Mid-sized Ombudsman Implements Batch Improvement of 384 Local Location Regulations

Easing Floor Area Ratio and Building Coverage Regulations in Traditional Market Maintenance Zones

The Small and Medium Business Ombudsman has collectively improved 384 local location regulations that hinder the startup and growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and small business owners.

On the 15th, Ombudsman Choi Seung-jae held a briefing at the Seoul Government Complex annex to announce these regulatory improvement achievements.

The Small and Medium Business Ombudsman selected 21 improvement tasks in location-related areas such as special provisions for traditional market maintenance zones, automobile sales business registration standards, road connection permits, and parking lots, which are set by local governments through ordinances. As a result of consultations with local governments, 142 local governments agreed to improve 384 cases.

The Small and Medium Business Ombudsman has collectively improved 384 local location regulations that hinder the startup and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners. Small and Medium Business Ombudsman

First, regarding traditional market maintenance projects, the Ombudsman recommended that local governments actively reflect location regulation special provisions that apply more relaxed standards, which had not been incorporated into their ordinances. Ninety-four local governments accepted this recommendation.

Additionally, the requirement for the designation application of alley-type shopping districts, which mandated obtaining consent from more than half of the land and building owners, was proposed to be abolished, and 53 local governments accepted this.

The entry barriers for starting an automobile sales business were also lowered. Some local governments only recognized offices required for automobile sales business registration if they were adjacent to exhibition facilities or located in the same building, but three metropolitan local governments decided to significantly relax this.

Furthermore, by expanding the use and area of off-street parking lot ancillary facilities, which were narrower than higher-level laws, opportunities for small business owners to operate were increased, and the cost burden related to parking lot installation during startup was reduced.

Ombudsman Choi said, "Despite having improved numerous local regulations over many years, there are still many local regulations that need to be revised. We will continue to diligently identify and improve all necessary areas for SMEs and small business owners."