Amman into eight Planning Areas (Schedule 2).
Within each Planning Area, Area Plans will be completed that set
comprehensive land use policies. Conforming to the Metropolitan
Growth Plan, the purpose of the Area Plans, is to provide general land
use for residential, employment, open space, mixed use, institutional,
resources, utilities, and heritage, , establish transportation and
infrastructure plans, define the public framework and account for both
civic and local concerns. In addition, Area Plans will identify special
strategic areas that require special care and Community Plans, such as
Heritage Districts or Corridors, Major Redevelopment or Urban Regeneration areas, the HDMU areas, Major Natural Heritage Areas and
Parks.
Community Plans
Community Plans provide the most detailed planning scale within the
Amman Plan. General land use is to be implemented within the new
Zoning Regulation. Within the Community Plan scale, the public
framework takes precedent in defining relation of development to
streets, mixing of uses, integrating use with transportation and transit,
locating public facilities and identifying prominent nodes of activity
within communities. The Community Plan scale consists if the
following:
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The Amman Plan
Conceptual Community Plans: Conceptual Community Plans serve

as a link between the Area Plans and the detailed plans with final
regulatory zoning contained in the Detailed Community Plans. The
Conceptual Community Plans address such land use categories as
residential, industrial, commercial/retail, HDMU, natural and cultural
heritage, public and private institutions, corridors, agriculture,
extraction, etc. The Airport Corridor Plan is an example of a
Conceptual Community Plan.
Detailed Community Plans & Zoning: Detailed Community Plans are
based on Area and Conceptual Community Plans and provide the final
and complete level of detail required to review and regulate proposed
development. The zoning categories delineated are those of the
Zoning Bylaw (currently under review and revision) which are linked
to detailed descriptions of permitted land uses and Building Envelope
Standards. The Amman Plan for Tall Buildings and the CIS Plans are
examples of Community Plans.
Zoning Regulation
Zoning determines the size and use of buildings, where they are
located and, in large measure, the densities of the Citys diverse
neighbourhoods. Zoning shapes the City and is a key tool for carrying
out planning policy. In order to capture the diversity of building
typologies and variation within the Amman built form each land use
category defined at the Planning Area and Community Level will be
broken down into zoning.
As part of the new planning framework the Amman Zoning and
Building Regulation is being rewritten to implement the vision and
goals of the Amman Plan. A new regulation is expected end of 2008.
The existing regulation has not been subject to a major review in recent
years, and is losing effectiveness as a tool to guide development and
to assist Council in making good decisions. The proposed regulation
needs to act as an incentive to promote economic development, attract
business and industry and facilitate the building of a world-class City.
At the same time, it needs to balance the communitys objectives for
promoting quality of life and creating a healthy community.
The Amman Plan
177
178
The Amman Plan
E.3 URBAN MANAGEMENT INSTITUTIONAL

FRAMEWORK
E.3.1 Urban Management Institutional Overview
The current institutional and organizational framework for planning and
development control is fragmented, both within GAM and with external
agencies for it to be effective management system within an expanding
metropolitan area. At the present time at least 8 GAM departments are
involved and over 6 external agencies play a role.
In essence, the planning and development control system was designed from
the inside-out, meaning that it is designed primarily around independent
bureaucratic requirements without much regard for the citizen and investor. As
well, the system is not integrated, meaning that organizations, including GAM
departments, work in isolation of each other, much like institutional silos.
This causes problems both for government, the citizen and investor. It also
misses opportunities for more effective and efficient planning and development
control measures, including cost savings in the provision of infrastructure,
transportation and such social services as education and health care.
Perhaps the biggest flaw has been a lack of urban planning altogether.
The best way to describe the situation is that the City had a development
control (zoning) system, in search of an urban planning policy. There
was no strategy of how the City should develop, and many of the zoning
standards were outdated and did not address the issues at hand, particularly
for the new large developments proposed in the City, such as high rise
towers and residential compounds.
One of the main weaknesses is that there is no GAM department that has the
clear mandate to undertake long range urban planning, and the limited capacity
within GAM to assist in planning is scattered throughout the organization.
Within the last year GAM has also been proactive in establishing a mandate
for economic and community development. This function is emerging as
an important GAM responsibility. For it to work effectively it should be
linked to the long range planning function of the Municipality. Once this
community economic development function matures, consideration may
be given to spin it off as a separate economic and community development
agency. For the time being we recommend that it be incubated within
the planning function of the municipality so that it can have significant
influence over the long range planning for the Municipality.
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179
E.3.2 Urban Management Institutional Approach

To establish a modern urban management institutional framework GAM
adopts the following principles:
Clarity of Governance for planning and development control

Transparency and community involvement in the planning process
Institutional integration of the urban planning, development control
and economic development functions within GAM
Clear hierarchy of planning policies and implementation instruments
Citizen and investor centered culture for the new planning
organization
One-stop-Shop for all development approvals, including approvals
from external agencies
E.3.3 Urban Management Institutional Framework

Governance Framework
The proposed Governance structure for planning within GAM will have
four levels (Figure 24):
City Council, which will be responsible for all planning decisions that have
metro wide impact, including all zoning regulations.
Amman Planning Board, which will be an advisory board chaired and
appointed by the Mayor. It will consist of fifteen members, seven of whom
will be City Counselors the remaining members will be selected from the
community-at-large. The purpose of the Board is to advise City Council
on all metropolitan planning matters.
Planning Area Committees, for each of the eight Planning Areas a
Committee will be established to guide the preparation of the detailed Area
Plans and associated Zoning Regulations. These Committees will also
be responsible for reviewing and recommending amendments to the Area
Plans and Zoning Regulations. The Committees will be appointed by the
Mayor and have a membership of nine, with four elected representatives
from the Area the remaining members will be from the community-at-large
within the Planning Area. The Area Plans and Zoning Regulations will be
forwarded to the Metro Planning Board for review and recommendation to
City Council. This is to ensure that the Area Plans and Zoning Regulations
adhere to the Metro Growth Plan.
180
The Amman Plan
These Committees will also screen decisions made by the District

Committees concerning minor-zoning variances. At least one member of the
Planning Area Committee will also serve as a member of the Metro Planning
Board.
District Committees will be established for each of the GAM Districts,
they will be appointed by the Mayor and consist of five members, including
the elected representative from the area. The primary responsibility of
the District Committees will be to review and approve requests for minor
variances from the zoning regulations. The decisions of the District
Committees must be ratified by the Planning Area Committee to ensure
adherence to the intent of the Area Plans and Zoning Regulations.
Special Purpose Planning Committees: the Mayor may appoint Special
Planning Committees for strategic projects and areas related to Cultural
and Natural Heritage Conservation, Urban Regeneration, Strategic Enabler
Projects and other matters of strategic importance to the City. These
Committees will report to the Mayor through the Metropolitan Planning
Board. Membership of these special committees will be decided by the
Mayor.
Figure 24:The Proposed Planning Authority
Planning Instrument
Approval Authority
Recommending Authority
Metropolitan Growth Plan &

Amendments thereto
City Council
Metropolitan Planning Board
Area Plans, Community

Plans, Associated Zoning
Regulations and
amendments thereto
City Council
through the Metro Planning
Board
Planning Area Committees,

with ratification from Metro
Planning Board
Minor-Zoning Variances
District Committees
with ratification by relevant
Planning Areas Committees
District Committees
Special Area Plans & Zoning

By-Laws
City Council
Special Committees, with

ratification from Metro
Planning Board
Site Plans and Development

Agreements
Planning Area Committees

with ratification by Metro
Planning Board
Planning Area Committees
The Amman Plan
181
The Planning Instruments
Five core planning instruments are proposed, in many ways it represents a

hierarchy of planning instruments for the Municipality:
Metropolitan Growth Plan: this is a policy document that outlines the
growth direction for the metropolitan area. It provides policies related
to the growth strategy for the metropolitan area and will address: growth
boundaries; generalized land use; major transportation network, including
public transit and hierarchy of roadways; natural and cultural heritage,
including major metropolitan parks;
Area Plans: Eight Planning Areas are proposed, each of the areas will have a
Plan that details land-use, natural and cultural heritage, transportation and
urban infrastructure policies for the area.
Area Zoning Regulations: for each of the Planning Areas a zoning
regulations will be prepared that details the development controls imposed
by regulation. The design of the zoning regulations will be consistent
throughout the Metro Region.
Community Plans: within each Planning Area there maybe special strategic
areas that require special care, such as Heritage Districts or Corridors,
Major Redevelopment or Urban Re-generation areas, the HDMU areas,
Major Natural Heritage Areas and Parks etc. Detailed Community Plans
may be prepared for these areas to provide more detailed direction for
development. In most cases, it is expected that the implementation of
the Community Plans will require special intervention by the GAM and
other public agencies to implement. Community Planning Areas will be
identified in either the MGP or the Community Plans.
Site Plans and Associated Development Agreements: for large scale
projects a site planning approvals process will be implemented as is
currently the case with the HDMU areas. These Site Plans will be
accompanied with development agreements that outline the obligations of
the GAM and the investor/developer. Approval of these site plans will rest
with the Area Planning Committee and will be reviewed and ratified by the
Metro Planning Board.
Community Participation & Review
It will be a policy of the City Council to engage all stakeholders, including

civil society in the planning decisions process. The following formal
structure is proposed as policy, but it is expected that a much broader
and more informal community participation process will continue to be
undertaken:
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The Amman Plan
For the Metropolitan Growth Plan: the City Council will publicize and hold
a public hearing for citizens to provide input into the Growth Plan. Upon
public release of the Plan, to be made available through the Web and on
CDs, a review period of sixty (60) days will be implemented during which
time citizens and other stakeholders can submit written comments. These
will be taken into consideration by the City Council in its final decision.
Once adopted, any amendments to the Growth Plan will follow the same
public review as mentioned above. The public review process for the Plan
will be managed by the Metro Planning Board on behalf of the City Council.
For Area Plans: The Planning Area Committees will publicize and hold a
public hearing of the Area Plans and allow sixty days for review, at which time
citizens and stakeholders can submit written comments. All hearings will be
held in a central location of the Planning Area and all information will be
made available on the GAM web site and on CDs.
For the Zoning Regulation: Any new or amended zoning regulation will
be advertised and the information made available through the Web and on
CD. A public hearing will also be held to present the proposed zoning and
to receive public feedback. An official review period of sixty days, as required
by law, will be instituted at which time citizens and other stakeholders
can submit written comments, which will be taken into consideration for
Councils final decision. The public review process will be managed by the
Planning Area Committee.
For Minor Zoning Variances: Minor zoning variances are entertained by the
District Committees, any application for a variance will be heard at a public
meeting and all owners within 250 meters of the subject property will be
notified of the public meeting at least 15 days prior to the meeting and all
information will be made available for public scrutiny at the GAM District
office and on the municipal web site. A written comment period of 5 days
will follow the hearing. The public review process will be managed by the
District Committees.
For Community Plans, the same procedure as for Area Plans will be adopted.
For Site Plans and Development Agreements: public consultation will only
be held if the site plan contravenes the intent of the MGP, the Area Plan or
Zoning Bylaw.
The Amman Plan
183
Organizational Reform
A New Planning and Community Economic Development Organization is

proposed within the Amman Plan (see Figure 25):
A consolidation of the planning, development control (zoning & licensing)
and economic development functions of GAM is proposed. It is to be
nested in a new Planning and Community Economic Development
Department. This proposed structure is consistent with the Organizational
Improvement Project currently initiated by GAM.
The overall mandate of the Department will be to advance the sustainable
development objectives of GAM through long range urban planning and
community economic development.
The organizational structure of the proposed department has four divisions
as outlined below. An Assistant City Manager reporting to the City
Manager would spearhead the Department. Each Division will have a
Director:
E.3.4 The One-Stop-Shop

An objective of the organizational and institutional reform is to institute a
One-Stop-Shop for land development approvals. A major review of the
development review process has already taken place and it is expected that
in early 2008 a One-Stop-Shop for all large land development applications
will be operational.
This initiative will be expanded to include all land development
applications regardless of size. In addition, the Municipality is assessing
the feasibility to enable the applications process, including the review of
workflow between all the stakeholders and for applicants to view the status
of their applications on-line.
184
The Amman Plan
Figure 25: Proposed Organisational Structure
Department of Planning
& Community Economic Development
Assistant City Manager
Amman Planning Board &
Committees Secretariat
Long Range Planning

Master Planning
Heritage
Conservation
Cultural Heritage
Natural Heritage
- Administration
- Legal Services & Compliance
- Research
- Coordination & Outreach
Current Planning & Zoning

Current Planning
Zoning & Licensing
Inspections
Special Projects
Community Economic
Development
Investment Promotion &
Relations
Tourism Development
Enabler Projects
Community Development
(CSR)
Technical Services
GIS/ CAD
Surveying
Valuation &
Appraisals
E.4 Legal Framework

The legal framework is contained in the Cities, Villages and Buildings
Planning Law, No. 79 of 1966 (the Planning Law).
There are three levels of plans: Regional Plans, Structure Plans, and
Detailed Plans. Regional and Structure Plans require the approval of the
Supreme Planning Council. Detailed Plans are approved by Regional
Committee .
The Regional Plan contains maps that are the basis for the structure and
detailed plans. It may contain development standards such as setbacks and
density requirements. It may state what works require building licences.
The contents of Structure Plans are very similar, presumably at a more
detailed level. Detailed Plans are also similar in content. There are things
they must contain, including sites planned for expropriation. All three
kinds of plans may deal with any matters necessary for achievement of the
objectives of the plan, including administration and procedures. These
kinds of terms and conditions may also be covered by regulations issued
under the law.
The Amman Plan
185
The Structure Plan is to be in place before Detailed Plans can be approved,

and the Regional Plan is to precede the Structure Plan.
Approval procedures: For the Regional Plan, Regional Committee
considers objections and makes recommendations to Supreme Planning
Council. For Structure Plans, District Committees receive objections and
make recommendations to Regional Committee, which then reports to
Supreme Planning Council. For detailed plans, adoption procedures start
at District Committee level. The District Committee receives objections
and makes recommendations to Regional Committee.
Interim measures. Unplanned territory under GAM jurisdiction may be
the subject of an order of the Prime Minister designating planning areas
. When a planning area is created, construction is subject to temporary
control pending approval of the plans. Decisions on development
applications may then be made on the basis of whether they will detract
from the objectives of the plans under preparation.
Supreme Planning Council can provisionally approve a structure plan (or
part of it) that has been prepared. It will go into effect immediately upon
publication in the Gazette. Adoption procedures then must be started
within a year.
Building licenses are issued by District Committees. Regional Committee
decides appeals of decisions of District Committees on licence applications.
If it overturns the decision, District Committee can raise the issue to
Supreme Planning Council. District Committees are authorized to make
minor variations in requirements for lot size, building height and volume,
and setbacks, to specified maximums.
In territory that has been zoned, District Committee approves subdivisions.
In unzoned land, Regional Committee approves subdivisions.
Council of Ministers may issue regulations covering a wide range of
matters, including the kinds of matters that can be covered in planning
documents. Supreme Planning Council may also make regulations.
E.4.1 Existing Legal Context

In Amman there are no approved regional or structure plans. The Zoning
and Building Regulation of the City of Amman 2005 is a regulation of the
Council of Ministers. This regulation contains development standards
such as zoned land use restrictions, setbacks, parking requirements, and
application procedures. Zoning maps and rezonings are approved as
186
The Amman Plan
detailed plans by Regional Committee. Also, special regulations such as

the Abdali Zoning Regulation and the Interim Growth Strategy Regulation
have been approved as detailed plans by Regional Committee.
In the new territory added to GAM, there is zoning in settlement areas.
Outside of settlement areas, applications for building are governed by
Regulation 535 of Supreme Planning Council (Administered by GAM).
For GAM, Supreme Planning Council is headed by the Prime Minister,
represented by the Mayor. It has seven members, who are Deputy
Ministers. Regional Committee has been formed as a committee of GAM
Council, with 12 members plus the Mayor as Chair. There are 20 District
Committees, each consisting of the District Head (Chair), two council
members, the District Executive Administrator, and the Engineering
Section Head. Decisions of District Committee on building licences must
be confirmed by the Mayors Inspector.
E.4.2 Approach to Legal Implementation

The Amman Plan and its regulatory framework represent an approach
to planning and development control that is new to Jordan. Jordans
legislative framework comes from an earlier period, and was not meant to
support such a modern approach. New legislation will be the subject of
study and review, but the preparation and approval of new legislation takes
time and final adoption is uncertain. The legal instruments provided by
the existing law are capable of adaptation, and therefore to the fullest extent
possible the regulatory framework will be implemented under the existing
legislation.
The preparation and adoption of the MGP, Area Plans, Community Plans
and the Zoning Regulation will take time, and development will continue
in the meantime. An important issue to be addressed therefore is how to
regulate development in the interim period so that it does not conflict with
the objectives of the Amman Plan.
E.4.3 Amman Plan Legal Framework

The following actions are proposed:
Declaration of planning area.
In order to ensure that development in areas presently unzoned takes place

in a manner that does not interfere with the policies of the Amman Plan and
other plans in preparation, the Prime Minister may issue an order under Art.
9.1 of the Planning Law designating the GAM area as a planning area.
The Amman Plan
187
Provisional approval of the Amman Plan.
Prior to the start of formal adoption procedures, GAM Regional Committee

may indicate its tentative approval, following which Supreme Planning
Council will provisionally approve the Amman Plan under Art. 22.
Approval of the Amman Plan. The Amman Plan contains a MGP effective
within the entire GAM area, Area Plans within eight parts of the GAM
territory, Community Plans and a Zoning Regulation. It incorporates the
detailed plans for the HDMU areas and the areas subject to the Corridor
Intensification Strategy (AND ILP and RRP). As such it combines the
elements of regional, structure and detailed plans as described in the
Planning Law. Since the adoption procedures for all three kinds of plans
in the Planning Law are quite uniform, the Amman Plan can be deposited
and advertised as a single document, followed by the usual procedures:
an opportunity for objections to be made to District Committees,
recommendations to Regional Committee, and then a report to Supreme
Planning Council.
GAM Committees. GAM Council will formally establish the committees
called for in the institutional framework, and provide for their mandates.
188
The Amman Plan
F. Next Steps
F.1. Area Plans
For the purposes of the Amman Plan, a Draft Area Plan (Figure 26: inner
South Area Plan) was completed to illustrate the transition from the
Metropolitan scale to the Planning Area scale. The Inner South Planning
Area was selected for the initial planning exercise due to the different
features present within the Area but also due to the Community planning
that has already taken place within the Planning Area along the Airport
Corridor. The Community scale translates into zoning once concepts at the
community level have been finalized. Subsequent detailed planning may
occur for special study areas on a block level.
Figure 26 displays the subsequent level of detail between the Metropolitan
scale and the detailed Community scale. Included in the Area Plan are more
detailed features of the component plans that comprise the overall Metro
Growth Plan.
Area Parks are identified within the Open Space System to further refine
the allocation of public space and ensure adequate distribution amongst
GAM neighbourhoods. Additional social facilities are also identified. In
general, land use becomes more defined with the identification of Industrial,
Commercial, Retail and Institutional uses in combination with the public
framework and cultural heritage features. The transportation and transit
system illustrates the next series of roads and transit that will be identified at
the Planning Area scale.
The Amman Plan
189
Figure 26: Inner South Area Plan
!
ARAFAT NODE
AIR
PO
RT
RO
AD
METRO PARK
NAOUR GROWTH
CENTRE
AL YADOUDA
Um Al Kondom
SOUTH PARK
METRO GATEWAY
190
The Amman Plan
Motorway
Residential Intensification
Rural Expressway
Urban Expressway
Major Arterial
Major Collectors
Green Field Residential

Stable Neighbourhood
Commercial
Industrial
Institutional
Regional Park (Metro Park)
Area Park
Urban Agriculture
Hejaz Railway
Neighbourhood Boundary
Potential Major Transit Corridor
Planning Area Boundary
Growth Area Boundaries
Urban Corridor
Historic Village/Town Centre

Historic Roads
Archaeological Site
Neighbourhood Corridor
Area Growth Centers
Neighbourhood Growth Centers
SAHAB
ADC
The Amman Plan
191
F.2. Community Plan

A number of Plans have been completed at the Community level as
outlined in the Planning Approach in the Introduction to the Amman Plan.
For illustrative purposes, a Conceptual Community Plan is shown for the
Airport Corridor (Figure 27) and a Detailed Community Plan (Figure 28) is
shown for the HDMU Site C.
Both these Plans are Community-level components of the overall
Amman Plan and during their creation provided valuable insight into the
evolving Amman Plan orthodox. Each provided a level of detail to guide
City planners as to technical planning responses to inquiries from the
development community and Ammani citizens.
The Conceptual Airport Corridor Plan provides general land use
designations for several community nodes along the Airport Road. The
Detailed Amman Plan for Tall Buildings: HDMU Site C Plan indicates
zoning detail and associated envelope standards and design guidelines.
Figure 27: Airport Road Conceptual Community Plan
192
The Amman Plan
Figure 28: Amman Plan for Tall Buildings: HDMU Site C Detailed Community Plan
F.3. Metro Infrastructure Servicing Straegy

The provision of infrastructure services, such as water, sewer, electrical, telecommunications and natural gas is not the responsibility of GAM. Successful
implementation of the Plan will require the support from these external
agencies.
It is recommended that Central Government, in partnership with GAM,
initiate a coordinated effort by the various infrastructure agencies to prepare
a Metro Infrastructure Strategy and Implementation Plan. Such an effort can
be coordinated by GAM, but must involve all the relevant agencies.
As a first step, it is recommended that the Infrastructure Rights-of-Way
Coordinating Committee established by the Prime Ministry convene to:
Prepare ToR for an Metro Infrastructure Strategy to implement the
Amman Growth Plan; and
Direct the Preparation of the Metro Infrastructure Strategy.
The Amman Plan
193
Glossary
Greater Amman Municipal Boundary: as defined last by the Municipal
Code No. (14) 2007 and amendments. Determines the Planning Area for
application of the Metropolitan Growth Plan.
Metropolitan Planning Area: consists of all lands within the Greater
Amman Municipal Boundary.
Growth Terms
Primary Growth Areas: comprise Settlement and Employment Areas
designated within the Metropolitan Growth Plan less land designated as

Limited and/or No Growth Areas. Primary Growth Areas consist primarily
of vacant land for future urban uses including residential, institutional,
commercial, and industrial.
Limited Growth Areas: comprise Croplands, Rangelands, Urban
Agricultural Lands, and Quarries and Mineral Extraction Areas and Lease
Areas designated within the Metropolitan Growth Plan where limited
development will be permitted in association with a primary use.
No Growth Areas: comprise lands designated as Natural Heritage System
and/or Cultural Heritage System where future development will be tightly

controlled and/or restricted. These areas include parklands, cultural
heritage sites, and significant landscapes.
Urban Envelope: an overlay designation encompassing all lands located
within a development boundary defined by the proposed route of the

Amman Development Corridor.
Built Boundary: delineates Settlement Built-Up Areas; defines an edge to
built, developed, or otherwise utilized Settlement Areas
Land Use Terms

Settlement Areas: comprising Cities (e.g., Amman), Towns (e.g., Al Jeeza),
and Villages (e.g., Jalluwl) located within the Metropolitan Planning Area.
Lesser residential areas not identified as Settlement Areas include Tjamoats
and Mashroa Eskane. Settlement Areas at the metropolitan scale include:
Built-Up Areas: comprise lands that have already been built on, as well as
contiguous vacant lands located within the Built Boundary

Expansion Areas: comprise vacant, undeveloped or under-utilized land, lying
outside the Built Boundary but within the Settlement Area.
194
The Amman Plan
Metropolitan Growth Centres: an overlay designation that defines significant
clusters of highest-density, mixed-use development, typically located at

significant intersections and/or gateways to and from Amman. These centres
will also serve as metropolitan transit hubs.
Metropolitan Corridors: an overlay designation that defines the highest order
of mixed-use, transportation, and transit corridors.

Employment Areas: comprise lands used for industrial and/or commercial
purposes. These areas serve as major employment centres within the City.
Employment Areas at the metropolitan scale include:
Employment Built-Up Areas: comprise lands that have already been
built-up or developed within Employment Areas.
Employment Expansion Areas: comprise vacant, undeveloped, or underutilized land within Employment Areas.
Natural Heritage System (NHS): a connected system of natural areas that
accommodates native flora, fauna, and related geological features and

landforms. The NHS may include natural core areas (e.g., forests, wildlife
habitat), natural corridors (e.g., wadis), and natural connecting links (e.g., tree
line) that connect natural core areas and corridors.
Cultural Heritage System (CHS): a connected network of social and cultural
elements that define Ammans modern and ancient identity. The CHS can
include immoveable features (e.g. town centres and antiquity sites), moveable
features (e.g., artefacts that can be easily transported), and intangible heritage
(e.g., traditional belief systems and cultural elements).
Agricultural Areas: lands currently used for agriculture and farm-related
uses, including the raising of animals and the growing of plants for
food production. These areas also include lands used for the secondary
manufacturing of agriculture and farm products.
Quarries and Mineral Extraction Areas: lands used for the extraction and
processing of aggregates and/or minerals.

Open Space System (OSS): a linked network of open spaces that can include
parks, open space properties, recreation facilities, and greenway and trail
corridors.
Development Terms
Intensification: the development of vacant land located within Built-Up Areas.
Densification: the redevelopment of existing built-up areas located within
designated Built-Up Areas to accommodate higher-density uses.

