Countents
Article 1.Objectives of the Urban Planning Law
Article 4.Principles of Urban Planning
Article 5.Obligations on the Implementation of Urban Plans
Article 7.National Urban Planning
Article 8.Regional Urban Planning
Article 9.Provincial Urban Planning
Article 10.Town Urban Planning
CHAPTER III:URBAN PLANNING REGULATION
SECTION I:REGULATION REGARDING THE USE OF URBAN PLANNING LAND AND CONSTRUCTION
Article 11.Urban Planning Land
Article 12.Reservation or Transfer of Land Zones
Article 13.Allocation of Urban Planning Land Zones
Article 15.Zones Surrounding Towns
Article 17.Town Expansion Zones
Article 18.Town or Municipalities under District Authorities
Article 19.Use of Urban Planning Land
SECTION 2:DETAILED ZONE ALLOCATION
Article 20.Detailed Zone Allocation
Article 21.Allocation of Land Specifically in the Towns
Article 22.Reallocation of Town Sections
Article 23.Allocation of Parcels of Land
Article 24.Towns Established Prior to Having Urban Plans
Article 25.Towns without Urban Plans
Article 26.Newly Established Towns
SECTION 4:AUTHORIZATION AND MANAGEMENT AFTER CONSTRUCTION
Article 27.Authorization for Construction or Major Repairs
Article 28.Compliance Certificates for Construction or Repair
Article 29.Management after Construction or Repair
Article 30.Issuance of Detailed Regulations
CHAPTER IV:INVESTMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES AND SERVICESSYSTEMS
Article 31.Purpose of Investment
CHAPTER V:URBAN PLANNING MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION
SECTION 1:URBAN PLANNING MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES
Article 33.Urban Planning Management Authorities
Article 34.Rights and Duties of the Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction
Article 37.Rights and Duties of District Communication, Transport, Post and Construction Offices
Article 38.Rights and Duties of Village Administrations
Article 39.Dissemination of Urban Plans
SECTION 2:URBAN PLANNING INSPECTION AUTHORITIES
Article 40.Purpose of Urban Planning Inspection
Article 41.Urban Planning Inspection Authorities
Article 42.Content and Methods of Urban Planning Inspection
Article 44.Administrative Disputes
CHAPTER VI:POLICIES FOR PRODUCTIVE PERSONS AND MEASURES AGAINST VIOLATORS
Article 46.Policies for Productive Persons
Article 47.Measures against Violators
Article 49.Compensation for Damages
Article 52.Additional Penalties
Unofficial Translation – Rely on Lao version for authoritative purposes
LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity
National Assembly No. 03/99/NA
Dated 3 April 1999
URBAN PLANNING LAW
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1.Objectives of the Urban Planning Law
The Urban Planning Law determines principles, regulations, and measures regarding the management and use of land, construction and building throughout the country and at the local level to be in compliance with policies and laws, aiming to develop towns in line with the socio-economic development plan, to ensure that all social activities in towns are peaceful, safe and orderly, hygienic, civilized, [and to] protect archeological sites, architecture of a cultural nature as well as to protect the environment and natural landscapes.
Urban planning is the allocation and development of towns, including the establishment of socio-economic, technical and administrative regulations and measures and the maintenance of the environment to be in reasonable harmony and in compliance with socio-economic growth periodically.
Urban planning is comprised of urban plans, analyses and regulations of the management of towns.
Towns, according to this Law, are places of habitation of communities as per the following characteristics:
Towns are divided into 3 levels being:
Article 4.Principles of Urban Planning
Urban planning must be systematized through a harmonized coordination between relevant sectors, local administrative authorities and the public.
Urban planning must suit the level of socio-economic growth of each area, ensuring peace, safety, order, hygienic, convenience, cleanliness, beauty and cultural beliefs of the ethnic minorities, the nation and the environment. Town urban planning must comply with the provincial urban planning. Provincial urban planning must comply with the regional urban planning and regional urban planning must comply with national urban planning.
Article 5.Obligations on the Implementation of Urban Plans
Domestic and foreign individuals and organizations in the Lao PDR are all obliged to strictly implement issued urban plans.
URBAN PLANNING
There are 4 levels of urban planning as follows:
Article 7.National Urban Planning
National urban planning is the establishment of the general directions for long term and medium term throughout the country regarding the determination of zones to build and develop towns, focused socio cultural-economic zones, forest reserves and forest zones, other natural resource zones, national defense and order, road networks etc. according to the distinguished features of according to the special features with regard to geography, population, natural resources, economy and relationships between different parts of the country. The Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction is to study national urban planning in coordination with the relevant sectors and local administrative authorities and then to submit to the Government for consideration and decisions and to submit such to the National Assembly for consideration and adoption.
