City Planning Law of the People's Republic of China (English and Chinese Text)
Major Law
Additional Laws and Regulations
Short Summary
The following translation was retrieved from the PRC Supreme People's Court Web site on October 21, 2004. The Chinese text was retrieved from the same source.
City Planning Law of the People's Republic of China (Adopted at the 11th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Seventh National People's Congress on December 26, 1989, promulgated by order No.23 of the President of the People's Republic of China on December 26, 1989, and effective as of April 1, 1990) CONTENTS CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS CHAPTER II FORMULATION OF THE PLAN FOR A CITY CHAPTER III DEVELOPMENT OF NEW URBAN AREAS AND REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING URBAN AREAS CHAPTER IV IMPLEMENTATION OF CITY PLANNING CHAPTER V LEGAL LIABILITY CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1. This Law is formulated to determine the size of a city, define the orientation of its development, realize the goals of its economic and social development, and map out its plan and carry out its construction on a rational basis in order to meet the needs in socialist modernization. Article 2. This Law shall be observed when the plan for a city is being formulated or implemented, or when construction is being carried out within a planned urban area. Article 3. The term " city " used in this Law applies to a municipality directly under the Central Government, a city or a town established as one of the administrative divisions of the state. The term " a planned urban area " used in this Law applies to an urban district, an inner suburban district or an area needed for urban development and construction as one of the administrative divisions of a city. The scope of a planned urban area shall be determined by the people's government of a city, while compiling a comprehensive plan for the city. Article 4. The state shall guide itself by the principle of strictly controlling the size of large cities and developing medium-sized and small cities to an appropriate extent in the interest of a rational distribution of productive forces and of the population. A " large city " means one which has a non-agricultural population of 500, 000 or more in its urban and inner suburban districts. A " medium-sized city " means one which has a non-agricultural population of over 200,000 but less than 500,000 in its urban and inner suburban districts. A " small city " means one which has a non-agricultural population of less than 200,000 in its urban and inner suburban districts. Article 5. City planning must suit the specific conditions of our country and embody a correct handling of the relationship between short-term and long-term development. The principle of usefulness and economy and of building the country through thrift and hard work must be adhered to in construction in a planned urban area. Article 6. The compilation of the plan for a city shall be based on the plan for national economic and social development as well as the natural environment, resources, historical conditions and present characteristics of the city. The plan shall be a comprehensive one which gives balanced consideration to all factors. The construction of items of urban infrastructure as defined in the plan for a city shall be incorporated into the plan for national economic and social development in accordance with the specified procedure for national capital construction, and shall be carried out step by step in a planned way. Article 7. The comprehensive plan for a city shall be coordinated with territorial planning, regional planning, water space planning and comprehensive planning for the use of land. Article 8. The state shall encourage scientific and technical research in city planning and shall popularize advanced technology in order to raise the scientific and technical level of city planning. Article 9. The competent department of city planning administration under the State Council shall be responsible for city planning throughout the country. The competent departments of city planning administration of the people's governments at or above the county level shall be responsible for city planning in the administrative areas under their jurisdiction. Article 10. All units and individuals shall have the obligation to abide by the plan for a city and shall have the right to report and bring charges against any action that runs counter to such a plan. CHAPTER II FORMULATION OF THE PLAN FOR A CITY Article 11. The competent department of city planning administration under the State Council and the people's governments of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government shall organize the compilation of hierachical urban plan for the whole nation and for the provinces, the autonomous regions and the municipalities directly under the Central Government respectively in order to provide guidance for the compilation of the plans for the cities. Article 12. The people's government of a city shall be responsible for seeing to the compilation of the plan for the same city. The compilation of the plan for a town which is the seat of the people's government of a county shall be taken care of by the same people's government. Article 13. In the compilation of the plan for a city, it shall be necessary to proceed from actual conditions and make a scientific forecast of the needs arising from its long-term development. The size of the city, the standards, norms and criteria for the various items of development, and the development procedure shall conform with the national and local levels of economic and technological development. Article 14. In the compilation of the plan for a city, attention shall be paid to the protection and improvement of the city's ecological environment, the prevention of pollution and other public hazards, the development of greenery and afforestation, the improvement of the appearance and environmental sanitation of urban areas, the preservation of historic and cultural sites, the traditional cityscape, the local characteristics and the natural landscape. In the compilation of the plan for a city in a national autonomous area, attention shall be paid to the preservation of ethnic traditions and local characteristics. Article 15. In the compilation of the plan for a city, the principle of facilitating production, benefiting the people's everyday life, promoting commodity circulation, enriching the economy and promoting advances in science, technology, culture and education shall be adhered to. City planning shall conform with the city's needs for fire-fighting, the prevention of explosions, the mitigation of earthquakes, the prevention of floods and of mud-rock flows, public security, traffic control and civil air defence construction. In areas where strong earthquakes and serious floods are likely to occur, measures for earthquake mitigation and flood prevention must be specified in the plan for a city. Article 16. In the compilation of the plan for a city, the principle of optimal utilization and conservation of land shall be observed. Article 17. For the compilation of the plan for a city, data on exploration and surveying and other necessary basic information shall be made available. Article 18. The plan for a city shall, as a rule, be worked out in two stages, i.e. comprehensive planning and detailed planning. For large and medium-sized cities, district planning may be conducted on the basis of comprehensive planning in order to further control and define the use of land and determine the scope and capacity of each plot and to coordinate the construction of various items of infrastructure and public facilities. Article 19. The comprehensive plan for a city shall cover the designated function of the city, the goals of its development and its projected size, the standards, norms and criteria for its main building structures, the distribution of land used for various construction purposes, the functions of different zones, the overall arrangement for construction, the comprehensive urban transportation system, the system of water spaces and green spaces, the plan for specialized sectors and the plan for immediate construction. The comprehensive plan for a city with a municipal government or for a town serving as the seat of a county government shall include a hierachical urban plan for the administrative divisions of the city or county. Article 20. The detailed plan for a city shall, on the basis of the comprehensive plan for the city or the plan for its different zones, include a concrete plan for the various construction projects to be undertaken in the immediate development area of the city. The detailed plan for a city shall define the scope for the use of land for each construction project within the planned plot and provide the control indexes for building density and building height, the general layout, the comprehensive plan for utilities engineering and the plan for site engineering. Article 21. Plans for cities shall be examined and approved at different levels. The comprehensive plan for a municipality directly under the Central Government shall be submitted by the people's government of the municipality to the State Council for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a city which is the seat of the people's government of a province or of an autonomous region, or for a city which has a population of 1,000,000 or more, or for a city otherwise designated by the State Council shall first be examined and approved by the people's government of the province or the autonomous region and then submitted to the State Council for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a city with a municipal government or for a town serving as the seat of a county government other than those defined in Paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article shall be submitted to the people's government of the province, the autonomous region or the municipality directly under the Central Government for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a town which is the seat of the people's government of a county administered by a municipality shall be submitted to the relevant municipal people's government for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a town with an administrative status other than that defined in the preceding paragraph shall be submitted to the people's government of the relevant county for examination and approval. The people's government of a city or of a county must submit the comprehensive plan for a city to the people's congress at the corresponding level or its standing committee for examination and approval before submitting it to the people's government at a higher level for examination and approval. The plan for a district of a city shall be examined and approved by the people's government of the city. The detailed plan for a city shall be examined and approved by the people 's government of the city. The detailed plan for a city which has a district plan shall be submitted to the competent department of city planning administration of the people's government of the city for examination and approval, with the exception of important detailed plans which shall be submitted to the people's government of the city for examination and approval. Article 22. The people's government of a city may make partial readjustments in the comprehensive plan for the city according to needs arising from the city's economic and social development, and the comprehensive plan thus readjusted shall be submitted to the standing committee of the people's congress at the corresponding level and to the authority which originally approved the plan for the record. Major readjustments which involve the designated function of the city, its size, the orientation of its development or its overall layout shall be examined and approved by the people's congress at the corresponding level or its standing committee before they are submitted to the authority which originally approved the plan for examination and approval. CHAPTER III DEVELOPMENT OF NEW URBAN AREAS AND REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING URBAN AREAS Article 23. In the development of new urban areas and the redevelopment of existing urban areas, the principles of unified planning, a rational layout, consideration of local conditions, comprehensive development and the