Government legislation ministry rules change of use needs approval on conserved land

The government legislation ministry said Thursday that property owners must obtain official approval to change the use of buildings constructed on former conserved forest land if the modification occurs within five years of completion. The ruling clarifies that the requirement applies even after the land designation has been lifted.

The obligation to seek permission depends on the original permit date and the building completion date, not on the current status of the land. Officials explained that the rule exists to prevent developers from circumventing restrictions by immediately shifting to unauthorized uses after securing initial permits, a move designed to stop indiscriminate forest destruction and haphazard development.

In response to inquiries suggesting that changing a plot's classification removes it from the scope of the Forest Management Act entirely, the ministry cited special provisions in the enforcement decree. These provisions maintain usage restrictions for a specific period even after the land no longer legally qualifies as forest land, ensuring the original purpose of the mountain conversion permit is upheld.

The Ministry of Government Legislation issued this authoritative interpretation, case number 26-0116, on June 4 following a request from a private citizen. The agency confirmed that the five-year window for restricted usage begins on the day the building receives its final occupancy permit under the Building Act.