Article 8.Regional Urban Planning
Regional urban planning is the establishment of the major long term and medium term direction in any region of the country regarding the determination of areas to build and expansion of towns, centralized socio cultural-economic zones, forest reserves and forest zones, other natural resource zones, national defense and zones, road networks etc. according to the special features with regard to geography, population, natural resources, economy. Regional urban planning is more detailed than national urban planning.
The Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction is to study regional urban planning in coordination with relevant sectors and local administrative authorities and then submit to the Government for consideration and approval.
Article 9.Provincial Urban Planning
Provincial urban planning is the establishment of the main long term and medium term principal direction in any province of the country regarding the determination of zones to build and expand the towns, centralized socio cultural- economic zones, forest reserves and forest zones, other natural resource zones, national defense and order zones, road networks etc. according to the special features with regard to geography, population, natural resources, economy. Provincial urban planning is more detailed than regional urban planning. The Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction is to study provincial urban planning in coordination with relevant sectors and local administrative authorities and then to submit to the Government for consideration and approval.
Article 10.Town Urban Planning
Town urban planning is the determination of land areas to build, and expand towns in habitation zones, office zones, agricultural zones, industrial zones, commercial and service zones, transport and communication zones, sports and culture zones, public parks, national defense and order zones, public utilities and services zones etc.
The Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction is to study urban planning of major towns which [are administered] by the central-level authorities in coordination with relevant sectors and authorities of provinces, capital or special zones and discuss with the local people to gather their opinions and submit to the Government for consideration and approval.
The authorities of provinces, capital or special zones are to study the urban planning of towns which [are administered] by provinces, capital or special zones in coordination with relevant sectors and discuss with the local people to gather their opinions and then submit them to the Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction for consideration and approval.
The district authorities are to study urban planning of towns and focused social- economic zones [which are administered by] districts in coordination with relevant sectors and discuss them with the local population to gather their opinion and submit to the authorities of provinces, capital or special zones for consideration and approval.
URBAN PLANNING REGULATION
REGULATION REGARDING THE USE OF URBAN PLANNING LAND AND
CONSTRUCTION
Article 11.Urban Planning Land
Urban planning land is an area of land that has been determined for urban planning in order to develop into a town. The areas of urban planning land include state-owned land, community-owned land, [and] land owned by other organizations or by individuals.
Article 12.Reservation or Transfer of Land Zones
The State has the right to reserve or transfer land to serve the combined interest and perspective development such as: establishment of new communities, construction of roads, industrial zones, agricultural zones, forest reserve zones, tourism zones, national defense and order zones etc.
The State must compensate as appropriate for the transfer of already developed land owned by organizations or individuals [to be used] to serve the public interest.
Article 13.Allocation of Urban Planning Land Zones
Urban plans of towns comprises the following zones: habitation zones, organization office zones, commerce and services zones, public park zones, heritage conservation zones, socio-cultural zones, tourism zones, agricultural zones, industrial zones, national defense and order zones etc.
Town urban planning land is allocated as follows:
Towns or municipalities under the central-level or provincial authorities which is divided in four zones being:
Towns or municipalities under the district authorities are divided into two zones being:
Town centre zones are zones presenting a higher density in terms of levels construction and population than other zones, having green zones and a complete public utilities and services system as well as being the centre of commerce, services, [and] other business operations, excluding the operation of industrial factories of all three levels or warehouse stocks covering a large area.
Town centre zones comprise land for the construction of habitation, places for commerce [and] services, offices etc.
Article 15.Zones Surrounding Towns
Zones surrounding towns are zones presenting a lesser density in terms of level of construction and population than town center zones, having green zones and public utilities and service systems as well as being places of commerce, services, [and] other business operations, excluding the operation of level one and level two industrial factories.
Zones surrounding towns comprise land for the construction of habitation, places for commerce, services, offices, sports stadiums, public parks, socio-cultural places etc.
Outskirts zones are zones located around the zones surrounding towns, presenting a lesser density in terms of levels of construction and population than the zones surrounding towns, having agriculture and handicraft activities and level two and level three industrial factories as well as a significant number of empty zones.
The outskirts zone comprises land for the construction of habitation, offices, places for handicraft [activities], small and medium industries as well as warehouses covering a large area etc.
Article 17.Town Expansion Zones
Town expansion zones are zones located next to, and outward from the outskirt zones, allocated to ensure the expansion of towns, population growth and socio- economic activities.
Town expansion zones comprise land for the construction of habitation, educational institutions, airports, commerce, services, handicrafts, level one industrial factories activities, transport as well as land for agriculture, forestry, serving relaxation, tourism etc.
