Government bans design changes to approved residential projects from January 1

The new rules are set out in a presidential decree on measures to further improve state oversight and governance in ensuring the earthquake resistance and seismic safety of buildings and structures, signed by Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Under the decree, a number of regulatory changes will take effect starting January 1, 2026.

In particular, the preparation of new urban planning documents, their review by relevant architectural and urban planning councils, as well as additional expert examinations and re-registration procedures aimed at adding floors or increasing the height of multi-apartment residential buildings already under construction will be banned.

In addition, construction projects will not be allowed to connect to external engineering networks without obtaining approval from regional inspection bodies overseeing the construction and housing and communal services sector.

The practice of issuing expert opinions on urban planning documentation related to the seismic resistance of buildings in a merely advisory capacity, excluding the cost estimate sections of scientific and design documents, will also be discontinued. Such conclusions will henceforth be mandatory for decision-making.