The Almaty maslikhat has approved new construction regulations.

The head of the urban planning and urbanism department, Nurlan Buranbaev, noted that the new regulations impose stricter construction restrictions and enhance the oversight of government bodies regarding the acceptance of multi-apartment residential complexes, as well as expanding the functions of architectural and construction control authorities.

What Restrictions Do the New Rules Impose

A height restriction for construction has been established between Abay and Al-Farabi avenues: buildings of all types must not exceed 9 stories and 35 meters in height.

Exceptions are unique structures, whose construction will only be permitted if there is an architectural and urban planning justification for their public significance, ensuring sustainability and eco-friendliness of design solutions, including the use of energy-efficient and resource-saving technologies.

The regulations also govern the construction process in seismically hazardous zones and in the foothills (mountain "shelves") south of the Eastern Bypass Road (EBD), Al-Farabi Avenue, and the streets of Sayin and Zhandosov.

• Construction of buildings in the mountain shelf zone is prohibited, including on sites with a slope of 15 degrees or more;
• The previously accepted decision on building heights of no more than 12 meters and 3 stories, except for public and cultural facilities, is reinforced;
• Conversion of terraces and technical floors during reconstruction is prohibited.

Additionally, a requirement is established for constructing housing of at least Class III throughout the city, ensuring a minimum of 1 parking space per apartment.

“A pressing issue for Almaty is the targeted placement of buildings in existing residential neighborhoods and courtyard areas. While there was previously no legislative ban on erecting structures in green zones and playgrounds, such construction is prohibited under the new regulations,” the press service of the Almaty akimat stated.

The construction of gas stations (GS) and service stations (SS) on central city highways, near social facilities, and locations with high foot traffic is also strictly prohibited.

To preserve the natural environment and recreational areas in courtyards, a ban on altering the natural landscape for the purpose of increasing construction areas, filling in foothill ravines, streams, and cutting back mountain shelves is introduced.