Electric Vehicle Chargers in Development Restriction Zones Exempt from Surcharge Payment

by Choi Daeyul

Published 18 Mar.2025 11:00(KST)

In the future, those who have lived for a long time in development-restricted zones will not have to pay conservation charges when installing electric vehicle charging facilities. Solar energy facilities installed on roofs or rooftops will also change to a system where only notification is required without permission.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 18th that the amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Special Act on the Designation and Management of Development-Restricted Zones, which includes these provisions, was passed at the Cabinet meeting. This was promoted to reduce the inconvenience of residents living in development-restricted zones. It will take effect from the 25th.

Accordingly, those who lived in the development-restricted zone at the time of designation or have lived there for more than 10 years will be exempt from the conservation charge by classifying electric vehicle charging facilities as resident livelihood facilities. The conservation charge is a fund for the conservation and management of development-restricted zones, ranging from 30 million KRW to 2 billion KRW (based on Gyeonggi Province last year). Until now, electric vehicle charging facilities were classified as unavoidable location facilities, with a charge rate of up to 130%.

SK Signet fast charger at a highway rest area. Photo by Yonhap News, provided by SK Signet

Solar power facilities with a horizontal projected area of 50㎡ or less and installed on roofs or rooftops can now be installed by notification only. Currently, installation requires permission without exception.

To operate a restaurant, one must have operated a neighborhood living facility other than a restaurant for more than 5 years, but in the case of relocation due to public interest projects, the management period before and after relocation will be combined and recognized. Previously, only the management period after relocation was recognized.

If a house was destroyed by a disaster, moving and rebuilding in a new location is also allowed. Previously, rebuilding was only permitted on the original land where the house stood, but with this amendment, if ownership is secured within 6 months from the date of the disaster, relocation and rebuilding are possible.

Jang Gujung, Director of the Green City Division at the Ministry of Land, said, "This will contribute to reducing inconveniences in the daily lives of residents in development-restricted zones, expanding the use of eco-friendly energy, and promoting the establishment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure."