Business Ombudsman urges overhaul of Tashkent design code over legal concerns

According to the Office of the Business Ombudsman, a review was conducted into the impact of a resolution adopted by the Tashkent City Council of People’s Deputies on 17 February 2026, which serves as the legal basis for implementing the capital’s design code. The analysis found that several provisions of the document conflict with current laws.

“In accordance with the Law on Normative Legal Acts, draft regulations affecting entrepreneurial activity must be subject to mandatory coordination with the Business Ombudsman. However, this decision was adopted without such coordination,” the statement said.

The Ombudsman highlighted several key concerns. In particular, the resolution fails to define legal criteria for terms such as “low-saturation” and “neutral” colors, which are to be applied to advertising structures. This lack of clarity creates ambiguity in enforcement and compliance.

Additionally, the requirement to standardize color schemes may infringe upon businesses’ intellectual property rights, including registered trademarks and brand identities. The document also does not take into account the interests of chain companies operating multiple outlets across the city.

The three-month transition period set for businesses to comply with the new requirements was deemed insufficient. The Ombudsman noted the absence of a phased implementation mechanism that could mitigate financial and operational pressure on entrepreneurs.

An official opinion has been submitted to the Tashkent City Council of People’s Deputies, recommending a revision of provisions affecting business activity, amendments to relevant norms, and an extension of the implementation timeline. The Ombudsman also proposed further development of the document in consultation with business representatives and the Ombudsman’s office.

Background – Tashkent design code

The Tashkent City Council of People’s Deputies first reviewed the introduction of the capital’s design code during a regular session on 28 January 2026. On 17 February, the council approved a proposal from the Tashkent city administration to implement the design code, which was developed by CM International at the request of Toshkent Invest Kompaniyasi.

The approved resolution includes guidelines on the classification and boundaries of public spaces, recommendations for urban planning, and rules governing the placement of urban design elements. It also sets standards for the appearance of commercial facilities, the formation of the city’s visual identity, and the use of adjacent territories.

Furthermore, the document establishes regulations for the placement of structures and informational materials such as advertisements, signage, and inscriptions, along with catalogs of urban design elements. It also contains a list of designated tourist and gastronomic streets in Tashkent, as well as fees for maintenance and sanitation works in public areas.

The resolution also defines the composition of the Tashkent city commission responsible for overseeing the effective use of adjacent territories and reviewing design code projects.

The decision is set to enter into force three months after its official publication – from mid-May 2026.