Expansion: the development of vacant or otherwise undeveloped or under-
developed lands located within Settlement and Employment Areas outside

the Built Boundary.
The Amman Plan
195
196
The Amman Plan
Acknowledgements
GAM wishes to acknowledge the many people and institutions who contributed to the Amman Plan. In particular, GAM
would like to thank the members of the Mayors Roundtable and the Amman Commission who volunteered countless hours
providing guidance and insight during the development of the Amman Plan:
Mayors Roundtable on the Future of Amman
Eng. Ammar Khammash

Amman Commission
HE. Eng. Mazen Shouter

Department of Lands Survey
Ms. Samar Dudin

TAKWEEN
HE. Aref Al Rawajieh

Mayor of Madaba
Eng. Meisa Batayneh

Amman Commission
Mr. Samer Asfour

Amman Commission
Dr. Awni Tumeh

Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan
University
HE. Mohammad Al Gowairy

Mayor of Zarqa
HE. Eng. Sami Halaseh

Ministry of Public Works
Eng. Mohammad Tarawneh

Higher Committee for
Managing Projects for People
with Disabilities
HE. Eng. Sana Mihiar

Housing and Urban Development
Corporation
Mr. Chris Johnson

Wild Jordan / RSCN
Ms. Dima Bibi
INJAZ
Ms. Dima Hajazeen
High school student
HE. Eng. Mohannad al Qudah &

HE. Amer Hadidi
Ministry of Transportation
Mr. Ehab Deib

Takiyyat Um Ali
Mr. Moyyad Dabbas

Tamleek
Mr. Elia Nuqul

Nuqul Group
Mr. Muhanna Durra

Artist
Dr. Farouk Yaghmour

Yaghmour Consultants
HE. Nadeem Mosher

Businessman
Eng. Jafar Toukan

Amman Commission
HE. Dr. Omar Razzaz

Social Security Corporation
HE. Eng. Kamal Zubi

Miyahona
HE. Eng. Omar Shabsough

Ministry of Municipalities
Eng. Khaled Bourini

Arab Dar Engineering
Dr. Rami Daher

TURATH
HE. Eng. Khaled Irani

Ministry of Environment
Dr. Rasem Badran

Dar Omran
HE. Dr. Khaled Wazani

Darat Jordan
HE. Dr. Salah Basheer

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Eng. Khalid Nahhas

Amman Commission
HE. Eng. Salameh Al Hiari

Mayor of Salt
HE. Eng. Shehada Abu Hudeib

Dr. Suleiman Abu Khurma
Faculty of Planning / Balqa Uni.
HE. Dr. Taher Kanan
Jordan Center for Public Policy
Research and Dialogue
Dr. Yusuf Mansur
EnConsult
Eng. Zaid Qussous
Amman Commission
Mr. Mamdouh Bisharat

Duke of Amman
HE. Eng. Marwan Bushnaq
Jordan Electricity
The Amman Plan
197
PRIME CONSULTANTS:
BearingPoint
Project Management / Urban Policy
planningAlliance
Urban Planning / Urban Design
SUB CONSULTANTS
architectsAlliance
Architecture / Urban Design
BA Consulting Group
Transportation Planning
Consolidated Consultants: Traffic Engineering / Urban Servicing

Glyphics
Graphic Design
Al Junaidi Law Firm
Municipal Law & Legislation
McCandless Tramley
Municipal Law
TRACC Public Relations
SHADOWS Designs
198
The Amman Plan
Photographs on page 4, 67, 78-79 and 204 courtesy of Amman is a Picture book
- copyright The Executive Agency for a Child Friendly City.
The Amman Plan
199
Annex 1
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
205
Greater Amman Municipality
A m m a n
M a s t e r
P l a n
A livable city is an organized citywith a soul
Mayor's Roundtable
on the Future of Amman
Summary Report
A m m a n
P l a n
Introduction
The Mayor's Roundtable on the Future of Amman is a series of workshops that took place during a
critical stage of preparing the MGP. The Roundtable sessions aimed at broadening GAM's approach
to its participatory planning process by engaging an interdisciplinary body of representatives from
different stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, civil society, intellectuals, planners,
and community advocates. Engaging those partners in a continuous dialogue is a component of a
paramount importance of the Amman Plan as it allows for GAM's professional knowledge to be
complemented by a hands-on and intimate experience of the City's residents and professionals.
Participating Roundtable Members
NAME
AFFILIATION
Eng. Ammar Khammash
Amman Commission
HE Aref Al Rawajieh
Mayor of Madaba
Dr. Awni Tu'meh
Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University
Mr. Chris Johnson
Wild Jordan / RSCN
Ms. Dima Bibi
INJAZ
Ms. Dima Hajazeen
High school student
Mr. Ehab Deib
Takiyyat Um Ali
Mr. Elia Nuqul
Nuqul Group
Dr. Farouk Yaghmour
Yaghmour Consultants
Eng. Jafar Toukan
Amman Commission
HE Eng. Kamal Zu'bi
Miyahona
Eng. Khaled Bourini
Arab Dar Engineering
HE. Eng. Khaled Irani
HE. Dr. Khaled Wazani
Darat Jordan
Eng. Khalid Nahhas
Amman Commission
Mr. Mamdouh Bisharat
Duke of Amman
HE. Eng. Marwan Bushnaq
Jordan Electricity
HE. Eng. Mazen Shouter
Department of Lands Survey
Mayor's Roundtables on the Future of Amman

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NAME
AFFILIATION
Eng. Meisa Batayneh
Amman Commission
HE Mohammad Al Gowairy
Mayor of Zarqa
Eng. Mohammad Tarawneh
Higher Committee for Managing Projects for People

with Disabilities
HE Amer Hadidi and HE. Eng.

Mohannad al Qudah
Ministry of Transportation
Mr. Mo'yyad Dabbas
Tamleek
Mr. Muhanna Durra
Artist
HE Nadeem Mo'sher
Businessman
HE Dr. Omar Razzaz
Social Security Corporation
HE. Eng. Omar Shabsough
Dr. Rami Daher
TURATH
Dr. Rasem Badran
Dar Omran
HE. Dr. Salah Basheer
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
HE. Eng. Salameh Al Hiari
Mayor of Salt
Ms. Samar Dudin
TAKWEEN
Mr. Samer Asfour
Amman Commission
HE. Eng. Sami Halaseh
Ministry of Public Works
HE. Eng. Sana' Mihiar
Housing and Urban Development Corporation
HE. Eng. Shehada Abu Hudeib
Dr. Suleiman Abu Khurma
Faculty of Planning / Balqa' Uni.
HE. Dr. Taher Kan'an
Jordan Center for Public Policy Research and Dialogue
Dr. Yusuf Mansur
EnConsult
Eng. Zaid Qussous
Amman Commission

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Roundtable Thematic Sessions

Session Number Theme
Date
Session I
Amman 2025
30 October, 2007
Session II
Session III
Session IV
Environment
14 November, 2007
Session V
Amman Spatial Growth Scenarios
27 November, 2007
Session VI
27 February, 2008
Session VII
5 March, 2008
Cultural Heritage and the Arts

Economic Development and
Employment
Affordable Housing and Social Services
Transportation
Infrastructure and Servicing
6 November, 2007
13 November, 2007
Session I: Amman 2025
Question:
Where and how do you position Amman internationally and regionally in 2025?
Summary:
Ammani Identity
- Amman celebrates its ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity rather than suppressing
it
- Amman is one city rather than two
- Amman has a downtown that is a cultural hub, thriving, preserved & frequented.
- Amman went east and north, not only west and south
- Amman is a human city, where the poor and the rich can meet, the neighbors do
interact, and the youth are encouraged to be creative
- Amman is a haven for refugees
- Amman is a welcoming city
- Amman is not a ghetto for those who are different, including the children, youth,
elderly, physically challenged, and ethnic minorities
- Amman enjoys its own elegance
- Amman is a city of neighborhoods
- Amman is a city of coincidence

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Citizenship
- Amman is a city to which we belong
- Amman has clear duties and rights towards its citizens
- Amman adopts a participatory planning approach towards all of its citizens and on
many levels
- Amman has global citizens
- Amman is being consciously loved by its citizens
Heritage and the Arts

- Amman is a very unique heritage city with its topography
- Amman celebrates its downtown as a cultural hub
- Amman is a city and not a museum
- Amman is a story that has finally been told
- Amman accommodates arts and gives enough room for individual expression
- Amman invests in law as a tool to preserve its cultural heritage
Natural Heritage and the Environment

- Amman responds to its scarce resources
- Amman is prepared for a water problem
- Amman enjoys its climate as the most important asset
- Amman encourages and regulates resource-conserving techniques, like water
harvesting, water reuse, water conserving landscapes, thermal insulation, etc
- Amman accommodates environment-friendly architectural design
- Amman protected its agricultural land
Economic Development and Employment

- Amman is one of the major metropolitan cities, next to London and New York
- Amman has gone through a catalyst to create its own comparative advantage
- Amman attracts qualified human resources
- Amman reached a socio-economic equity with other cities in Jordan through
clustering of industries
- Amman reduced disparity between its citizens
- Amman is not focused on real estate development that targets the upper class
- Amman is a city with middle class
Housing and Social Infrastructure

- Amman is planned for all its citizens
- Amman realized the importance of affordable housing as the bottom line

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Amman does not start from the ideal house, rather it is a city where supply
meets demand
Amman capitalizes on the successful experience of HUDC
Amman has a big green park and a bigger green belt
Urban Design
- Amman is growing in harmony with its topography
- Amman has a clear hierarchy from the public space to the private one
- Amman has melted boundaries between the east and the west. It starts from
the Salt St and its downtown
- Amman is a city that strikes a balance between human being and space
- Amman is a rural City
- Amman is a city with a view, a series of stairs, and a river downtown
- Amman is a city of walks for man, woman, child, and those that are
physically challenged
- Amman is a city where you can bike
- Amman accommodates towers faraway from its mountains and hills
Infrastructure
- Amman is served by GAM with the basics, and the rest is to be provided by
an integrated network of service providers
- Amman provides adequate services for all its citizens
- Amman has environmental-friendly infrastructure
Transportation
- Amman tackled public transportation as the biggest challenge
- Amman enjoys a public transportation system like the blood in the body
- Amman has an integrated, energy saving public transportation system that
respects all citizens, designed for all commuters
- Amman accommodates growth by managing it, and not by expanding road
infrastructure
- Amman has planned for growth, rather than reacted to it
Governance
- Amman has a citizen-centered governance
- Amman has raised good citizens
- Amman has a comprehensive management system for all its infrastructure
- Amman may or may not be ready for an elected Mayor

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Amman has a governance that cares about the quality of life for its citizens,
and that is not merely a regulator, but also as a promoter of all that is good
for the city

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Session II: Track I

Cultural Heritage & the Arts
Questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The Nature of Heritage Definition within the Built Environment.

Rethinking Urban Heritage and its Regeneration in the Context of Amman
Identifying Agents, Actors, and Stakeholders vis--vis Heritage Protection and Management.
Awareness, Reach Out Programs and Promotion
Encouraging General Public Initiations and Involvements
The Impact of a Cultural Heritage Policy on the Master Plan of Amman: Integration & Coordination
Mechanisms.
7. Sustaining the Soul, Nature and Character of Urban Neighborhoods: Avoiding Gentrification and
Major Demographic Shifts.
8. The Cultural Heritage / The Creation of Spaces for Public / & The Promotion of an Active Public
Sphere.
9. Directing Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility towards Cultural Heritage Related Projects.
1. Appreciate the complexity of heritage definition, and the need to localize the definition.
Heritage entails the accumulation of civilizations, memory of place, anything of value even
if it was built recently, the old architecture of Amman, methods of construction,
craftsmanship, cityscape, the natural heritage, the tangible and the intangible, the
geophysics of place, the current architecture, the regional and the national, and the
contextual. We need a continuous evaluation of the significance of the cultural heritage,
the dynamic concept of significance. We also need to understand the inability of the
antiquity's law to capture the meaning of heritage as it addresses heritage before 1750s
only.
2. The downtown of Amman should be the focus of urban regeneration, it is the heart of the
City, and it is the potential meeting point between East and West Amman. The downtown
is in need of economic revitalization, specially that most of the investments that came to
Jordan and are spent on real-estate development are not targeting the downtown area. We
need to bring back residents, businesses, and institutions to the downtown area. We need
to appreciate the different features such as stairs, souqs, other. We need to go beyond
revitalizing some of the cultural activities, encourage adaptive reuse wisely, and appreciate
the social significance for different downtown public spaces. While addressing urban

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regeneration, it is important to address forgotten archaeological sites within the City, and
also to look beyond the downtown into areas like Lweibdeh, Jabal Amman, Joufeh,
Ashrafiyyeh, etc. There is also a need to improve transportation networks and address the
issue of transportation hubs.
3. Emphasis on the notion of management of change when it comes to urban regeneration
within the City of Amman. Urban regeneration should not be on the expense of the local
communities, who should be heavily incorporated into the plans and engaged in the
discussion, informed about the gains, tradeoffs, and options, and respected for their
authentic lifestyles even though it may not create "boutique", sanitized places. At the end;
we do not want to musuemize the historic areas. Regeneration should be based on socioeconomic empirical research. It should be a shared responsibility between the public in
general and GAM and corporate social responsibility should support it.
4. Address the issue of the sense of belonging to the City, which is not strong among
different segments or age groups of society. Create structured awareness campaigns
through the media, schools and colleges, and civil society. Amman has a story that has not
been told yet, and it is only recently that Amman is being recognized at this scale. Many
tools should be used to narrate it, including drama, literature, exhibits, etc. Also, it is
important to document the cultural heritage in an attempt to create awareness about it.
One solution could be the empowering of local neighborhood associations or committees.
Some areas had already started with this such as JARA (Jabal Amman Residents
Association), and Jabal Lweibdeh. We need to nurture the cultural diversity in the City and
open the door for forums of debate and dialogue.
5. There has to be a system where the public are encouraged to make use of different
heritage tools such as transfer of investment rights (issue of compensation), encouraging
initiatives such as that of Darat al Funun, making use of other incentives such as installing
financial incentives, and encouraging philanthropy to be directed towards projects in the
cultural heritage.

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6. We need to ask what the added value is for the Ammani citizen regarding the Master Plan.
The Master Plan should:
Incorporate heritage realities and specially the urban heritage within planning schemes of
the City
Create more awareness about its work and how it would change the City
Address the archaeological sites
Address the issue of East Amman and West Amman as an urgent need
Address the issue of renaming of streets with popular names
Take over the responsibility of the Heritage Law 2005 and its implementation
Create more public spaces for people
Encourage mixed used zoning where appropriate
Provide a major open space in the City center (a breathing lunge) or compensate in the
form of smaller open spaces all over the city as incubators for public art
Revisit building laws in terms of setbacks, floor areas, and other regulations to fit with
the historic nature and the social realities of neighborhoods
Allow for a public review process for projects, form an inter-disciplinary committee to
oversee the development process, and possibly allow for a higher committee for City
development following the model of other cities like Riyadh
Build human capacity for the cultural heritage section
Avoid overloading the City with "heritage" districts and labels that it may not have the
resources to oversee and control.
7. We should respect the soul of our City and neighborhoods. This includes respecting the
mountains and skyline of the city, its building materials, rural character, need for
sustainability, local communities and social relationships. This entails avoiding "hugeness"
in the City, creating magnetic growth centers in the periphery, and keeping the central core
of the City away from high-rises. Understanding that these neighborhoods will have to
change with time is important, as we do not want to freeze the past. At the same time, we
do not want to end up with "sanitized environments" and "museumized" historic areas,
but rather to respect the nature and diversity of different historic areas of the City.

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8. GAM should work to create more public spaces within the City of Amman. Also, it is
important to address the design and rehabilitation of smaller open spaces and pockets
within the City. Different public spaces have the value to promote the notion of public
sphere (a way of embracing the City).
Awareness programs should be emphasized
specially among the young generations who sometimes do not have a sense of
responsibility or respect towards these places. But hopefully with time, this sense of
awareness could be developed.
Session II: Track II
Questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Ammans position: continue concentration or decentralize?

Amman as a driver for economic development in Jordan?
Amman as a local and regional employment hub / how can we attract human capital
Access to employment and gender differences? What barriers do we have regarding women participation
in the workforce?
Should we focus investment on certain sectors: tourism, services, and knowledge-based?
How can GAM encourage knowledge parks and incubators for RD?
What do you think of current mass transportation?
Should GAM outsource services (e.g. waste collection and disposal)?
What incentives do we need to attract industries?
Should we encourage resource development in agriculture? How can we build a comparative advantage in
agriculture?
How can we use cultural and natural heritage as resources for economic development?
How can we turn vacant land into a productive asset in both older GAM and the expansion areas?
What can GAM do to facilitate investment?
Should GAM partner with the private sector in investments?
Economic Development and Employment

1. GAM has a primary role in attracting investment through public policy, appropriate
regulation, promotion and the provision of infrastructure, including public transportation.
GAM should also consider investment incentives, and provide policy frameworks that
establish a clear vision about the future of the city for the investment community). GAM
should not compete with the private sector or become engaged in activities that are better
managed by the business community. GAMs principle role is to create an environment
that is investor friendly and maintain its neutrality and ensure that a level playing field is
created for all investors;

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2. GAM should remove obstacles to the proper and rightful participation of women in the
job market.
3. Provision of high quality public transportation networks that will enable all groups of
society to utilize for commuting, connecting the city from within and with other cities to
reduce the oil bill, allow for better human connectivity, underpin economic activity,
enhance productivity, and reduce pollution.
4. Help ensure that training of labor better matches demand and the requirements of the
labor market. It is vital that plans be proactive, timely and sizable to ensure impact and
avoidance of problem-solving, especially after the problems materialize;
5. Position Amman as a regional knowledge center to enable the creation of a knowledge
economy in Jordan;
6. Develop clusters to ensure the creation of strong industrial and commercial activity centers
and enhance competitiveness of the productive activities within Amman and Jordan;
7. Avoid over planning and the pitfall of taking the role of planner for the investors; the
latter need clear planning horizons that are based on a stable legislative environment,
neutral in approach, and modern to enable modernization and upgrading of activities;
8. Deal with the problem of serviced-empty land lots to avoid rentier-type (rent seeking or
monopoly rent) behavior whereby owners would demand much higher than the market
price and, thus, cause delays to investment and to solving the high unemployment rate
problem. A study should be conducted that takes into regard all aspects of the problem
and provides workable solutions.

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Session III, Track I

Affordable Housing and Social Services
Question:
How Can GAM Help Increase Housing Affordability by:
Zoning Standards
Intensification and Densification (including allowing extra stories to existing buildings)
Building and Permitting Fees
Providing Land for Affordable Housing
Other options
Amman will need one million new housing units by 2025, most of which will be for affordable
housing for families earning an average of JD6,500/year. There will also be a continued need
for social housing to accommodate the poor. GAM must work with the appropriate housing
agencies and the private sector to ensure that the demand for housing is provided for.
The following actions were suggested:
1. Revisit seriously the current zoning regulations to make them more flexible and to
encourage creative housing typologies, new construction techniques, and maximum
utilization of the existing housing stock.
2. Consider alternative construction techniques and housing typologies, learning from
international case studies.
3. Increase density so that cost of land and infrastructure per household is minimized.
4. Tackle the challenge of abundant vacant land in the central part of the city. One way to
do so is a taxation system on vacant land. Ownership laws and consequent
fragmentation of land tenure accentuate the problem of vacant land.
5. Look at informal housing and distinguish it from low-income housing. This necessitates
involving with and benefiting from international comparable experiences in this regard
(i.e. Habitat for Humanity).

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6. Help the existing poor neighborhoods to increase their housing stock and make best
utilization out of it. One option is to allow for one-floor increase in height in these areas
where structural integrity is guaranteed. This policy will allow extended families to live in
the same apartment and will have its positive social impact.
7. Encourage maturity in the financial community where many issues, including mortgage,
down-payments, credit history, etc should be reconsidered. There are already promising
initiatives taking place. Some of these changes will need passing or amending national
laws.
8. Reduce operating cost by energy-conserving techniques and smaller unit sizes.
9. Do not sacrifice aesthetics for the sake of affordability. Renowned architects should be
encouraged to provide designs for affordable housing free of charge, or for nominal fees.
10. Allow for satellite towns for affordable housing where land is still of low cost, and where
public transport system will become efficient and feasible.
11. Do not create housing ghettos, even though affordable. One way to avoid this is the
provision of adequate social services so that healthy communities are created.
12. Leverage development to increase housing affordability. The market is not mature
enough to accept inclusionary zoning in the near future, as other cities successfully did.
However, the purchase of development rights policy, where developers can conditionally
buy density bonus, might be an option as funds can be partially used to subsidize
affordable housing. We also need to institutionalize Corporate Social Responsibility.
13. Concerns about the mismatch between demand for affordable housing, and the supply
which has been targeting high-end customers, and the social and financial impacts this is
creating.

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14. Engage more diverse groups of society in the planning process. GAM should create
focus groups to talk to those who need affordable housing to know their needs and
aspirations.
Session III, Track II
Transportation
Questions:
1. Where should GAM invest in order to improve mobility in Amman (rank the
following by decreasing order of importance):
Public transportation improvement

Road infrastructure expansion
Pedestrians
Parking
Traffic rules enforcement
2. What do you think are the main current obstacles against use of public transit
in Amman?
1. The ownership of the public transport service is not as important as being able to create
public policy around urban mobility, conduct transportation planning in a comprehensive
manner, and regulate the delivery of public transit service to citizens of the larger
municipal region.
2. Public transportation is a major component within the context of responding to urban
congestion. Traffic management through Transportation Systems Management (TSM) and
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) should be fully utilized before considering
building new roads.
3. Successful Public Transport Systems worldwide are subsidized by government to ensure
an equitable and affordable service is available to the general population and to ensure a
reliable and sustainable revenue source for public transit service is provided. The subsidy is
also an indirect support for the environment and the overall quality of life for Amman.
4. Up to this point, no dedicated and coordinated governmental policy has been developed
for public transport service for the Greater Amman Municipality and the larger region.

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5. The human factor is a very important factor that needs to be considered for the success of
any mode shift, whether to public transport or to accept any management plan. Successful
pilot projects at a micro level that can be capitalized on the ground will build the trust
between users of the urban transportation systems and providers/regulators of public
transit/public roadway systems. This could help in changing the driving behavior and
gradually will help to shift modes and increase the transit ridership rate.
6. The current infrastructure of the transportation systems in Amman will require careful
consideration (i.e., strategic planning) with respect to dedicating public Right of Way
(ROW) space for public transit services. This is to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of
service.
Simply sharing public ROW space with general traffic will not help attaining
adequate service.
7. Proper solutions for regional traffic/transportation planning requires a
considerable
amount of data that needs careful analysis and modeling. The travel pattern in and around
the Greater Amman Municipality, as a whole, has not been studied. The piece by piece
studies that have been done so far by private consultants have not been successful in
contributing to an understanding of the full picture.
8. GAM has been was working hard for the past years to alleviate the congestion problems
within the municipality. Unfortunately, it has not been enough and it has not translated to
on the ground successes towards meeting the expectations of the effort provided todate.
9. GAM must respond with organizational restructuring in order to increase productivity and
be capable to meet future challenges due to the rapid expansion and population growth
that has been occurring and is predicted to continue.
10. GAM should give attention to the old city of Amman and the downtown area while
working on providing services to the other new areas.
11. The new Zarqa-Amman LRT might bring more pedestrian traffic to Amman, and
therefore the anticipated impact should be carefully studied. More focus on resolving

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current mobility problems is needed now, while proper transportation planning must be
undertaken to resolve the anticipated future (negative) impacts of new developments and
projects.
12. A structured hierarchy of urban roads is not present within the regional municipal area.
Driver behavior and patterns, as well as urban mobility in general, have developed in the
absence of a defined functional road classification system.
The land use-transportation
planning relationship must be reconsidered in order to achieve a more balanced, equitable,

efficient, and affordable urban
mobility circumstance (this includes both passenger and
freight movement).
13. The Master Plan and its contents are not aimed towards changing the behavior of road
users or the citizens of Amman. Rather the Master Plan will provide the direction and
foundation for change within the transportation infrastructure. Change in the urban
mobility picture will only be successful if the alternatives to the existing circumstance are
more attractive to all users of the regional municipality.
Action Plan:
Create a comprehensive transportation planning model for all modes within the regional
municipality. This transportation model should be based on current, reliable data. Future
municipal planning at various levels (revised Master Plan level, sub-area analysis, local area
mobility plans, etc.) Must consider the above model as a decisions making tool. Therefore,
GAM should invest in a comprehensive set of municipal information databases to support
its development.
Create pilot studies at the micro level to promote on the ground solutions which
highlight key objectives of the overall comprehensive transportation planning strategy.
These pilot studies should include projects which lead towards improved driver behavior
and general traffic conditions.
Establish an appropriate functional classification system for the regional transportation

network to distinguish between broad functional characteristics of existing and planned
facilities (e.g. differences that relate, in general, to the provision of mobility vs. access).

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Concentrate on transportation systems management and place a high priority on the

human factor. Incorporating the 3 Es (Engineering, Education, and Enforcement) in all
future transportation plans to reduce congestion, shift modes towards public transit
services, and improve mobility is essential.
The national government is encouraged to support and invest in improving the

comprehensive transportation system in Amman by providing GAM the ability and
responsibility to resolve the congestion problems within Amman and the surrounding
regional area.
Session III, Track III

Infrastructure and Servicing
1. Phasing and Coordination between Different Partners:
Should Amman Master Plan be the guiding instrument for utilities to develop their capital
programs?
Is it possible to make a real shift in the new areas where roads and services will be provided at the
same time?
Who is to supervise implementation?
Who should be in charge of the services in the new areas, GAM or the utility companies?
Who is responsible for providing lands needed for services like water tanks and electric generators,
etc?
2. Land Use strategy to reduce infrastructure cost. Is Intensification and

Densification the right approach?
3. Fees:
levy?
Will investors of major projects participate fully or partially in the cost?

