The government is streamlining regulations on noise measurement and setback distances that have been cited as obstacles in housing construction to support faster and more stable housing supply.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 9th that it will pursue amendments to the Housing Construction Standards Regulations containing these regulatory reforms. The proposed revisions will be open for public comment for 40 days starting the 10th of this month, followed by consultations with relevant agencies.
First, the ministry will overhaul regulations related to noise measurement standards applied in housing construction. Under current law, indoor noise standards (45dB) can substitute for outdoor noise standards (65dB) only for upper floors (six stories and above) in apartment complexes smaller than 30 square meters. Going forward, the ministry plans to eliminate the size restriction, expanding the scope of properties eligible for the alternative standards.
The ministry will also rationalize standards for calculating setback distances between apartment complexes and noise-emitting facilities. Previously, when building apartments near factories with noise-emitting facilities, a uniform 50-meter setback from the factory property line was required. This made housing construction difficult even when large factory sites meant minimal noise impact. Under the proposed changes, if at least 50 meters already separates the noise-emitting facility itself from the factory boundary, the required setback between the factory boundary and residential buildings can be reduced to 25 meters.
"These regulatory reforms will reduce unnecessary burdens in the field and establish a foundation for smooth housing supply," said Kim Kyu-chul, Director General for Housing and Land at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. "We will continue to improve the system to enhance supply conditions in ways that citizens can tangibly experience."