coordinated construction of support facilities must be adhered to. The selection and determination of sites for construction projects may not hinder the development of a city, endanger its safety, cause pollution or a deterioration of its environment or affect the coordination of its various functions. Article 24. The marshalling yards for newly built railways, trunk lines for freight trains, transit highways, airports and important military establishments shall be built away from the urban districts. In the construction of harbours, consideration shall be given to the rational allocation and utilization of a city's water front, and the availability of a section of the water front for activities other than production shall be guaranteed. Article 25. The development of new urban areas shall be carried out in localities where there are conditions for construction like ample water and energy resources, transportation facilities and means of preventing disasters. Mineral reserves and underground cultural relics and historical sites shall be avoided. Article 26. In the development of new urban areas, rational use shall be made of the existing facilities of a city. Article 27. In the redevelopment of existing urban areas, the principles of good maintenance, rational utilization, readjustment of the layout and gradual improvement shall be adhered to. Redevelopment shall be carried out by stages on a unified plan. The residential and transportation conditions in the existing urban areas shall be improved step by step, and special attention shall be given to the construction of the infrastructure and public facilities so as to enhance the multiple functions of the city. CHAPTER IV IMPLEMENTATION OF CITY PLANNING Article 28. The plan for a city shall be announced by the people's government of the city after it is approved. Article 29. The use of land and all development projects within a planned urban area must conform to the plan for a city and must be subjected to planning administration. Article 30. The location and layout of construction projects within a planned urban area must conform to the plan for a city. The design programme submitted for approval must be accompanied by the statement of opinion on the location issued by the competent department of city planning administration. Article 31. When applying for the use of land for a construction project in a planned urban area, the unit or individual undertaking construction must produce documents stating the approval of the project by the relevant government authorities and apply to the competent department of city planning administration for the determination of a location for the construction project. The competent department of city planning administration shall determine the site and its boundary, provide the facilities for planning and designing, and issue a permit for the planned use of land for construction. Only after acquiring the permit for the planned use of land for construction, may the unit or individual undertaking construction apply for the use of land to the land administration department of the local people's government at or above the county level. After the application is examined and approved by the people's government at or above the county level, land shall be allocated by the department of land administration. Article 32. For the construction of a new building, structure, road, pipeline and cable or any other engineering works, its extension or its alteration within a planned urban area, application shall be submitted to the competent department of the city planning administration together with the related documents of approval. The competent department of city planning administration shall issue a permit for a planned construction project according to the planning and design requirements defined in the plan for the city. The unit or individual undertaking construction may not apply for the performance of the procedure for the beginning of construction until after acquiring the permit for a planned construction project. Article 33. A temporary structure erected within a planned urban area must be demolished within the approved period of time for its use. Measures for the planning and administration of temporary structures and land for temporary use shall be formulated by the people's governments of the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government. The construction of permanent buildings, structures and other installations shall be banned on land granted for temporary use. Article 34. All units and individuals must obey the decisions on readjustments in the use of land made by the people's government of a city according to the plan for the city. Article 35. No unit or individual may undertake construction on a road or a public square, in a green space, in a high-voltage power supply corridor, or by cutting into the space for underground pipelines and cables. Article 36. The excavation of sand and gravel and of earth within a planned urban area shall be approved by the competent administrative authorities. No such activity may cause damage to the urban environment or produce a negative effect on city planning. Article 37. The competent department of city planning administration shall be empowered to inspect the construction projects in a planned urban area to see if they conform to the requirements of the plan for a city. The party subject to inspection shall state the actual situation and provide the necessary data. The party conducting inspection shall be obliged to keep technical and business secrets for the party subject to inspection. Article 38. The competent department of city planning administration may participate in the checking and acceptance of important development projects within a planned urban area. The construction unit shall submit to the competent department of city planning administration documents related to the completion of a development project within a planned urban area within six months of the checking and acceptance of the project. CHAPTER V LEGAL LIABILITY Article 39. If, within a planned urban area, land is occupied and used after the acquisition of documents of approval for the use of land for construction but without the acquisition of a permit for the planned use of land for construction, such documents of approval shall be declared invalid, and the land occupied shall be returned by order of a people's government at or above the county level. Article 40. Construction which is undertaken within a planned urban area without a permit for a planned construction project or not in line with the requirements stated in the permit and which seriously affects city planning shall, by order of the competent department of city planning administration of the local people's government at or above the county level, be suspended, removed within a prescribed period of time or be punishable by the confiscation of illegal buildings, structures or facilities; construction which affects city planning but can still be remedied shall, by order of the competent department of city planning administration of the local people's government at or above the county level, be corrected within a prescribed period of time and be concurrently punishable by a fine. Article 41. A person responsible for constructing a project without a permit for a planned construction project or not in line with the requirements in the permit may be given administrative sanction by the organization where he works or by the competent authority at a higher level. Article 42. A party refusing to accept the decision on administrative sanction may, within 15 days of receiving the notification on such a decision, apply for reconsideration to the department next higher to the authorities that decided on the sanction; if the party refuses to accept the decision of reconsideration, it may, within 15 days of receiving the reconsideration decision, bring a suit before a people's court. A party may also bring a suit directly before a people's court within 15 days of receiving the notification on the sanction. If, upon the expiration of this period, the party has not applied for reconsideration or has neither brought a suit before a people's court nor complied with the sanction, the authorities that decided on the sanction may apply to the people's court for compulsory enforcement. Article 43. Any member of a competent department of city planning administration who neglects his duty, abuses his power or engages in malpractices for personal gains shall be given administrative sanction by the unit to which he belongs or by the competent higher authorities; if his act constitutes a crime, he shall be investigated for criminal responsibility according to law. CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS Article 44. This Law may be referred to for a residents' community in an industrial or mining district without the administrative status of a town. Article 45. Rules for the implementation of this Law shall be formulated, pursuant to this Law, by the competent department of city planning administration under the State Council, and shall be implemented after they are submitted to and approved by the State Council. Measures for the implementation of this Law may be formulated, pursuant to this Law, by the standing committees of the people's congresses of the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government. Article 46. This Law shall enter into force as of April 1, 1990. The Regulations on City Planning promulgated by the State Council shall be abrogated therefrom. CITY PLANNING LAW OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (Adopted at the 11th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Seventh National People's Congress on December 26, 1989, promulgated by order No.23 of the President of the People's Republic of China on December 26, 1989, and effective as of April 1, 1990) CONTENTS CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS CHAPTER II FORMULATION OF THE PLAN FOR A CITY CHAPTER III DEVELOPMENT OF NEW URBAN AREAS AND REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING URBAN AREAS CHAPTER IV IMPLEMENTATION OF CITY PLANNING CHAPTER V LEGAL LIABILITY CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1. This Law is formulated to determine the size of a city, define the orientation of its development, realize the goals of its economic and social development, and map out its plan and carry out its construction on a rational basis in order to meet the needs in socialist modernization. Article 2. This Law shall be observed when the plan for a city is being formulated or implemented, or when construction is being carried out within a planned urban area. Article 3. The term " city " used in this Law applies to a municipality directly under the Central Government, a city or a town established as one of the administrative divisions of the state. The term " a planned urban area " used in this Law applies to an urban district, an inner suburban district or an area needed for urban development and construction as one of the administrative divisions of a city. The scope of a planned urban area shall be determined by the people's government of a city, while compiling a comprehensive plan for the city. Article 4. The state shall guide itself by the principle of strictly controlling the size of large cities and developing medium-sized and small cities to an appropriate extent in the interest of a rational distribution of productive forces and of the population. A " large city " means one which has a non-agricultural population of 500, 000 or more in its urban and inner suburban districts. A " medium-sized city " means one which has a non-agricultural population of over 200,000 but less than 500,000 in its urban and inner suburban districts. A " small city " means one which has a non-agricultural population of less than 200,000 in its urban and inner suburban districts. Article 5. City planning must suit the specific conditions of our country and embody a correct handling of the relationship between short-term and long-term development. The principle of usefulness and economy and of building the country through thrift and hard work must be adhered to in construction in a planned urban area. Article 6. The compilation of the plan for a city shall be based on the plan for national economic and social development as well as the natural environment, resources, historical conditions and present characteristics of