Will owners in the intensification corridors participate in the addition in the cost for the services?
Should GAM charge all owners or the big developers only?
Should owners of vacant lands be charged?
Is it possible to create one legislation for the services: betterment levy, development levy, services
Would GAM be encouraged to develop huge areas for the sake of financial gains?
4. Resources:
Is there a problem with resources i.e. water and electricity, and does GAM have any role in
tackling it?
1. The Master Plan is a major framework document for planning infrastructure for the
community. At present infrastructure is chasing development, the Master Plan provides
direction of where development will occur and can establish direction for future
infrastructure investment so that this is provided in tandem of the development curve.

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The Master Plan therefore can save cost, avoid redoing of infrastructure work and can also
help to direct development into areas where infrastructure is available.
2. The level of coordination between GAM and different service providers is acceptable, but
it bears some improvement. There was a proposal to create a national higher committee
to improve the coordination between different providers and study a rational phasing
scheme for infrastructure. GAM should take the lead in the coordination process especially
regarding the implementation. There was an emphasis on the need to devote land parcels
needed for water tanks, electricity plants, etc.
3. There are three main components for the development process; Planning-DemandImplementation. The coordination here is cyclical because of the dynamic nature of
development activity. It will be impractical to deliver all services all at once, except when it
comes to water. Provision of services should be based on demand caused by population
growth, and the Master Plan can be the guiding framework for this. Planning for services
should be based on economic feasibility and undertaken in coordination with developers.
4. Due to the large extension in Amman's area, the cost for infrastructure will increase and
exceed the capacity of the providers. GAM should not bear the infrastructure cost and
move towards full cost-recovery with users paying an equitable portion of the capital cost.
Everybody should share the cost of services, including large developers and small
landowners (including those of vacant lands). Cash flow will be an issue and this may
require activating or passing new laws that would secure adequate financial resources.
Having said that, we should find an equitable system for sharing cost.
5. GAM should not be responsible for securing resources outside of its mandate. Water
shortage is a major national problem. We also have shortage in natural gas. Shortage in
resources is an issue that the central government should tackle. The Master Plan will not
cause an increase in population growth; rather, it will organize this growth. Therefore, the
Master Plan will not impose extra demand on resources per se but will rationalize growth
which should save cost on the provision of infrastructure services.

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6. It may be necessary for GAM, and its infrastructure partners, to provide services for large
areas - such as the HDMU (Tower) areas - but this will require appropriate financing
mechanisms as stated earlier.
Session IV: Environment
Question:
Discuss if the municipality has a role in the following issues and if so, what that role should be:
1. Protecting agricultural land
2. a) Protecting natural features
b) Quantity and quality of parks and open space
3. Water quality and water conservation
4. Energy use and conservation
5. Air quality and pollution
6. Solid waste management
7. Protecting natural resources areas
8. Management of natural hazards (e.g. earthquake risk, land slides)
1. The sustainable development of Amman is paramount. The Greater Amman Municipality
(GAM) has a responsibility to ensure that the environment is protected and to conserve
and enhance its limited natural resources; particularly water, energy, agricultural lands and
forested areas. Amman also has a responsibility to minimize its carbon footprint on the
global community. GAM should institute appropriate policies and management practices,
in partnership with the various environmental and natural resource agencies and the
private sector to ensure the community develops in a sustainable and environmentally
friendly way.
2. Coordinate with all stakeholders and agencies that are responsible for the environment and
natural resources. GAM could help to coordinate interagency communication and also
assess its needs with respect to the surrounding communities. In addition, the issues
(agriculture, environment, resources etc.) are all interrelated and therefore need to be
discussed together.
3. Consider the relationship between economy, society and environment. For example, the
economic value of the environment is important to the tourism industry. In addition,

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people need financial incentives if their land is to be protected (for example from grazing).
Also, the economic formula to protect natural features is important because open space
can increase land value.
4. Outreach to the general public about the severity of some of the environmental issues that
include: protecting agricultural land; water conservation; energy conservation; air quality
and waste management. Every citizen has a role to play in the protection of resources and
needs to be engaged in the process.
5. Find creative solutions to protect the environment and conserve resources in Amman and
the rest of Jordan. Create detailed information on the existing conditions and impacts on
the environment and natural resources. Because Amman is a technological centre, we
should be able to find the solutions with the expertise here. Ammans solutions could
then be used as an example for the rest of the country.
6. Involve in pilot projects to study and demonstrate new technologies and solutions for
energy and water. For example, a green residential building could be constructed. An
important component of energy and water conservation is the revision and enforcement of
the building code but it needs to start with good design.
7. Implement technologies in buses and taxis to improve air quality, such as converting the
vehicles to cleaner emission systems such as compressed natural gas. GAM could also set
an example with its own fleet to provide for cleaner emission systems.
8. Promote waste diversion through re-use, diverting waste and recycling in order to reduce
the consumption of resources and minimize solid waste. It was emphasized that waste can
be a "resource" that has economic value and that there are private sector partners
interested in working with the government to help reduce waste, this must be explored.
9. Hold additional roundtable sessions for further discussion of the environment and
resources.

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Session V, Amman Spatial Growth Scenarios

Metropolitan Growth Strategy: Smart Growth Principles
1. Plan for Complete Communities that provide residents with a choice of housing and full
range of urban amenities parks, schools, clinics, cultural centres as well as good
accessibility to employment, shopping and recreational facilities.
2. Plan and Develop Inclusive Communities, rather than segregated ones, by allowing for
different lifestyles, building typologies, and access to public spaces that unite citizens from
different socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. Special care must be taken to
accommodate people with disabilities in the built environment as well as in the provision of
services such as public transit.
3. Encourage compact urban growth in order to make the best use of existing services,
promote increased transit use, improve pedestrian accessibility, and improve affordability
both to GAM and its residents.
4. Direct growth to both existing built-up areas in order to make the best use of existing
services as well as to designated new greenfield areas - located close to the Urban Core
with special care taken to not disturb the organic historic growth of the City and to provide
conditions that replicate this uniform urban form.
5. Promote mixed-land use in general, and a healthy mix of residential and employment uses in
particular, in order to foster a diverse economy and to limit commuting times. The mixeduse will be promoting in all socio-economic sectors of society.
6. Promote clear distinctions between urban, suburban, and rural communities in order to
protect valuable environmental and agricultural lands and to support traditional lifestyles and
Bedouin culture.

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7. Focus GAMs transportation policy on moving people and goods, rather than moving
vehicles. Promote public transit - and develop a transportation system that offers residents
transportation choices for going shopping, going to work, taking time off to relax or play,
and getting back home again.
Special care must be taken to provide for a safe and
convenient pedestrian environment that is integrated with the various modes of

transportation.
8. Create a connected Natural Heritage System that protects and connects important
environmental features - forests, wadis, highlands, deserts, and water aquifers - at the same
time that it accommodates a network of public walking trails throughout the City. An urban
parks system will be an integral part of the Natural Heritage System, including neighborhood
parks and playgrounds as well as large open green spaces within the urban setting.
9. Conserve the Cultural Heritage of the City including the urban and rural heritage, and
promote it as an integral part of the overall contemporary metro living experience.
10. Promote Sustainable Development Practices and encourage environment-friendly 'Green
Building' standards that minimize the City's carbon footprint on the global community.
Other Issues Raised:
Spatial planning for Metro Amman must look beyond its administrative borders because of
the influence of such communities as Madaba, Salt and Zarqa. This is particularly important
as it relates to transportation and public transit planning as well as land use.
Smart Growth should also address environmental consideration, such as the use of solar
energy to supplement the energy supply. One idea is for GAM to provide incentives for
developers to use sustainable and energy efficient building techniques and to lobby the
national government to eliminate import duties on energy saving technologies. A suggestion
is to re-allocate some of national budget allocated to subsidizing the price of oil towards
sustainable energy technologies and management approaches.

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Care must be taken to develop an implementation strategy and mechanisms that are
achievable and that gain popular support. One suggestion is to identify Flagship initiatives
that have broad based community support, and to build on these before introducing
measures that may not be as popular. The requirement for phasing development with
strategic services is important, and should also include such social facilities as schools within
the expanding area.
Open space and parks are a key component, particularly the need for a greater number of
smaller neighborhood playgrounds; within the built-up area a suggestion was made to
introduce rooftop gardens and playgrounds. In addition, the need a large urban green space
to relieve the overcrowding at King Hussein Gardens. It was also suggested that GAM
review its zoning regulations by reducing setbacks, in return developers would provide for
interior green courtyards as playgrounds for families.
Consideration must be given to ensure that the organic growth of the city is not stifled, and
that there is integration of urban and rural development with ample greening of
development.
Disagreement on need for more "satellite towns" that should be connected with efficient
transit system with the City Center. While some find satellite towns as an answer to housing
affordability, others find it a form of sprawl that defeat the idea of a compact and inclusive
city utilizing intensification and redevelopment as a means to upgrade the urban living
environment within the existing urban core.
The need for adequate rural services is needed, both public services such as transportation
and schools, but as well the provision of commercial facilities to service rural residents.
An important consideration is to ensure that the development of the City is done in a

humanitarian way, taking care of the disadvantaged and the poor. Care must also be taken to
accommodate the average Ammani family and citizen.

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The growth strategy must take into consideration topography and natural risks, such as
geophysical conditions; areas subject to landslides and flooding and other natural hazards
must be avoided for development.
The Spatial Strategy should try and reduce the East-West divide.

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Sessions VI and VII: Metropolitan Growth Plan

Many points were discussed and reiterated. For the sake of space, we would like to emphasize
upon those points that were thoroughly discussed. We also attach the four commentaries we got in
writing from our commentators in the second session. These were quite comprehensive and touched
upon most of the issues that were raised during the two Roundtable sessions.
There was a general concern about the implementation of the plan, and how to move ahead.
Many have discussed creating KPI's, periodical review process, and developing detailed and
solid implementation strategies, including building strong in-house capacity and finding the
appropriate and sustainable institutional framework. There was also an emphasis on the
importance of coordinating closely with other service agencies, as well as a discussion for the
scope of GAM's work.
There was a thorough discussion for the notion of an inclusive and culturally diverse city
that goes beyond securing inclusive public spaces to housing that accommodates mixed
income communities. However, there was disagreement on how to reach to the inclusive
city, especially when it relates to the more stable and upscale neighborhoods of Amman.
There was also discussion for different forms of affordable housing, including incremental
one, especially for those whom finance plans are beyond reach.
Discussion for integrating special codes to insure accessibility for different facilities to those
who have physical challenges.
Importance of regulating strategies related to water consumption and saving, energy-saving,

and environmentally friendly practices.
Concerns about strategies needed to achieve the growth management pattern suggested,
especially when it comes to agricultural lands and rangelands in the rural areas. There was
also a discussion for the importance of agricultural produce for the economy and
sustainability of the city.
Importance of communicating the plan very clearly with the citizens so that they understand
its scope and implications. There was also emphasis on the importance of raising awareness
and creating a sense of ownership among the Ammani citizens.
Discussion about the national/regional and metropolitan planning scales and the need to
coordinate between them.

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Written Comments by Roundtable Members

Dr. Rami Daher, TURATH
YE Mayor of Amman, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for giving me the opportunity to
comment on the Metro Growth plan, my comments will be to my best of knowledge, limited by my
discourse and specialty and by the time frame allocated:
I strongly feel that this is a special moment for the City of Amman for two main reasons:
1. The plan represents a new planning discourse, where planning is addressed beyond its
limited and archaic concept of land use zoning, this Amman, has the chance to be the
subject of comprehensive and multi-layered planning process that is also participatory in
nature. The fact that the process is engaging the public at large through sessions and
roundtable discussions like this one is not to take lightly, this took a lot of effort stemming
from a strong belief in planning participatory approaches, and GAM, represented by its
leadership and staff, has to be commented on this democratic planning process.
2. For the first time, GAM is reinventing itself beyond the traditional tasks of municipalities in
the Arab World (e.g., utility provision, water, infrastructure, and the usual children's libraries
and gardens). This is not a statement that underestimates such vision or tasks, but this time
around GAM has really reinvented and revolutionarized its role through addressing broader
issues of cultural heritage, natural heritage, urban agriculture, innovative transportation
solutions, public transit, diverse and comprehensive planning tools such as transfer of
investment rights, incentives and disincentives, urban regeneration, creation of public spaces,
environmental planning, and several other significance issues as well.
Having said this, I will move on now to explaining other points of strengths within the plan but
also alluding to certain shortcomings and areas where the plan might need further consideration
It is very positive that the plan is starting to address and redefine its zoning ordinances in the
city through the adoption of the idiom of high-density /mixed use. One has to mention also
that the Interim Growth Strategy was very successful in the research and choice of locations

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for the intensification corridors.
P l a n
YET, one has to note that the Plan's different
intensification and densification strategies, might fall short of addressing the following:
o Most densification areas in west Amman, will fall short of really addressing the
future demand for housing in the City as most of the housing units created will cater
for high-end clientele. Remember that housing demand for the year 2025 is about
1.3 million.
o How will the plan address the emergence of gated communities on the airport
highway and else where in the City? In other words, how will the plan mitigate
against the negative socio-economic and cultural consequences of such communities.
One of the very positive issues about the plan is it ability to work with diverse scales ranging
from planning areas, to communities, to blocks. This dynamism will enable the plan to
envision different planning strategies that are dependent not only on the area within
Amman, but also on the socio-economic, cultural and physical contexts of each.
One very positive issue about the plan is its incorporation of different urban studies such as
Amman Development Corridor, Amman Metropolitan Transportation Study, Amman
Heritage Studies, Amman Urban Design Studies, Zahran Heritage Study, and many others.
These will only improve the plan and widen the vision for a more responsive planning
discourse that addresses these crucial issues. As an urban designer and heritage activist, I
would like to see more initiatives that addresses the following:
o Creation of more public spaces that are more inclusive in the city while also
incorporate and research how to use art and architecture in the creation of such
places.
o Concentrate even more on Ammani urban realities where the neoliberal investors had
neglected altogether such as the downtown area and the Citadel.
o Encourage different project on the City which lead to a more active public sphere
o Work on projects on the City that would consolidate a citizen base with a stronger
sense of belonging specially amongst the youth.
o Celebrate transportation hubs as major urban successes rather than relocating them
outside the city.

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Even though the plan has all the good intensions of creating a more inclusive city where it
addresses the widening GAP between East and West Amman (and this is truly manifested
through different projects such as the Urban Corridor from al Mahatta to Ras al Ein with
the different locations of cultural activities such as Amman's proposed center for the
performing arts, the national museum, public gardens such as Queen Rania Park between Al
Nars and Quweismeh, Amman Child Friendly Initiative, and several others. YET, one has
to be very careful and do more efforts through planning and urban design to create more
inclusive (really inclusive in every sense of the word) spaces in the City, otherwise, we will
intensify the GAP which already exists. The attempts has to comprehensive and tackled
physically, socially, and culturally, and should not depend on the moods and desires of future
investors as these issues, together with social housing for example, are the least of their
concerns.
We have to learn from the examples of other nations, for example, informal
capital which is so far ignored by property investors in Jordan has been the interest of other
investors in places like Cairo and Tunis.
This leads me to my next point, I was having a chat with a friends of mine who lives
between Paris and Amman, and she elaborated how in Paris, for example, the middle class
enjoys a decent living with the public amenities (e.g., theatre, public gardens, recreational
facilities, other), that are open to all. While in Amman, one has to be very rich to enjoy
public life. Now, how can the future planning of the city of Amman address this reality, this
is really just one issue to tackle once we are serious about addressing the lines of division
between our City of which I believe the Metro Growth Plan is sincere in addressing but
implementation falls short and the aspirations are too idealistic.
It is very obvious that GAM is now navigating its mission through the emergence of new
regulatory and investment bodies in the City such as MAWARED and Al Abdali investment
company where the boundary between state (public) and private is very blur. I anticipate
that one major obstacle in the future will be to define the specific role and areas of
authorities for each of such new emerging bodies and also in relation to the mandatory of
GAM. This might not seem a problem, or an issue of debate today, but in the future, and
once the Metro Growth Planning objectives and strategies clash with other priorities of such
newly erected bodies, this relationship will have other ramifications.

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The way the plan deals with transportation and the way it puts emphasis on public transit is
really very positive and encouraging, but this entails a change in behavioral patterns amongst
the users of the system which the plan did not address yet. It requires a lot of work and
serious socio-behavioral transformations. Furthermore, it also requires taking the issue of
traffic management and enforcement very seriously.
One comment I would like to make is regarding the regulatory framework and the issue of
implementation of the plan:
o First, the new plan represents a new planning discourse and the question is, will
GAM personnel be able to work their way through its implementation.
o The regulatory framework seems to concentrate on specific areas, and I could be
wrong regarding this issue, such as Abdali, HDMU regulations or controlled urban
growth, but my question is what about a revision of existing building laws. Now is a
golden opportunity for doing this. God knows when Amman will get another
chance like this one.
One final comment: I could not express more the importance of creating more inclusive
public places within the city of Amman. Furthermore, I would like to explain that the idea of
inclusive societies and communities is not simply about the notion of creation of social
housing or simply people of different economic capabilities living next to each other; but
rather it is about sharing the City and its different parks, cinemas, transit system, public
transpiration possibilities, other. I hope that the Master Plan would address this issue
further.
Samar Dudin, Takween

The Amman Plan embraces an ideal citizen-centered vision. It has addressed key issues that will
contribute to the direct well being of the Ammanis. The Master Plan has clearly attended to the
importance of mainstreaming diversity and multiculturalism as key vision building blocks. The plan
has clearly addressed the responsibility of the capital owners towards the development of the City. It
has also clearly declared the establishment of a development fund that gives back to the people of
the city in exchange for a few benefits.

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The Amman Plan attended to the cultural heritage & open spaces as key resources to be
nurtured to give the city a soul . The governance framework ensures that knowledge expertise and a
consultative process with the elected municipality members is the best method for decision-making.
This framework will ensure that decisions are transparent, knowledge-based and professionally
implemented
This plan is fair; it is a fair plan that will serve the wellbeing of all the people of Amman. The
points I want to address are:
Loss & Gain: an advocacy & communication process
Key issues I give voice too on behalf of many citizens
Loss & Gain : A Communication Exercise

I believe each part of the Plan should have a social economic, behavioral & cultural research
study that attends to the impact of each phase on the economic & social conditions of the citizens in
the City. This component should address the issues of those who lose and those who benefit
ensuring that the principle of equity for public wellbeing is implemented transparently and clearly in
each phase.
It is very important at this critical and challenging phase to address what is going to be
maintained from the old, what will not be accepted in the present and what will help us all in
building the future.
People will need information not only on a factual level but also on a psychosocial level. They
need to understand what will they gain, what will Amman gain and what will be provided for them
in return for this change.
I am extremely and deeply touched that the vision of Amman is citizen and child-centered and is
to become an inclusive and socially responsible city catering for citizens with disabilities, special
needs, and diverse lifestyles.
I believe that special developmental, educational tools need to be developed to better support
the implementation process in its many phases. For this plan requires a paradigm shift in the
thinking of the citizens i.e. from aligning ourselves as citizens in the position of defending our
narrow interests as they relate to land use and access etc.. to a position that aligns all of us towards
serving and understanding the better well-being of the city.
I believe GAM should always in its communication stress that the Amman Plan stands by the
people and will support them to better manage their losses during the transitional phase to ensure

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gains for all. One of the key messages is that "The investors and business community will be as
accountable as any citizen".
This is a city that should always communicate that change and
modernization is Not at the expense of the middle class and the underprivileged.
Another key message is that "A pluralistic vision will ensure that communities in Amman will
retain their fabric of acceptance, openness and humility and will build bridges across mountains and
cultures".
"Change is situational, you move to a new site, reorganize roles, create a new direction, but Transition is
psychological , it is a process that people go through as they internalize and come to terms with the details of
the new situation that the change brings about.
When change happens without people going through a transition, it is just rearrangement of the chairs; it's what
people mean when they say "just because everything changed, don't think that anything is different around here"
Bill Bridges 2004.
Managing change to convince people to leave home requires a transitional plan where people are
enthused and educated to leave their old paradigms about the city. This transitional plan should be
integrated in the implementation tools of Amman Plan to enhance the great task of the urban
planners and implementers.
Questions of Citizens I Voice
I will now draw attention to questions regular citizens have about the regulatory process that has
been initiated already as part of Amman Plan.
1- The Plan adopts the mixed use principle which is very important to maintain a vibrant city.
However, mixed use areas should always have access to alternative street routes away from
the commercial dense traffic filled areas. There should also be clear regulations in terms of
the appropriateness of the cultural and commercial use of the space in relationship to
residents of the neighborhoods.
2- The Plan identified specific corridors where intensification is targeted. A key problem is that
many individuals own less than 1500 square meters lands and will not be able to fill the
empty spaces unless a procedure of collaboration and shared land use takes place which is
from the social cultural paradigm a difficult task.
3- Many of the owned land on the airport road are marked as green areas, how can GAM
reinforce by law this area when so many people, if not the majority of people bought it to

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build housing villages as many have already done .From a land owner perspective the
concept of the green area does not require necessarily an open space in the full sense.
4- The densification and intensification is taking place mainly in the areas that are already
highly populated with many traffic issues, Is there a traffic impact study to attend to how the
high rise buildings for example will affect the city traffic especially in the envelope area of
the city?
5-
In the rural residential areas there are many projects that have been initiated, does GAM
have an intervention action plan to attend to this issue for the zones have already been
infiltrated and legal reinforcement remains critical.
6- The metro transportation policy focuses on the mobility of people and not cars, will there be
a process of bringing the most efficient transport operators to run such an ambitious policy?
Are there any plans for how it will be implemented and communicated to the city citizens
since it is a great challenge indeed.
7- The cultural heritage areas focus on certain parts of the city as well as other key areas. This
is a very important dimension, how will it be activated to ensure local communities are not
displaced to beautify these areas.
8- .There is a fear that focusing the development in the" envelope area" will bring the prices
even further up which will create a displacement process for the city inhabitants especially
the middle class who can barely afford to own a flat now in Amman. Has the municipality
researched the social economic impact of such a process on specific economic sectors?
9- The municipality should support housing that contains mixed social economic backgrounds
where pockets of poverty and gated communities are minimized and more focus is placed
on recreating the communal diverse dimension which was once in the spirit of the old city.
Conclusion
Finally it is very important to build expertise within the municipality staff and city professionals.
I believe a national multidisciplinary team should be formed to build Jordanian expertise to support
Salt, Zarqa, Irbid, and other municipalities. A national Jordanian team that can truly benefit as we
have from Amman Plan team is very important to Jordan and Amman's holistic development
"Beginnings are a psycho-social phenomena they are marked by a release of new energy in a new direction, they
are the expression of a new identity "(Bridges 2004)

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Now that there is a plan we all want to play a role and take a part in making it happen How
will the municipality address that?
So that participation becomes a key component a
transformational and concrete process for the citizens of our city Amman.
Mayor Omar, Amman Plan Team, and Amman Commission:
Thank you for a fair plan that addressed the people's needs and wellbeing, and for giving me a voice
in this roundtable.
Dr. Khaled Wazani, Darat Jordan
The Plan, as mentioned in the Mayors message, will be the Citys blueprint for sustainable
development.. [And] it will guide the growth of our community and address such issues as the
built and natural environment, culture and heritage, transportation and infrastructure, and
community development.. To this end, GAM wants to be a proactive rather than a reactive
institution.
I believe that the Plan raised few advocating arguments as well as few controversial ones. Since I
am always optimistic and like to look at the bright side of things, I would rather start with
pinpointing the supporting positive signs of the plan.
Being proactive is an advantage by itself especially that we are talking about a comprehensive
urban planning.
Sharing results and suggestions with a wide range of stakeholders makes the exercise a
genuine move to create a realistic change.
Introducing master planning with a clear futuristic vision was highly needed while we were in
the verge of a new era of economic development and growth. Everybody wanted a piece of
Amman to use or utilize the way he or she thinks viable.
Long term planning is a must especially if it is dynamic rather than static.
We all believe that GAM did benefit from the comments on the roundtables; some were
even reflected in the draft of the Plan.
However, I also believe that although the Plan takes into consideration all endogenous
determinants of planning for Amman. Nevertheless, I think few exogenous factors need to be at
least mentioned, or even taken care of at the beginning. Among those are the followings:
Some important infrastructural facilities are not under GAM jurisdiction. That means GAM
has to make other authorities, such as water, electricity, telecom.etc. use the same

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approach. Otherwise we will end up with a stand alone plan that is unachievable. And it is
not enough to call on those authorities to attend the sessions, but they have also to be
proactive as GAM.
Financial planning should also be a determinant. The cash flow of the plan should have
different scenarios to make sure that projects can be implemented properly.
Private sector investments are mainly built on financial return and economic conditions. So
the time horizon of implementing certain project will be affected by this fact.
As for the issue of the housing plan, the following comments are valid from my point of view:
Inclusive communities can only be introduced in new cities such as Jiza, but cant be built
around existing high or low income communities.
Affordable housing needs a proper definition

o Financially
o Affordable after-sales services (maintenance, amenities, shopping)
o Infrastructure (transportation, telecom.)
o Culturally
Finally, such a plan has to be dynamic not static. Therefore, for such a rich, inclusive and
rigorous exercise and Plan, it is important, from my point of view, to take the following notes into
account:
Dynamism means periodical revisit of the plan and its outcomes.
A delivery unit should be established and directly connected to the Mayor's office; to make
sure of and review the implementation of the Plan deliverables.
A yearly evaluation of the outcomes should be introduced in similar roundtables.
An institutional framework for the implementation of the plan should be put in place to
make sure that changing in people in all levels will not change or stop the whole process for
no reason.
At the end, and given the above comments and those of others, I believe that the plan should move
to the implementation phase as soon as possible.
Dr. Suleiman Abu Khurma, Balqa University
I would like to cordially express my sincere gratitude to his Excellency the Mayer Eng. Omar
Maani for his continuous and extensive follow-up during the preparation of Amman's

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Comprehensive Plan. I am mostly impressed by the approach, his Excellency, has adopted while
conducting the plan.
The Plan's team has elaborated significant professional ethics, hard work and state-of-art
planning methodologies. The planning scale implemented in the plan is disaggregated enough for
diagnosing socio-economic problems, preparing and enforcing policy measurements.
Detailed Comments
1. The Title of the Plan: The Amman Plan: Metro growth
I think the title of the Plan should be Comprehensive Development Plan, NOT Metro
Growth. It should not be dominated by physical planning and land use.
2. The Plan suggested eight planning areas; I think the plan should identify the priority
areas through determining the level of development among and within each of these areas
so that policies and priorities can be addressed accordingly.
3. Vision: The broad dimensions of the vision 2025 are great enough for Amman's
Development outlook to be achieved in 2050. Amman does deserve these aspirations; I
believe that these aspirations "goals" can easily be achieved if we continue the commitment
to planning, implementation and proper assessment of the Plan's projects & policies through
enforcing the planning concepts of "Citizen Central Governance" and "Transparency &
accountability".
However, I would also like to envisage Amman to be "Information City" or "Knowledge
City". If this aspiration is acceptable, then it needs to be reflected in the Plan. It is
mentioned in the plan but needs clarifications. Policies for enhancing knowledge-sharing
among and within the 8 planning areas should be addressed, particularly among the planning
departments. Furthermore, I would like to see Amman as an exporter of knowledge to Arab
countries and beyond. Amman does have the knowledge infrastructure and I believe it will
continue its competitiveness during the horizon of the plan and beyond.
4.
Introduction: The plan deals with socio- economic aspects of development not only
"Physical Planning". Comprehensive development parameters should be an integral part of
the plan.
5. Amman captures over 90% of investment in Jordan.".
This statement may be
overestimated.

