The Seoul Metropolitan Government is moving to lift regulations so that, in areas where redevelopment zones have been lifted, general housing construction projects will only require project plan approval, with district unit plans processed automatically.
On the 27th, the city announced three regulatory reforms: adding areas released from (planned) redevelopment zones to the list of district unit plans subject to the Housing Act, clarifying procedures for the video recording management system for construction projects, and updating signage installation standards for twin-type buildings to reflect current realities.
With this deregulation, when a general housing construction project is pursued in an area where a (planned) redevelopment zone has been lifted, district unit planning will be considered complete upon project plan approval. This change is expected to shorten the housing project authorization period by up to one year, accelerating housing supply. Currently, there are 389 areas in Seoul where (planned) redevelopment zones have been lifted, and the new regulation takes effect immediately.
Typically, once a project plan is approved, it is considered that a district unit plan has been established. However, for released zones, district unit planning was required separately from project plan approval in order to prevent indiscriminate development, which led to overall project delays.
Additionally, the city plans to implement clearer procedures for the video recording management system for construction projects starting in January next year. Currently, Seoul requires that all public construction projects ordered by the city with budgets exceeding 100 million won must record and store video footage of key construction processes to ensure quality and safety. Under the current system, the contractor must prepare a video recording plan before construction begins, which is then reviewed by the construction supervisor and approved by the ordering agency.
Last month, the Korea Specialty Contractors Association requested clarification of approval deadlines, prompting the city to develop practical improvements and remove related regulations. While the existing procedures will be maintained, the system has been revised to require notification of approval decisions within five days unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Furthermore, the city will address restrictions on signage installation for twin-type buildings, which have been regarded as a single building, limiting the installation of separate signs for each unit. From next year, if outdoor advertising is reviewed and approved by the relevant district office, individual signage for each building unit will be permitted.
As the trend toward larger and more complex buildings leads to an increase in multi-building complexes, the city also plans to establish signage installation standards for these types of structures.
Lee Changhyun, Director of Regulatory Innovation Planning at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "These three regulatory reforms are field-oriented improvements that enhance speed and efficiency while protecting safety and the urban landscape. By accelerating the supply of housing and improving convenience for citizens, we aim to contribute to a higher quality of life through creative administration."
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