Casablanca proposes white facades, five-year repainting cycle to unify city look

Casablanca authorities are moving to standardize the city’s visual appearance with a draft regulation requiring property owners to maintain clean, uniform facades and introducing rules for exterior equipment and balcony clutter.

Under the proposal, all buildings would need to be repainted and cleaned at least once every five years. Bright white paint would be mandatory for facades, while doors and window frames must be light gray or brown. Aluminum elements would be limited to silver tones. Buildings with stone or marble facades are exempt from repainting but must be properly cleaned to preserve their original finish.

The regulation would apply within city limits, with authorities able to intervene before the five-year cycle if a facade is deemed dirty or noncompliant. Compliance would be monitored by sworn municipal inspectors, who could document violations and trigger legal action.

Property owners would receive an initial notice to comply within one month, followed by a second notice granting an additional 15 days. Persistent noncompliance could result in the municipality performing the work and recovering costs through public debt collection procedures.

The draft also extends to vacant land plots, which must be fenced and have perimeter walls painted. Noncompliance would trigger the same enforcement measures.

Beyond repainting, the regulation prohibits displaying items on windows or balconies and bans the visible installation of air conditioning units and antennas on building facades. Municipal services may consult architects and construction professionals to define technical specifications and approved color schemes.

Authorities say the initiative aims to address visual disorder and create a cohesive urban aesthetic, reflecting Casablanca’s identity and improving the cityscape for residents and visitors alike.