Resolution of the Amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the 'National Land Planning Act'
Spatial Innovation Zones to be Introduced from the 7th of Next Month
Up to 20% Relaxation of Floor Area Ratio for New Villages
Selection of Leading Projects and Consulting Support within the Year
South Korea's version of the White Zone (areas with minimal location regulations), called 'Spatial Innovation Zones,' and the pioneering 'New:Village' project aimed at transforming aging low-rise residential areas to apartment-level standards are gaining momentum.
On the morning of the 23rd, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that the Cabinet approved an amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the "National Land Planning and Utilization Act," which includes additional designations for Spatial Innovation Zones and allows private proposals.
Spatial Innovation Zones ease various regulations such as building use, building-to-land ratio, and floor area ratio, allowing for freer development. When the law takes effect on the 7th of next month, three types of Spatial Innovation Zones (Urban Innovation Zones, Mixed-Use Zones, and Urban Planning Facility Complex Zones) will be introduced.
The Ministry added to the designation targets for Spatial Innovation Zones in the enforcement decree, including idle land within urban areas, relocation sites of large-scale facilities such as factories and military bases, and areas designated by local governments through ordinances considering regional conditions. Stakeholders, including residents, can propose the designation of Spatial Innovation Zones (Spatial Restructuring Plans) with the consent of owners holding two-thirds of the land area.
When establishing a Spatial Restructuring Plan, if the area has already been developed or related surveys have been conducted within the past five years, procedures such as basic investigations and environmental reviews may be exempted. Since the Spatial Restructuring Plan aims for multifunctional convergence, single functions such as residential, commercial, or industrial uses must account for less than 70% of the total area of the Spatial Innovation Zone.
Currently, there are 16 candidate sites for Spatial Innovation Zones. Each candidate site is designated as a Spatial Innovation Zone after the local government establishes a Spatial Restructuring Plan, designates a project implementer, and negotiates public contributions. The Ministry supports local governments through consulting.
The enforcement decree also includes provisions to relax floor area ratio limits for the New:Village project. For single-family, row, and multi-family houses being renovated or newly constructed in the designated areas, the floor area ratio can be relaxed up to 1.2 times the legal maximum. The New:Village project plans to select pioneering projects through local government competitions in the second half of the year.
Lee Sang-joo, Director of the Land and Urban Office at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, said, "Spatial Innovation Zones are expected to be new growth hubs harmonizing work, residence, and leisure, contributing to enhancing urban competitiveness and improving residents' quality of life." Regarding the New:Village project, he added, "By granting floor area ratio relaxation benefits and supporting the installation of public infrastructure, we will transform low-rise residential areas into desirable places to live."
At the same Cabinet meeting, an amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the "Automobile Management Act" was also approved. This follows a legal revision allowing defects to be presumed if automobile devices repeatedly cause accidents by operating contrary to the driver's intent and manufacturers fail to submit necessary investigation materials. The amendment will take effect on the 31st of this month.
Previously, even if traffic accidents occurred due to specific automobile devices without casualties, defects were not presumed due to non-submission of materials. However, going forward, if accidents occur due to devices operating contrary to the driver's intent, defects can be presumed regardless of whether casualties occur, if materials are not submitted.
Additionally, to prevent illegal distribution of flood-damaged vehicles and establish sound vehicle scrapping order, new and strengthened fines have been introduced. For example, from the 14th of next month, vehicle dealers employing workers who fail to disclose flood damage will be fined 1 million KRW. However, manufacturers recognized for voluntary efforts to protect consumers and enhance vehicle safety may receive up to a 75% reduction in fines for violations.
The amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the "Act on Support for Housing Vulnerable Groups such as the Disabled and Elderly" was also approved that day. It expands the beneficiaries of convenience facilities installed in housing for vulnerable groups from primarily persons with physical disabilities to include the elderly, and adds two support items (installation of seated shower facilities in bathrooms and adjustment of towel rack heights). The amendment will be implemented immediately upon promulgation and will apply from the time Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) and others begin recruiting residents.
Lee Ki-bong, Director of Housing Welfare Policy at the Ministry, said, "We expect this amendment to somewhat improve housing convenience for vulnerable groups such as the disabled and elderly residing in public rental housing."
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