Low-Rise Residential Remodeling Expanded... Building Coverage Ratio and Building Line Restrictions Removed

Seoul City Removes Building Coverage and Setback Restrictions in 'Remodeling Activation Zones'
Expectations for Faster Zone Designation and Expansion through Simplified Procedures

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] The Seoul Metropolitan Government has abolished restrictions on building coverage ratio and building line to revitalize remodeling of aging low-rise residential areas. The restrictions were removed to allow ratios to be set according to site conditions.

On the 21st, Seoul announced that it has revised and implemented the "Guidelines for Designating Remodeling Activation Zones" and the "Guidelines for Deliberation by the Remodeling Activation Zone Architectural Committee" with these changes.

The remodeling activation zone system is designed to promote extensions and repairs of existing aging buildings that are difficult to construct due to various constraints amid urban densification. When designated as an activation zone, extensions up to 30% of the existing total floor area are allowed, and some regulations such as building coverage ratio and building line are relaxed. The building coverage ratio (the ratio of building area to site area) and building line (the boundary line where construction is permitted) were uniformly applied at a maximum of 30%.

However, due to demands that uniform application makes it difficult to optimize remodeling for each site, the restrictions on building coverage ratio and building line have been lifted. The final ratio will be determined by the architectural committee after reviewing the plan and site conditions during individual permits.

The procedure for designating remodeling activation zones has also been simplified. For urban regeneration activation areas and residential environment reconstruction project zones, the "city/district architectural committee consultation," which is part of the designation process, has been omitted. This eliminates redundant procedures by allowing integrated discussions and processing within the statutory committees for redevelopment projects.

Additionally, the guidelines newly specify that areas where reconstruction or redevelopment has been canceled can also be designated as remodeling activation zones.

Since its introduction under the Building Act in 2011, a total of 38 zones have been designated as remodeling activation zones.

Kim Seongbo, head of the Housing and Architecture Headquarters of Seoul, said, "We will revitalize remodeling of aging buildings, which is on the rise, actively respond to diverse remodeling demands, and improve poor residential environments."

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