HCMC – The HCMC Department of Construction will study proposals to simplify procedures and consider a mechanism to exempt construction permits for private homes suited to the city’s urban characteristics in an effort to address a prolonged backlog of permit applications caused by shortcomings in the legal framework for urban planning.
The proposal was among the key conclusions announced by Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Bui Xuan Cuong following a recent meeting on construction permit issuance across the city.
Currently, permit processing remains inconsistent across localities as many areas in the city still lack detailed 1:500-scale zoning plans, architectural management regulations have yet to be issued, or previous regulatory provisions expired at the end of 2021. As a result, several wards and communes have temporarily suspended receiving applications, citing insufficient legal grounds, creating significant difficulties for residents.
To end this fragmented approach and restore continuity in the process, the city government has assigned the Department of Construction to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture and Environment and the Department of Planning and Architecture to hold an online meeting within May with leaders of 168 wards, communes, and special zones.
The meeting aims to review implementation on the ground and establish a unified approach to permit handling to prevent prolonged inconsistencies among local administrations.
In addition, before June 15, the Department of Construction must issue a standardized handbook outlining application requirements, procedures for receiving and processing permit dossiers for private housing projects.
The handbook will standardize all procedures, from new permit issuance and permit amendments to post-approval inspection and acceptance processes, with the goal of making procedures more convenient for residents while improving transparency and accountability among management agencies.
The department has also been asked to submit proposals within May on a mechanism to exempt construction permits for private homes where appropriate to HCMC’s urban conditions.
The proposal is expected to mark a major administrative reform by shifting oversight from pre-approval controls toward standardized regulations and post-construction inspection, easing procedural burdens for both residents and local authorities.
