Seoul Station Area Urban Complex Development Ordinance Passes Committee... Floor Area Ratio Eased Up to 140%

Song Jaehyuk of the Seoul Metropolitan Council:
"Residents Now Have More Options for Urban Complex Development Near Subway Stations"

The Seoul Metropolitan Council has passed an ordinance supporting urban complex development projects near subway stations, providing a new option for residents in areas where development was previously difficult under existing redevelopment projects.

The Urban Planning and Balance Committee of the Seoul Metropolitan Council passed the “Ordinance on Supporting Urban Complex Development in Seoul” on December 19. Assemblyman Song Jaehyuk (Democratic Party, Nowon District 6) stated, “Residents will now have a wider range of choices regarding urban complex development near subway stations.”

Example of Public Contribution Structure under the Urban Complex Development Act. Office of Assemblyman Song Jaehyuk.

The urban complex development project is a new approach that enables the redevelopment of areas that are difficult to develop through traditional methods such as redevelopment or reconstruction. It was first introduced as a public urban complex project in February 2021 and has now been expanded to include the private sector.

Through this project, residents can benefit from relaxed floor area ratios, which can be increased from 120% to 140% of the legal limit, depending on the zoning. If certain conditions are met, the obligation to secure green space can also be waived. The ordinance also eases the area requirements for growth-hub-type and residential-centered urban complex development innovation districts, as well as for apartment complexes, compared to previous development methods.

Assemblyman Song said, “We have reflected the intent of higher-level laws, the unique characteristics of Seoul’s urban core, and residents’ opinions raised during legislative notice and public hearings in the ordinance. I hope the urban complex development project will proceed smoothly, improving residential environments and enabling more efficient use of urban space.”

This ordinance was pursued to stipulate matters delegated by law, following the enactment and enforcement of the “Act on Supporting Urban Complex Development” and its enforcement decree and rules on February 7 of this year. The Seoul Metropolitan Council had been working to enact the ordinance, but faced repeated difficulties due to disagreements with the Seoul city administration.

The ordinance bill limits the mayor’s discretionary authority by requiring that detailed standards necessary for the implementation of the ordinance be set by enforcement rules, in accordance with the intent of higher-level laws and the principle of prohibition of comprehensive delegation.

The ordinance bill, which was approved by the Urban Planning and Balance Committee and submitted to the plenary session on this day, will be finalized after a vote in the plenary session on December 23. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to announce the ordinance on January 5 next year and establish the necessary enforcement rules for its implementation. Urban complex development projects are expected to be able to proceed from the second half of next year.