Article 18.Town or Municipalities under District Authorities
Towns or municipalities under district authorities have similar characteristics to town centre surrounding zones under the central-level authorities or provincial authorities.
Town or municipalities under district authorities comprise land for construction of habitation, offices, commerce, services, handicraft activities, agriculture, small and medium industries etc.
Town expansion zones are allocated to ensure the expansion of towns, population growth and socio-economic activities.
Town expansion zones comprise land for the construction of habitation, educational institutions, airports, commerce, services, handicraft, activities of level one industrial factories, transportation as well as the land for agriculture, forests for relaxation, tourism etc.
Article 19.Use of Urban Planning Land
The use of urban planning land must be in accordance with the type of land as provided for in the Land Law.
Habitation places and offices are aimed to be constructed in areas of hilly land.
Commercial shops, service premises and other businesses in accordance with principles are to be constructed in populated areas where there are business relations, convenient import-export transportation. All construction activities to serve the public must have parking areas.
Agricultural land must be allocated at plain areas, sloping land and at areas reserved for agricultural production.
Industrial activities are to be constructed in lightly populated areas which cover a large area, ensuring safety and the environment.
DETAILED ZONE ALLOCATION
Article 20.Detailed Zone Allocation
In addition to the four zones determined in article 13 above, land for building and construction must also be allocated in a more detailed manner. There are 3 types of allocation being:
Article 21.Allocation of Land Specifically in the Towns
The allocation of land specifically in the towns is the allocation of specific land located within a limited area of urban plans in order to create and expand public utilities and services systems and other socio-economic activities.
An urban plan may cover one or several plans for specific land allocation as deemed necessary.
Article 22.Reallocation of Town Sections
Reallocation of town sections is the allocation, improvement and restoration of non standard town sections as provided by regulations on the use of land in an urban planning zone.
Article 23.Allocation of Parcels of Land
The allocation of parcels of land is the division of parcels of land to ensure that an urban area is peaceful, safe, orderly, attractive, convenient, and in compliance with the urban plan.
TOWNS ESTABLISHED PRIOR TO HAVING URBAN PLANS, TOWNS
WITHOUT URBAN PLANS AND NEWLY ESTABLISHED TOWNS
Article 24.Towns Established Prior to Having Urban Plans
Urban planning for towns established prior to having urban plans must be based on the actual situation of such towns [and] take in to consideration existing constructions presenting cultural and architectural value, which are divided into 3 types being:
Article 25.Towns without Urban Plans
For towns that have not had any urban planning, survey plans must be established [in order to] establish urban plans. The Construction and building must comply with regulations set out by the Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction.
Article 26.Newly Established Towns
For towns that are to be newly established, an urban plan must first be set up. The construction and building must strictly comply with issued urban planning regulation.
AUTHORIZATION AND MANAGEMENT AFTER CONSTRUCTION
Article 27.Authorization for Construction or Major Repairs
Construction or major repair permits are issued to all activities which apply for construction or major repairs authorization in accordance with urban planning regulations such as:
Article 28.Compliance Certificates for Construction or Repair
After completion of construction or repair, the relevant urban planning management authority must conduct inspections [and] if it considers that the inspected constructions or repairs are in compliance with its design and with urban planning regulations, it will issue a compliance certificate.
Article 29.Management after Construction or Repair
After completion of construction or repair, the relevant urban planning management authority must monitor and verify that the constructions or repairs constructions or repair do not violate urban planning regulations.
Article 30.Issuance of Detailed Regulations
The Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction will issue detailed regulations regarding the implementation of urban planning regulations.
INVESTMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
AND SERVICESSYSTEMS
Article 31.Purpose of Investment
Investment in the construction of public utilities and services systems is done to facilitate socio-economic development and to improve living conditions of the public, such as: construction of roads, drainage systems, water supplies, electricity, telephones, sports stadiums, public parks etc.
The State promotes all economic sectors to invest in construction and development of facilities as determined in article 31 above, with investment in the following forms:
URBAN PLANNING MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION
URBAN PLANNING MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES
Article 33.Urban Planning Management Authorities
Urban planning management authorities consist of:
Article 34.Rights and Duties of the Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction
The Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction has the following rights and duties in urban planning management:
Article 35.Rights and Duties of Provincial, Capital and Special Zones Communication, Transport, Post and Construction Divisions
Provincial, capital and special zone communication, transport, post and construction divisions have the following rights and duties in urban planning management:
Article 36.Rights and Duties of Provincial, Capital and Special Zone Urban Administration and Development Authorities
Provincial, capital and special zone urban administration and development authorities have the following rights and duties:
Article 37.Rights and Duties of District Communication, Transport, Post and Construction Offices
District communication, transport, post and construction offices have the rights and duties to manage, implement urban plans as assigned by provincial, capital or special zone communication, transport, posts and construction divisions.