the city. The plan shall be a comprehensive one which gives balanced consideration to all factors. The construction of items of urban infrastructure as defined in the plan for a city shall be incorporated into the plan for national economic and social development in accordance with the specified procedure for national capital construction, and shall be carried out step by step in a planned way. Article 7. The comprehensive plan for a city shall be coordinated with territorial planning, regional planning, water space planning and comprehensive planning for the use of land. Article 8. The state shall encourage scientific and technical research in city planning and shall popularize advanced technology in order to raise the scientific and technical level of city planning. Article 9. The competent department of city planning administration under the State Council shall be responsible for city planning throughout the country. The competent departments of city planning administration of the people's governments at or above the county level shall be responsible for city planning in the administrative areas under their jurisdiction. Article 10. All units and individuals shall have the obligation to abide by the plan for a city and shall have the right to report and bring charges against any action that runs counter to such a plan. CHAPTER II FORMULATION OF THE PLAN FOR A CITY Article 11. The competent department of city planning administration under the State Council and the people's governments of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government shall organize the compilation of hierachical urban plan for the whole nation and for the provinces, the autonomous regions and the municipalities directly under the Central Government respectively in order to provide guidance for the compilation of the plans for the cities. Article 12. The people's government of a city shall be responsible for seeing to the compilation of the plan for the same city. The compilation of the plan for a town which is the seat of the people's government of a county shall be taken care of by the same people's government. Article 13. In the compilation of the plan for a city, it shall be necessary to proceed from actual conditions and make a scientific forecast of the needs arising from its long-term development. The size of the city, the standards, norms and criteria for the various items of development, and the development procedure shall conform with the national and local levels of economic and technological development. Article 14. In the compilation of the plan for a city, attention shall be paid to the protection and improvement of the city's ecological environment, the prevention of pollution and other public hazards, the development of greenery and afforestation, the improvement of the appearance and environmental sanitation of urban areas, the preservation of historic and cultural sites, the traditional cityscape, the local characteristics and the natural landscape. In the compilation of the plan for a city in a national autonomous area, attention shall be paid to the preservation of ethnic traditions and local characteristics. Article 15. In the compilation of the plan for a city, the principle of facilitating production, benefiting the people's everyday life, promoting commodity circulation, enriching the economy and promoting advances in science, technology, culture and education shall be adhered to. City planning shall conform with the city's needs for fire-fighting, the prevention of explosions, the mitigation of earthquakes, the prevention of floods and of mud-rock flows, public security, traffic control and civil air defence construction. In areas where strong earthquakes and serious floods are likely to occur, measures for earthquake mitigation and flood prevention must be specified in the plan for a city. Article 16. In the compilation of the plan for a city, the principle of optimal utilization and conservation of land shall be observed. Article 17. For the compilation of the plan for a city, data on exploration and surveying and other necessary basic information shall be made available. Article 18. The plan for a city shall, as a rule, be worked out in two stages, i.e. comprehensive planning and detailed planning. For large and medium-sized cities, district planning may be conducted on the basis of comprehensive planning in order to further control and define the use of land and determine the scope and capacity of each plot and to coordinate the construction of various items of infrastructure and public facilities. Article 19. The comprehensive plan for a city shall cover the designated function of the city, the goals of its development and its projected size, the standards, norms and criteria for its main building structures, the distribution of land used for various construction purposes, the functions of different zones, the overall arrangement for construction, the comprehensive urban transportation system, the system of water spaces and green spaces, the plan for specialized sectors and the plan for immediate construction. The comprehensive plan for a city with a municipal government or for a town serving as the seat of a county government shall include a hierachical urban plan for the administrative divisions of the city or county. Article 20. The detailed plan for a city shall, on the basis of the comprehensive plan for the city or the plan for its different zones, include a concrete plan for the various construction projects to be undertaken in the immediate development area of the city. The detailed plan for a city shall define the scope for the use of land for each construction project within the planned plot and provide the control indexes for building density and building height, the general layout, the comprehensive plan for utilities engineering and the plan for site engineering. Article 21. Plans for cities shall be examined and approved at different levels. The comprehensive plan for a municipality directly under the Central Government shall be submitted by the people's government of the municipality to the State Council for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a city which is the seat of the people's government of a province or of an autonomous region, or for a city which has a population of 1,000,000 or more, or for a city otherwise designated by the State Council shall first be examined and approved by the people's government of the province or the autonomous region and then submitted to the State Council for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a city with a municipal government or for a town serving as the seat of a county government other than those defined in Paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article shall be submitted to the people's government of the province, the autonomous region or the municipality directly under the Central Government for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a town which is the seat of the people's government of a county administered by a municipality shall be submitted to the relevant municipal people's government for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a town with an administrative status other than that defined in the preceding paragraph shall be submitted to the people's government of the relevant county for examination and approval. The people's government of a city or of a county must submit the comprehensive plan for a city to the people's congress at the corresponding level or its standing committee for examination and approval before submitting it to the people's government at a higher level for examination and approval. The plan for a district of a city shall be examined and approved by the people's government of the city. The detailed plan for a city shall be examined and approved by the people 's government of the city. The detailed plan for a city which has a district plan shall be submitted to the competent department of city planning administration of the people's government of the city for examination and approval, with the exception of important detailed plans which shall be submitted to the people's government of the city for examination and approval. Article 22. The people's government of a city may make partial readjustments in the comprehensive plan for the city according to needs arising from the city's economic and social development, and the comprehensive plan thus readjusted shall be submitted to the standing committee of the people's congress at the corresponding level and to the authority which originally approved the plan for the record. Major readjustments which involve the designated function of the city, its size, the orientation of its development or its overall layout shall be examined and approved by the people's congress at the corresponding level or its standing committee before they are submitted to the authority which originally approved the plan for examination and approval. CHAPTER III DEVELOPMENT OF NEW URBAN AREAS AND REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING URBAN AREAS Article 23. In the development of new urban areas and the redevelopment of existing urban areas, the principles of unified planning, a rational layout, consideration of local conditions, comprehensive development and the coordinated construction of support facilities must be adhered to. The selection and determination of sites for construction projects may not hinder the development of a city, endanger its safety, cause pollution or a deterioration of its environment or affect the coordination of its various functions. Article 24. The marshalling yards for newly built railways, trunk lines for freight trains, transit highways, airports and important military establishments shall be built away from the urban districts. In the construction of harbours, consideration shall be given to the rational allocation and utilization of a city's water front, and the availability of a section of the water front for activities other than production shall be guaranteed. Article 25. The development of new urban areas shall be carried out in localities where there are conditions for construction like ample water and energy resources, transportation facilities and means of preventing disasters. Mineral reserves and underground cultural relics and historical sites shall be avoided. Article 26. In the development of new urban areas, rational use shall be made of the existing facilities of a city. Article 27. In the redevelopment of existing urban areas, the principles of good maintenance, rational utilization, readjustment of the layout and gradual improvement shall be adhered to. Redevelopment shall be carried out by stages on a unified plan. The residential and transportation conditions in the existing urban areas shall be improved step by step, and special attention shall be given to the construction of the infrastructure and public facilities so as to enhance the multiple functions of the city. CHAPTER IV IMPLEMENTATION OF CITY PLANNING Article 28. The plan for a city shall be announced by the people's government of the city after it is approved. Article 29. The use of land and all development projects within a planned urban area must conform to the plan for a city and must be subjected to planning administration. Article 30. The location and layout of construction projects within a planned urban area must conform to the plan for a city. The design programme submitted for approval must be accompanied by the statement of opinion on the location issued by the competent department of city planning administration. Article 31. When applying for the use of land for a construction project in a planned urban area, the unit or individual undertaking construction must produce documents stating the approval of the project by the relevant government authorities and apply to the competent department of city planning administration for the determination of a location for the construction project. The competent department of city planning administration shall determine the site and its boundary, provide the facilities for planning and designing, and issue a permit for the planned use of land for construction. Only after acquiring the permit for the planned use of land for construction, may the unit or individual undertaking construction apply for the use of land to the land administration department of the local people's government at or above the county level. After the application is