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6. Municipal Administration & Planning Areas. GAM has 27 districts, the plan proposes
eight planning areas based on functional and physical characteristics.
This may create overlap between the management of planning & development activities at
GAM and the "administrative authorities of the local committees for the 27 districts belong
to GAM.
Therefore, needs to be resolved in the Plan through "Implementation procedures".
Also, the plan does not show policies for promoting spatial interaction and strengthening
functional linkages among and within these planning areas.
7. Population Projections: this issue has created some debate among statisticians and
planners, outside and inside GAM staff. May be needs some justification for the basis of
projections.
8. The Alternative Scenarios: GAM selected scenario 2, intensification & Expansion. I
think this needs further and more in depth elaboration; justification for the selected scenario
is also needed since it forms the base for the plan.
9. Sector Policies: sector objectives and policies are well designed for most of the sectors but;
they need implementation procedures.
Agriculture Plan
-
Agriculture policies need to focus on "promoting productive and economic crops"

because of appreciation of land value, water scarcity & usage priorities.
Transportation & Transit Planning:
.Integrate land use & Transportation
Planning; this would have significant development manifestation. This integration

needs allocation of roads hierarchy for each use. It also needs identification of level
of service (LOS) for each hierarchy considering the directions of growth identified in
the plan. Accessibility among & within the eight planning areas is a core element for
development to prosper. This would help the integration of socio-economic linkage
among and within the planning area. It would also facilitate the functional interaction
among the planning areas, hence cost of production is reduced and quality of life is
improved. (The extent of this analysis is not clear in the plan).
-
The development purpose of the countrys division into North, Middle and South
development regions has not yet achieved integration within these regions because of
week functional linkages among the governorates of the regions. I understand the

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scale of these regions is way bigger than the scale of planning in Greater Amman,
but we should learn from this.
Employment Plan: The plan should investigate employment opportunities for each sector
based on cost per each job or any other criterion. Human Resource issues and concerns are
not properly addressed.
Planning Standards and Benchmarking

Since the plan deals with planning at the community planning levels, I expected to see a
section on Planning Standards for the socio-economic services. Parks and roads standards are
mentioned in the plan, but it doesnt specify how good or bad the current satiation is? Other
planning standards for services like health, roads, post offices, fire stations etc are not reported in
the plan. Planning standards are of high importance for standardizing the services in Greater
Amman.
The service ministries and agencies dont have standardized standards or allocation
criteria, thus services are not optimally allocated. I understand that this is under the authorities of
concerned ministries, but this document should stand as a development plan for greater Amman.
I also did not notice an elaboration for socio-economic benchmarking for services and land use
guidelines. This would guide the monitoring and assessment process of the plan during its course of
implementation. Tools like Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are also essential for the monitoring
process of the plan.
Criteria for resource allocation among and within the eight planning areas are not documented.
This would be of great assistance to planners to convince decision-makers regarding the issue of
resource allocation for each stage of the plan.
Future Outlook
After having this detailed plan, I think its worth to show the challenges and opportunities of
Greater Amman during the course of the plan. A SWOT analysis for the region may add a flavor to
the plan document.
Please note that these comments would only enrich the contents of the Plan and dont affect the
core concepts of the Plan document.

Summary Report
37
Annex 2
206
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
Amman Urban Region Planning Group (AURC + American Planners) established

Preliminary Study on the City Centre Development prepared by Japanese consultants and
released by the Municipality of Amman
Ministry of Municipal, Rural and Environmental Affairs established Regional Planning
Department
1977
1978
1979
Planned Development for the Amman Balqa Region (1981-1985) released by AURPG)
Amman Urban Region designated under the Amman Urban Region Council (AURC)
National Planning Council established
Physical Planning in Jordan (Victor Lorenz) published by Ministry of Interior for Municipal
and Rural affairs
1975
1968
Town and Country Planning Unit established within the Ministry of Municipal and Rural
Affairs
1965
Amman City Zoning Regulation (Regulation No.60) and The Regulation on Licensing the
Building in Amman (Regulation 109) passed
Jordan Development Board established to coordinate with US Point Four, UNRWA, and key
ministries responsible for national planning
1952
A chronology of important planning events that have influenced Amman and its surroundings since
1950 follows:
AMMAN PLANNING CHRONOLOGY
ANNEX 2
Ministry of Planning established with Regional Planning Department

Greater Amman Comprehensive Development Plan (1985-2005) published in seven
volumes by the Municipality of Greater Amman (GAM)
1984
1988
Greater Zarqa Comprehensive Development Plan (1995-2010) published by GAM / Zarqa

Municipality
Amended Regulation of the Buildings and Zoning in Amman City approved by GAM
GAM commissions The Amman Plan and GAM boundary is expanded significantly
1997
2005
2006
Amman Ring Road Feasibility Studies released by Ministries of Planning and Transportation
World Bank completes Jordan Urban Sector Review
1982
Building and Zoning Regulation in Amman City (Regulation No. 67) approved by the
Municipality of Amman
Annex 3
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
207
Figure 2.1 - National Administration
Regional administration divides the Amman Governate into 13 Liwas and supporting
administrative centers. Nine Liwas intersect with Ammans municipal boundary and eight are
contained within GAMs municipal boundary (see Table 2.1 Regional Administration in
GAM). Liwas and Qadas are further divided into villages. These administrative boundaries
are used as demographic units for the purposes of social and economic planning and
development.
Administratively, Jordan is divided into 3 Regions and 12 Governorates. Amman is in the

Middle Region and is the center of the Capital Governorate (see Figure 2.1 - National
Administration). In 2004, the Capital Governorate population registered 1,942,066 and
contained a land base of 7,561 square kilometers. The area of Greater Amman Municipality,
at 1,660 square kilometers accounts for 23% of the Governorates land base while
accounting for approximately 98% of the population.
NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
ANNEX 3
Um Al Basateen
Husban
Um Al-Rasas
Rujum Al-Shami
Qada
Adminstrative Centre
Abdali
Marka
Marka
Jwaideh
Jubeiha
Wadi Seir
Sahab
Al Mouwaqer
Rujum Al-Shami
Al Jeeza
Um Al-Rasas
Nau'our
Um Al-Basateen
Husban
Total
183
81.2
180.6
119.7
148.3
143.2
481.5
607
141.9
2,614.6
2,840.3
87.4
33.1
63.4
7,725.2
Liwa Area (km2)
Physical planning and development regulation outside of municipal jurisdiction falls under the
authority of Ministry of Municipalities. The Ministry makes planning and development
recommendations to the Supreme Planning Council, an executive subcommittee with
authority for legal and regulatory approvals. The Supreme Planning Council is the planning
and development approval body for lower tier municipalities and as an arbitrator in disputes
between local and regional municipal committees. The Supreme Planning Council is also
the approval body for Regional Plans.
Nau'our
Al Jeeza
Liwa
Qasabat Amman
Marka
Marka
Qweismeh
Al Jamaed
Wadi Seir
Sahab
Al Mouwaqer
Table 2.1: Regional Boundaries in GAM
Annex 4
208
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
In recent years, the refugee population entering Jordan and Amman has included people of
significant financial means who have injected substantial investment resources into the Citys
economy especially in the construction sector. This has combined with investment capital
With the exception of significant and impressive Roman-era antiquities (the Roman
Amphitheatre and Citadel are examples); Amman does not feature the dominant physical
presence of ancient history that characterizes other large middle-eastern cities. This has
enabled a greater capacity and willingness for modernization and change for better and for
worse.
This largely contemporary physical development history has resulted in a City which is
unique in its adaptation to topography, its modern architecture and its roadworks.
The development of modern Amman begins at this point with the gradual transformation of a
small immigrant village sited adjacent to ancient ruins to a large regional urban centre.
Amman has grown rapidly with natural population growth and rural to urban migration only
part of the causation. The growth of Amman in the 20th century has been accelerated by
regional geo-political events and circumstances including the periodic influx of migrants
from Palestine (1948, 1967, and 1973), Lebanon and, most recently, Iraq. Refugees have
been attracted to the comparative political stability of Jordan and the City has provided a
place of safety and refuge for populations in the region suffering from political displacement.
The physical development of modern Amman spans a time frame of only about 135 years.
Ancient Amman experienced a sequence of occupying civilizations - Assyrians, Babylonians,
Persians, Greeks, and Romans but went into decline and eventually desertion by the year
1400. The abandoned city site was re-established in the 1870s by the Ottoman Empire with
the resettlement of Circassians from the Caucasus.
Origins
CURRENT METRO SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS
ANNEX 4
The Old Downtown served as Ammans central business district with a mixed use pattern of
religious institutions, residential neighbourhoods, government offices, and commercial
streets. The Old Downtown linked the eastern and western residential areas of the City
providing a common meeting ground for all of the socio-economic groups and ethnicities.
Despite the westward expansion of Amman, the Old Downtown remains a vibrant area of
Amman but no longer plays a dominant role in local commerce and government. The
The early development on the relatively flat hilltops eventually expanded down the sides of
the hills resulting in the pattern that is evident today in the central urban core area of
Amman. The hilltop settlement pattern tends to be grid based up to the edge of the hillsides
with a central spine road running along the center of the hill Zarhan Road on Jabal Amman
being the best example. Zahran is the cultural and historical spine of Amman, with the old
neighborhoods of Jabal Amman located at the historic eastern end and modern urban
expansion to the west. At the edge of the hilltops, roads extend diagonally down the hillsides
and intersect at sharp angles with the arterial roads that run along the wadis. These wadi
roads tend today to serve as the high speed, high capacity arterials that interconnect the City
in terms of vehicular movement. However, they impede pedestrian movement between
neighborhoods.
Historically, the physical development pattern of Amman has been dominated by its unique
topography of hills (jabals), many with steep slopes, and valleys (wadis) and the adaptation
of human settlement patterns to these physical conditions. Modern physical development
began in a well irrigated area at the confluence of several wadis which evolved as the
original downtown area of Amman. Residential development expanded on to the surrounding
hilltops. Many of the older residential areas of central Amman take their names from the
jabals on top of which they originally developed Jabal Amman, Jabal Weibdeh, Jabal
Hussein, etc.
Development Structure and Patterns
from the Gulf, attracted by the stable social and political environment, to fuel the physical
redevelopment of Amman. In light of this pressure, the protection of the character of
Amman, the capacity of urban services to support development, and the socio-economic
divisions in the City have become critical issues for decision makers.
The older neighborhoods of eastern and central Amman are currently and historically mixed
use areas with housing, retail, light industrial, and other uses coexisting with less
accommodation for automobile access and circulation. These hilltop and hillside
neighborhoods, located between high speed wadi arterial roadways, are essentially pre-
To the immediate west of the Old Downtown; Jabal Amman and Jabal Weibdeh are old,
formerly affluent, but transitional and mix income neighborhoods that contain most of the
Citys preservation worthy architectural heritage. Rent control laws have maintained a low
and middle income population in these areas which will probably be lost to gentrification in
2011 when rent controls are lifted.
In general, western Amman has a comparatively low population density while in the older
neighborhoods of eastern Amman; the population densities are significantly higher. For
example, the population density in Taj, Al Ashrafeyyeh, and Al Natheef is 90-103 units/ha,
while it is 10-19 unit/ha in Abdoun Shamali and Abdoun Janubi. The residential areas of
eastern Amman contain lower income groups and absorb lower income migrants to the City both domestic rural to urban migrants and low income refugees. The majority of Palestinian
refugees in Amman have been absorbed and integrated into the City but a substantial
minority continues to live in the two primary refugee camps located within Amman - Al
Hussein and Al Wihdat. Although these camps are now permanent and well-established
communities with Amman, they retain a distinct identity based on their origins, socioeconomic conditions, land tenure status (land rental), and political organization (UNRWA
administration).
The urbanization and expansion of Amman has led to the incorporation of adjacent towns
such as Wadi Seir and Sweileh which no longer retain any distinct urban identity or character
beyond the historic town centre. Other surrounding cities, including Zarqa, Salt, and
Madaba, while geographically separate, are economically integrated with Amman with a
significant percentage of their inhabitants commuting to Amman each day for employment
and shopping. Much of the land between these towns and Amman was agricultural land
which has been lost to urban expansion .
commercial and residential markets active today primarily cater to the middle to low income
households of the eastern portion of the City.
Existing residential zoning in Amman directly reflects the east-west socio-economic divide
within the four basic residential categories, A through D, represent descending levels of
affluence. Although these categories are differentiated in the Zoning By-law by plot size,
setbacks, and lot coverage; their distribution throughout the City relates directly to the
distribution of socio-economic groups - with A representing new, high income, low density,
western, and automobile-oriented groups, and D representing old, low-income, high density,
and pedestrian- oriented groups.
Amman today is polarized by socio-economic status and cultural perspective into distinctive
eastern and western districts within the City. The Western Districts are generally affluent
and exhibit significant western cultural influences and life styles while the Eastern Districts
are poorer, culturally traditional and conservative. For example, the average household
annual income in Qada Marka is JD 5, 882, while it is JD 11,818 in Qada Jam'a. In recent
years, the westward expansion of Amman has occurred in parallel with a rapid inflation in
land values and housing prices caused, in part, by an inflow of investment capital from the
Persian Gulf and by the settlement of affluent Iraqis displaced by the two Gulf wars. The
housing market in the western areas of the City functions outside of the rent controlled older
central and eastern neighborhoods and can only be accessed by the very affluent.
East - West Divide
The newer, western areas of the city are characterized by an automobile dominated
development pattern with modern shopping malls, 5 star hotels, the Sports City complex, and
other public facilities that are absent in the eastern portion of the City. The movement of
governmental, health, and up market commercial uses out of the Old Downtown and into the
western expansion areas of the City has resulted in the creation of several areas dominated
by single uses Banking in Shmeisani and Health in western Jabal Amman, - while
Government Offices are scattered throughout the City.
automobile communities and feature the characteristic Stairs of Amman providing

pedestrian linkages up the sides of hills.
New transportation infrastructure has largely taken the form of tunnels, circles, and bridges
at major intersections enabling continuous high-speed traffic movement. A general neglect
of the needs of walkers throughout the city has led to often difficult and dangerous
pedestrian movement. For example, although the new Abdoun Bridge is an impressive
structure and an instant landmark, it is used entirely for the automobile with no access
provided to pedestrians.
The pedestrian has not been a significant factor in the transportation planning for Amman in
recent years. Sidewalk pavements are unsuited to dignified travel by walking and are unsafe
and uncomfortable to use. Other previously special aspects of the pedestrian network such
as the stairways have not been maintained or respected.
The transit system has operated under the sole jurisdiction of the Public Transit Regulatory
Commission which has adopted an approach which has not resulted in a modern integrated
public transit service which serves the needs of a broad cross-section of the population as
a result, public transit is only regularly used by those who have no practical alternative. It is
estimated that 40% of Ammanis use Public Transit, including buses, mini-buses, service and
yellow taxis.
Jordan has been paying a high price for this automobile dependence. By mid-December
2007, a total of 94,257 traffic accidents had been reported in the Kingdom during the year,
which killed 789 people and injured 12,989 others, and cost the Kingdom around JD255
million
The response to the problems of growth in Amman have taken the form of location specific
and narrow focus solutions that lack a City wide perspective especially with respect to
automobiles and transportation in general. In general, the development of now
transportation infrastructure has focused accommodating increasing volumes of vehicular
traffic throughout the city and enabling that traffic to move continuously and relatively high
speeds with as little stopping as possible.
Automobile Dominance
The vast majority of households in the built-up areas of Amman are connected to the primary
water supply network. For the last 20 years, however water service has been rationed with
water available through for just two days a week requiring on-site storage in most locations
In parallel with taller buildings, Amman has seen the emergence of the regional shopping
mall over the last 10 years with the construction of Mecca Mall and City Mall in western
Amman near the intersection of Mecca and King Abdullah II. Several more of this
commercial development type have been proposed with the potential benefits and costs for
the City that are a feature of shopping malls everywhere convenience and variety with an
near total emphasis on automobile access. The pedestrian does not factor into the planning
of regional shopping malls which are completely disconnected from the predominant urban
fabric of the City. The mall represents a shift away from the civic spaces of the city the
shopping streets and public open space to privately owned and enclosed space that
functionally replaces the public realm.
The unique visual characteristic of Amman is the uniform scale of residential buildings
wrapped over the tops and sides of the hills creating a cityscape that is a direct reflection of
the topography. Up until 20 years ago, this uniform distribution of four story buildings was
virtually uninterrupted and continues to predominate in most areas especially the central
urban core area. However, over the last twenty years a number of taller buildings have
been erected and more are either approved or under construction. These projects have
altered the Citys uniformity and consistency of scale and threaten to significantly increase
the demands on urban infrastructure and service networks that are already over capacity.
The Le Royal Hotel, Jordan Gate, and Abdali are examples of this trend and the planning
associated with their development has suggested a lack of concern for the actual impacts of
the projects.
Evolving Character
The automobile is the dominant mode of transportation but this dominance has developed
quickly over the last twenty years such that individual driving habits and traffic law
enforcement practices have not adequately matured. In 2006, private automobile
registration increased by 18.6%. New transportation infrastructure has not prevented
increasing traffic congestion with increasing levels of vehicle ownership, urban sprawl
development, and a decreasing emphasis on mixed-use development.
A thriving market for private water tanker trucks and bottled water has developed to fill the
gaps in the water supply system and recycling of wastewater is assuming greater
importance. Amman receives about half of its water from the Jordan Valley with the
remainder coming from reservoirs (dams) and aquifers (ground water). A 325 pipeline from
an aquifer on the Jordan-Saudi Arabian border is planned as an interim solution to the
Amman water shortage with desalinization of Red Sea water at Aqaba with a pipeline to the
Dead Sea as the ultimate solution.
using roof-top and underground storage tanks. The problem of inadequate supply is
compounded by the amount of leakage from the system which exceeds 50% emphasizing
the need to rehabilitate the existing service network as well as extending it and finding new
sources of supply.
Annex 5
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
209
Neighbourhood Numbering
B_01
B_05
B_04
B_02
B_03
B_09
B_06
B_08
B_07
B_11
B_10
B_13
B_16
B_15
B_12
B_17
B_14
B_25
B_23
B_21
B_22
B_20
B_18
B_24
C_01
B_26
B_19
C_07
C_03
C_02
B_27
C_06
C_09
B_29
C_08
B_30
B_31
C_04
B_28
C_10
C_05
C_14
B_33
C_11
B_32
C_16
B_36
B_35
C_13
C_15
B_34
A_08
C_12
C_19
C_17
A_07
C_21
A_03
C_18
E_01
A_06
A_04
A_02
C_22
A_05
C_20
C_24
C_23
C_28
C_32
A_15
A_11
A_01
C_25
C_31
A_14
A_10
C_29
C_30
A_12
C_26
C_27
A_13
A_25
A_24
A_20
A_09
A_19
A_16
A_18
C_35
E_03
A_22
A_17
A_26
A_31
C_37
A_34
A_29
A_28
H_01
E_02
A_23
A_21
C_38
H_03
H_02
A_32
C_33
A_30
C_39
A_33
A_27
A_35
C_36
F_01
A_39
E_05
A_40
H_05
C_34
A_38
A_36
C_43
C_41
A_42
A_41
A_45
C_42
H_04
A_43
A_37
C_40
E_04
A_44
D_02
A_48
D_01
A_47
D_07
H_06
A_46
D_08
A_49
D_06
D_05
D_03
D_35
D_14
D_16
D_15
H_08
D_32
D_33
D_04
D_34
D_13
D_12
D_23
D_29
F_03
H_09
D_31
D_11
D_10
D_30
D_09
F_02
D_42
D_27
D_20
D_26
D_43
D_22
D_18
D_40
D_28
H_07
D_25
D_19
H_10
D_21
D_41
D_24
F_04
D_39
D_17
H_12
D_37
H_11
F_05
D_38
D_36
G_01
H_15
F_06
H_13
H_14
G_04
F_07
G_03
G_02
F_08
G_07
G_08
G_05
F_09
G_10
G_06
G_15
G_11
G_09
G_14
G_13
G_16
G_12
G_21
G_17
G_26
G_18
G_20
G_25
G_22
G_24
G_19
G_23
G_27
G_28
Legend
Inner South
South West
North
West
Outer East
Central
Outer South
Inner East
Kms
16
GAM NEIGHBOURHOODS
Map
Index
No.
Neighbourhood
Population
Neighbourhood
(2004)
Map
Index
No.
Neighbourhood
Population
Neighbourhood (2004)
Map
Index
No.
Neighbourhood
Population
Neighbourhood
(2004)
A_01 Alshmeisanie
27,740
C_01 Alkamaleya
2,000
E_01 Ùtal ar Rusayfa
6,691
A_02 Al-Madina Al-Riyadhiya

A_03 Algorn
9,710
40,167
C_02 Alforoseya
C_03 Maysaloon
0
4,399
E_02 Marka 2
E_03 Alsalheya
3,095
4,739
E_04 Abu Àlanda 2
3,880
A_04 Alrowak
6,906
C_04 Alhomar
A_05 Raghadan
22,473
C_05 Alrahmaneya
6,705
E_05 Uhod 2
A_06
A_07
A_08
A_09
A_10
A_11
A_12
A_13
A_14
A_15
A_16
A_17
A_18
A_19
A_20
A_21
A_22
A_23
A_24
A_25
A_26
A_27
A_28
A_29
A_30
A_31
A_32
A_33
16,000
41,465
24,478
12,874
52,498
42,618
24,185
9,482
60,180
10,765
13,584
18,621
1,904
2,816
9,072
4,964
1,285
6,960
20,406
30,672
13,699
54,912
4,080
1,397
39,424
50,720
32,320
18,620
C_06
C_07
C_08
C_09
C_10
C_11
C_12
C_13
C_14
C_15
C_16
C_17
C_18
C_19
C_20
C_21
C_22
C_23
C_24
C_25
C_26
C_27
C_28
C_29
C_30
C_31
C_32
C_33
15,660
6,847
7,580
454
2,952
17,821
25,943
18,663
6,549
10,370
7,466
1,849
3,094
5,022
3,441
20,384
16,785
13,799
1,066
1,922
5,623
13,330
38,394
6,317
11,136
1,845
2,291
29,310
F_01
F_02
F_03
F_04
F_05
F_06
F_07
F_08
F_09
G_01
G_02
G_03
G_04
G_05
G_06
G_07
G_08
G_09
G_10
G_11
G_12
G_13
G_14
G_15
G_16
G_17
G_18
G_19
A_34 Alrabwa
23,500
C_34 Gear Musma1
A_35 Abdoon Al-Junubi
4,389
C_35 Alrownak
A_36 Alhilal
24,999
A_37
A_38
A_39
A_40
A_41
A_42
A_43
A_44
Alhmraneya
AlTharaa
Alnadeef
Alawda
Alnaharya
Um nowara
Al-Arouba
Alrawda
1,501
33,228
35,052
49,644
29,619
19,967
3,390
36,553
A_45
A_46
A_47
A_48
Alzohoor
Um Alheran
Al-Quwaysmeh
Almaadi
A_49
B_01
B_02
B_03
B_04
B_05
B_06
B_07
B_08
B_09
B_10
Abu Alandai
Um Shterat
Aldeyaa
Almowahadeen
Um balaneh
Um Alrook
Abu Al-Quram
Zaynat ar Rubu`
Al-Amanah
Alsaadeh
AlBasaleh
Alshaheed Alshmalee
hamzah
Alzahraa
Jabal Alwibda
Jabal Alhussein
Alnozha
Al-Qusour
Alhashme Aljanubee
Alhashme Alshamale
Almtar
Alrodwan
Jabal Amman
Alrojoom
Aladlia
Wadi Alhedada
Jabal Alkalaa
Al-Mudaraj
Jabal Aljawfe
Jabal Alnaser
Alameer Hasan
Abdoon Al-Shamali
Alkahdar
Almuhajereen
Wadi Alsroor
Alashrafeya
Al-Taj
Almanara
Alameerar Alya
B_11 Alfarook
B_12 Almahaba
B_13 Tab Kraa
B_14 Um Hjear
Alfadeela
Albaladeya
Aljuwaydah
Al-Kuliya Al-Islamiya
Albashaer
Al Tlaa Alshamalie
Barka
Alrasheed
Alsadeeq
Qotna
Alkhaldeen
Dabook
Al Madina Al Tubiah
Khelda
Um alsomak
Al Salheen
AlTlaa Alsharkie
Alsalam
Um Alosood
Alrbaheia
Alkursi
Aljandawel
Alrawabie
Um Uthayna Algarbee
Um Uthayna Alsharky
AlGhroos
Bilal
Wadi Alsir
368
1,978
C_36 Alsenaa
5,104
G_22 Umm Al Waliyd
1,416
C_37
C_38
C_39
C_40
C_41
C_42
C_43
D_01
Alsahel
Alsweifieyh
Aladeyar
Al Bahhath 1
Aldmena
Athaheer
AlKarama
Alsahaba
4,268
10,058
5,540
13
617
739
283
1,015
G_23
G_24
G_25
G_26
G_27
G_28
H_01
H_02
Al Hari
Aryanba Al Gharbiyya
Aryanba Ash Sharqiyya
As Sayfyya
Az Za`fran
Zaynb
Bilal
Zeabda
17,144
9,739
15,708
12,251
D_02
D_03
D_04
D_05
Alyasameen
Naùr 1 A
Al-Bunyat Al-Junubi
Al-Bunyat Al-Shamali
11,086
7,435
3,631
2,600
H_03
H_04
H_05
H_06
Alsuwesa
Eraq Al Amir 2
Eraq Al Amir 1
Al Bahhath 2
951
1,107
851
60
12,784
364
108
0
369
563
979
0
6,205
4,331
7,955
D_06
D_07
D_08
D_09
D_10
D_11
D_12
D_13
D_14
D_15
D_16
Alhureya
Alhusaineye
Almgablean
Naùr 2 A
Almjd
Um AlKundum
Alfurkan
Alandalus
Um Qsear
Hetien
Aljamaa
2,252
5,766
18,800
6,451
54
0
487
6,413
7,428
6,580
9,437
H_07
H_08
H_09
H_10
H_11
H_12
H_13
H_14
H_15
Zabbud Wa Sayl Husban

