Urban Development and Housing Law. Country/Territory Afghanistan Document type Legislation Date 2017 Source FAO, FAOLEX Original source Official Journal, No.1278 Subject Environment gen. Keyword Authorization/permit Cultural heritage Enforcement/compliance Environmental planning Governance Institution Policy/planning Geographical area Asia, Asia and the Pacific, Landlocked Developing Nations, Least Developed Countries, Southern Asia Abstract The Act aims to manage urbanism and housing affairs in the country. The Act consists of 30 articles, divided into 6 Chapters: General Provisions (I); Coherence in Urbanism and Housing Affairs (II); Engineering Department (III); Principles of Urbanism, Offences, and Punishments (IV); Housing (V); Miscellaneous Provisions (VI). The main objectives of this Act include: to adjust national urban development plan based on social, economic, environmental, and geographical capabilities; to regulate sustainable development of cities based on national and international standards; to improve urban system and increase public welfare; to facilitate construction of new cities and residential areas; to prevent illegal and unsustainable expansion of cities; to facilitate public access to urban services and infrastructure; to protect natural environment, historical buildings, and cultural heritage; to encourage investment in housing. The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing is the authority responsible to implement the provisions of this Act. To increase the coherence of activities in the field of urbanism and housing, the Act establishes a High Council for Urban Development with the presidency of Minister of Urban Development and Housing. The High Council has the authority to draft and approve national strategies and policies for the systematic development of cities, ratify comprehensive national plan, domestic plans, and cities’ comprehensive plans, and regulate urbanism and housing standards. Any construction activity in urban areas requires the permission of the Engineering Department. Any activity related to urban development only is possible with a permit of the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing. Any construction of cities, towns, and residential buildings in contrary to national master plans is illegal. Full text Farsi Website laws.moj.gov.af