Nowon-gu Seeks to Restrict "Commercial Property Subdivision" in 13 Reconstruction Areas

Nowon-gu in Seoul, led by District Chief Seo Jun-oh, announced on October 13 that it would seek to impose restrictions on certain activities before designating redevelopment zones in 13 areas slated for reconstruction, in a bid to prevent delays caused by so-called “commercial property subdivision.”

A view of an apartment complex in Nowon-gu. Photo provided by Nowon-gu.

For reconstruction to proceed, a legally required level of consent must be secured to establish an association. If exclusive-use areas in commercial buildings or land are subdivided before a redevelopment zone is designated, increasing the number of co-owners, it can become more difficult to meet the requirements. This is why commercial property subdivision is cited as a source of conflicts among residents and project delays. According to the district, 33 commercial units were added at Wolgye Siyoung High-Rise Apartment Complex over the past three years through three subdivisions of exclusive-use areas.

The measure reflects residents’ views expressed during a meeting with the district chief on September 1 and at the September 15 appointment ceremony for the Nowon Reconstruction and Redevelopment Innovation Strategy Promotion Council. The district expects the measure to reduce uncertainty in the process of establishing associations and improve the stability and predictability of projects.

The activity restrictions are based on Article 19 of the Act on the Maintenance and Improvement of Urban Areas and Dwelling Conditions for Residents and Article 8 of the Framework Act on the Regulation of Land Use. They will apply to areas where redevelopment plans are being drawn up and where resident representatives or promotion committees that have applied for a Fast-Track Integrated Planning consultation (proposal for plan formulation) have requested restrictions. The district will decide whether to impose restrictions after deliberation by the Urban Planning Committee.

Restrictions will cover building construction, land subdivision, converting a general building register into a collective building register, and subdividing exclusive-use areas listed in a collective building register. However, the district plans to allow exceptions after deliberation when a legitimate need is recognized, balancing the protection of property rights with the public interest.

The 13 areas under review are Wolgye Samho Complex 4, Wolgye Siyoung High-Rise, Hagye Hanshin-Dongseong, Sanggye Jugong Complex 2, Hagye Jangmi, Hagye Miseong, Junggye Green, Sanggye Jugong Complex 3, Junggye Jugong Complex 8, Sanggye Jugong Complex 7, Hagye Hyundai Woosung, Sanggye Jugong Complex 11, and Hagye Geukdong-Geonyeong-Byucksan.

The district will make the plans available for public inspection from October 15 to 29. The materials can be viewed at the Reconstruction Projects Division on the third floor of the district office, and comments can be submitted in writing or through the Seoul Urban Space Portal. The district plans to hold deliberations by the Urban Planning Committee in November and then announce the topographic maps. The restrictions will remain in effect for up to three years from the date of the announcement and may be extended once for up to one year. If a redevelopment zone is designated during that period, the restrictions will be lifted the day after the designation is announced.

“We are considering various forms of support to ensure reconstruction projects move forward quickly without unnecessary conflict or delays,” District Chief Seo Jun-oh said. “We will ensure they proceed steadily while balancing the public interest with the protection of property rights.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.