The Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities has outlined the benefits for citizens who apply for reconciliation on building violations under Law No. 187 of 2023. According to Minister Sherif El Sherbiny, the law offers several advantages, including the official provision of utilities to properties and an increase in property market value. The law aims to create a more orderly and aesthetically pleasing urban landscape, especially in new cities, by legalizing as many building violations as possible.
Minister El Sherbiny urged citizens to submit their reconciliation requests by the November 4 deadline. He emphasized that the purpose of the law is developmental, designed to promote stable urban environments.
The Ministry has also prepared three comprehensive guides to assist in the reconciliation process: one for citizens, another for technical and appeal committees, and a third for the administrative authorities involved. These guides have been distributed across all new city authorities, and an upcoming booklet addressing frequently asked questions will soon be made available online.
The required documents for reconciliation in new cities include a copy of the applicant’s national ID, proof of ownership or relation to the property in question, receipts for application and inspection fees, two copies of architectural drawings for the violated structures certified by a licensed architect or engineer, and a structural safety report. Additional documents such as previous legal action reports or official utility connection documents may also be required depending on the circumstances.
Documents Required for Reconciliation in New Cities:
- A copy of the applicant’s national ID card.
- Documents proving the applicant’s authority over the building.
- Receipts for the application fee and payment for the seriousness of the reconciliation.
- Two copies of architectural drawings for the unapproved structures, signed by an engineering office or a registered civil or architectural engineer.
- A structural safety report from a consulting engineering office or a licensed engineer specializing in concrete or steel structures, or from a research center or engineering faculty, signed by a specialist.
- If the property area is no more than 200 square meters and does not exceed three floors, a report from a licensed engineer will suffice.
- A secured registration certificate for the engineer who issued the report, or a copy.
- Copies of the original construction permit plans and, if available, the permit itself.
- Proof of approval for land ownership settlement, if applicable, and any documents that establish the timeline of the violation, such as legal actions taken, previous inspection reports, or utility connection records.
These requirements are outlined in Article 5 of the executive regulations for the law.