examined and approved by the people's government at or above the county level, land shall be allocated by the department of land administration. Article 32. For the construction of a new building, structure, road, pipeline and cable or any other engineering works, its extension or its alteration within a planned urban area, application shall be submitted to the competent department of the city planning administration together with the related documents of approval. The competent department of city planning administration shall issue a permit for a planned construction project according to the planning and design requirements defined in the plan for the city. The unit or individual undertaking construction may not apply for the performance of the procedure for the beginning of construction until after acquiring the permit for a planned construction project. Article 33. A temporary structure erected within a planned urban area must be demolished within the approved period of time for its use. Measures for the planning and administration of temporary structures and land for temporary use shall be formulated by the people's governments of the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government. The construction of permanent buildings, structures and other installations shall be banned on land granted for temporary use. Article 34. All units and individuals must obey the decisions on readjustments in the use of land made by the people's government of a city according to the plan for the city. Article 35. No unit or individual may undertake construction on a road or a public square, in a green space, in a high-voltage power supply corridor, or by cutting into the space for underground pipelines and cables. Article 36. The excavation of sand and gravel and of earth within a planned urban area shall be approved by the competent administrative authorities. No such activity may cause damage to the urban environment or produce a negative effect on city planning. Article 37. The competent department of city planning administration shall be empowered to inspect the construction projects in a planned urban area to see if they conform to the requirements of the plan for a city. The party subject to inspection shall state the actual situation and provide the necessary data. The party conducting inspection shall be obliged to keep technical and business secrets for the party subject to inspection. Article 38. The competent department of city planning administration may participate in the checking and acceptance of important development projects within a planned urban area. The construction unit shall submit to the competent department of city planning administration documents related to the completion of a development project within a planned urban area within six months of the checking and acceptance of the project. CHAPTER V LEGAL LIABILITY Article 39. If, within a planned urban area, land is occupied and used after the acquisition of documents of approval for the use of land for construction but without the acquisition of a permit for the planned use of land for construction, such documents of approval shall be declared invalid, and the land occupied shall be returned by order of a people's government at or above the county level. Article 40. Construction which is undertaken within a planned urban area without a permit for a planned construction project or not in line with the requirements stated in the permit and which seriously affects city planning shall, by order of the competent department of city planning administration of the local people's government at or above the county level, be suspended, removed within a prescribed period of time or be punishable by the confiscation of illegal buildings, structures or facilities; construction which affects city planning but can still be remedied shall, by order of the competent department of city planning administration of the local people's government at or above the county level, be corrected within a prescribed period of time and be concurrently punishable by a fine. Article 41. A person responsible for constructing a project without a permit for a planned construction project or not in line with the requirements in the permit may be given administrative sanction by the organization where he works or by the competent authority at a higher level. Article 42. A party refusing to accept the decision on administrative sanction may, within 15 days of receiving the notification on such a decision, apply for reconsideration to the department next higher to the authorities that decided on the sanction; if the party refuses to accept the decision of reconsideration, it may, within 15 days of receiving the reconsideration decision, bring a suit before a people's court. A party may also bring a suit directly before a people's court within 15 days of receiving the notification on the sanction. If, upon the expiration of this period, the party has not applied for reconsideration or has neither brought a suit before a people's court nor complied with the sanction, the authorities that decided on the sanction may apply to the people's court for compulsory enforcement. Article 43. Any member of a competent department of city planning administration who neglects his duty, abuses his power or engages in malpractices for personal gains shall be given administrative sanction by the unit to which he belongs or by the competent higher authorities; if his act constitutes a crime, he shall be investigated for criminal responsibility according to law. CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS Article 44. This Law may be referred to for a residents' community in an industrial or mining district without the administrative status of a town. Article 45. Rules for the implementation of this Law shall be formulated, pursuant to this Law, by the competent department of city planning administration under the State Council, and shall be implemented after they are submitted to and approved by the State Council. Measures for the implementation of this Law may be formulated, pursuant to this Law, by the standing committees of the people's congresses of the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government. Article 46. This Law shall enter into force as of April 1, 1990. The Regulations on City Planning promulgated by the State Council shall be abrogated therefrom.
City Planning Law of the People's Republic of China (Adopted at the 11th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Seventh National People's Congress on December 26, 1989, promulgated by order No.23 of the President of the People's Republic of China on December 26, 1989, and effective as of April 1, 1990) CONTENTS CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS CHAPTER II FORMULATION OF THE PLAN FOR A CITY CHAPTER III DEVELOPMENT OF NEW URBAN AREAS AND REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING URBAN AREAS CHAPTER IV IMPLEMENTATION OF CITY PLANNING CHAPTER V LEGAL LIABILITY CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1. This Law is formulated to determine the size of a city, define the orientation of its development, realize the goals of its economic and social development, and map out its plan and carry out its construction on a rational basis in order to meet the needs in socialist modernization. Article 2. This Law shall be observed when the plan for a city is being formulated or implemented, or when construction is being carried out within a planned urban area. Article 3. The term " city " used in this Law applies to a municipality directly under the Central Government, a city or a town established as one of the administrative divisions of the state. The term " a planned urban area " used in this Law applies to an urban district, an inner suburban district or an area needed for urban development and construction as one of the administrative divisions of a city. The scope of a planned urban area shall be determined by the people's government of a city, while compiling a comprehensive plan for the city. Article 4. The state shall guide itself by the principle of strictly controlling the size of large cities and developing medium-sized and small cities to an appropriate extent in the interest of a rational distribution of productive forces and of the population. A " large city " means one which has a non-agricultural population of 500, 000 or more in its urban and inner suburban districts. A " medium-sized city " means one which has a non-agricultural population of over 200,000 but less than 500,000 in its urban and inner suburban districts. A " small city " means one which has a non-agricultural population of less than 200,000 in its urban and inner suburban districts. Article 5. City planning must suit the specific conditions of our country and embody a correct handling of the relationship between short-term and long-term development. The principle of usefulness and economy and of building the country through thrift and hard work must be adhered to in construction in a planned urban area. Article 6. The compilation of the plan for a city shall be based on the plan for national economic and social development as well as the natural environment, resources, historical conditions and present characteristics of the city. The plan shall be a comprehensive one which gives balanced consideration to all factors. The construction of items of urban infrastructure as defined in the plan for a city shall be incorporated into the plan for national economic and social development in accordance with the specified procedure for national capital construction, and shall be carried out step by step in a planned way. Article 7. The comprehensive plan for a city shall be coordinated with territorial planning, regional planning, water space planning and comprehensive planning for the use of land. Article 8. The state shall encourage scientific and technical research in city planning and shall popularize advanced technology in order to raise the scientific and technical level of city planning. Article 9. The competent department of city planning administration under the State Council shall be responsible for city planning throughout the country. The competent departments of city planning administration of the people's governments at or above the county level shall be responsible for city planning in the administrative areas under their jurisdiction. Article 10. All units and individuals shall have the obligation to abide by the plan for a city and shall have the right to report and bring charges against any action that runs counter to such a plan. CHAPTER II FORMULATION OF THE PLAN FOR A CITY Article 11. The competent department of city planning administration under the State Council and the people's governments of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government shall organize the compilation of hierachical urban plan for the whole nation and for the provinces, the autonomous regions and the municipalities directly under the Central Government respectively in order to provide guidance for the compilation of the plans for the cities. Article 12. The people's government of a city shall be responsible for seeing to the compilation of the plan for the same city. The compilation of the plan for a town which is the seat of the people's government of a county shall be taken care of by the same people's government. Article 13. In the compilation of the plan for a city, it shall be necessary to proceed from actual conditions and make a scientific forecast of the needs arising from its long-term development. The size of the city, the standards, norms and criteria for the various items of development, and the development procedure shall conform with the national and local levels of economic and technological development. Article 14. In the compilation of the plan for a city, attention shall be paid to the protection and improvement of the city's ecological environment, the prevention of pollution and other public hazards, the development of greenery and afforestation, the improvement of the appearance and environmental sanitation of urban areas, the preservation of historic and cultural sites, the traditional cityscape, the local characteristics and the natural landscape. In the compilation of the plan for a city in a national autonomous area, attention shall be paid to the preservation of ethnic traditions and local characteristics. Article 15. In the compilation of the plan for a