Nowon-gu, Unauthorized New Construction and Extension Building Maintenance

From April 6 to July 24, a total of 3,891 building sites were inspected... Prior notices for voluntary correction of violating buildings issued before imposing construction compliance fines

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Nowon-gu (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) is launching a comprehensive crackdown on illegal buildings to create a pleasant urban landscape and residential environment.

The comprehensive inspection, conducted from April 6 to July 24, targets illegal buildings that were constructed or expanded without permission or notification.

Based on the 2019 aerial photo analysis by Seoul City, the district will conduct a thorough investigation of a total of 3,891 illegal buildings located in general areas, greenbelt zones, park areas, and national/public lands. Assigned officials in each neighborhood will check compliance with building permits and notifications under the Building Act, as well as illegal expansions and constructions.

Major violations include unauthorized expansions of balconies, rooftops, and storage rooms; illegal installation of temporary structures such as containers; and unauthorized extensions of stores using panels, awnings, and tents. The investigation will identify the owners, area, structure, and usage of the buildings in question.

If a building is found to be in violation during the on-site inspection, the district will issue a prior notice of disposition, followed by a first correction order, a second correction urging, and a third notice of imposition of a compulsory execution fine to encourage voluntary compliance. If the violation persists, the compulsory execution fine will be imposed until restoration to the original state is completed.

Illegal buildings are recorded in the building register, which restricts various permits and approvals, so special caution is required.

Additionally, when trading illegal buildings, it is essential to confirm in advance whether the current owner will be subject to compulsory execution fines for unauthorized expansions made by previous owners.

The amended Building Act last year strengthened regulations related to fines, including reducing the compulsory execution fine standard for residential buildings from 85㎡ to 60㎡ and abolishing the limit of five times for imposing fines.

For inquiries about whether illegal buildings can be legalized, contact the district’s Architecture Division. For cases where violations have been corrected through voluntary demolition or ownership transfer, contact the Multi-family Housing Support Division.

In February, the district produced 40,000 informational leaflets to prevent illegal buildings and distributed them to apartment complexes and general residences to raise awareness among residents.

District Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, “There are cases where unauthorized expansions or changes of use are made under the recommendation of builders. It is important to consult the district office in advance to avoid damages caused by illegal activities.”