Yeongdeungpo-gu, Illegal Building Renovations and Extensions Regulation

Investigation of 5,217 Buildings Detected in Aerial Survey Photo Analysis for Violations... Voluntary Correction Notices Issued for Violating Buildings; Administrative Measures Including Penalties Imposed if Unresolved

Yeongdeungpo-gu officials conducting on-site investigation based on aerial survey (aerial photography) interpretation of buildings

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Chae Hyun-il) will conduct on-site investigations from this month until July based on aerial photograph analysis of buildings to carry out a comprehensive cleanup of unauthorized extensions and expansions of buildings.

Last July, a multi-level structure that was illegally extended without permission at a club in Gwangju Metropolitan City collapsed, resulting in 2 deaths and 16 injuries.

The district is investigating suspicious illegal buildings identified through aerial photography conducted annually in cooperation with Seoul City to prevent safety accidents caused by such illegal extensions and expansions, raise awareness against reckless illegal construction activities, and establish a proper building culture.

According to the Building Act, it is mandatory to obtain permission or submit a report to the relevant district office before extending or expanding a building, but unauthorized extensions and expansions that do not comply with these regulations are the main violations.

This year, a total of 5,217 cases will be investigated, focusing on △ unauthorized extensions of rooftops, balconies, storage rooms, or other auxiliary buildings △ unauthorized construction of temporary buildings such as containers △ unauthorized installation of temporary structures in front of stores and operating businesses.

If a building is found to be in violation, the building owner will be guided to take corrective action twice. If they fail to comply, administrative measures such as marking the building as ‘illegal building’ in the building register, imposing fines, and restricting various permits and approvals will be enforced to prompt prompt restoration.

Even if the building was extended or expanded without permission or report, if the building itself complies with current regulations, the district will guide the owner through the ratification (post-approval or reporting) process to provide an opportunity for correction, minimizing disadvantages to residents.

The district will implement a responsible investigation system by district area to ensure accurate investigations, produce guidance notices for the prevention of illegal buildings, place them in the district office and community centers, and distribute them to building owners, along with active public awareness campaigns.

Chae Hyun-il, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, stated, “Illegal buildings often lack minimum safety requirements, posing a high risk of major accidents. We will create a living environment that prioritizes residents’ safety through continuous management and maintenance.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.