2020 Aerial Photo Analysis Results: On-site Investigation of 9,213 Illegal Buildings in the Area... Major Violations Include ▲ Unauthorized Rooftop, Warehouse, and Veranda Extensions ▲ Unauthorized Container Construction on Land ▲ Unauthorized Expansion of Business Spaces with Panels, etc.
[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seocho-gu (District Mayor Eunhee Cho) will conduct on-site inspections of illegal buildings based on the analysis of aerial photographs taken by the Seoul Metropolitan Government last year, from May to early July for two months, to prevent safety accidents such as collapse and fire caused by illegal buildings and to improve the cityscape.
This year, a total of 9,213 cases are subject to investigation within the district. The representative types of violations include ▲ unauthorized extensions of rooftop, storage, and veranda spaces ▲ unauthorized construction of containers on the site ▲ unauthorized expansion of business spaces using panels, etc.
The district will thoroughly investigate unauthorized buildings that have been extended or altered without building permits or notifications according to the Building Act, including details such as the owner, location, structure, area, and usage of the unauthorized buildings, and will take administrative actions accordingly.
First, for the illegal buildings identified through approximately two months of on-site inspections, the district plans to issue correction orders to the building owners, granting them sufficient time to restore the buildings to their original state.
Furthermore, for buildings that do not comply with the correction orders within the given period, administrative measures such as registering the violations in the building register, imposing fines for non-compliance, and prosecuting the building owners will be taken to create a safe and pleasant residential environment, with continuous management until the corrections are completed.
A district official emphasized, “It is dangerous to think lightly that unauthorized extensions are acceptable just because others do it. Buildings must be constructed according to legal regulations, prioritizing safety and preparing for unforeseen fires. Even for small-scale extensions or installations of structures, it is necessary to consult the district’s Building Department in advance and follow proper procedures to avoid personal or financial losses.”
He also urged residents, “There may be cases where individuals impersonate public officials during the aerial photo inspection period and demand money in exchange for favors, so careful attention is required.”
Meanwhile, the district will continue to strengthen prevention and publicity activities against illegal buildings in parallel with on-site inspections, and will make every effort to manage legal buildings through crackdowns to eradicate illegal construction activities.
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