China streamlines approval procedures for construction projects

The State Council has decided to start a pilot program to simplify the approval system for construction projects in China, according to an official release on May 18.

The move shows the CPC Central Committee and State Council’s determination to improve the business environment and cut red tape.

According to the document, the reform will be piloted in Zhejiang province and certain cities including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Chongqing, Shenyang, Dalian, Nanjing, Xiamen, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Guiyang, Weinan and Yan'an.

It states that the process of approving construction projects will be divided into four stages: land use permits, engineering approvals, construction approvals, and final acceptance upon completion. 

On the basis of the type and size of construction projects, investment categories, and other factors, the approval processes will be classified and detailed, with each stage and item to be pre-determined.

The State Council urged eliminating unnecessary items, delegating power to lower levels, adopting an inter-agency approach for simultaneous site inspections and mapping, surveying and drawing inspections by competent authorities.

The document states that the applicant shall be notified of matters that do not meet requirements for examination and approval but can be corrected by supervision during and after the approval process.

It also asks government departments to improve the approval system, implementing coordinated management, providing all-around services, integrating the application materials and regulating the approval process.

The document further urges the government to set up ancillary systems for construction project approval and strengthen supervision.

Chinese source:http://www.gov.cn