city, the principle of facilitating production, benefiting the people's everyday life, promoting commodity circulation, enriching the economy and promoting advances in science, technology, culture and education shall be adhered to. City planning shall conform with the city's needs for fire-fighting, the prevention of explosions, the mitigation of earthquakes, the prevention of floods and of mud-rock flows, public security, traffic control and civil air defence construction. In areas where strong earthquakes and serious floods are likely to occur, measures for earthquake mitigation and flood prevention must be specified in the plan for a city. Article 16. In the compilation of the plan for a city, the principle of optimal utilization and conservation of land shall be observed. Article 17. For the compilation of the plan for a city, data on exploration and surveying and other necessary basic information shall be made available. Article 18. The plan for a city shall, as a rule, be worked out in two stages, i.e. comprehensive planning and detailed planning. For large and medium-sized cities, district planning may be conducted on the basis of comprehensive planning in order to further control and define the use of land and determine the scope and capacity of each plot and to coordinate the construction of various items of infrastructure and public facilities. Article 19. The comprehensive plan for a city shall cover the designated function of the city, the goals of its development and its projected size, the standards, norms and criteria for its main building structures, the distribution of land used for various construction purposes, the functions of different zones, the overall arrangement for construction, the comprehensive urban transportation system, the system of water spaces and green spaces, the plan for specialized sectors and the plan for immediate construction. The comprehensive plan for a city with a municipal government or for a town serving as the seat of a county government shall include a hierachical urban plan for the administrative divisions of the city or county. Article 20. The detailed plan for a city shall, on the basis of the comprehensive plan for the city or the plan for its different zones, include a concrete plan for the various construction projects to be undertaken in the immediate development area of the city. The detailed plan for a city shall define the scope for the use of land for each construction project within the planned plot and provide the control indexes for building density and building height, the general layout, the comprehensive plan for utilities engineering and the plan for site engineering. Article 21. Plans for cities shall be examined and approved at different levels. The comprehensive plan for a municipality directly under the Central Government shall be submitted by the people's government of the municipality to the State Council for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a city which is the seat of the people's government of a province or of an autonomous region, or for a city which has a population of 1,000,000 or more, or for a city otherwise designated by the State Council shall first be examined and approved by the people's government of the province or the autonomous region and then submitted to the State Council for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a city with a municipal government or for a town serving as the seat of a county government other than those defined in Paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article shall be submitted to the people's government of the province, the autonomous region or the municipality directly under the Central Government for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a town which is the seat of the people's government of a county administered by a municipality shall be submitted to the relevant municipal people's government for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a town with an administrative status other than that defined in the preceding paragraph shall be submitted to the people's government of the relevant county for examination and approval. The people's government of a city or of a county must submit the comprehensive plan for a city to the people's congress at the corresponding level or its standing committee for examination and approval before submitting it to the people's government at a higher level for examination and approval. The plan for a district of a city shall be examined and approved by the people's government of the city. The detailed plan for a city shall be examined and approved by the people 's government of the city. The detailed plan for a city which has a district plan shall be submitted to the competent department of city planning administration of the people's government of the city for examination and approval, with the exception of important detailed plans which shall be submitted to the people's government of the city for examination and approval. Article 22. The people's government of a city may make partial readjustments in the comprehensive plan for the city according to needs arising from the city's economic and social development, and the comprehensive plan thus readjusted shall be submitted to the standing committee of the people's congress at the corresponding level and to the authority which originally approved the plan for the record. Major readjustments which involve the designated function of the city, its size, the orientation of its development or its overall layout shall be examined and approved by the people's congress at the corresponding level or its standing committee before they are submitted to the authority which originally approved the plan for examination and approval. CHAPTER III DEVELOPMENT OF NEW URBAN AREAS AND REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING URBAN AREAS Article 23. In the development of new urban areas and the redevelopment of existing urban areas, the principles of unified planning, a rational layout, consideration of local conditions, comprehensive development and the coordinated construction of support facilities must be adhered to. The selection and determination of sites for construction projects may not hinder the development of a city, endanger its safety, cause pollution or a deterioration of its environment or affect the coordination of its various functions. Article 24. The marshalling yards for newly built railways, trunk lines for freight trains, transit highways, airports and important military establishments shall be built away from the urban districts. In the construction of harbours, consideration shall be given to the rational allocation and utilization of a city's water front, and the availability of a section of the water front for activities other than production shall be guaranteed. Article 25. The development of new urban areas shall be carried out in localities where there are conditions for construction like ample water and energy resources, transportation facilities and means of preventing disasters. Mineral reserves and underground cultural relics and historical sites shall be avoided. Article 26. In the development of new urban areas, rational use shall be made of the existing facilities of a city. Article 27. In the redevelopment of existing urban areas, the principles of good maintenance, rational utilization, readjustment of the layout and gradual improvement shall be adhered to. Redevelopment shall be carried out by stages on a unified plan. The residential and transportation conditions in the existing urban areas shall be improved step by step, and special attention shall be given to the construction of the infrastructure and public facilities so as to enhance the multiple functions of the city. CHAPTER IV IMPLEMENTATION OF CITY PLANNING Article 28. The plan for a city shall be announced by the people's government of the city after it is approved. Article 29. The use of land and all development projects within a planned urban area must conform to the plan for a city and must be subjected to planning administration. Article 30. The location and layout of construction projects within a planned urban area must conform to the plan for a city. The design programme submitted for approval must be accompanied by the statement of opinion on the location issued by the competent department of city planning administration. Article 31. When applying for the use of land for a construction project in a planned urban area, the unit or individual undertaking construction must produce documents stating the approval of the project by the relevant government authorities and apply to the competent department of city planning administration for the determination of a location for the construction project. The competent department of city planning administration shall determine the site and its boundary, provide the facilities for planning and designing, and issue a permit for the planned use of land for construction. Only after acquiring the permit for the planned use of land for construction, may the unit or individual undertaking construction apply for the use of land to the land administration department of the local people's government at or above the county level. After the application is examined and approved by the people's government at or above the county level, land shall be allocated by the department of land administration. Article 32. For the construction of a new building, structure, road, pipeline and cable or any other engineering works, its extension or its alteration within a planned urban area, application shall be submitted to the competent department of the city planning administration together with the related documents of approval. The competent department of city planning administration shall issue a permit for a planned construction project according to the planning and design requirements defined in the plan for the city. The unit or individual undertaking construction may not apply for the performance of the procedure for the beginning of construction until after acquiring the permit for a planned construction project. Article 33. A temporary structure erected within a planned urban area must be demolished within the approved period of time for its use. Measures for the planning and administration of temporary structures and land for temporary use shall be formulated by the people's governments of the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government. The construction of permanent buildings, structures and other installations shall be banned on land granted for temporary use. Article 34. All units and individuals must obey the decisions on readjustments in the use of land made by the people's government of a city according to the plan for the city. Article 35. No unit or individual may undertake construction on a road or a public square, in a green space, in a high-voltage power supply corridor, or by cutting into the space for underground pipelines and cables. Article 36. The excavation of sand and gravel and of earth within a planned urban area shall be approved by the competent administrative authorities. No such activity may cause damage to the urban environment or produce a negative effect on city planning. Article 37. The competent department of city planning administration shall be empowered to inspect the construction projects in a planned urban area to see if they conform to the requirements of the plan for a city. The party subject to inspection shall state the actual situation and provide the necessary data. The party conducting inspection shall be obliged to keep technical and business secrets for the party subject to inspection. Article 38. The competent department of city planning administration may participate in the checking and acceptance of important development projects within a planned urban area. The construction unit shall submit to the competent department of city planning administration documents related to the completion of a development project within a planned urban area within six months of the checking and acceptance of the project. CHAPTER V LEGAL LIABILITY Article 39. If, within a planned urban area, land is occupied and used after the acquisition of documents of approval for the use of land for construction but without the acquisition of a permit for the planned use of land for construction, such documents of approval shall be declared invalid, and the land occupied shall be returned by order of a people's government at or above the county level. Article 40. Construction which is undertaken within a planned urban area without a permit for a planned construction project or not in line with the requirements stated in the permit and which seriously affects city planning shall, by order of the competent department of city planning administration of the local people's government at or above the county level, be suspended, removed within a prescribed period of time or be punishable by the confiscation of illegal buildings, structures or facilities; construction which affects city planning but can still be remedied shall, by order of the competent department of city planning administration of the local people's government at or above the county level, be corrected within a prescribed period of time and be concurrently punishable by a fine. Article 41. A person responsible for constructing a project without a permit for a planned construction project or not in line with the requirements in the permit may be given administrative sanction by the organization where he works or by the competent authority at a higher level. Article 42. A party refusing to accept the decision on administrative sanction may, within 15 days of receiving the notification on such a decision, apply for reconsideration to the department next higher to the authorities that decided on the sanction; if the party refuses to accept the decision of reconsideration, it may, within 15 days of receiving the reconsideration decision, bring a suit before a people's court. A party may also bring a suit directly before a people's court within 15 days of receiving the notification on the sanction. If, upon the expiration of this period, the party has not applied for reconsideration or has neither brought a suit before a people's court nor complied with the sanction, the authorities that decided on the sanction may apply to the people's court for compulsory enforcement. Article 43. Any member of a competent department of city planning administration who neglects his duty, abuses his power or engages in malpractices for personal gains shall be given administrative sanction by the unit to which he belongs or by the competent higher authorities; if his act constitutes a crime, he shall be investigated for criminal responsibility according to law. CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS Article 44. This Law may be referred to for a residents' community in an industrial or mining district without the administrative status of a town. Article 45. Rules for the implementation of this Law shall be formulated, pursuant to this Law, by the competent department of city planning administration under the State Council, and shall be implemented after they are submitted to and approved by the State Council. Measures for the implementation of this Law may be formulated, pursuant to this Law, by the standing committees of the people's congresses of the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government. Article 46. This Law shall enter into force as of April 1, 1990. The Regulations on City Planning promulgated by the State Council shall be abrogated therefrom. CITY PLANNING LAW OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (Adopted at the 11th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Seventh National People's Congress on December 26, 1989, promulgated by order No.23 of the President of the People's Republic of China on December 26, 1989, and effective as of April 1, 1990) CONTENTS CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS CHAPTER II FORMULATION OF THE PLAN FOR A CITY CHAPTER III DEVELOPMENT OF NEW URBAN AREAS AND REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING URBAN AREAS CHAPTER IV IMPLEMENTATION OF CITY PLANNING CHAPTER V LEGAL LIABILITY CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1. This Law is formulated to determine the size of a city, define the orientation of its development, realize the goals of its economic and social development, and map out its plan and carry out its construction on a rational basis in order to meet the needs in socialist modernization. Article 2. This Law shall be observed when the plan for a city is being formulated or implemented, or when construction is being carried out within a planned urban area. Article 3. The term " city " used in this Law applies to a municipality directly under the Central Government, a city or a town established as one of the administrative divisions of the state. The term " a planned urban area " used in this Law applies to an urban district, an inner suburban district or an area needed for urban development and construction as one of the administrative divisions of a city. The scope of a planned urban area shall be determined by the people's government of a city, while compiling a comprehensive plan for the city. Article 4. The state shall guide itself by the principle of strictly controlling the size of large cities and developing medium-sized and small cities to an appropriate extent in the interest of a rational distribution of productive forces and of the population. A " large city " means one which has a non-agricultural population of 500, 000 or more in its urban and inner suburban districts. A " medium-sized city " means one which has a non-agricultural population of over 200,000 but less than 500,000 in its urban and inner suburban districts. A " small city " means one which has a non-agricultural population of less than 200,000 in its urban and inner suburban districts. Article 5. City planning must suit the specific conditions of our country and embody a correct handling of the relationship between short-term and long-term development. The principle of usefulness and economy and of building the country through thrift and hard work must be adhered to in construction in a planned urban area. Article 6. The compilation of the plan for a city shall be based on the plan for national economic and social development as well as the natural environment, resources, historical conditions and present characteristics of the city. The plan shall be a comprehensive one which gives balanced consideration to all factors. The construction of items of urban infrastructure as defined in the plan for a city shall be incorporated into the plan for national economic and social development in accordance with the specified procedure for national capital construction, and shall be carried out step by step in a planned way. Article 7. The comprehensive plan for a city shall be coordinated with territorial planning, regional planning, water space planning and comprehensive planning for the use of land. Article 8. The state shall encourage scientific and technical research in city planning and shall popularize advanced technology in order to raise the scientific and technical level of city planning. Article 9. The competent department of city planning administration under the State Council shall be responsible for city planning throughout the country. The competent departments of city planning administration of the people's governments at or above the county level shall be responsible for city planning in the administrative areas under their jurisdiction. Article 10. All units and individuals shall have the obligation to abide by the plan for a city and shall have the right to report and bring charges against any action that runs counter to such a plan. CHAPTER II FORMULATION OF THE PLAN FOR A CITY Article 11. The competent department of city planning administration under the State Council and the people's governments of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government shall organize the compilation of hierachical urban plan for the whole nation and for the provinces, the autonomous regions and the municipalities directly under the Central Government respectively in order to provide guidance for the compilation of the plans for the cities. Article 12. The people's government of a city shall be responsible for seeing to the compilation of the plan for the same city. The compilation of the plan for a town which is the seat of the people's government of a county shall be taken care of by the same people's government. Article 13. In the compilation of the plan for a city, it shall be necessary to proceed from actual conditions and make a scientific forecast of the needs arising from its long-term development. The size of the city, the standards, norms and criteria for the various items of development, and the development procedure shall conform with the national and local levels of economic and technological development. Article 14. In the compilation of the plan for a city, attention shall be paid to the protection and improvement of the city's ecological environment, the prevention of pollution and other public hazards, the development of greenery and afforestation, the improvement of the appearance and environmental sanitation of urban areas, the preservation of historic and cultural sites, the traditional cityscape, the local characteristics and the natural landscape. In the compilation of the plan for a city in a national autonomous area, attention shall be paid to the preservation of ethnic traditions and local characteristics. Article 15. In the compilation of the plan for a city, the principle of facilitating production, benefiting the people's everyday life, promoting commodity circulation, enriching the economy and promoting advances in science, technology, culture and education shall be adhered to. City planning shall conform with the city's needs for fire-fighting, the prevention of explosions, the mitigation of earthquakes, the prevention of floods and of mud-rock flows, public security, traffic control and civil air defence construction. In areas where strong earthquakes and serious floods are likely to occur, measures for earthquake mitigation and flood prevention must be specified in the plan for a city. Article 16. In the compilation of the plan for a city, the principle of optimal utilization and conservation of land shall be observed. Article 17. For the compilation of the plan for a city, data on exploration and surveying and other necessary basic information shall be made available. Article 18. The plan for a city shall, as a rule, be worked out in two stages, i.e. comprehensive planning and detailed planning. For large and medium-sized cities, district planning may be conducted on the basis of comprehensive planning in order to further control and define the use of land and determine the scope and capacity of each plot and to coordinate the construction of various items of infrastructure and public facilities. Article 19. The comprehensive plan for a city shall cover the designated function of the city, the goals of its development and its projected size, the standards, norms and criteria for its main building structures, the distribution of land used for various construction purposes, the functions of different zones, the overall arrangement for construction, the comprehensive urban transportation system, the system of water spaces and green spaces, the plan for specialized sectors and the plan for immediate construction. The comprehensive plan for a city with a municipal government or for a town serving as the seat of a county government shall include a hierachical urban plan for the administrative divisions of the city or county. Article 20. The detailed plan for a city shall, on the basis of the comprehensive plan for the city or the plan for its different zones, include a concrete plan for the various construction projects to be undertaken in the immediate development area of the city. The detailed plan for a city shall define the scope for the use of land for each construction project within the planned plot and provide the control indexes for building density and building height, the general layout, the comprehensive plan for utilities engineering and the plan for site engineering. Article 21. Plans for cities shall be examined and approved at different levels. The comprehensive plan for a municipality directly under the Central Government shall be submitted by the people's government of the municipality to the State Council for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a city which is the seat of the people's government of a province or of an autonomous region, or for a city which has a population of 1,000,000 or more, or for a city otherwise designated by the State Council shall first be examined and approved by the people's government of the province or the autonomous region and then submitted to the State Council for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a city with a municipal government or for a town serving as the seat of a county government other than those defined in Paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article shall be submitted to the people's government of the province, the autonomous region or the municipality directly under the Central Government for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a town which is the seat of the people's government of a county administered by a municipality shall be submitted to the relevant municipal people's government for examination and approval. The comprehensive plan for a town with an administrative status other than that defined in the preceding paragraph shall be submitted to the people's government of the relevant county for examination and approval. The people's government of a city or of a county must submit the comprehensive plan for a city to the people's congress at the corresponding level or its standing committee for examination and approval before submitting it to the people's government at a higher level for examination and approval. The plan for a district of a city shall be examined and approved by the people's government of the city. The detailed plan for a city shall be examined and approved by the people 's government of the city. The detailed plan for a city which has a district plan shall be submitted to the competent department of city planning administration of the people's government of the city for examination and approval, with the exception of important detailed plans which shall be submitted to the people's government of the city for examination and approval. Article 22. The people's government of a city may make partial readjustments in the comprehensive plan for the city according to needs arising from the city's economic and social development, and the comprehensive plan thus readjusted shall be submitted to the standing committee of the people's congress at the corresponding level and to the authority which originally approved the plan for the record. Major readjustments which involve the designated function of the city, its size, the orientation of its development or its overall layout shall be examined and approved by the people's congress at the corresponding level or its standing committee before they are submitted to the authority which originally approved the plan for examination and approval. CHAPTER III DEVELOPMENT OF NEW URBAN AREAS AND REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING URBAN AREAS Article 23. In the development of new urban areas and the redevelopment of existing urban areas, the principles of unified planning, a rational layout, consideration of local conditions, comprehensive development and the coordinated construction of support facilities must be adhered to. The selection and determination of sites for construction projects may not hinder the development of a city, endanger its safety, cause pollution or a deterioration of its environment or affect the coordination of its various functions. Article 24. The marshalling yards for newly built railways, trunk lines for freight trains, transit highways, airports and important military establishments shall be built away from the urban districts. In the construction of harbours, consideration shall be given to the rational allocation and utilization of a city's water front, and the availability of a section of the water front for activities other than production shall be guaranteed. Article 25. The development of new urban areas shall be carried out in localities where there are conditions for construction like ample water and energy resources, transportation facilities and means of preventing disasters. Mineral reserves and underground cultural relics and historical sites shall be avoided. Article 26. In the development of new urban areas, rational use shall be made of the existing facilities of a city. Article 27. In the redevelopment of existing urban areas, the principles of good maintenance, rational utilization, readjustment of the layout and gradual improvement shall be adhered to. Redevelopment shall be carried out by stages on a unified plan. The residential and transportation conditions in the existing urban areas shall be improved step by step, and special attention shall be given to the construction of the infrastructure and public facilities so as to enhance the multiple functions of the city. CHAPTER IV IMPLEMENTATION OF CITY PLANNING Article 28. The plan for a city shall be announced by the people's government of the city after it is approved. Article 29. The use of land and all development projects within a planned urban area must conform to the plan for a city and must be subjected to planning administration. Article 30. The location and layout of construction projects within a planned urban area must conform to the plan for a city. The design programme submitted for approval must be accompanied by the statement of opinion on the location issued by the competent department of city planning administration. Article 31. When applying for the use of land for a construction project in a planned urban area, the unit or individual undertaking construction must produce documents stating the approval of the project by the relevant government authorities and apply to the competent department of city planning administration for the determination of a location for the construction project. The competent department of city planning administration shall determine the site and its boundary, provide the facilities for planning and designing, and issue a permit for the planned use of land for construction. Only after acquiring the permit for the planned use of land for construction, may the unit or individual undertaking construction apply for the use of land to the land administration department of the local people's government at or above the county level. After the application is examined and approved by the people's government at or above the county level, land shall be allocated by the department of land administration. Article 32. For the construction of a new building, structure, road, pipeline and cable or any other engineering works, its extension or its alteration within a planned urban area, application shall be submitted to the competent department of the city planning administration together with the related documents of approval. The competent department of city planning administration shall issue a permit for a planned construction project according to the planning and design requirements defined in the plan for the city. The unit or individual undertaking construction may not apply for the performance of the procedure for the beginning of construction until after acquiring the permit for a planned construction project. Article 33. A temporary structure erected within a planned urban area must be demolished within the approved period of time for its use. Measures for the planning and administration of temporary structures and land for temporary use shall be formulated by the people's governments of the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government. The construction of permanent buildings, structures and other installations shall be banned on land granted for temporary use. Article 34. All units and individuals must obey the decisions on readjustments in the use of land made by the people's government of a city according to the plan for the city. Article 35. No unit or individual may undertake construction on a road or a public square, in a green space, in a high-voltage power supply corridor, or by cutting into the space for underground pipelines and cables. Article 36. The excavation of sand and gravel and of earth within a planned urban area shall be approved by the competent administrative authorities. No such activity may cause damage to the urban environment or produce a negative effect on city planning. Article 37. The competent department of city planning administration shall be empowered to inspect the construction projects in a planned urban area to see if they conform to the requirements of the plan for a city. The party subject to inspection shall state the actual situation and provide the necessary data. The party conducting inspection shall be obliged to keep technical and business secrets for the party subject to inspection. Article 38. The competent department of city planning administration may participate in the checking and acceptance of important development projects within a planned urban area. The construction unit shall submit to the competent department of city planning administration documents related to the completion of a development project within a planned urban area within six months of the checking and acceptance of the project. CHAPTER V LEGAL LIABILITY Article 39. If, within a planned urban area, land is occupied and used after the acquisition of documents of approval for the use of land for construction but without the acquisition of a permit for the planned use of land for construction, such documents of approval shall be declared invalid, and the land occupied shall be returned by order of a people's government at or above the county level. Article 40. Construction which is undertaken within a planned urban area without a permit for a planned construction project or not in line with the requirements stated in the permit and which seriously affects city planning shall, by order of the competent department of city planning administration of the local people's government at or above the county level, be suspended, removed within a prescribed period of time or be punishable by the confiscation of illegal buildings, structures or facilities; construction which affects city planning but can still be remedied shall, by order of the competent department of city planning administration of the local people's government at or above the county level, be corrected within a prescribed period of time and be concurrently punishable by a fine. Article 41. A person responsible for constructing a project without a permit for a planned construction project or not in line with the requirements in the permit may be given administrative sanction by the organization where he works or by the competent authority at a higher level. Article 42. A party refusing to accept the decision on administrative sanction may, within 15 days of receiving the notification on such a decision, apply for reconsideration to the department next higher to the authorities that decided on the sanction; if the party refuses to accept the decision of reconsideration, it may, within 15 days of receiving the reconsideration decision, bring a suit before a people's court. A party may also bring a suit directly before a people's court within 15 days of receiving the notification on the sanction. If, upon the expiration of this period, the party has not applied for reconsideration or has neither brought a suit before a people's court nor complied with the sanction, the authorities that decided on the sanction may apply to the people's court for compulsory enforcement. Article 43. Any member of a competent department of city planning administration who neglects his duty, abuses his power or engages in malpractices for personal gains shall be given administrative sanction by the unit to which he belongs or by the competent higher authorities; if his act constitutes a crime, he shall be investigated for criminal responsibility according to law. CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS Article 44. This Law may be referred to for a residents' community in an industrial or mining district without the administrative status of a town. Article 45. Rules for the implementation of this Law shall be formulated, pursuant to this Law, by the competent department of city planning administration under the State Council, and shall be implemented after they are submitted to and approved by the State Council. Measures for the implementation of this Law may be formulated, pursuant to this Law, by the standing committees of the people's congresses of the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government. Article 46. This Law shall enter into force as of April 1, 1990. The Regulations on City Planning promulgated by the State Council shall be abrogated therefrom.