Article 38.Rights and Duties of Village Administrations
Village administrations have the rights and duties to assist district communication, transport, post and construction offices in the implementation of urban plans, village cleaning, orderliness as well as the management of construction and building within their villages.
Article 39.Dissemination of Urban Plans
Urban plans at various levels that have been already approved must be broadly disseminated for the public's notice and strict adherence.
URBAN PLANNING INSPECTION AUTHORITIES
Article 40.Purpose of Urban Planning Inspection
The inspection of the adherence to urban plans at various levels is the inspection of the use of urban planning land, building and construction in compliance with urban planning regulations in order to ensure peace, safety, order, convenience, hygiene, public health, and the attractiveness of towns.
Article 41.Urban Planning Inspection Authorities
The urban planning inspection authorities are the same as the urban planning management authorities as determined in article 33 above.
Article 42.Content and Methods of Urban Planning Inspection
Urban planning inspection is the inspection of the implementation of urban planning regulations, such as: use of urban planning land, construction and building, safety measures, hygiene etc.
There are three types of urban planning inspection as follows:
In inspecting the implementation of urban planning regulations, the urban planning authorities must coordinate with the relevant sectors and local authorities.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
There are two types of disputes that occur regarding the implementation of urban planning regulations as follows:
Article 44.Administrative Disputes
Administrative disputes are disputes regarding the issuance of construction or repair permits, compensation settlements, construction and building that are not in compliance with urban planning regulations and other violations of urban plans of an administrative nature.
Administrative disputes will be solved in accordance with administrative regulations.
Civil disputes are disputes arising from the non compliance of a construction or repair which causes damages to other individuals or organizations and other violations of urban plans of a civil nature.
Civil disputes will be solved by mediation, if such mediation is unsuccessful, the injured party may file a suit with the courts.
POLICIES FOR PRODUCTIVE PERSONS AND MEASURES
AGAINST VIOLATORS
Article 46.Policies for Productive Persons
Individuals or organizations who have contributed to the creation and development of urban plans or have excellent results in the implementation of urban planning regulations will receive compliments or other policies as appropriate.
Article 47.Measures against Violators
Individuals or organizations who violate this Law will be subject to education, liable for compensation of damages, fines or criminal punishment depending on the severity of the case.
Individuals or organizations who have committed minor violations of this Law such as: placement of construction materials, discharge of rubbish, [or] waste outside authorized places, addition or improvement [of building] encroaching upon public places or other minor violations will be subject to warnings and education as well as the obliged to cease or remove the constructions or buildings which are not in compliance with urban planning regulations, depending on the case.
Article 49.Compensation for Damages
Individuals or organizations who violate this Law, causing damages to State assets, the community or of individuals must compensate such damages according to regulations and laws.
Individuals or organizations who violate this Law will be fined as follows: fined at 10 percent of the value of the unauthorized constructed items or repairs. In the event that a construction or repair does not comply with urban plans, the violator must dismantle such construction depending on the case. Individuals or organizations, who have [already] been subject to education measures as provided for in article 48 of this Law but continue their violations, will be also fined.
Any Individual including members of the public and civil servants, whose violation of this Law qualifies as a criminal offense such as: use of fake documents, document counterfeiting, abuse of authority for personal benefit, negligence in function causing damage to life, the health of individuals or State or collective assets [or] non implementation of safety measures causing, death or injury, will be subject to criminal punishment.
Article 52.Additional Penalties
In addition to the penalties as provided for in articles 48, 49, 50 and 51 above, any violator who causes serious damages to the assets of State, community or of individuals will be subject to additional penalties such as: suspension of activities, withdrawal of permit , dismantling of violating construction or repair depending on the cases.
FINAL PROVISIONS
The Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic is responsible for the implementation of the present Law.
This Law shall become effective 90 days from the date that the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic issues the promulgating decree. All regulations, provisions that contradict this Law are hereby repealed. Vientiane, dated 3 April 1999
The President of the National Assembly
[Seal of the National Assembly]
[Signature]
Samane Vignaket
Name | Description | Status |
---|---|---|
Authorization for Construction or Major Repairs | Construction or major repair activities such as construction, building repairs, excavation or land fill; and installation of electricity pylons, telephone pylons, large aerials, high water towers, pedestrian bridges and flyovers, require permits to be issued in accordance with urban planning regulations | Active |
Strict Implementation of Urban Plans | Domestic and foreign individuals and organizations in the Lao PDR must strictly comply with issued urban plans | Active |