Choi Dae-ho, the mayor of Anyang, expressed on August 19 that he will implement practical administration to protect citizens' property rights and housing stability.
On this day, Mayor Choi announced that starting December 17, a special measure regarding the organization of specific buildings will be temporarily implemented for 18 months. This measure aims to actively support the legal approval of residential specific buildings that were constructed without permits or have not received usage approval.
Mayor Choi is focusing administrative efforts on the legalization of residential specific buildings, emphasizing the protection of citizens' property rights and housing stability.
This initiative is not merely about addressing illegal constructions; it aims to help citizens who have used these homes as their primary residences for a long time fully exercise their property rights.
The mayor stressed that protecting citizens' lives and property is a crucial responsibility of local government and that he will actively support citizens in experiencing the benefits of the legalization system within the limits of the law.
The legalization targets residential specific buildings that were essentially completed before December 31, 2023, and are used for residential purposes for more than 50% of their total floor area.
Specifically, this includes multi-family homes with a dedicated area of 85 square meters or less per unit, single-family homes with a total floor area of 165 square meters or less (up to 330 square meters when the ordinance is enacted), multi-family homes with a total floor area of 660 square meters or less, and neighborhood facilities that are essentially used as residences.
However, not all illegal constructions will be legalized; they must meet relevant laws and safety standards.
Building owners or developers must submit an application with architectural plans and site inspection reports prepared by an architect. The city will then decide on the usage approval after a review by the Building Committee.
The review will take place within 30 days of the application, and applicants can receive their usage approval after paying a fine equivalent to five times the enforcement penalty.
Mayor Choi plans to expedite the establishment of related ordinances to ensure that citizens can practically feel the benefits of the system.
In particular, he intends to include specific criteria in the ordinance to reduce the burden on citizens, such as easing the obligation to install parking facilities, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the legalization.
Additionally, a 'Specific Building Support Center' will be established in November to create a one-stop support system where citizens can receive consultations on eligibility, application procedures, required documents, and Building Committee reviews all in one place.
Reactions from citizens regarding this initiative have been positive.
Citizens who own or reside in homes that have not received usage approval due to circumstances during the construction process expect this special measure to provide an opportunity to alleviate long-standing property rights restrictions.
Citizens have expressed that it is necessary to open pathways for legal usage approval for homes where people actually reside, as long as there are no safety issues, and they anticipate a reduction in inconveniences experienced during property rights exercise, sales, and inheritance processes.
There are also calls for administrative agencies to actively guide citizens to minimize the costs and procedures involved in the application process and to easily verify their eligibility.
In response to these opinions, Mayor Choi plans to strengthen pre-consultation and promotion centered around the support center even before the system is implemented, providing clear guidance on eligible buildings and application methods.
Meanwhile, Mayor Choi emphasized, "I will spare no administrative support to ensure that this special measure can be an opportunity to restore citizens' property rights and enhance housing stability," adding, "We will continuously strengthen promotion and consultation to help eligible citizens actively utilize the system."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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