Naùr 1 B
Naùr 2 B
Al Àl War Rawda 1
Gurmyet Husban
Al Àl War Rawda 2
Husban
Masuh
Mazraàt As Samik
2,163
440
16,891
5,160
1,125
2,365
2,552
129
2,549
4,549
1,331
2,209
D_17 Umm Al Basatin

D_18 Alamal
D_19 Alhedia
3,068
301
10,555
28,160
451
2,833
6,525
B_21 Alzaytoonah
6,489
D_27 Jawa Alshamaly
7,893
B_22 Al-Qusab
1,092
D_28 Alwfaa
1,442
763
D_29 Al-Iman
3,036
1,822
275
202
D_30 Alehsan
D_31 Al Taqwa
D_32 Almaghba Algharbe
779
6,927
415
484
D_33 Almaghba Alsherkee
4,342
D_34 Abu Sawana
4,671
B_24 Alameer Hamza

B_25 Alkum algarbee
B_26 Gear Musma
B_27 Almansour
385
4,621
9
49
D_21
D_22
D_23
D_24
D_25
D_26
B_23 Yajooz
752
G_21 Umm Al Qasir
D_20 Gmadan
Thheba
Almorooj
Merj Alfaras
Alkum alsharkee
Alhai Alsharki
Ibn ouf
G_20 Nitil
324
3,938
68
26
7,231
5,380
1,803
1,225
20
384
36
396
753
122
655
802
423
2,649
548
265
583
396
197
3,703
300
513
258
200
531
12,317
2,375
2,136
38
2,342
18,335
2,445
B_15
B_16
B_17
B_18
B_19
B_20
Uhod 2
Zamlat Al Àlya
Qa`fur
An Nuqayra 2
Al Muwaqqar
Adh Dhuhayba Al Gharbiyy
Adh Dhuhayba Ash Sharq
Al Matabba
Al Kutayfa
AL Ghubayya
Al Khadra'
Umm Al Àmad 2
At Tunayb 2
Manja
Umm Rummana
Az Zaytuna
Al Qastal
As Salahyya
Al Mushatta
Jalluwl
Huwwara
Zuwayza
Al Jiza
Al Quwayra
Al Qunaytira
Sufa
Al Harij
Daleelet alhmaydeh
Alabrar
Alyadoodah
Al-Tiba Khriba Al-Souq
Alsafaa
Qubaa
Jawa Aljanoobe
B_28 Alkhazna
5,426
B_29 Algabaa
910
D_35 Alrakeem
4,193
B_30 Alfiesal
36
D_36 Umm Al Àmad 1
272
B_31 Ein Rbat
640
D_37 Alrabeaa
66
B_32 Tabarboor
20,780
D_38 At Tunayb 1
B_33 Abu Alia
4,357
D_39 Al Lubban
2,677
B_34 Alshaheed Aljanube
2,163
D_40 Salim
2,219
40
B_35 Ein Gazal
1,783
D_41 Rujm Ash Shami
4,999
B_36 Almsherfa
1,719
D_42 Sahab
D_43 An Nuqayra 1
43,779
46
0
946
765
110
684
336
0
891
Annex 6
210
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
Year
1900
1921
1929
1946
1952
1962
1979
1987
1989
1990
1994
2004
2006
Estimated GAM Population

1,953
2,929
6,250
63,472
107,415
240,219
608,359
937,439
985,288
1,231,366
1,382,426
1,896,426
2,206,928
Table 5.1: GAM Population 1900 - 2004
Amman's population is growing rapidly as a result of two key factors: a high fertility rate of 3.35
children per woman; and repeated large scale migrations of Palestinian and recently Iraqi
refuges, due to regional instabilities. Since 1921 Ammans population has doubled in size every
10 years. The 2006 population estimate for GAM is 2,206,928.
The Demographic Challenge and Historic Growth
Population projections form a critical component of the Amman Plan. They are the basis on
which assumptions for required land area, housing, institutions, and commerce are made.
Population
GROWTH PROJECTIONS
ANNEX 6
75+
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
Females
Ammans population pyramid reveals a number of important demographic trends for planning
consideration. Perhaps most immediate, a young population has specific institutional, education
and recreation requirements, and adequate consideration must be made to ensure that
appropriate facilities and services are put in place to satisfy those needs. As this young
population matures, there will be both a large influx of people into the labour force and a large
cohort of individuals at childbearing age. This will create an increased demand for housing and
employment opportunities, health and social services for this generation and the next.
Males
Figure 5.1: The Population Pyramid
The Jordanian Government undertook a population census in 2004, which provided base-year
data for the population projection models. The demographic and age-breakdowns of the
Amman population are important as they indicate an expansive population pyramid indicative of
a young population, a rapid rate of population growth, and a lower life expectancy (see Figure
5.1 below).
Jordanian Demographics
A number of parties including the Department of Statistics, the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees, The Higher Population Council, the Ministry of the Interior and the
Ministry of Labour were consulted in order to gather as much information as possible for the
population scenarios. Due to the large discrepancies in the data received from these agencies;
numerous population scenarios were run and discussed, and the most appropriate was selected
based on actual growth of Amman over the last 5-10 years.
Consultations
London
Canada
0-4
10-14
20-24
30-34
40-44
50-54
60-64
70-74
80+
0-4
10-14
20-24
30-34
40-44
50-54
60-64
70-74
80+
Figure 5.2: Population Pyramids
Ammans population pyramid is in stark contrast to the population pyramids and trends of the
developed world. Figure 5.2 shows the population pyramids for Canada as a whole and the City
of London, England. By contrast, the population in these examples is evenly distributed with a
balanced proportion of young, middle aged and the elderly.
Immigration from
Abroad into the city
(Non-Jordanians)
Emigration of
temporary workers
(Non-Jordanians)
Emigration of
permanent residents
leaving Jordan
(Jordanians)
Within the population scenarios, a sensitivity analysis was conducted and revealed the most
important factor influencing population projects is migration followed by total fertility rates. Life
expectancy has a minimal effect. This is not unexpected as Amman has been greatly affected by
the regional political events especially in 1948, 1967, 1982, 1991 and 2003 which have seen
hundreds of thousands Palestinian and Iraqi refugees migrating to the city.
Internal Migration
from Rural Areas and
other Governorates
(Jordanians)
Figure 5.3: Migration components
The population scenarios utilize three major factors that have the greatest impact on Ammans
population growth:
total fertility rate which directly governs birth rates and affect population increases;
life expectancy which affects the number of aged persons within the population and
overall population composition; and
migration which is unpredictable and is widely affected by regional political events
though it must be accounted for in population scenarios (see Figure 5.3).
Consistent with accepted methodological approaches, three basic assumptions based on the
2004 population census were held constant for all population scenarios: starting population;
sex ratio at birth; and age structure.
Population Scenarios
2004
11.9%
11.7%
11.2%
10.6%
10.7%
9.0%
8.0%
6.7%
5.3%
3.8%
2.8%
2.7%
2.2%
1.6%
1.0%
0.6%
0.3%
1,896,426
1.9
2010
14.8%
10.9%
10.1%
9.6%
9.1%
9.1%
7.8%
6.8%
5.7%
4.5%
3.2%
2.4%
2.1%
1.7%
1.1%
0.6%
0.4%
2,929,510
2.9
2015
13.8%
12.7%
9.8%
9.1%
8.7%
8.2%
7.9%
6.8%
5.9%
4.8%
3.7%
2.7%
2.0%
1.6%
1.2%
0.7%
0.5%
3,956,163
4.0
2020
12.9%
12.1%
11.2%
8.9%
8.3%
7.9%
7.4%
7.0%
5.9%
5.0%
4.0%
3.0%
2.2%
1.6%
1.2%
0.8%
0.6%
5,138,677
5.1
2025
11.9%
11.5%
10.9%
10.1%
8.3%
7.7%
7.2%
6.6%
6.2%
5.1%
4.2%
3.3%
2.5%
1.8%
1.2%
0.8%
0.7%
6,474,482
6.5
By 2025 and population of GAM will be approximately 6.48 million people. The population
pyramid will remain expansive with a dominant young population. This population scenario
implies a high fertility rate and no significant increase in life expectancy.
Age
Group
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80+
Total
(millions)
Table 5.2: Amman Growth Projections
A number of scenarios were modeled to determine the population forecast for Amman and the
scenario selected as the most appropriate population scenario was that approved by consensus
of the main stakeholders with the following growth projections.
Recommendation and Implications
Despite the fact that recent studies issued by international economic agencies emphasized a
slower pace for national economic growth during 2007, the general outlook for the upcoming
four years is still optimistic in light of the current economic inputs and prevailing circumstances.
Economic Outlook
During 2006, Jordan also unveiled a series of new infrastructure projects, as part of its drive to
become a major logistics and transport centre for the region. These include plans for a 28 km
standard gauge rail link between Amman and the industrial city of Zarqa estimated at between
$120m and $140m, upgrades and expansion of the port of Aqaba and a $284m scheme to
build a new terminal at Queen Alia International Airport.
The trade deficit dropped from 48.7% in 2005 to 44.3% in 2006, while the budget deficit
declined from 5.3% to 4.4% in 2006.
There was a strong growth in exports in 2006, which rose by 18% compared to 2005. The
national exports percentage of the GDP increased to 28.9% last year in comparison to 28.5% in
2005, while the countrys imports declined from 82.6% in 2005 to 80.7% in 2006.
The average GDP per capita has gradually moved up from JD1,235 annually in the year 2000 to
reach JD1,805 in 2006, an increase of 46.2%. Inflation increased to 6.3% in 2006 compared to
3.5% in the previous year.
The national economy posted a real growth rate of 6.4% in 2006, compared to annual real
growth rates of 7.2% and 8.4% in year 2005 and 2004, respectively. There was a decrease in
debt levels to 72% of GDP, down from 82% in 2005. This in turn created vast room for new job
vacancies, especially in the real estate and financial markets, where initial statistics revealed
that the unemployment rate in year 2006 decreased to 13.9% compared with 14.8% in year
2005.
Today, Amman commands over 90% of new investment activity in Jordan.
Introduction
Employment and Investment
The addition of 4.2million people over the next 20 years is a challenge few municipalities will
face. The need to accommodate growth through intensification and sensitive densification is
paramount.
One of Jordan Investment Board (JIB)'s aims is to have, by mid 2007, the time required to
license investment projects reduced to only 3 days. Jordan is ahead of regional averages as
described in the World Bank Doing Business Report for 2006. According to the report it took
investors an average of 18 days to have a project set up in Jordan in 2006, which is about 3
weeks faster than the time needed to do so in other parts of the region.
Jordan has placed priority on the industrial sector in attracting investments; it has also opened
up offices in the Gulf to increase investment attraction in 2007. This year the Jordan Investment
Board, responsible for investments in the Kingdom, is in the process of creating the "Investment
Map" for Jordan, which includes 75 projects around the country. The total capital of these
projects is JD 4 billion, at a range of JD 5-100million for each one. The investments are set to
focus on the energy, health and communication sectors.
Investments in the Kingdom during the first quarter of 2007 stood at JD969 million compared to
JD310 million during the same period of 2006. Gulf countries investment in Jordan during the
first quarter of 2007 reached JD250 million. Kuwait topped the list and Saudi Arabia came
second. Most of these investments were in the industrial sector.
Foreign investment in the country grew in 2006. The total investments in 2006 amounted to
JD1.8 billion compared to JD750 million in 2005, more than double. The majority of this
investment was directed towards the property and tourism sectors.
Investment Boom
Jordan's economic outlook for 2007 is generally positive with high growth anticipated in exports
as the country continues to benefit from trade relations with Iraq.
Hospitals
1%
Industry
82%
Conventions and
Exhibition Centers
1%
Finance, Insurance,
Real Estate and
Business Services
18%
Transport and
Communications
18%
Trade, Restaurants and

Hotels
11%
Construction
6%
Electricity and Water

2%
Producers of Private
Non-Profit Services for Domestic Household
Services
Households
0%
1%
Agriculture
Mining and Quarrying
Producers of
4%
2%
Government Services
14%
Manufacturing
Social and Personal
20%
Services
4%
The following chart indicates that the main sectors of the Jordanian economy are business
services, transport and telecom and manufacturing, which account for more than half of GDP.
On the other hand, construction accounted for 6% of GDP increasing from a 5% share in 2003.
Figure 5.4: GDP Breakdown by Activity
Sectoral Breakdown
Hotels
13%
Agriculture
3%
Figure 5.4: Investments through Investment Promotion Law by Sector, 2006
279,404,608
734,438,371
1,017,489,11
3
1,111,587,71
8
1,262,557,08
6
1,715,487,88
0
1,744,110,30
4
1990
1996
2000
2002
2004
2006
2007
April
402,297,822
330,891,822
56,857,314
35,740,914
32,966,430
25,301,830
13,120,060
Agriculture
(JDs)
170,711,620
165,958,620
132,531,620
123,163,620
113,892,120
95,515,620
53,780,385
Construction
(JDs)
2,750,305,213
2,647,331,212
1,926,071,085
1,708,936,849
1,536,251,121
1,362,325,517
347,220,566
Services (JDs)
92.3%
92.3%
92.1%
92.6%
93.3%
93.2%
90.4%
% of
Jordan
Trade Inv
83.8%
81.2%
95.9%
94.9%
97.6%
97.7%
98.3%
% of Jordan
Agric. Inv
80.7%
80.6%
79.8%
80.5%
80.5%
83.2%
86.4%
% of
Jordan
Constr. Inv.
Overall investment levels in Amman have been increasing at a fairly steady rate. Investment
projections are as follows:
Table 5.3: Economic Sectors in Amman and Jordan
Trade ( JDs)
Year
Amman takes up the largest percentage of investment within Jordan; it is in essence the
economic driver of growth in the country. Below are some of the main economic sectors:
Investment Breakdown
The contribution to GDP by the various sectors has remained relatively constant from 2002 to
2006, meaning that the percentage makeup of new lands in GAM, distributed over the
employment sectors should remain in the same proportions.
92.5%
92.4%
93.7%
93.7%
94.1%
94.5%
87.0%
% of
Jordan
Services
Inv
30,000
20,000
10,000
Investment Amount (JD)

1,500,000,000
1,966,194,015
2,757,688,819
3,867,801,225
5,424,791,303
Year
2006
2010
2015
2020
2025
13,073
18,336
6,646
9,321
Industrial Land Demand (Dunums)

5,070
Table 5.4: Industrial Investment and Land Demand
Industrial investment trends indicates an additional JD 4 billion invested by 2025 requiring

about 13,266 dunums of additional land.
Based on the ratio of current industrial investment to employment, it was found that on average
3.38 dunums of land are required for each JD 1 million of industrial investment. Predicting the
increase in industrial investment, based on past trends, to about JD 4 billion in 2025 led us to
the conclusion that an additional 13,266 dunums of industrial land is required by 2025.
Focus Case: Investment and Industrial Land Demand
JDmillions
Inves tmentL evels forA mman
Figure 5.5: Investment Levels for Amman
2025
2020
2015
2010
2005
2000
1995
1990
15-19
20-24
25-29
Ages
30-39
40-49
50-59
Sector
Resources and Agriculture
Manufacturing
Office and Institutions (education,
government, and other services)
Retail and Commercial
Construction
Total
Jordan
55,955
274,999
524,279
165,185
102,631
1,123,049
91,736
49,839
481,690
60+
Amman
10,481
130,640
198,994
Table 5.5: Sector Employment Amman and Jordan
Amman is the largest employer in Jordan.
Source: Department of Statistics
10
15
20
25
30
Figure 5.6: Age Breakdown of Working Population in Amman
19%
10%
100%
% within Amman
2%
27%
41%
The employment breakdown by age conforms to Jordanian workforce demography with the
highest representation in the 30-39 age range.
According to the Ministry of Labour, the total labor force has been growing at an average annual
rate of 5% during the past five years.
Employment
Percentages
5%
6%
12%
100 or More
50-99
20-49
5-19
1-4
12762
1777
126195
616
100 or More
50-99
20-49
5-19
1-4
Establishm ents According to Size Group of Em ployees

in Jordan
592
Figure 5.8 : Number of Companies Classified by Number of Employees:
50%
27%
Percent Employees by Employment Size in Jordan
Figure 5.7 : Number of Employees by within Jordan Businesses
There is a near balance of employment between large and small businesses operating in Jordan.
The larger employers are represented in both industrial areas such as Sahab and Al-Qastal, and
commercial areas such as Shmeisani and Sweifieh. Almost 45% of the wage economy is made
up by SMEs defined as having less than 50 employees.
52,102
25,994
66,351
4,664
107,429
54,767
66,036
481,690
Technicians
Clerks
Service & Sales Workers
Skilled Agricultural Workers
Crafts & Related Workers
Plant & Machine Operators & Assemblers
Elementary Occupations
Total
100.0%
13.7%
11.4%
22.3%
1.0%
13.8%
5.4%
10.8%
20.8%
0.2%
Percentage
54,890
9,888
8,736
10,104
2,674
4,060
3,348
4,505
8,409
17
No. Employed
in Expansion
Area
The employment projections are somewhat conservative, as the number of women entering the
workforce is progressively increasing. The non-resident labor is expected to decrease, and
Workforce Projections
Based on population projections, and a participation rate of 49% [(employed +
unemployed)/active population aged 15-60]; the workforce in 2025 is predicted to be about
1,808,039. Out of this total, industrial employees are expected to maintain levels of 13.4%.
100,258
940
No. Employed
in GAM Total
Professionals
Legislators ,Senior Officials and Managers
Occupation
Table 5.6: Total (Jordanians and Non-Jordanians) Employed Age 15 + Years by

Occupation in the GAM 2004
Non-residential labour is also a large component of employment activity, especially in

agriculture and other primary occupations. Current estimates from the census place the
number of Non-Jordanian workers at 95,789 within the GAM area.
The breakdown of employment between the Old GAM boundaries and the new expansion area is
also significant, with higher proportions of agricultural workers in the expansion area for
instance.
Based on dunums per JD 1 million investment on average, by 2025 the employment land
requirements will total 60,176 dunums for GAM. There is currently over this amount in current
vacant land.
These employment lands currently reflect an investment value of about JD 5.3 billion in 2005, to
rise to JD 22.8 billion in 2025.
2,000,000
1,800,000
1,600,000
1,400,000
1,200,000
1,000,000
800,000
600,000
400,000
200,000
0
Amman Employment Demand
Figure 5.9: Amman Employment Demand
While the percentage of non-Jordanian workers might indeed drop within the workforce, given
current levels (19.9%) place the number of foreign workers at 359,800 in 2025.
It is also important to note that non-resident employees are part of the GAM workforce as well.
A possible additional 50,000 worker from Zarqa are expected to commute into the city daily.
unemployment currently at 13.4% is expected to decrease through government training

initiatives.
Active Workforce
3,636
8,365
1,774
33,358
43,497
19,024
10,577
3,781
93,465
107,823
Subtotal Planned Employment*
* Excludes Abdali
Total Employment
Subtotal Industrial
Subtotal Commercial
Subtotal Industrial
Subtotal Commercial
Vacant
Housing
The Income and Expenditures survey conducted by the Department of Statistics in 2004
estimates the average monthly income per household at JD 440. Statistics reveal that 7% of
total households earn JD 12,000 and above per annum. The following table breaks down the
2004 population by income group:
Existing + Planned
Planned
39,861
88,799
539
1,496
16,989
Subtotal Existing Employment
Subtotal Industrial
Subtotal Commercial
8,365
1,774
29,722
Developed
10,038
2,285
76,476
Existing
Total Area
Use
Employment
Table 5.7: Current supply of land zoned commercial and industrial Metro Amman
64,326
2,211
2,008
60,107
11,977
39,938
1,672
512
37,754
2004
164
174
2005
165
171
Permitting activity, especially in Amman in the residential sector has blossomed from 2002.
Table 5.8: Average Area of Residential Units in sqm

2000
2001
2002
2003
Jordan
176
174
168
173
Amman
207
196
185
191
Source: Ministry of Municipalities and Rural Affairs
Licensed Area
Licensed residential buildings constitute 85% of total licensed buildings in Jordan, reflecting the
high demand for housing. The trend has been to license smaller residential units.
The Income and Expenditure Survey reveals that well over half of Jordanian households with an
annual income higher than JD 12,000 own apartments while just over 40% own houses.
The average household income is JD 6,533 annually; with 86% of households earning less than
9,000 JDs per annum.
Figure 5.10: 2004 Population by Income Group
6017.2
65.2%
9228.4
8386
35.5%
23,632
2005
6389.1
67.5%
9459.4
8965
36.1%
24,814
2006
78.4%
60.3%
41.9%
57.0%
20022006
In terms of housing, Amman has also taken the lead in terms of housing importance in Jordan,
with 69% of total apartment sales across Jordan during the first quarter of 2007. Within
Amman, Northern Amman has captured the largest share of apartment sales in 2007.
4954.7
61.1%
3912.5
60.5%
7857
37.5%
8114.7
6589
38.8%
6318
40.0%
20,926
2004
6461.7
16,963
2003
15,801
Residential '000 sq m
Area Total
5901.5
Residential '000 sq m
Area Amman
3581.6
Amman % of Total
60.7%
Source: Central Bank of Jordan
Residential Permits Total

Residential Permits
Amman
Amman % of Total
2002
Table 5.9: Permitting Activity in Amman
Based on these figures, by 2025, approximately 1.3 million households will be required. If we
consider that every unit will be occupied with no vacancy rate, this means that the minimum
number of new households needed is about 915,000. However, if higher vacancy levels are
taken (say 40%) the range may increase to as high as 1.3 million new homes. Dubai, as a
regional benchmark has a vacancy rate of about 40% - which includes investment and seasonal
units. Most Western countries have natural a vacancy rate of about 10%.
The 2004 Census gives us a base on which to project. In GAM in 2004, the census counts
401,785 occupied households, with 500,858 total available homes. This puts the vacancy rate
at 20%.
The housing projections are based primarily on the population projections, and our projections
for average household size (4.82 in 2004).
Housing Projections
It is worth noting that the average real estate prices increased by 35% in 2004, and 60% in
2005, especially in West Amman.
Source: Department of Lands and Survey
Figure 5.11: Apartment Sales Amman - 2004 - 2005
Figure 5.12: Number of homes required in Amman by 2025
1,316,879 8,864 757,568

314,343
522
1,707
*House is considered to be independent one-storey, Villa is independent two or more storey
Table 5.10: Housing Projections by Unit Type and Size

Number of Units
Total
Average
Number of
Area (in
Units
m2)
Villa
House*
Apartment
Other
34,897
0
23,346
7,517
68
46
65,844
0
44,642
13,616
231
66
112,856
0
71,889
25,736
129
74
141,828
0
89,210
33,008
33
87
152,758
0
93,793
36,110
36
93
128,001
0
78,081
30,451 103
102,980
0
60,758
24,850
25
107
82,832
0
46,303
20,420 113
77,169
0
44,449
18,847 119
102,058
204
57,867
25,087 125
76,511
765
39,709
19,063 138
49,910
0
25,604
12,469 139
38,980
234
19,568
9,742 150
58,469 1,052
25,726
14,514 157
91,786 6,609
36,623
22,913 190
For further breakdown, the following table, based on current conditions shows what the
breakdown of housing might look like:
Annex 7
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
211
ANNEX 7 - NATURAL HERITAGE

1. Introduction
1.1 Jordans History of Protection and Management
Although formal protection and management of natural features has existed
through various agencies and organizations in Jordan for approximately 40
years, the majority of the environmental and resource legislation was developed
over the past 10 to 15 years. Environmental planning and policy creation came
to the forefront in 1991, with the introduction of the National Environmental
Strategy (NES) and in 1995 with the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP).
The NES prioritized areas to be addressed to ensure sustaining productivity of
agricultural land while protecting the environment whilst the NEAP guides
government environmental policy and investment decisions and describes
implementation programs.
In 1996 the General Corporation for Environment Protection (GCEP) was
established as the sole agency charged with enforcing the Law of Protection for
the Environment in 1995, as part of the Ministry of Municipal, Rural and
Environmental Affairs. Finally, in came into its own in 2003 when the Ministry of
the Environment was created with Environmental Protection Law No. 1.
The Ministry of the Environments Environmental Protection Law deals with:
nature protection; desertification; biodiversity; protection from pollution; water
protection; air protection; soil protection; marine and coastal protection; nature
reserves and parks; management, transport and handling or harmful and
hazardous substances; and management of solid waste; environmental impact
assessments.
Additional legislation related to the environment includes:
Environmental Health Legislation, Law No. 12. (1995 prevents dumping,

disposal of and piling up of any substances that are detrimental to the
environment whether solid, liquid, gaseous, radial or heat in water sources
or the storage of any of these substances in close proximity to the water
sources and within a distance to be specified by the Minister.
Reclaimed Domestic Wastewater Standard Specification, Jordanian

Standard, No, 893 (2002) describes the quality standard of the effluent to
be recharged to wadis, for reuse in agriculture, industry and for artificial
groundwater recharge.
Civil Defense Order No. 1: The Protection of Forestry in Jordan. 1993.

Civil Defense.
Natural Reserves and National Parks Bylaw 2005
Protection of Birds and Wildlife By-law No. 113 of 1973. Royal Society for
the Conservation of Nature
Although there are many pieces of environmental legislation, protection of natural

areas and resources in Jordan has been based on individual components rather
than a systems-based approach.
In addition, Jordan is party to the following international environmental
agreements:
Convention on Biological Diversity;

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change;
Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change;
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries
Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa
(ratified in October 1996);
Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Flora and Fauna (CITES);
Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of
Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal;
Law of the sea
Ramsar Conventon of Wetlands of International Importance
Convention on the Protection of African-Euro Asian Migratory Waterfowls
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural
Heritage
Note that many of these agreements have been signed but not ratified. In
general, these agreements mean that Jordan has committed to reduce its
environmental impact and to protect the natural environment.
1.2 Ammans History of Protection and Management

Greater Amman Municipality does not have strong policies and by-laws related to the
protection of the natural environment, meaning that it follows the national laws. Only
Article 21 of GAMs Zoning and Building Regulation relates to natural environment. It
states that: At least 15% of the area of the land lot must be planted with trees
(green garden) in residential areas and according to instructions issued by the

committee for that purpose.
The Greater Amman Comprehensive Development Plan (1988) included many policies
related to resources and natural environment, resources and open space. One of the
goals of the plan was to develop an overall open space strategy in the context of
environmental conditions. Other goals were to minimize the loss of agricultural land to
urban use and to control the creation of new stone quarries within GAM. However, there
was no legal standing behind the creation and protection of the open space system and
for the protection of agricultural land.
2 Approach to developing Ammans Natural Heritage System

2.1 Existing Conditions
Information and data on the existing conditions of the natural environment in
Amman were collected from various sources, including:
Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature

Ministry of Energy
Natural Resources Authority
Ministry of Agriculture
In addition, some data was digitized from satellite imagery for the municipality.
2.2 Climate and Weather in Amman

Greater Amman is within three climatic zones: 1) Mediterranean warm temperate
zone; 2) semi-arid steppe zone; and 3) warm steppe zone. These different
climatic zones result in significant differences in temperature, humidity and
precipitation from west to east across the municipality.
The Mediterranean warm temperate climatic zone is in the western part of
Amman. Summer temperatures are mild and there is rainfall in the winter. In the
east side of Amman there is a narrow strip of the semi-arid steppe climatic zone.
Further to the east is the warm steppe climate, where the temperatures are
higher and rainfall is very low.
Mean average maximum temperature in the municipality range from 12 degrees
C in January to 32 degrees C in July and August (Table 1).
Table 1. Climatic conditions in Amman Jordan
Max Temp C
Min Temp C
Relative
Humidity
Rainfall mm
Jan
12
4
56
Feb
13
4
52
Mar
16
6
44
Apr
23
9
34
May
28
14
28
Jun
31
16
28
Jul
32
18
30
Aug
32
18
30
Sep
31
17
31
Oct
27
14
31
Nov
21
10
40
Dec
15
6
53
69
74
31
15
33
46
Figure 1. Rainfall (mm) in 2006
The average rainfall in Amman is 238 mm and ranges from up to 500 mm in the
west to 100 mm in the east (Figure 1). Most rainfall in the city occurs between
December and March (JMD 2005). Seventy-two percent of the land in Amman
receives an average rainfall of greater than 200 mm and only 32% of Amman
receives greater than 350 mm. This means that only a third of the municipality
has the potential for rain-fed agricultural land, as 350 mm of rain is the threshold.
In the context of the country of Jordan, only 3% of the total land area of the
country receives over 350mm of rain, of which the percentage of this land in
Amman is 18% of the total area. Typically, only 5% of the rainwater infiltrates
into the ground and recharges aquifers, 3% is surface water flow and the
remaining 92% is lost to evaporation.
Prevailing winds in Amman tend to be warm and humid from the west, northwest
and southwest. However, dry hot winds from the east and southeast, that carry
desert sands, are common occurrences in the spring and fall.
2.3 Soils & Geology

Amman is primarily composed of a variety of limestones, which is combined beds
with chert (silica) and marl (mixed clay and limestone).
There are 3 physiographic regions within Amman that also extend into the rest of
the country: the Jordan Rift Valley; the Highlands; and the Badia Region (Eastern
Desert). The Jordan Rift Valley has fertile soil and is relatively rich in water
resources compared to the rest of the country. The Highlands are a
mountainous and hilly region which includes most of the countrys arable land.
This physiographic region contains many creeks and wadies which drain the hills
from north to south and lead to the Jordan River, Dead Sea and Wadi Araba.
The semi-arid Badia Region is a flattened area that is subject to flash floods.
The municipality is in a geologically active area associated with the Rift Valley
and is full of a series of major and minor faults. Major faults run from north-east
to south-west and minor faults run north-west to south-east. Deeply incised wadis
were created by erosion and are frequently along fault lines.
One of the most remarkable features in the city is the varied and dramatic
topography. In general, the northwestern portion of the municipality is composed
of deeply incised wadis while the more central northern portion is gently
undulating highlands. The central part of the municipality, in old Amman, has
wadis with steep slopes and major exposed rock outcrops. Further south and in
the east side of the municipality, the topography tends to be more gently
undulating, with the exception for a few ridges.
The types and depth of soils in Amman are varied. The Mediterranean ecozone
is characterized by the two richest types: terra rosa and/or rendzina soil. They
are used extensively for cultivation and are dense with the best vegetation in
Jordan. In the Irano-Turanian ecozone the dominant soil types are loess and
calcareous. In the Badia, the soil is primarily limestone with flints or basalt
pebble and boulders. The soil depth varies considerably from barren limestone
plateau and escarpments to valley floors and plateau where the soil depth is up
to 20m.
3.0 Natural Features

3.1 Water Resources
Amman is located in the Dead Sea Basin and lies within five of its subbasins:
Amman-Zarqa, Azraq, Wadi Mujib, Dead Sea Side Wadis, and South Rift Side
Wadis (Figure 2). Surface water in Amman comes from 3 sources: runoff from
rainfall; baseflow or discharge from groundwater aquifers; and wastewater
treatment plant discharge. The municipality is covered with a dense network of
wadis of various sizes (Figure 3). Some of the wadis form deeply incised valleys
whereas others have narrow channels of less than a foot wide. In addition,
surface water flows vary seasonally in Amman, with higher water levels in wadis
in the early part of the year.
Although many of the wadis go through long periods of time in which there is no
water flowing through them, protecting these natural features is important to the
natural system, the hydrologic cycle and for stormwater management. Because
of the intermittent flows, the species assemblages in these areas are associated
with the ephemeral nature of these watercourses. Many of the original tributaries
that once crossed the city have been piped and buried, which has affected their
connections to the natural environment as well as to the community in general.
In addition to the surface water sources, there are 4 groundwater basins (Figure
4: Rift Side Wadis, Amman Zarqa, Dead Sea Basin, Azraq) with 4 aquifers in the
municipality (Figure 5: A1-A6 Aquitard, A7-B2 Aquifer, B3 Aquitard and B4
Aquifer). The groundwater is part of the water supply and the aquifers also
supply baseflow to some of the surface water sources.
Over-exploitation of the water resources within and around the Municipality has
had a negative impact on the aquatic ecosystem. Water bodies and aquifers
within the municipality are affected by increasing salinity, pollution (chemical,
industrial and sewage), sewage discharge, solid waste disposal and
eutrophication due to intensive agricultural practices. Groundwater quantity and
baseflow are both affected by the amount of paved surface in the urban area due
to the reduction in water infiltration.
Surface
Water
Basins
Figure
2. Surface
Water Basins
Figure 3. Wadis
Figure 4. Groundwater Basins

Groundwater Basins
Figure
Aquifers
5. Aquifers
Ammans impact on water resources is also having effects outside of its

boundaries. For example, one of Ammans main water source is groundwater
from the Azraq basin to the east. Groundwater extraction in this area exceeds
natural recharge rates. As a result of this over exploitation, the wetlands in Azraq
that were once identified as internationally significant are now degraded.
In addition to the impacts in Azraq, there are downstream water quality and
quantity impacts on surface water resources outside of Amman. These include
reduced base flow in the Zarqa River resulting from heavy use of groundwater
from the Amman-Zarqa basin. The flow of the Zarqa river is now predominantly
from effluent discharge from three treatment plants.
3.2 Vegetation
The combination of varied topography and climate in Amman contribute to the
diverse natural vegetation types that occur across the municipality.
Three distinct biogeographical zones exist in Amman (Figure 6): the
Mediterranean, the Irano-Turanina and Saharo Arabian. Most of west Amman is
in the Mediterranean zone and most of east Amman is in the Irano-Turaninan
zone (Table 2). There is only a small portion of the Saharo Arabian zone in the
municipality. These biogeographical zones contain diverse types of vegetation,
ranging from forest to desert communities.
The Mediterranean zone is restricted to the highlands (from 700 to 1750 masl)
and occurs where annual rainfall is from 300 to 600 mm. The biogeographical
zone includes forests and treed areas and the soils are rich terra rosa and/or
rendzina.
The Irano-turanian zone is characterized by the lack of forest canopy cover.
Instead it is dominated by shrubs and bushes, although some trees do occur in
the zone. This zone occurs at 500 to 700 masl and has annual rainfall from 100
to 300 mm. There are loess and calcareous soils.
The Saharo-Arabian zone is also known as the Badia. It occurs at altitudes
between 600 to 700 masl, with annual rainfall of less than 100mm. The area is
characterized by rangeland and has limestone soil with flints or basalt pebble and
boulders.
Most of the land in the municipality is from two vegetation types: Mediterranean
Non-forest Vegetation (49%) and Steepe Vegetation (42%), although Deciduous
and Evergreen Oak Forests are also present (Figure 7; Table 3). The
Mediterranean vegetation type occurs in areas of richest soils and highest
rainfall. The
Figure 6. Biogeographical Zones
Biogeographical Zones
Figure 7. Vegetation Zones
predominant natural vegetation types in this community are pine and oak forest
(evergreen and deciduous). Deciduous Oak Forest, with the species Quercus
ithaburensis, is the dominant species. This vegetation type occurs at low
altitudes from 100 masl to 750masl. Precipitation ranges from 400 to 500mm
The forests grown on light brown or dark brown Terra Rosa of hard limestone
parental rock. Ground vegetation has been affected by overgrazing and soil
tends to be eroded.
The Evergreen Oak Forest is also classified as Mediterranean shrub land. It
occurs at altitudes of more than 700 masl on red or brown Terra Rosa or sandy
loam. The dominant species is Quercus calliprinos. Ground vegetation in these
has also been degraded because of overgrazing.
Mediterranean Non-forest Vegetation which is also referred to as secondary
degraded forest, is dominated by shrubs and bushes. Steppe Vegetation is
found in areas with poor soil and low rainfall and is composed of shrubs and
bushes. Note that although these vegetation community types are not naturally
forested, trees have been planted and done well in these zones.
Table 2. Biogeographical zones in Amman.

Biogeographical
Zone
Area (ha)
% of area
of GAM
Treed area in
Biogeograhpical
zone (ha)
% of
biogeographical
zone that is
treed
Mediterranean
Irano-turanina
Saharo Arabian
91027
75053
340
54.7%
45.1%
0.2%
1487
0
0.5
1.6%
<0.01%
0
Treed area in
Vegetation
Community (ha)
35
% of vegetation
community that is
treed
2.0%
Table 3. Vegetation Communities in GAM

Vegetation
Community
Area (ha)
% of
area of
GAM
1.0%
Deciduous Oak
1725
Forest
Evergreen Oak
12927
7.8%
630
4.9%
Forest
Hammada
1293
0.8%
0
0
Vegetation*
Mediterranean Non81135
48.8%
789
1.0%
forest Vegetation*
Steppe Vegetation*
69342
41.7%
98
0.1%
* Note that these vegetation community types are not naturally forested, although trees
Have been planted in these zones.
Based on the distribution of the biogeographical zones and vegetation

communities, the historical, undisturbed natural forest cover would be at least 9%
in the municipality. Note that the amount of actual tree cover in the municipality
would in fact be higher because the Mediterranean Non-forest vegetation
includes scattered tree cover. Currently, the amount of forest and tree cover,
Forested and Treed Areas in Amman
Figure 8. Forested and Treed Areas in Amman
including both natural and planted areas in Amman is significantly less than the
historical coverage, with less than 1 percent of the municipality covered by trees
(Figure 8). Most of the forests are on very steep slopes, lands with difficult
terrain and poor shallow soil.
4.0 Natural Hazards

Protecting a Natural Heritage System is also related to protecting the Municipality
from natural hazards. Natural hazards are natural, physical and environmental
processes that can produce unexpected events of varying magnitude either by
rapid or slow onset, resulting in damage to property, injury to humans and other
organisms and potentially loss of life. Many of the features and processes
associated with natural hazards can be managed through protection as part of
the natural heritage system.
In Amman, potential natural hazards include flooding, erosion, slope failure and
earthquakes (Figure 9). Many of the wadis are associated with these potential
natural hazards. Heavy rains that occur in the Municipality during the winter can
result in flooding and erosion problems. Areas with poor natural or built drainage
systems are susceptible to flooding and the hazard potential is compounded by
erosion resulting from heavy rains in unplanted and deforested areas.
Slope failures and erosion tend to occur on the steep slopes within the wadis and
jabals. Jabals Amman, Akhdar, Ashrafiyah, Nuzha, Weibdeh and Hussein all
have severe steep slopes with greater than 50% grade. To the east are steep
slopes that are less severe (15 to 30%), but still are potentially hazardous. Slope
failure or landslides have occurred in the past in Jabal Jofeh, Jabal Weibdeh and
in Sweileh. Some of the areas that are the most susceptible to the slope failure
are those that have had previous slips. In these areas, no further development
should be permitted and construction on slopes greater than 30% should be
carefully considered.
Natural ground conditions can also be a potential natural hazard. For example,
swelling clays and limestone cavities can be hazardous. These ground
conditions are known to occur in the Municipality, in areas such as Shmeisani,
Qweismeh, Abu Alanda, Abdoun and Um Udhainah. Property damage and
human health and safety risks are possible if buildings collapse due to unstable
ground conditions.
Earthquakes are natural hazards that pose a considerable risk to Amman. The
municipality is under moderate to high earthquake risk, with major seismic faults
associated with the major wadis. Many of the faults occur below some of the
most densely populated areas in the city, where buildings were not necessarily
constructed to withstand a significant earthquake. Earthquakes can also have a
carry-over affect in areas that are susceptible to slope failure and with unstable
ground conditions. Although the occurrence of an earthquake cannot be

controlled for, the damage associated with it can be minimized based on building
patterns and requirements. To minimize risk, the Seismic Design Code needs to
be enforced as part of Ammans Building Permit process. In addition, the UNDP
and Jordans General Directorate for the Civil Defense are currently (April 2007
to April 2009) conducting an earthquake risk reduction study in Amman. The
objective of this study is to establish a disaster risk management process and a
Disaster Management Master Plan that can be adopted by and incorporated into
Ammans institutional framework.
Figure 9. Natural Hazard Areas
5.0 Natural Heritage Legal Protection

In communities with strong development pressure, natural heritage protection
can be difficult to justify. The following health and safety, servicing and legal
components provide an initial framework for protecting the Natural Heritage
System. Maintaining and enhancing natural heritage in the Municipality is based
on the following:
Protecting public health and safety in terms of natural hazards: Steep

slopes, ridges, areas prone to erosion and landslides as well as areas that
are important for flood protection (wadis) are included in the natural
heritage system to protect public health and safety. In addition, vegetated
areas (i.e. forest and rangeland) reduce the effects of erosion and help to
control the effects of flash flooding, thereby protecting public health and
safety.
Reducing servicing costs: Servicing costs for stormwater management

can be minimized by maintaining natural features. Urban development
alters the runoff and infiltration characteristics of a landscape by
increasing the amount of impervious surface. An increase in
imperviousness increases the volume of runoff as well as the rate at which
runoff accumulates in downstream receiving bodies during precipitation
events.
Maintaining vegetated areas such as forest and rangeland reduces
erosion, which in turn reduces sedimentation, thereby reducing
maintenance costs of stormwater management systems. Vegetated areas
also reduce flooding effects by intercepting rainwater resulting in reduced
quantity and rate of surface water flow. In addition, vegetation can filter
pollutants from the stormwater that will eventually flow to receiving waters,
meaning that the cost of treatment is also reduced.
Maintaining existing wadis for surface water conveyance, including treated
stormwater, will cost less than the construction of stormwater
management systems.
Agricultural Law 1973 (2003): This law includes regulations related to tree
cutting and removal. Therefore, some forested areas could be protected
based on this law.
Environment Law 1995: This law includes regulations related to protected

areas. Although there are currently no protected areas within GAM, if new
areas are selected in the future, this law would apply.
Water Authority Law (Law No. 18 of 1988) - Article 6 (e) :
Draw terms, standards and special requirements in relation to the

preservation of water and water basins, protect them from pollution, and
ascertain the safety of water and wastewater structures, public and private
distribution and disposal networks, and take the necessary action to ensure
technical control and supervision, including, all necessary tests.
Protection of surface and ground water resources can be achieved

through the application of this law.
In addition to the laws that apply to natural heritage protection in Amman,

Jordan has commitments to many national and international conventions with
objectives to protect natural features including:
Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP)

National Strategy and Action Plan to Combat Desertification
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
Convention on the Protection of African- Euro Asian Migratory
Waterfowl
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
Annex 8
212
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
Annex 8: Quarries and Mineral Extraction

1.0 Jordans History and Protection of Mineral Resources
Mineral production in Jordan is confined to non-metallic minerals and is
concentrated on phosphate, potash, cement, building materials and calcium
chloride industries. The revenue generated from phosphates, potash, cement
and fertilizers contributed 8.2% of the Gross National Product and 18.3% of
exports in 2005.
Mineral Products as % of Mining Sector During 2005 were as follows:
Phosphate 15.7%
Potash 21.3%
Cement 20.3%
Fertilizers 13.9%
Acids 7.3%
Mines and Quarrying Products 11.4%

The Natural Resources Authority manages mining and quarrying in Jordan. It
was created in 1965 to address mining, geology, water and irrigation. In 1968,
Management of Natural Resources Law No. 12 was developed. In 1985, water
and irrigation were transferred to the Water Authoritys portfolio and the NRA was
put under the authority of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources.
The Natural Resources Authority is responsible for:
policies to investigate, develop and exploit energy and mineral

resources
exploring and prospecting for mineral resources
adopting plans and policies to regulate mineral resource fields
issuing permits and licenses for prospecting, exploration, mining and

quarrying as well as mineral right certificates
supervising all hydrocarbon activities

In an effort to manage conflicting land uses, the Management of Natural
Resources Law No. 12 states that:
No exploration permit, prospecting license or mining right
given in accordance with this Law shall entitle the Holder
to explore, prospect or mine within the following areas
without the prior approval of the concerned authorities
supervising them :
1 - Antiquity sites or Holy places.
2 - Forest Areas
3 - Railway lands
4 - Municipal areas
5 - Reservoirs, pipelines and sewage disposal areas
2.0 Ammans History and Protection of Mineral Resources

The 1987 Comprehensive Development Plan for Amman, was primarily
concerned with ensuring that backfilled quarries and other reclaimed areas were
suitable prepared for development, to prevent hazards and damage. This was
especially important for the quarries within the existing urban area, including
those on Yarmouk Street, north of Umm Quseir, at Marka, along the Green Belt
Road and east of Jubeiha. There was also concern regarding reclamation and
air pollution from open-cast phosphate mines in Russeifa. One of the objectives
of the plan was to strictly control exploitation of mineral resources within and
close to the urban area.
3.0 Ammans Quarries and Mineral Resources

The location of quarries and mineral extraction areas in Amman is presented in
Figure 1.
Mineral extraction and quarrying are not widespread and only cover less than 1%
of the total GAM area. Although there are many types of minerals present in
Jordan (basalt, bentonite, chalk, copper, diatomite, dolominte, feldspar, gold,
gypsum, kaolin, pure limestone, silca sand, zeolitic tuff, zircon), only pure
limestone is present within the boundaries of GAM (NRA).
Pure limestone is the most important non-metallic raw material used for industrial
and agricultural purposes. It is used in the metallurgical industry, the chemical
industry and for agricultural purposes (NRA). Principal deposits of pure limestone
were extracted in the El-Lubban area, but these have since been abandoned.
For building stone the reserves in Jordan are considered to be unlimited. Upper
Cretaceous oyster shell limestones is found in El Ala. These limestones have the
following desirable properties:
- Good quality dimension stone
- Uniform colour and texture
- Free from pyrite, ironoxides, chert and quartz
- Low porosity and permeability
- Adequate strength
Many former quarry sites are also within the existing urban area, some of which
are being rehabilitated and others that are considered hazardous sites.
Another important extractive industry in Amman has been phosphate extraction
using opencast surface extraction. The phosphate mines in Ruseifa were a
principal deposit but have been abandoned.
Figure 1: Extractive Areas
Annex 9
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
213
Annex 9: Agricultural Resources

1.0 Introduction
People depend on a wide range of agricultural products for daily life. As such,
food and food products are an important part of any economy. Although, in
Jordan, the agriculture sector is only 3% of the GDP, Amman commands 90% of
investment in the agricultural sector. While this is value added it is a significant
market for national and local agricultural producers. Due to Ammans heavy
reliance on agricultural imports, it is important to protect the remaining productive
land and support locally grown food contributing especially to Ammans overall
supply.
1.1 Jordans History of Agricultural Protection and Management

Jordan developed an agricultural policy in 1996. The objectives of this
policy include:
Increasing the degree of Jordans self-reliance in food
Managing and using agricultural resource inputs, including water and land
Increasing profitability
Integrating these policies into other government policies
Jordans history of agricultural protection and management also includes the
National Strategy for Agricultural Development (2002). The strategy was
developed for the 2000 to 2010 period and includes strategies for protection of
natural resources and sustainable agriculture. Because of the limited water
resources in Jordan, agricultural land that is rainfed is important to maintain. The
National Strategy identifies opportunities, constraints and actions for rainfed
agriculture. These include:
Unplanned and accelerated urbanization has resulted in the loss of

agricultural land, especially in the most fertile and rainfed areas
Agricultural land continues to be divided into small holdings that are not
suitable for traditional farming or mechanized agriculture
Use of improper agricultural practices and planting of crops in unsuitable
environments
The agricultural research system in Jordan has not been able to find
solutions to many of the farmers challenges, including introducing
economically viable solutions to water shortage issues and introduction to
and training for new technologies
Poor availability of agricultural inputs such as seeds and seedlings
Poor incentives and governmental programs for rainfed agriculture,

including credit programs
Disease outbreaks, especially in fruit trees
Lack of policy / legislation for protection of prime agricultural lands
Predictions of greater reliance on treated wastewater for irrigation
Poor marketing for sustainable and/or high value crops to local and export
markets
Some of the most important legislation that addresses agricultural land

includes:
Agricultural Law No. 44 of 2002 (replacing Agriculture Law of 1973). This

law directs the Ministry to regulate, organize and develop the agricultural
field, including the use of natural and agricultural resources without
damaging the environment. The law also states that the Ministry shall
identify the agricultural land use pattern with the aim to protect the soil and
prevent erosion. It also directs the Ministry to manage the irrigation water
demand and provisions.
Soil Protection Bylaw 2005. This bylaw was issued by the Ministry of the
Environment, under the Environmental Protection Law No.1 of 2003. This
bylaw addresses land degradation processes including soil pollution,
erosion and desertification. The bylaw also includes some plans for
protection vulnerable land as well as plans to combat desertification.
1.2 Ammans History of Protection and Management

High quality productive agricultural land has not been well protected historically in
Amman. The 1988 Comprehensive Development Plan for Amman acknowledged
that good agricultural land was an important resources and that agricultural land
should be classified based on factors that affect plant productivity including
rainfall, soil depth, stoniness and slope. The plan proposed that agricultural land
be protected based on:
the degree of existing exploitation
the potential for future exploitation
It was also suggested in the 1988 plan that a clear urban boundary be defined
and that no further plans for new development be approved on agricultural land.
These proposed protection mechanisms were not ultimately implemented.
2.0 Methodology
Data on agricultural conditions in Amman was collected from the Ministry of
Agriculture as well as other sources, including agricultural research at the
University of Jordan. In addition, most of the mapping of the existing agricultural

conditions was prepared by digitizing land uses from satellite images.
2.1 Ammans Agricultural Resources

