Empowering Homeowners to Build Their Dream Abodes

According to architect Tran Ngoc Chinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association and former Deputy Minister of Construction, the proposal to eliminate building permits is justified. He argues that detailed planning already exists, and requiring additional permits is a waste of time and undermines the autonomy of landowners.

Enhanced Post-Construction Inspection

Mr. Chinh emphasizes that while permits may be waived, adherence to the established plans is mandatory. Local authorities are responsible for creating detailed plans for areas that lack them, providing clarity and assurance to residents regarding permissible construction parameters.

The 1/500 detailed planning already stipulates building height ratios, construction density, and setback requirements from the sidewalk. It even specifies the presence and type of basements in certain areas. “In areas with detailed 1/500 planning, residents are exempt from obtaining building permits but must inform local authorities. These authorities, in turn, are tasked with monitoring compliance,” Mr. Chinh explained.

Sharing a similar perspective, Mr. Tong Van Nga, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Construction Association, pointed out the current shortcomings in the permitting process, including complex procedures that consume time and incur costs for applicants. Despite these hurdles, construction order remains chaotic, with widespread violations and deviations from approved designs. Consequently, the decision to eliminate building permits is justified, shifting the focus to stringent post-construction inspections and enforcement.

On June 2, 2025, the Ministry of Construction issued Document No. 4377/BXD-VP to implement the Prime Minister’s Official Dispatch No. 78/CĐ-TTg dated May 29, 2025, on focusing on cutting and simplifying administrative procedures in the construction sector. The document mandates a reduction of at least 30% in processing time, compliance costs, and business conditions during 2025, in line with Resolution No. 66/NQ-CP dated March 26.

The Ministry of Construction has directed a cut in the procedures for granting construction permits for projects with detailed planning at a scale of 1/500 or those in areas with approved urban designs. Additionally, there will be a reduction in the number of projects required to undergo project and design appraisal procedures by specialized construction agencies.

Targeted Corrections for Non-Compliance

Mr. Nguyen Van Su, Head of the Economic, Infrastructure, and Urban Division of Binh Tan District (Ho Chi Minh City), suggested that the current permitting process, which involves two steps—obtaining a construction permit and notifying the ward before construction—could be streamlined. For areas with detailed 1/500 planning, Mr. Su proposed that residents notify the ward of their construction plans. Officials would then guide and record the maximum number of floors and required setbacks in a signed document. Residents would construct their buildings according to this agreement, followed by post-construction inspections to ensure compliance. Any deviations would be promptly addressed through guidance and reminders from the officials.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Nguyen, from the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Planning and Development Association, suggested that instead of obtaining a construction permit, residents should only need to inform local authorities of the start of construction. Residents would be required to adhere to planning and architectural parameters such as building height, construction density, and street frontages. “This approach eliminates the time-consuming process of obtaining a construction permit, replacing it with a pre-construction notification,” Dr. Nguyen explained.

A leader from the Department of Construction of Binh Duong Province acknowledged the positive direction of the initiative to eliminate construction permits. However, he cautioned that careful consideration is necessary to avoid wasteful social resource allocation during the post-construction inspection phase. He proposed leveraging digital technology to enable residents to access comprehensive information about their land plots with a simple query, ensuring compliance even without permits.

Concerns About Post-Construction Inspection

Mr. Do Linh Dan, Director of Linh Dan Real Estate Consulting Company, emphasized the need for careful consideration and detailed guidelines from relevant agencies regarding the elimination of construction permits. Clear regulations must be established and communicated to the public to instill confidence in residents, who might otherwise hesitate to build due to fears of post-construction complications and penalties.

Mr. Dan pointed out that planning regulations vary across localities, and residents might not always be well-versed in these nuances. Understanding local planning regulations regarding street frontages and building heights can be challenging, and obtaining clear confirmation from local agencies can be a cumbersome process, often involving significant effort without receiving a formal confirmation letter.

S.Nhung