Government tightens urban planning regulations with mandatory master plan registry

The document provides for the creation of a unified electronic register of master plans, which will be maintained by the National Committee for Sustainable Development of Urbanization and the Housing Market from November 1.

A master plan is defined as a strategic planning document that addresses specific territorial challenges by combining urban planning, socio-economic, environmental, and other project solutions. It also sets out short-, medium-, and long-term development priorities and implementation mechanisms aimed at unlocking the economic potential of a given area.

Under the new rules, master plans that have not been registered in the electronic register may not be implemented or used as the basis for urban planning, construction, investment, or other related activities.

The resolution also requires a comprehensive implementation program to be prepared within three months of the approval of a settlement's master plan. Covering a period of three to five years, the program must clearly specify funding sources, implementation deadlines, and key measures.

Progress in implementing these programs will be reviewed at meetings of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the councils of people's deputies at the regional, Tashkent city, district, and city levels. The results must also be made public through the media.

Master plans and detailed planning projects for settlements that either lack such documents or whose plans are more than 10 years old will be financed from the state budget.

Digital monitoring of construction

The presidential resolution also introduces new digital tools to monitor construction projects.

A unified identifier for prospective construction sites, a digital project passport, and a digital passport for capital construction facilities will be introduced through the Uy-joy unified digital urbanization platform, which will be integrated with the Shaffof Qurilish information system.

Beginning October 1, 2026, authorities will be prohibited from issuing construction permits unless a project has first received a unique identification number within the unified identifier system.

New urban planning faculty and cooperation with UN-Habitat

Starting from the 2027–2028 academic year, the Tashkent University of Architecture and Civil Engineering will establish a Faculty of Modern Urban Studies and Agglomeration Management.

The National Committee will also establish a Creative Park for Urban Studies, Architecture, and Design.

In addition, the committee will strengthen cooperation with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to support sustainable urban development, improve access to modern and affordable housing, enhance the quality of the urban environment, and strengthen climate resilience.