New anti-corruption law in urban planning in Ukraine

On January 1, 2025, Law No. 711 “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Land Planting” began in Ukraine. The document is aimed at overcoming corruption risks in urban planning and management of land resources, said Elena Shuliak, Chairman of the Committee on Organization of State Authorities, Local Self -Government, Regional Development and Urban Planning.

1. A comprehensive plan of spatial development of community territory
   Each territorial community must create a plan that covers its entire territory and has no validity. This document defines:
   • places for the construction of kindergartens, schools, housing, industrial facilities and nature parks;
   • functional zones, such as residential development, industry, agricultural land, etc.

   Land owners can only use them according to the intended purpose specified in the plan.

2. The ban on the use of detailed plans of the territory (DPT)
   earlier DPT could "clarify" the master plan of settlements, which created opportunities for corruption. Since 2025, the functional purpose of the territories has been determined exclusively by the integrated plan of spatial development or the master plan.
3. Publicity and transparency
   • Spatial development plans will be created in accordance with public opinion and should undergo an independent expertise.
   • The plans will be open, accessible to every resident of the community.
4. Financing of plans development development
   will be financed solely at the expense of the budget or funds of international partners. Developers are forbidden to finance the creation of DPT, which was previously used to lobbying for their interests.
5. Compliance control,
   complex plans apply not only to settlements, but also to the territory beyond their borders, which is important for the restoration of the country after the war.

The law is aimed at eliminating corruption schemes in the field of construction. From now on:

• It will be impossible to change the purpose of land "by agreement".
• Transparent decision -making mechanisms in the field of urban planning have been introduced.