In Amman, the best combination of fertile soils, climate and topography for
agricultural production covers 16% of the municipality primarily located in the
north and west (Figure 1). These are identified in Figure 2 according to a range
of agricultural productivity from the best quality cropland agriculture (Intensive
Agriculture), to medium quality (Semi-Intensive), to livestock areas (rangelands).
The existing built-up areas of Amman are also indicated.
Note that not all of the arable land is currently utilized for agricultural production.
The amount of arable land that is currently cultivated is limited by:
Insufficient annual rainfall quantities and weather fluctuation
Lack of permanent sources for irrigation.
Leave the lands uncultivated (fallow).
Fragmentation of agricultural holdings and dispersal for other activities
Migrate of workforce in the agricultural sector to other sectors
The rugged (uneven) topography of agricultural land because of the
difficult terrain, and they contain a high proportion of rock.
Insufficient rainfall and water resources are the most significant limiter of
agricultural production (Table 1: Annual Rainfall). Because demands on the
water supply are ever increasing, agricultural land that is rainfed is more
sustainable . Rainfed agricultural land is defined as agricultural land that occurs
in areas with annual rainfall greater than 350mm. Table 2 shows the ratio of
rainfed to irrigated land in various parts of the municipality.
Figure 1: Agricultural Productivity Outside the

Existing Built Up Area
Figure 2: Agricultural Productivity
Table 1: GAM Area According to Rainfall

Rainfall
50-100mm
100150mm
150200mm
200250mm
250300mm
300350mm
350400mm
400450mm
450500mm
500550mm
more
550mm
% of
Total
area
Area
dunums
Area
2
(km )
14,797
14.8
1%
95,491
95.5
6%
320,163
320.2
19%
336,631
336.6
20%
306,636
306.6
18%
128,598
128.6
8%
93,942
93.9
6%
143,348
143.3
9%
90,051
90.1
5%
133,797
133.8
8%
10,257
10.3
Total Area
1673.7
1%
100%
Table 2: Rainfed vs. Irrigated Land

Rainfed
Irrigated
Land (m2)
Land (m2)
Former Amman
Boundary
5287
28850
Wadi Assir
5241.4
19054
Na'our
17468
38895
Muwaqar
2205.2
1750
Al-Jeezeh
27271
5850
57472.6
94399
Total in Amman
The total annual production for agriculture in Amman is approximately 94,000

tonnes of crops and livestock production (see Tables 3 and 4 for comparisons of
common crops and livestock in the Kingdom and Table 5 for Production Costs
per Dunum). Although most agricultural production is on the most fertile land is
in the north, less fertile areas in the south and the west are also used for
agricultural practices and depend on irrigation and other resource inputs,
including fertilizers (Figure 3).
Currently only 55% of the high quality rainfed land and 23% of the high quality
irrigated land is cultivated.
Table 5: Crop Production Costs per Dunum
Figure 3: Existing Agriculture
2.2 Agricultural Production

The main agricultural products in Amman are orchards, field crops, vegetables
and plastic house products (Table 6). Vegetables have the highest total
production, whereas orchards cover the greatest area. Detailed production by
Planning Area is available in Figure Y (planning area + productivity).
Table 6: Amman Agricultural Production
Orchards
Total Field Crops
Vegetables
Plastic House Products
% of Total Cultivated
Area
56
30
10
4
% of Total
Production
28
3
45
24
Orchards are an important agricultural land use in Amman and cover for
approximately 3% of Ammans land base. The main orchard product is olives but
citrus, apple and nut trees are also produced. Orchards tend to be most
successful in areas with rainfall between 200 to 300 mm but are also productive
when irrigated.
Vegetable production includes cultivation of winter vegetables, irrigated summer
vegetables and rainfed summer vegetables. Winter vegetables are grown in
irrigated depressions and include tomatoes, eggplant, cucumber, beans, peppers,
spinach and onions. Irrigated summer vegetables are planted in the spring and
summer and include tomatoes, martyrs, eggplant, beans, and peppers. The
rainfed summer vegetables are grown at the end of winter on land that contains
enough moisture for cultivation.
Plastic houses are used for cultivation of vegetables during periods of
unfavourable climatic conditions for growth. They are commonly used between
January and March when temperatures are low. The use of plastic houses results
in an increase in production and quality because they often utilize technologies
that enhance plant protection, irrigation and fertilization. The most important
plastic house crops include cucumbers, peppers, eggplant, beans and
strawberries.
Field crops that are cultivated in Amman include, wheat, barley, lentils and
summer grains such as chickpeas, sesame, yellow and white corn. Wheat and
barley are most dependent on rainfall. Climatic conditions can have a significant
affect on crop production. Raising livestock is also an important component of
the agricultural industry in Amman. Goats, sheep, chickens and cattle are all
reared within the boundaries of the municipality. However, the amount of natural
rangeland has decreased significantly. The highest productive rangeland tends to
be in the 100 250 mm rainfall areas in the steppe grassland and brush but
desertification, urban development and the conversion of rangeland to rainfed
cultivation and irrigated fields have impacted these lands. Fodder sources,
including natural grassland, green fodder, hay fields, have also been affected by
inadequate sources of irrigation, expansion of field crops and overgrazing.
Sheep and goats are the most productive animals for red meat. Their nutrition is
based on a combination of grazing and supplementary feed. They are only able
to use natural pastures and crop residues for approximately one month of the
year and therefore rely on supplementary feed.
Urban agriculture is also important in Amman. Approximately 1 in 6 households,
in both high and low-income areas, grow their own fruit vegetables and herbs
and some even raise chickens and goats. On average these people use up to
15% of their land for urban agriculture. Food produced includes grapes, olives,
apricots, apples, pears, spinach, onions, garlic and various herbs on plots that
average 9 square meters. Urban agriculture in Amman generates approximately
1.9 million JD annually.
3.0 Challenges in the Ammans Agricultural Sector

The agricultural sector faces many challenges within the municipality.
Productivity is affected by:
access to appropriate quantities and quality water, including a lack of

permanent irrigation sources
topography in some areas that is too rocky or steep for cultivation
fragmentation of agricultural land holdings
the reduced availability of workforce
conflicting land uses

Issues related to water supply have the greatest impact on farming. The amount
available for agriculture is continuously decreasing. In addition, the quality of the
water is low and surface and groundwater sources tend to be contaminated with
sewage and other contaminants.
Access to water resources is significant because only 38% of the high quality
agricultural land in Amman is rainfed. Although not as productive, some of the
less valuable agricultural lands in the south end of the municipality are used for
water harvesting practices.
The relationship between water consumption and agriculture is important in
Jordan, because the sector consumes about 65% of the total available supply in
the country. Interestingly, the sector only contributes 4% to the annual GDP.
Because of the limited water supply for irrigation, treated wastewater is often
used. It is either treated and discharge to the environment where it mixes with
freshwater flows or the treated effluent is used directly for irrigation for a group of
restricted crops.
Another major problem for farmers in the municipality is conflicts with other land
uses. Farm operators need to be assured that their investment will not be
affected by conflicting land uses. For example non-farm residences in the
agricultural areas may create problems for farmers through increased traffic
volumes that conflict with slow moving farm machinery and uncontrolled growth
of noxious weeds. And conversely the non-farm households may have issues
with odours and noises from farming practices.
Annex 10
214
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
Referred to as Rabbat Ammon
Hellenistic Period (311 BC 63 BC): During the Hellenistic Period, Jordan was heavily Hellenized.
In the year 284 B.C. Ptolemy II Philadelphus invaded Amman and built a new city under the name
Persian Period (594 BC 331 BC): Little has been uncovered regarding Amman's history during
the Persian period, during which Jordan was the fifth satrapy of Palestine.
Iron Age (1200 - 500 BC): During this period Amman was the capital of a kingdom that stretched
between the Zarqa River in the north, Mujib River in the south, and Jordan River in the west. It
was named Rabat Amon1, which became Amman through the years. The kingdom was protected
by towers built of huge stones in simple circular shapes, which indicates the prosperous
civilization at the time.
Jordan continued to flourish during the Late Bronze Age, even after the pharaohs expelled the
Hyksos from the area. Trade with Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus improved the economic conditions of
Jordan. The most important discovery was the temple at the Marka Airport, a square building with
courts and rooms surrounded the central part of a shrine.
Bronze Age (3200 BC -1200 BC): Material remains from the Early Bronze age were found in
Amman, among many other localities in the region. Considerable archeological material was
uncovered in Naur and Jalul, both sites in the south of the City. The Middle Bronze Age was an
important and flourishing period in Jordan. This period witnessed the Hyksos or Shepherd Kings of
the Bible, who brought with them a new culture from Egypt.
Neolithic Period (4500 BC 8000 BC): Amman was firstly settled around 8000 in Ayn Ghazal, a
village in the northeastern entrance of Amman. Ayn Ghazal was inhabited by farmers, herders and
hunters, over an area of more than 350 donums. Remains of houses with rubble foundations and
painted plaster floors, statues that are the oldest known sculptures made of composite materials,
and other artifacts in the area represent some of the earliest forms of art, and make the site one
of the most significant early Neolithic sites.
The history of Amman could be summarized through the following periods:
HISTORY OF AMMAN
ANNEX 10
After the fall of the Umayyads, the capital transferred from Damascus to Kufa and then to
Baghdad. Newly marginalized Amman remained the center of the governorate east of the Jordan
River. However a subsequent epidemic of plague and a catastrophic earthquake in 739 brought
an abrupt end to the prosperity of the city. Amman continued to be marginalized during the
Ayyubid Period (1174 AD 1263 AD), Mamluk Period (1263 AD 1516 AD), and Ottoman Period
Islamic Period (600 AD -1920): Yazid Ibn Abi Sofyan folded Amman into the Islamic Empire in
634, designating Amman as the base governorate of the region. After becoming a main stopping
point along the pilgrimage route, Amman boomed under the Ummayyads, who left two major
landmarks: the palace (citadel) on the top of the hill, and the mosque at the bottom of the hill.
The citadel became the symbol of Amman and governors headquarters. The former became the
capital of Balqa.
Byzantine Period (330 AD 640 AD): Philadelphia was the seat of a Christian bishop, and several
expansive churches were built, one of which could be seen on the Citys Citadel. The city declined
during the late Byzantine years, and was overrun by the Persian Sassanians in 614 CE. Their rule
was short-lived, however, collapsing before the arrival of the Islamic rule, after which the name of
the city then returned to its Semitic origin of Ammon, or "Amman."
Amman prospered being situated along the Roman road between Damascus and the Red Sea.
Later in the 2nd century AD, Amman was reorganized as an urban center based on a GraecoRoman city plan, complete with an acropolis, temples, and a lower city. Amman had two
intersected streets: the Cardo and the Documanus. The latter is the colonnaded street that ran
parallel to the Creek. At the intersection of these two streets a Nympheum, a structure built for
esthetic purposes and is commonly found in Roman cities, was built opposite to the citadel and in
line with the theatre and the forum. Amman had also baths, an amphitheater and impressive
public buildings.
Roman Period (63 BC 330 AD): Amman was freed by General Pompey, who declared all Greek
cities in northern Jordan, including Amman, as free. These cities formed a league that came to be
known as the Decapolis, or the League of Ten Cities. Each of these cities was given a
considerable amount of autonomy.
Nabataean Period (312 BC 112 AD): In the Levant, Amman was part of the Nabataean kingdom
which took Petra as a capital city.
of Philadelphia which means the city of brotherly love. In the 2nd century BC Hyrcanus built for
himself a palace at Iraq Al Amir.
Early days in the capital saw Amman recruiting wealthy merchants from Salt, Nablus, Damascus,
and Jerusalem who predominately settled in neighborhoods around downtown Amman, where
many businesses were located. Today the unique character of these early neighbourhoods are
preserved.
Modern Amman: At the end of the 19th century Circassians settled in attracted by the caves and
springs around the amphitheatre which were used for agriculture. The village spread out
gradually from the creek. In 1903, the Hejaz Railway connecting the Ottoman Empire with the
Holy Land of Hejaz reached Amman, triggering and heralded formation of the first municipal
council in 1909. In 1921, Prince Abdullah bin Al-Hussein declared Amman the capital of
Transjordan.
(1516 AD 1918 AD). In the late 15th century shepherds used to water their cattle from the river
of Amman.
Annex 11
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
215
Class 5
Local
Class 4
Collector
Class 3
Industrial
Class 2
Arterial
Class 1
Controlled Access
Class
Municipal
Municipal
One-Way Road / Short Twoway or Cul-de-sac Road
Laneway
5c
Municipal
Local
5a
5b
Municipal
Minor Collector
Municipal
Major Collector
4a
4b
Municipal
Industrial Local
Municipal
Industrial Collector
3a
3b
Municipal
Urban Arterial
Municipal
Major Arterial
2a
2b
40 to 100 metres
National and/or
Municipal
Urban Expressway
1c
6 to 8
12 metres
16 to 18 metres
22 metres
24 to 26 metres
18 metres
22 to 24 metres
26 to 40 metres
30 to 40 metres
40 to 100 metres
40 to 100 meters
National and/or
Municipal
National
Rural Highway
Motorway
1a
1b
Classification
Sub-Class
Preferred
Minimum Right-ofJurisdiction
Way Width
Public Transit in
mixed traffic or
within dedicated
lanes
Public Transit in
mixed traffic
Public Transit in
mixed traffic or
within dedicated
lanes
Public Transit in
mixed traffic or
within dedicated
lanes
Investment to enhance vehicular capacity, safety and operational

performance including grade separation by policy of through movements
to facilitate free flow in the alignment of the Motorway. May include
complementary Service Road facilities
performance including grade separation of through movements to
facilitate free flow in the alignment of the Highway as warranted. May
include complementary Service Road facilities
performance including grade separation of through movements to
facilitate free flow in the alignment of the Urban Expressway as warranted.
Investment should maximize "person carrying" capacity through
consideration of optimized public transit.
Investment to manage traffic flow, enhance safety, facilitate public transit,
enhance public realm and pedestrian environment. Investment should
maximize "person carrying" capacity through optimized public transit and
prohibition of parking where interference experienced.
Junction Controls
Interchange designs in
accordance with the appropriate
Parking prohibited and
standards. High design at-grade
strictly enforced
junctions permitted as interim
condition.
At-grade roundabout and
Parking permitted
signalized junction control
according to regulation;
options for interrupted traffic
prohibited elsewhere flow. Grade-separated junctions
considered only when essential.
New site access discouraged;

however, permitted when
required and provided in
accordance to Access
Management Guidelines
according to regulation; accordance with the appropriate

prohibited elsewhere
standards.
Parking permitted
Parking prohibited and accordance with the appropriate
strictly enforced
standards. No at-grade junction
options to be considered.
Parking
No new Site Access permitted
required and provided in

accordance to Access
Direct site access discouraged;

however, permitted when
No Site Access Permitted
Access Control
Access permitted in accordance

with Site Plan Review

Public Transit
with Site Plan Review / Access
within mixed traffic
Limited Public
Transit

Public Transit
with Site Plan Review / Access
no Public Transit
Investment to maintain local infrastructure and functional road

characterisitics to municipal standards



Amman Plan Road Hierarchy
Limited Public
Transit
Limited Public
Transit
Investment to ensure the maintain of local infrastructure and functional road

Investment to create properly connected functional segments and on

ensuring the maintenance of local infrastructure and functional road
Investment to create properly connected functional segments and ensure

Public Transit
the maintenance of local infrastructure and functional road characterisitics
to municipal standards
Investment to create properly connected functional segments and ensure

the maintenance of local infrastructure and functional road characterisitics
to municipal standards. Investment should maximize "person carrying"
capacity through consideration of optimized public transit.
Investment to create properly connected functional segments consistent

with the strategic directions outlined in the Industrial Lands Policies
Investment to create properly connected functional segments consistent

with the strategic directions outlined in the Industrial Lands Policies
Parking prohibited
Parking permitted
Parking permitted
Parking permitted
Parking permitted
according to
regulations
Parking permitted
according to
regulations
Parking permitted
according to
regulations
Collector and Collector roads.
Connections to Controlled
Access, Arterial, Industrial
Access, Arterial, Industrial
Collector and Collector roads.
Access and Arterial roads
All-turns Connections to
Controlled Access and Arterial
roads. Right-turns only
connections to Collector Road
All-turns Connections to
Controlled Access and Arterial
roads.
Connectivity
Slow speed (40 - 50 kph); interrupted traffic flow, municipal and local trip
making; all types of vehicular classifications with a particular emphasis on
the presence of large heavily loaded trucks as well as Public Transit
vehicles; pedestrian facilities shall be provided within boulevard.
Moderate speed (50 - 70 kph); interrupted traffic flow, intra-regional and

municipal trip making; all types of vehicular classifications with an emphasis
on public transit vehicles; pedestrian facilities shall be encouraged within
boulevard.
Moderate speed (70 kph); interrupted traffic flow, intra-regional and

municipal trip making; all types of vehicular classifications; pedestrian
facilities shall be provided within boulevard.
Moderate speed (70-80 kph), uninterrupted flow possible, medium distance

intra-regional trip making; all types of vehicular classifications; bicycles
prohibited; pedestrian facilities may be provided within boulevard.
making; all types of vehicular classifications; pedestrians prohibited except

on service roads.
High speed (80 - 90 kph), uninterrupted flow, long distance inter-regional trip
High speed (90 - 100 kph), uninterrupted flow, long distance inter-regional
trip making; all types of vehicular classifications; bicycles and pedestrians
prohibited except on service roads.
Nature of Traffic Flow
April 24, 2008
Slow speed (40 kph), local access encouraged, local trip making only,
vehicle classification generally associated with residential land uses; limited
public transit vehicles/service, pedestrian facilities shall be provided within
boulevard width.
Connections to Collector and
Local roads

Local roads

Local roads

unsignalized intersection control
options for connections to other
local or collector roads
unsignalized intersection control
local or collector roads
At-grade unsignalized
intersection control options for
connections to local or collector
roads
Extremely slow speeds on a pedestrian scale, local access only, vehicle

classification associated with residential land uses - possible residential
service vehicles; no public transit vehicles/service.
Extremely slow speed speeds on a pedestrian scale, local access

encouraged, local trip making only, vehicle classification generally
associated with residential land uses; limited public transit vehicles/service,
pedestrian facilities shall be provided within boulevard width.
Slow speed (40 - 50 kph) must be conducive to the presence of an adjacent

pedestrian realm and local access via direct site driveways; interrupted
traffic flow, generally local trip making; vehicular classifications - heavy
trucks may be prohibited except for local deliveries; possible public transit
At-grade roundabout, signalized,
and unsignalized intersection Connections to Arterial, Collector,
control options for connections to
Industrial and Local roads
other local or collector roads
At-grade roundabout, signalized,

Slow speeds (40 - 50 kph) must be conducive to the presence of an
and unsignalized intersection
adjacent pedestrian realm and local access via direct site driveways;
control options for interrupted Connections to Arterial, Collector,
interrupted traffic flow, municipal and local trip making; all types of vehicular
traffic flow. Unsignalized
Industrial and Local roads
classifications with a particular sensitivity to the presence public transit
connections generally to lower
order roads.
Slow speed (40 kph); potential on-street parking, and local access via direct
site driveways; interrupted traffic flow, municipal and local trip making; all
unsignalized intersection control Connections to Arterial, Industrial,
types of vehicular classifications with a particular emphasis on the presence
and Collector roads
of large heavily loaded trucks as well as the possibility of Public Transit
local or collector industrial roads

Connections to Arterial, Industrial,
signalized intersection control
and Collector roads
options for interrupted traffic flow
Investment to manage traffic flow, enhance safety, substantially improve

New direct site access permitted
Public Transit in
public transit operations and capacity, enhance public realm and pedestrian
only when provided in
Parking permitted
mixed traffic or
environment. Investment should maximize "person carrying" capacity
accordance with Site Plan
according to regulation; signalized intersection control
within dedicated
through optimized public transit and prohition of parking where interference
Review and Access Management prohibited elsewhere options for interrupted traffic flow
lanes
experienced.
Guidelines
Public Transit
Strategic Public Investment Policy Guidelines
Greater Amman Municipality -- The Amman Plan

Road Hierarchy / Functional Classification System
Annex 12
216
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
METROPOLITAN AMMAN
Map Index
neighbourhood form and density study
14. AL HAI AL SHARKI
12. ABU ALIA
6. AL MEDINAH AL TIBIEH 3. AL SALHEEN
10. AL GHROOS
4. UM UTHAINA
18. MARKA
5. SHMESANI
1. JABAL AMMAN

15. AL MANARA

7. AL ROWNAK 2. ABDOON
8. AL QUWAYSMEH

16. HETIEN
9. MARJ AL HAMAM

11. SAHAB
17. WEST NAOUR
THE AMMAN PLAN
annex.indd 1
13. AL MOUWAQER
19. AL JEEZA
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
5/9/2008 1:48:44 PM
Historic Neighbourhood : Mixed Use Stable
study area
ds . 01 D E N S I T Y S C E N A R I O S
J A B A L
A M M A N
01. Existing conditions
Units per : (ha) 30 (Dunum) 3 * Net uph: 34 **

Units : 797
population : 3,188
Vacant Land : 12%
02. Infill 85% of vacant land ***

Units : 1029
population : 4166
Vacant Land : 1.8%
03. Infill 85% of Vacant land

and Densifiy 50% of Existing Lots ****
Units : 1261
population : 5044
Vacant Land : 1.8%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
** Net Density: Land less roads and other non residential uses
*** assumes 85% of vacant land is built to as-of-right zoning
**** densify 50% of apartments and multi-family buildings to their as-of-right zoning potential
DS . 01
Residential : Intensification
study area
A B D O O N
Units per : (ha) 8 (Dunum) .8 * Net uph: 11 **

Units : 342
population : 1368
Vacant Land : 30%
Gross Area : 41.4 ha (Dunum) 4.14
Net Area (less Roads) : 30.5 ha (Dunum) 3.05

Units : 418
population : 1672
Vacant Land : 6%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
All buildings in the study are constructed to their as-of-right zoning
DS . 02
Residential Neighbourhood : Intensification
study area
A L S A L H E E N
Units per : (ha) 29 (Dunum) 2.9 * Net uph: 36 **

Units : 1,728
population : 6,912
Vacant Land : 24%
Gross Area : 60 (ha) (Dunum) 6

Units : 2,772
population : 11,088
Vacant Land : 3.6%

Units : 3,065
population : 12,260
Vacant Land : 1.8%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 03
Residential Neighbourhood : Stable
study area
UM UTHAINA

Units : 1,175
population : 3,525
Vacant Land : 16%

Units per : (ha) 38 (Dunum) 3. 8 Net uph: 53
Units : 1,571
population : 4,713
Vacant Land : 2.45%

Units : 1,637
population : 4,911
Vacant Land : 2.45%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 04
Mixed Use Neighbourhood : Stable
study area
S H M E S A N I

Units : 1,476
population : 3,135
Vacant Land : 13%

Units : 1,737
population : 5,211
Vacant Land : 2%

Units : 1,876
population : 5,628
Vacant Land : 2%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 05
study area
AL MEDINAH
AL TIBIEH

Units : 217
population : 1,094
Vacant Land : 37%
Gross Area : 46.4 ha (Dunum) 4.64
Net Area (Less Roads) : 32.9 ha (Dunum) 3.29

Units per : (ha) 8 (Dunum) .8 Net uph: 11
Units : 373
population : 1,678
Vacant Land : 5.6%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
All buildings in the study are constructed to their as-of-right zoning
DS . 06
Mixed Use Neighbourhood : Intensification
study area
A L
R O W N A K

Units : 1,509
population : 4,397
Vacant Land : 38%
Gross Area : 76.5 (ha) (Dunum) 7.65

Units : 2,470
population : 7,410
Vacant Land : 6%

Units : 2,609
population : 7,827
Vacant Land : 6%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 07
Mixed Use Neighbourhood : Intensification
study area
A L
QUWAYSMEH

Units : 612
population : 3,366
Vacant Land : 16%
Net Land (Less Roads) : 23 (ha) (Dunam) 2.3

Units : 7,40
population : 4,070
Vacant Land : 2.4%

Units : 877
population : 4,823
Vacant Land : 2.4%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 08
Residential Neighbourhood : intensification
study area
M A R J
A L H A M A M

Units : 688
population : 2,752
Vacant Land : 15%

Units : 928
population : 3,712
Vacant Land : 2.31%

Units : 1,126
population : 4,504
Vacant Land : 2.31%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 09
Rural Greenfield : intensification
study area
A L
G H R O O S

Units : 93
population : 419
Vacant Land : 17.5%
Gross Land : 39.3 ha (Dunums) 3.9
Net Land : 32.5 ha (Dunum) 3.25

Units : 275
population : 1,100
Vacant Land : 6.67%

Units : 319
population : 1,276
Vacant Land : 6.67%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 10
Mixed Use Neighbourhood : Stable
study area
S A H A B

Units : 779
population : 3,505
Vacant Land : 18%
Net Area : 25 (ha) (Dunum) 2.5

Units : 1,046
population : 4,707
Vacant Land : 6.67%

Units : 1319
population : 5,935
Vacant Land : 6.67%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 11
Urban Greenfield : Intensification
study area
A B U
A L I A

Units : 338
population : 1,107
Vacant Land : 32%
Gross Area : 30.2 ha (Dunum) 3
Net Area : 27 ha (Dunum) 2.7

Units : 798
population : 2,793
Vacant Land : 4.8%

Units : 873
population : 3,055
Vacant Land : 4.8%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 12
Rural Greenfield : Intensification
study area
A L
M O U W A Q E R

Units : 148
population : 148
Vacant Land : 14%

Units : 396
population : 396
Vacant Land : 2.14%

Units : 428
population : 428
Vacant Land : 2.14%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 13
Mixed use neighbourhood : Stable
study area
AL HA I AL SHARKI

