Ho Chi Minh City Pilots Waiving Construction Permits in Areas with Approved Urban Plans

Ho Chi Minh City’s People’s Committee (HCMC PC) is developing new guidelines that will allow individuals to build private homes in areas with detailed zoning plans without having to apply for traditional construction permits. Instead, residents will be able to submit a construction registration form to local authorities using a standardized template. This initiative is part of the city’s broader commitment to administrative reform in urban management and aligns with the Prime Minister’s directive to simplify procedures and reduce compliance costs.

The new policy, spearheaded by HCMC PC, is expected to be issued in June 2025 and take effect from July 1, 2025, in accordance with Decree 140/2025/NĐ-CP. Under this framework, eligible construction projects can bypass the permitting process, significantly cutting down on time and expense for both individuals and businesses.

The waiver applies to areas with approved 1:500-scale detailed zoning plans or official urban design blueprints. These zones typically come with clearly defined parameters, such as setback lines, height limits, floor allowances, building density, and architectural styles.

Rather than submitting technical drawings and extensive paperwork, individuals will fill out a registration form issued by their ward or commune-level People’s Committee, declaring key information about the planned construction. For example, a property located in a residential alley with a frontage of 5.5 meters and a depth of 13 meters may be eligible for a four-story home, provided it matches a pre-approved structural template designated by the city.

Once the registration is submitted, local authorities will shift from pre-construction approval to post-construction inspection. If the actual construction deviates from the registered details—such as exceeding height limits, infringing on setbacks, or using unapproved designs—the project will not receive a completion certificate, will not qualify for property registration, and may be subject to fines or mandatory demolition.

This mechanism represents a transition from pre-approval to post-checking, helping streamline bureaucracy while maintaining oversight of urban order. Experts have welcomed the move as a progressive step in regulatory reform, though they emphasize that its success depends heavily on the transparent disclosure of planning data at the local level.

It has been proposed that the city standardize model house templates tailored to various land types and neighborhoods. This would help applicants select compliant designs more easily and facilitate post-construction inspections. Additionally, the city is considering a height allowance increase of one additional floor for lots with frontage of at least 5.5 meters and depth of 12 meters or more, aiming to optimize land use in areas with improved infrastructure.

Although no permit is required under this system, construction registration remains a legally binding commitment. Builders must fully understand the planning regulations applicable to their land parcel and ensure compliance with their registered declaration. HCMC plans to work closely with relevant departments to enhance public communication, provide clear guidance, and support residents in navigating the new policy effectively.

By taking the lead in this pilot, Ho Chi Minh City aims to set a positive precedent for other major cities nationwide. The initiative is expected to improve the efficiency of construction investment, reduce red tape, and contribute to a more transparent, orderly, and sustainable urban environment.

Source: VnEconomy