Body (Chinese)
中华人民共和国城市规划法1989 年 12 月 26 日第七届全国人民代表大会常务委员会第十一次会议通过 第一章 总则 第一条 为了确定城市的规模和发展方向，实现城市的经济和社会发展目标，合理地制定城市规划和进行城市建设，适应社会主义现代化建设的需要，制定本法。 第二条 制定和实施城市规划，在城市规划区内进行建设，必须遵守本法。 第三条 本法所称城市，是指国家按行政建制设立的直辖市、市、镇。 本法所称城市规划区，是指城市市区、近邻区以及城市行政区域内因城市建设和发展需要实行规划控制的区域。城市规模区的具体范围，由城市人民政府在编制的城市总体规划中划定。 第四条 国家实行严格控制大城市规模、合理发展中等城市和小城市的方针，促进生产力和人口的合理布局。 大城市是指市区和近郊区非农业人口 50 万以上的城市。 中等城市是指市区和近郊区非农业人口 20 万以上、不满 50 万的城市。 小城市是指市区和近郊区非农业人口不满 20 万的城市。 第五条 城市规划必须符合我国国情，正确处理近期建设和远景发展的关系。在城市规划区内进行建设，必须坚持适用经济的原则，贯彻勤俭建国的方针。 第六条 城市规划的编制应当依据国民经济和社会发展规划以及当地的自然环境、资源条件、历史情况、现状特点，统筹兼顾，综合部署。城市规划确定的城市基础设施建设项目，应当按照国家基本建设程序的规定纳入国民经济和社会发展计划，按计划分步实施。 第七条 城市总体规划应当和国土规划、区域规划、江河流域规划、土地利用总体规划相协调。 第八条 国家鼓励城市规划科学技术研究，推广先进技术，提高城市规划科学技术水平。 第九条 国务院城市规划行政主管部门主管全国的城市规划工作。县级以上地方人民政府城市规划行政主管部门主管本行政区域内的城市规划工作。 第十条 任何单位和个人都有遵守城市规划的义务，并有权对违反城市规划的行为进行检举和控告。 第二章 城市规划的制定 第十一条 国务院城市规划行政主管部门和省、自治区、直辖市人民政府应当分别组织编制全国和省、自治区、直辖市的城镇体系规划，用以指导城市规划的编制。 第十二条 城市人民政府负责组织编制城市规划，县级人民政府所在地镇的城市规划，由县级人民政府负责组织编制。 第十三条 编制城市规划必须从实际出发，科学预测城市远景发展的需要；应当使城市的发展规模、各项建设标准、定额指标、开发程序同国家和地方的经济技术发展水平相适应。 第十四条 编制城市规划应当注意保护和改善城市生态环境，防止污染和其他公害，加强城市绿化建设和市容环境卫生建设，保护历史文化遗产、城市传统风貌、地方特色和自然景观。编制民族自治地方的城市规划，应当注意保持民族传统和地方特色。 第十五条 编制城市规划应当贯彻有利生产、方便生活、促进流通、繁荣经济、促进科学技术文化教育事业的原则。编制城市规划应当符合城市防火、防爆、抗震、防洪、防泥石流和治安、交通管理、人民防空建设等要求；在可能发生强烈地震和严重洪水灾害的地区，必须在规划中采取相当的抗震、防洪措施。 第十六条 编制城市规划应当贯彻合理用地、节约用地的原则。 第十七条 编制城市规划应当具备勘察、测量及其他必须的基础资料。 第十八条 编制城市规划一般分总体规划和详细规划两个阶段进行。大城市、中等城市为了进一步控制和确定不同地段的土地用途、范围和容量，协调各项基础设施和公共设施的建设，在总体规划基础上，可以编制分区规划。 第十九条 城市总体规划应当包括：城市的性质、发展目标和发展规模、城市主要建设标准和定额指标，城市建设用地布局、功能分区和各项建设的总体部署，城市综合交通体系和河湖、绿地系统，各项专业规划，近期建设规划。设市城市和县级人民政府所在地镇的总体规划，应当包括市或者县的行政区域的城镇体系规划。 第二十条 城市详细规划应当在城市总体规划或者分区规划的基础上，对城市近期建设区域内各项建设作出具体规划。城市详细规划应当包括：规划地段各项建设的具体用地范围，建筑密度和高度等控制指标，总平面布置、工程管线综合规划和竖向规划。 第二十一条 城市规划实行分级审批。 直辖市的城市总体规划，由直辖市人民政府报国务院审批。 省和自治区人民政府所在地城市、城市人口在 100 万以上的城市及国务院指定的其他城市的总体规划，由省、自治区人民政府审查同意后，报国务院审批。 本条第二款和第三款规定以外的设市城市和县级人民政府所在地的总体规划，报省、自治区、直辖市人民政府审批，其中市管辖的县级人民政府所在地镇的总体规划，报市人民政府审批。 前款规定以外的其他建制镇的总体规划，报县级人民政府审批。 城市人民政府和县级人民政府在向上级人民政府报请审批城市总体规划前，须经同级人民代表大会或者其常务委员会审查同意。 城市分区规划由城市人民政府审批。 城市详细规划由城市人民政府审批；编制分区规划的城市的详细规划，除重要的详细规划由城市人民政府审批外，由城市人民政府城市规划行政主管部门审批。 第二十二条 城市人民政府可以根据城市经济和社会发展需要，对城市总体规划进行局部调整，报同级人民代表大会常务委员会和原批准机关备案；但涉及城市性质、规模、发展方向和总体布局重大变更的，须经同级人民代表大会或者其常务委员会审查同意后报原批准机关审批。 第三章 城市新区开发和旧区改建 第二十三条 城市新区开发和旧区改建必须坚持统一规划、合理布局、因地制宜、综合开发、配套建设的原则。各项建设工程的选址、定点、不得妨碍城市的发展，危害城市的安全，污染和破坏城市环境，影响城市各项功能的协调。 第二十四条 新建铁路编组站、铁路货运干线、过境公路、机场和重要军事设施等应当避开市区。 港口建设应当兼顾城市岸线的合理分配和利用，保障城市生活岸线用地。 第二十五条 城市新区开发应当具备水资源、能源、交通、防灾等建设条件，并应当避开地下矿藏、地下文物古迹。 第二十六条 城市新区开发应当合理利用城市现有设施。 第二十七条 城市旧区改建应当遵循加强维护、合理利用、调整布局、逐步改善的原则，统一规划、分期实施，并逐步改善居住和交通运输条件，加强基础设施和公共设施建设，提高城市的综合功能。 第四章 城市规划的实施 第二十八条 城市规划经批准后，城市人民政府应当公布。 第二十九条 城市规划区内的土地利用和各项建设必须符合城市规划，服从规划管理。 第三十条 城市规划区内的建设工程的选址和布局必须符合城市规划。设计任务书报请批准时，必须附有城市规划行政主管部门的选址意见书。 第三十一条 在城市规划区内进行建设需要申请用地的，必须持国家批准建设项目的有关文件，向城市规划行政主管部门申请定点，由城市规划行政主管部门核定其用地位置和界限，提供规划设计条件，核发建设用地规划许可证。建设单位或者个人在取得建设用地规划许可证后，方可向县级以上地方人民政府土地管理部门申请用地，经县级以上人民政府审查批准后，由土地管理部门划拨土地。 第三十二条 在城市规划区内新建、扩建和改建建筑物、构筑物、道路、管线和其他工程设施，必须持有关批准文件向城市规划行政主管部门提出申请，由城市规划行政主管部门根据城市规划提出的规划设计要求，核发建设工程规划许可证件。建设单位或者个人在取得建设工程规划许可证件和其他有关批准文件后，方可申请办理开工手续。 第三十三条 在城市规划区内进行临时建设，必须在批准的使用期限内拆除。临时建设和临时用地的具体规划管理办法由省、自治区、直辖市人民政府制定。 禁止在批准临时使用的土地上建设永久性建筑、构筑物和其他设施。 第三十四条 任何单位和个人必须服从城市人民政府根据城市规划作出的调整用地决定。 第三十五条 任何单位和个人不得占用道路、广场、绿地、高压供电走廊和压占地下管线进行建设。 第三十六条 在城市规划区内进行挖取砂石、土方等活动，须经有关主管部门批准，不得破坏城市环境，影响城市规划的实施。 第三十七条 城市规划行政主管部门有权对城市规划区内的建设工程是否符合规划要求进行检查。被检查者应当如实提供情况及必要的资料，检查者有责任为被检查者保守技术秘密和业务秘密。 第三十八条 城市规划行政主管部门可以参加城市规划区内重要建设工程的竣工验收。 城市规划区内的建设工程，建设单位应当在竣工验收后 6 个月内向城市规划行政主管部门报送有关竣工资料。 第五章 法律责任 第三十九条 在城市规划区内，未取得建设用地规划许可证而取得建设用地批准文件、占用土地的，批准文件无效，占用土地由县级以上人民政府责令退回。 第四十条 在城市规划区内，未取得建设工程规划许可证件或者违反建设工程规划许可证件的规定进行建设，严重影响城市规划的，由县级以上地方人民政府城市规划行政主管部门责令停止建设，限期拆除或者没收违法建筑物、构筑物或者其他设施；影响城市规划，尚可采取改正措施的，由县级以上地方人民政府城市规划行政主管部门责令限期改正，并处罚款。 第四十一条 对未取得建设工程规划许可证件或者违反建设工程规划许可证件的规定进行建设的单位的有关责任人员，可以由其所在单位或者上级主管机关给予行政处分。 第四十二条 当事人对行政处罚决定不服的，可以在接到处罚通知之日起 15 日内，向作出处罚决定的机关的上一级机关申请复议；对复议决定不服的，可以在接到复议决定之日起 15 日内，向人民法院起诉，当事人也可以在接到处罚通知之日起 15 日内，直接向人民法院起诉。当事人逾期不申请复议，也不向人民法院起诉、又不履行处罚决定的，由作出处罚决定机关申请人民法院强制执行。 第四十三条 城市规划行政主管部门工作人员玩忽职守、滥用职权、徇私舞弊的，由其所在单位或者上级主管机关给予行政处分；构成犯罪的，依法追究刑事责任。 第六章 附则 第四十四条 未设镇建制的工矿区的居民点，参照本法执行。 第四十五条 国务院城市规划行政主管部门根据本法制定实施条例，报国务院批准后施行。 省、自治区、直辖市人民代表大会常务委员会可以根据本法制定实施办法。 第四十六条 本法自 1990 年 4 月 1 日起施行，国务院发布的《城市规划条例》同时废止。