Ordinance Enacted for Installation of Rural Convergence Facilities
First Nationwide to Establish Permit Guidelines
Sejong City has approved the installation of rural convergence facilities, such as restaurants, by rural convergence industry operators within production management areas in order to revitalize the rural economy.
On June 24, it was announced that the ordinance for the installation of rural convergence facilities within production management areas, proposed by Councilor Kim Hakseo, was finalized following a resolution at the 98th regular session of the Sejong City Council.
With the enactment of this ordinance, it is now possible to install processing, direct sales, dining, experiential, and accommodation facilities necessary for rural convergence industry management within production management areas, which was previously prohibited.
According to Article 8-3 of the Act on Promotion and Support of Rural Convergence Industry, the installation of such rural convergence facilities was possible as stipulated by ordinance. However, it had not been allowed until now because the special ordinance had not been introduced.
Previously, the city had been cautious about introducing the special ordinance due to concerns such as unplanned development at some rural tourism farms. However, in response to field opinions highlighting the stagnation of the rural economy and the difficulties in diversifying the businesses of rural convergence industry operators, the city introduced the special provision of the National Land Planning and Utilization Act through this ordinance.
Notably, in order to minimize side effects such as unplanned development and the abuse of the system through indiscriminate facility operation, the city also established permit guidelines as a preventive measure. This is the first time such guidelines have been introduced by any local government nationwide, ensuring the completeness of the new system.
The business plan, which must be approved by the head of the local government, is required to specify 10 items, including a bird's-eye view, operation plan, and transportation conditions, to verify the necessity and suitability of the facility installation. If the installation of the facility is deemed likely to infringe on public values such as cultural assets, water quality, or landscape, due to private interests, the installation will be restricted.
Facilities installed within production management areas prior to the introduction of the ordinance will not be legalized. Rural convergence industry operators must comply with individual laws and obtain separate business plan approval through additional procedures.
Lee Seungwon, Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs, said, "With the enactment and implementation of the business plan permit guidelines for rural convergence facility installation, location regulations, which have been one of the obstacles to revitalizing the rural convergence industry, have been eased. We expect that creating added value through the convergence of various businesses will invigorate the rural economy."
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