Changes to the Spatial Planning Act: Parliament Adopts Strict Regulations for Construction

Sofia, Bulgaria – The Parliamentary Committee on Regional Policy, Urban Development, and Local Self-Government has taken a decisive step toward improving the construction process in the country by adopting, on a second reading, the unified bill for the amendment and supplement of the Spatial Planning Act (ZUT). The legislative initiative, introduced by MP Mladen Shishkov from the GERB-SDS coalition, aims to strengthen regulations and raise professional standards in the field of investment design.

Key Changes to the Spatial Planning Act (ZUT)

The main focus of the changes is the refinement of the rules for issuing construction permits, which aims to bring more clarity and control to the entire process. The bill pays special attention to the powers of designers, introducing a number of new requirements. For example, for specialists in the field of electrical installations, the term "engineer with qualifications in the field of communications" is replaced with the more general and precise term "electrical engineer". This change reflects the understanding that all engineers in this field have equal design qualifications.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new rules for the use of shallow geothermal resources. To ensure the sustainable management of water reserves, a mandatory permit for water use will now be required, in accordance with the provisions of the Water Act. This is an important step toward environmental protection and the rational use of natural resources.

Among other significant innovations is the explicit requirement for the participation of qualified specialists in the design of open-air facilities, which often have increased public importance. This category includes parking lots, markets, and sports fields. For the design of parking lots, a specific requirement is also introduced for the presence of a civil engineer with qualifications in "road construction", which emphasizes the importance of specialized knowledge for the safety and functionality of these facilities.

In an attempt to unify and standardize design activities, the bill also introduces the new concept of "project solution". The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRRB) is tasked with defining the scope and content of this concept within six months, which is expected to lead to greater consistency and predictability in projects.

Raising Professional Standards

The changes also affect the Law on the Chambers of Architects and Engineers in Investment Design (ZKAIIIP), raising the requirements for young specialists. Bachelor's degree holders will only be able to acquire full design qualifications after accumulating practical experience of two to four years. This period is defined as a necessary condition for acquiring the knowledge and skills needed for the design of complex and critical facilities.

According to the motives accompanying the bill, the goal of all these changes is one—the protection of public interest. Lawmakers hope that the new measures will lead to an increase in the quality of design and will guarantee the safety of the life, health, and property of Bulgarian citizens. The adoption of these texts on a second reading in the committee is a strong signal of the authorities' intention to make the construction sector more regulated and transparent.