Units : 1995
population : 8,993
Vacant Land : 8%

Units : 2,145
population : 9,652
Vacant Land : 1.25%

Units : 10,080
population : 10,080
Vacant Land : 1.25%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 14
Mixed use neighbourhood : Intensification
study area
A L
M A N A R A

Units : 1,730
population : 9,853
Vacant Land : 22%

Units : 2,320
population : 10,440
Vacant Land : 3.2%

Units : 11,871
population : 11,871
Vacant Land : 3.2%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 15
Residential neighbourhood : Intensification
study area
H E T I E N

Units : 936
population : 4,385
Vacant Land : 21%
Net Area (Less Roads) : 65

Units : 1,663
population : 7,483,
Vacant Land : 4%

Units : 8,131
population : 8,131
Vacant Land : 4%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 16
Rural Greenfield : Intensification
study area
W E S T
N A O U R

Units : 72
pph : 6 (Dunum) .6 Net pph: 7
population : 504
Vacant Land : 64%
Net Area (Less Roads) : 74 (Dunum) 7.4

Units per : (ha) 9 (Dunum) .9 Net uph : 11
Units : 785
population : 3,532
Vacant Land : 10%

Units per : (ha) 9 (Dunum) .9 Net uph : 11
Units : 799
population : 3,595
Vacant Land : 10%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 17
Mixed Use Neighbourhodd : Stable
study area
M A R K A

Units : 2,494
population : 10,391
Vacant Land : 5%

Units : 2,720
population : 12,240
Vacant Land : .7%

Units : 12,568
population : 12,568
Vacant Land : .7%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 18
study area
A L
J E E Z A

Units : 204
population : 918
Vacant Land : 31%

Units : 574
population : 2,583
Vacant Land : 4.6%

Units : 621
population : 2,794
Vacant Land : 4.6%
Assumptions :
* Gross density
DS . 19
Annex 13
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
217
Planning Areas
SUMMARY
Gross Area
Net Area
Total Population
Gross Density (pph)
Net Density (pph)
Total Units
Gross (Units/ha)
Net (Units/ha)
ppu
168,000
79,306
6,933,935
41.3
87.4
1,565,871
9.3
19.7
4.4
SUMMARY - Within the ADC

Gross Area
62,188
Net Area
32,518
Total Population
5,807,523
Gross Density (pph)
93.4
Net Density (pph)
178.6
Total Units
1,330,904
Gross (Units/ha)
21.4
Net (Units/ha)
40.9
ppu
4.4
SUMMARY - Outside the ADC
Gross Area
103,835
Net Area
46,788
Total Population
1,126,411
Gross Density (pph)
10.8
Net Density (pph)
24.1
Total Units
234,967
Gross (Units/ha)
2.3
Net (Units/ha)
5.0
ppu
4.8
SUMMARY BY PLANNING AREA

AREA A
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
1,295,006
126
265
314,152
30.6
64.2
AREA B
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
684,148
77.9
149.8
155,676
17.7
34.1
AREA C
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
1,087,045
89.7
150.3
269,195
22.2
37.2
AREA D
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
1,568,076
81.3
191.0
341,134
17.7
41.6
AREA E
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
1,173,249
100.0
154.02
250,747
21.4
32.9
AREA F
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
252,905
6.0
6.61
47,663
1.13
1.25
AREA G
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
707,311
15.8
128.60
151,333
3.4
27.51
AREA H
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
166,195
9.8
55.27
36,408
5.58
12.11
AREA A
EXISTING
Land
Area (ha)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
Total Zoned Employment Land
Total Developed for Employment Uses
10,272
2,335
138
121
1,615
373
Industrial
310
Office
21
Commercial
128
Mixed Use
66
Net Area
102,720
23,349
1,384
1,214
Area (m2)
102,716,293
23,348,127
1,384,000
1,213,600
Gross (%)
22.73%
1.35%
1.18%
3.01%
0.21%
0.41%
1.24%
42
Total Developed Non-Employment Uses

Residential
Area (Dunums)
62
6,189
61,894
1,056,466
102.9
171
264,100
25.7
42.7
10.3
17.1
264100
2.57
4.27
60.26%
Population
Population
Gross Population Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
PROPOSED
Land
Area (ha)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
Employment Land
10,272
2,556
948
131
1,488
Area (Dunums)
102,716
25,563
9,478
1,315
Area (m2)
102,716,293
25,562,677
1,384,000
1,026,794
Gross (%)
24.89%
9.23%
1.28%
Commercial
42
Mixed Use
66
3.01%
0.21%
0.41%
0.64%
Resources
Urban Agriculture (assume 2%)
Quarries
Net Area
Density Overlays
257
257
0
4,892
2.50%
0.00%
47.63%
Industrial
310
Office
21
Growth Centers (Abdali + HDMU Site A)
55
Urban Corridors (kms)
53
Neighbourhood Corridors (kms)
74
66,361
0.54%
0.72%
Population
Additional Units
Additional Neighbourhood Population
Density Overlays
2,596
12,373
Urban Corridors
125,702
Neighbourhood Corridors
87,734
Growth Centers (Abdali + HDMU Site A)
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
12,731 (assumption for abdali)
1,295,006
126
265
314,152
30.6
64.2
13
20
3.06
4.73
AREA B
EXISTING
Land
Area (ha)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
Area (Dunums)
8,782
2,320
15
12
34
0
Commercial
1
0
1
6,076
Net Area
87,816,915
23,203,034
154,000
124,000
Gross (%)
26.42%
0.18%
0.14%
34
Office
Mixed Use
Area (m2)
359
Industrial
Residential
87,817
23,203
154
124
0.39%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
64,336
64,335,880
69.2%
Population
Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
105,960
12.1
17.44
32,023
3.6
5.3
PROPOSED
Land
Area (ha)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
Employment Land
1.2
1.65
0.4
0.50
Area (Dunums)
8,782
2,285
1,193
54
358
87,817
22,853
11,926
542
Area (m2)
87,816,915
22,853,474
11,925,537
542,452
Gross (%)
26.02%
13.58%
0.11%
Commercial
Mixed Use
0.39%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%

Quarries
325
325
0
3.70%
0.00%
Industrial
34
Office
Resources
Net Area
Density Overlays
4,567
Growth Centers (HDMU Site B + Half of Yajouz)

183
0
17
Population
Additional Units
Density Overlays
Urban Corridors
Growth Centers (HDMU Site B + Half of Yajouz)
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
88,898
423,675
0
20,852
44,762
684,148
77.9
149.8
155,676
17.7
34.1
52,495
52,495,451
52.01%
2.08%
0.20%
AREA C
EXISTING
Land
Area (ha)
Area (Dunums)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
12,115
2,549
85
139
582
113
Industrial
77
Office
Commercial
33
54
Mixed Use
54
Residential
Net Area
8,815
121,148
25,490
848
1,386
Area (m2)
121,148,434
25,490,330
848,100
1,385,600
Gross (%)
21.04%
0.70%
1.14%
0.64%
0.02%
0.27%
0.45%
93,424
73%
Population
Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
348,324
28.8
39.52
114,192
9.4
12.95
2.9
3.73
0.94
1.22
PROPOSED
Land
Area (ha)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
Employment Land
Area (Dunums)
12,115
2,630
1,111
139
528
121,148
26,298
11,109
1,386
Area (m2)
121,148,434
26,297,980
11,109,019
1,543,258
Gross (%)
21.71%
9.17%
1.27%
Mixed Use
54
0.64%
0.02%
0.27%
0.45%

Quarries
474
474
0
7,233
3.91%
0.00%
60%
Industrial
77
Office
Commercial
33
Resources
Net Area
Density Overlays
Growth Centers (HDMU Site C / Airport Road + Half of Yajouz)
Metropolitan Corridor (kms)
83,741
312
13
30
17
Population
Additional Units
Density Overlays
Metropolitan Corridor (kms)
Urban Corridors
Growth Centers (HDMU Site C / Airport Road + Half of Yajouz)
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
114,104
543,801
31,819
72,686
20,107
70,309
1,087,045
89.7
150.3
269,195
22.2
37.2
9.0
2.2
3.2
83,741,434
AREA D
EXISTING
Land
Area (ha)
Area (Dunums)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
19,292
5,108
40
107
2,379
304
Industrial
304
Office
Commercial
37
Mixed Use
14
Residential
23
Net Area
11,695
192,918
51,077
395
1,068
Area (m2)
192,918,437
51,077,327
395,000
1,068,000
Gross (%)
26.48%
0.20%
0.55%
1.58%
0.00%
0.00%
0.07%
140,378
140,378,110
Population
Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
233,803
12.1
20.0
61,169
3.2
5.2
PROPOSED
Land
Area (ha)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
Employment Land
1.2
1.7
Area (Dunums)
19,292
5,266
2,551
223
2,342
192,918
52,656
25,513
2,226
Area (m2)
192,918,437
52,656,361
25,513,288
2,226,168
Gross (%)
27.29%
13.22%
1.15%
Commercial
Mixed Use
14
1.58%
0.00%
0.00%
0.07%

Quarries
701
701
0
8,208
3.64%
0.00%
42.55%
Industrial
304
Office
Resources
Net Area
Density Overlays
Growth Centers (Sahab + AR)
795
Metropolitan Corridor (Airport Road)
42
16
36
112,523
0.22%
0.19%
Population
Additional Units
Density Overlays
Growth Centers (Sahab + AR)
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
201,618
960,879
193,204
99,153
38,222
42,815
1,568,076
81.3
191.0
341,134
17.7
41.6
8.1
0.0
1.8
3.0
AREA E
EXISTING
Area
Land
Area (ha)
(Dunums)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
11,728
3,499
0
1
291
35
Industrial
35
Office
Commercial
Mixed Use
Residential
Resources
117,278
34,994
0
15
Area (m2)
117,278,346
34,994,468
0
14,850
Gross (%)
29.84%
0.00%
0.00%
0.30%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
17
Agriculture
Quarries
17
Net Area
7,924
82,269
67.56%
Population
Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
18,729
1.6
2.36
8,498
0.72
1.07
0.2
0.23
PROPOSED
Area
Land
Area (ha)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
Employment Land
(Dunums)
11,728
3,503
0
0
286
117,278
35,026
0
0
Area (m2)
117,278,346
35,025,974
0
1,665,640
Gross (%)
29.87%
7.81%
1.42%
Commercial
Mixed Use
0.30%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
Resources
Quarries
Net Area
Density Overlays
322
305
17
7,617
2.60%
0.14%
64.95%
Growth Centers (Yarmouk + Outer East)
330
18
Industrial
35
Office
82,252
0.15%
0.05%
Population
Additional Units
Density Overlays
Growth Centers (Yarmouk + Outer East)
Metropolitan Corridor (ADC)
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
214,807
1,023,738
80,228
42,883
0
7,671
1,173,249
100.0
154.02
250,747
21.4
32.9
10.0
14.26
AREA F
EXISTING
Land
Area (ha)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
Area (Dunums)
42,147
4,680
0
2
752
0
Industrial
Office
Commercial
Mixed Use
Residential
Resources
421,470
46,797
0
16
Area (m2)
421,470,019
46,796,823
0
15,917
Gross (%)
11.10%
0.00%
0.004%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
1
Agriculture
Quarries
Net Area
36,713
0.00%
0.00%
87.11%
374,657
Population
Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
20,075
0.5
0.55
5,104
0.1
0.139
PROPOSED
Land
Area (ha)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
Employment Land
Industrial
Office
Commercial
Mixed Use
Resources
Agriculture
Quarries
Net Area
Density Overlays
Growth Centers
0.0
0.05
0.012
0.014
Area (Dunums)
42,147
3,087
0
7
752
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
38,281
421,470
30,868
0
73
390,529
0
0
Additional Units
Additional Population from Sahab / Mouwaqer
Density Overlays
39,992
190,595
30,000
Population
RR Growth Centers (R4 Kutayfa)

Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
12,236
0
0
0
252,905
6.0
6.61
47,663
1.13
1.25
Gross (%)
7.32%
14.54%
0.02%
0.00%
0.00%
90.83%
0.81%
0.00%
421,470,019
30,867,986
0
72,692
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
341
Area (m2)
0.6
0.65
0.11
0.00
AREA G
EXISTING
Land
Area (ha)
Area (Dunums)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
44,680
5,010
0
2
2,160
160
Industrial
160
Office
Commercial
Mixed Use
Residential
Resources
446,803
50,099
0
16
Area (m2)
446,803,305
50,099,265
0
16,109
Gross (%)
11.21%
0.00%
0.004%
0.36%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
47
Agriculture
Mining
47
37,462
Net Residential Area
0.00%
0.11%
83.84%
396,688
Population
Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
20,317
0.5
0.5423416
6,746
0.2
0.2
PROPOSED
Land
Area (ha)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
Employment Land
0.0
0.051216582
Area (Dunums)
44,680
3,331
0
0
2,160
446,803
33,311
0
0
Area (m2)
446,803,305
33,310,920
0
1,004,156
Gross (%)
7.46%
14.54%
0.22%
Mixed Use
0.36%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
Resources
Agriculture net out R1 + R2+ AR +(built + 10%)
Quarries
Net Area
Density Overlays
33,689
33,642
47
5,500
75.29%
0.11%
12.31%
RR Growth Centers (r1 + r2)

Growth Centers (Jeeza)
2,228
40
Industrial
160
Office
Commercial
413,492
0.09%
0.02%
Population
Additional Units
Density Overlays
RR Growth Centers (r1 + r2)
Airport Road - QA
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
5,409
25,779
184,746
453,247
20,527
0
2,695
707,311
15.8
128.60
150,895
3.4
27.44
build out
1.6
1.71
AREA H
EXISTING
Land
Area (ha)
Area (Dunums)
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
17,008
1,491
3
2.95
56
0
Industrial
Office
Commercial
Mixed Use
Residential
Resources
170,081
14,908
30
30
560
Quarries
Net Area
170,080,777
14,908,430
29,522
29,522
Gross (%)
8.77%
0.00%
0.02%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0
Agriculture
Area (m2)
0.00%
0
0
15,455
154,553
0.00%
90.87%
Population
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
37,234
2.2
2.41
9,349
0.5
0.60
PROPOSED
Land
0.2
0.24
0.055
0.060
Area (ha) Area (Dunums)

17,008
170,081
769
7,685
2,474
24,738
3
30
56
Gross Area
Roads
OS
Social Facilities
Employment Land
Area (m2)
Gross (%)
170,080,777
7,685,269
4.52%
24,737,646
14.54%
235,944
0.14%
Mixed Use
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
Resources
Agriculture net out R9 + R7 + (built + 10%)
Quarries
Net Area
Density Overlays
10,700
10,700
0
3,007
62.91%
0.00%
17.68%
Industrial
Office
Commercial
Growth Centers(r9 +r7)
1,321
137,658
0.00%
0.00%
Population
Additional Units
Density Overlays
Growth Centers (r9 + r7)
Total Population
Gross Density
Net Density
Total Units
Gross Units/ha
Net Units/ha
6,522
31,081
95,000
0
0
2,880
166,195
9.8
55.27
36,408
5.58
12.11
1.0
1.21
0.21
0.26
Annex 14
218
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
Annex 14: Employment

1.0 Export-Based and Population-Serving Employment
Existing employment in each category is presented in Table D1: Existing ExportBased and Population-Serving Employment. The different numbers of people
employed in the two employment types is a reflection of Ammans economy, with
its emphasis on public-sector employment and institutional-related employment
(e.g., aid-dependent industries). Although the National Plan prioritizes exportbased employment types, such as manufacturing and value-added health and
financial services, it is expected that Amman will continue to rely on more
domestic-focused population-serving employment headed by the public sector.
A significant portion of the Amman population also works from home, including:
tradespeople, farmers, and professionals and service providers operating homebased businesses.
Table D.1: Export-based and Population-serving Employment
Employed Current
Employment Type
Employed - 2025
Export-Based
135,499
508,601
Population-Serving
346,191
1,299,438
481,690
1,808,039
Total
2.0 Existing Built-Up and Expansion Employment Areas

Table D.2 presents major zoned employment land broken down by built-up or
expansion employment areas as identified in Figure 1. Additional work locations
not included in the table are scattered throughout communities currently located
in areas not designated employment (i.e., areas zoned residential). These
additional work locations provide primarily Population-Serving Employment and
house a large portion of the small and medium enterprises in Amman.
Employment Areas at this scale will be designated within the more detailed Area
and Community Plans.
Table D.2: Existing Employment Supply (dunums)
Total Employment
Total Area
107,823
Built
43,497
Expansion
64,326
Figure 1: Employment Uses by Type
3.0 Employment Land Study

Areas identified in Figure 1 were analysed to identify the type of use (i.e.,
industrial, residential, commercial, institutional, etc) and pattern of development.
The following Employment Land Study identified the percentages of built-up and
vacant land, as well as the percentage of land used for public right-of-ways and
facilities. These percentages were used to identify the remaining Employment
Expansion Areas within GAM by applying average built-up percentages to zoned
areas. Moreover, using the percentage of employment and non-employment
uses, a more accurate estimate of distribution and density of jobs within industrial
areas could be determined. This distribution varied depending on the size and
use of the employment use. The Study was completed by studying sample
industrial and commercial areas using aerial imagery, combined with a parcel
analysis of plot and building licenses.
industrial and commercial
METROPOLITAN AMMAN
employment study
Industrial &
Commercial
Forms and Areas
Industrial Study
7) Industrial Zone Shafa Badran
6) Industrial Zone Sweleh
5) Industrial Zone Wad Esser
4) Industrial Zone Al Mgabalen
3) Industrial Zone Al Yarmouk
2) Industrial Zone Marka
1) Industrial Zone Abu Alanda
table of contents
Industrial Study
Industrial Study
Area
1.6
21
26
677
Mixed-use
plot
Residential
plot
Institutional
plot
Vacant plot
1246.6
271
Industrial
plot
Total
250
(dunums)
Street
Land use
Distribution
100%
54%
2.2%
1.7%
0.1%
22%
20%
Abu Alanda
Industrial Study
188
237
7.6
16.5
24.5
267.7
741.3
Industrial
plot
Mixed-use
plot
Residential
plot
Institutional
plot
Vacant plot
Total
Area
(dunums)
Street
Distribution
Land use
Marqa
100%
36.1%
3.3%
2.2%
1.1%
32%
25.3%
Industrial Study
26
20
4.3
60
Mixed-use plot
Residential plot
Institutional plot
Vacant plot
263.1
84
Industrial plot
Total
68.8
Area
(dunums)
Street
Land use
Distribution
100%
23%
1.5%
7.5%
10%
32%
26%
El Yarmouk
Industrial Study
67.3
83.5
10.4
5.5
5.4
91.3
263.4
Industrial plot
Mixed-use plot
Residential plot
Institutional plot
Vacant plot
Total
Area (dunums)
Street
Land use Distribution
100%
34.6%
2%
2.2%
4%
31.7%
25.5%
Al Mgabalen
Industrial Study
45.1
54.7
7.2
1.9
66.1
175
Industrial plot
Mixed-use plot
Institutional plot
Vacant plot
Total
Area (dunums)
Street
100%
37.7%
1.3%
4.1%
31.2%
25.7%
Wad Esser
Industrial Study
12.4
20
3.7
1.5
13.5
51.1
Industrial plot
Mixed-use plot
Institutional plot
Vacant plot
Total
Area (dunums)
Street
100%
27%
3%
7.2%
38%
24.8%
Sweileh
Industrial Study
5.4
3
19
27.4
Industrial plot
Vacant plot
Total
Area (dunums)
Street
10
100%
70%
11%
19%
Shafa Badran
Industrial Study
Area ( Dunums)
1246.6
741.3
263.1
263.4
175
51.1
27.4
2767.9
Land-use
Abu alanda
Marka
Al yarmouk
Al Mgabalen
Wad esser
Sweleh
Shafa Badran
Total
100%
10
10
26
45
(%)
11
area per industrial zone
Commercial Study
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
Al Abdali.
Al Swefia.
Al Madinah( Down Town).
Ras el ain.
2- Commercial Center
1-1 Al Sharaf Nasre Street.

1-2 Al Shahid Street.
1-3 Al madinah al monawarah
Street.
1-4 Wasfi Atal Street.
1- Commercial Street
table of contents
Commercial Study
12
Commercial Study
13
Commercial Study Area
Commercial Study
12.8
1.8
9
0.2
0.15
8.7
32.8
Commercial Plot
Mixed-Use plot
Offices plot
Residential plot
Vacant plot
Total
Area
(dunums)
Street
Land use
Distribution
1 - Commercial Street
14
100%
26%
1%
1%
28%
6%
39%
6.4
2.4
4.2
0.1
3.0
36.3
Commercial Plot
Mixed-Use plot
Residential plot
Vacant plot
Total
100%
19%
1%
26%
15%
40%
1-2 Al Shahid Street
Area
(dunums)
Street
Land use
Distribution
Commercial Study
15
Commercial Study
13.1
5.2
6.4
0.5
1.9
8.9
36.3
Commercial Plot
Mixed-Use plot
Offices plot
Institutional plot
Vacant plot
Total
Area (dunums)
Street
Land use
Distribution
16
100%
24%
5%
2%
18%
14%
36%
1-3 Al Madinah
Al monawarah
Street
11.0
6.9
2.3
12.6
33.1
Commercial Plot
Mixed-Use plot
Vacant plot
Total
Area (dunums)
100%
38%
7%
21%
33%
Wasfi atal Street
Street
Commercial Study
17
Commercial Study
Area
58.9
16.2
16.9
10.1
21.1
18.9
31.6
31.1
204.8
Commercial Plot
Mixed-Use plot
Residential plot
Offices plot
Institutional Plot
Al Abdalli Project
Vacant plot
Total
(dunums)
Street
Land use
Distribution
2-1 Al Abdali
2 Commercial Center
18
100%
16%
17%
11%
11%
6%
9%
9%
30%
Commercial Study
2-2-Al Swefia
32.8
15.1
20
1.6
3.4
1.6
25.9
100.7
Commercial Plot
Mixed-Use plot
Offices plot
Residential plot
Institutional Plot
Vacant plot
Total
Area
(dunums)
Street
19
100%
6%
2%
3%
2%
20%
15%
33%
Commercial Study
25.2
10.9
9.1
11.6
0,7
1.0
18.2
76.7
Commercial Plot
Mixed-Use plot
Residential plot
Institutional Plot
Industrial Plot
Vacant plot
Total
Area
(dunums)
Street
Land use
Distribution
20
100%
23%
2%
1%
15%
12%
14%
33%
Ras el Ain
Commercial Study
14.8
13.7
3.3
4.5
0.7
2.6
39.8
Commercial Plot
Mixed-Use plot
Residential plot
Institutional Plot
Vacant plot
Total
Area
(dunums)
Street
Land use
Distribution
Al Madinah(Down Town)
21
100%
7%
2%
12%
35%
37%
Annex 15
THE AMMAN PLAN
METROPOLITAN GROWTH
219
Open Space Heirarchy

Open Space
Category
Regional Park
Uses
Area Park
Neighbourhood Park
Linear Open Space
Approximate
Population Ratio
1 per 300,000
residents
Size
(dunums)
400 to 4000
and above
Average Service
Area Radius
Approximately 3.2
km
Includes natural areas as

well as areas for
recreational activities such
as playgrounds, sports
facilities and fields. Portions
of these parks should also
be kept as open area that
can be used for community
celebrations.
1 per 45,000
100 to 600
Approximately 1.2
km
Some natural areas with focus on

community playgrounds, gardens
and sitting areas. These parks
should be designed to
accommodate community
celebrations and 10% of these
neighbourhood parks should be
allocated entirely for urban
agriculture.
Includes pedestrian paths and
linkages/corridors amongst
natural areas and parks.
Includes major wadis and
stairways.
1 per 5000
residents
< 100
Approximately
400 m
variable
variable
variable
Includes natural areas as well as

formal parks with active and
passive recreational uses,
including sports fields. Parking
should be allocated onsite.
residents

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The Amman Plan

The Amman Plan

The Amman Plan

The Amman Plan

The Amman Plan:

The Amman Plan

The Amman Plan

The Amman Plan

E.3 URBAN MANAGEMENT INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

The Amman Plan

3: Metropolitan Growth Plan: Regional Settlement and Agricultural Areas

LIST OF FIGURES AND ILLUSTRATIONS

The Amman Plan

Figure 26: Inner South Area Plan

The Amman Plan

HM King Abdullah IIs Message

The Amman Plan

Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein

The Amman Plan

The Amman Plan

Message from The Mayor

Our City is a reflection of ourselves. It is our office to work in; it is our

Mayor Omar Maani

The Amman Plan

Amman: It Sleeps in a Poem

Amman was not born to be placed

Ahmad Bakheet, 2002

The Amman Plan

The Amman Plan

The Amman Plan

The Amman Plan

A. The Amman Plan

The Amman Plan

Conventional plans for an area the size of Amman (1,662 square

The Amman Plan

B. What Makes Amman Amman

Response to Topography Amman was founded at the confluence of

Natural Heritage Amman has an extensive underlying natural heritage

Cultural Heritage Amman has an extensive network of cultural heritage

The Amman Plan

Continuity of Public Space Amman is characterized by a distinctive and

The Amman Plan

Metropolitan Scale: Relates to Ammans entire 1,662-square-kilometre

METROPOLITAN GROWTH PLAN SCALE

Metropolitan Growth Plan Scale

The Amman Plan

Planning Area Scale

COMMUNITY PLANNING SCALE

Metro Gateway Community Plan

The Amman Plan

D. Planning Approach and Component Plans

The Industrial Lands Policy designates industrial areas in selected

The Outlying Settlement Policy is a response to increasing interest

The Amman Plan

Phase 4-B: Airport Corridor Plan

The Metropolitan Growth Plan is the highest-scale component of the

Phase 6: Area Plans (2008 forward)

Phase 7: Planning Initiatives (2008 forward)

Further components of the Amman Plan will include Metropolitan

The Amman Plan

Figure 2: Amman Plan: Planning Framework

The Amman Plan

The Amman Plan