Kazakhstan Tightens Rules for Master Plans and Urban Development

Kazakhstan has updated the rules for developing, coordinating, and approving urban planning projects — including master plans and detailed planning projects, or DPPs. Minister of Industry and Construction Yersaiyn Nagaspayev approved the new rules, which regulate how master plans for cities and villages can be changed, how public discussions must be held, and how development projects are coordinated, Orda.kz reports.

One of the main changes concerns public discussions. Akimats are now required to publish information about them in advance, and the discussions may take place no earlier than 20 days after the official announcement.

Authorities are also required to make full video and audio recordings of public discussions. The recordings must be attached to the official protocol and published on the akimat’s website within two working days after the discussions end.

The rules separately state that public discussions will be considered valid only if at least 50 individuals or legal entities take part. If the required number of participants is not reached, the akimat must announce repeat hearings.

The rules also state that, when adjusting a DPP, authorities must consider the availability of social infrastructure in adjacent areas. This means that when new residential complexes are planned, officials must assess the burden not only on a specific site, but also on neighboring blocks.

At the same time, officials preserved the right of project investors to finance the development and adjustment of DPPs. In recent years, this mechanism has often caused conflicts between residents and developers in Almaty and other major cities.

The new rules also set a limit on how often DPPs can be adjusted. Under normal conditions, detailed planning projects may be updated no more than once every two years. Exceptions are allowed only in cases of natural or man-made emergencies.

Another important section concerns territorial safety. Master plans and DPPs must now take into account seismic microzoning maps, as well as data on mudslide, landslide, and avalanche risks, where applicable.

The new rules also introduce mandatory digital verification of projects. Before undergoing urban planning review, DPPs must be checked for compliance with the approved master plan through the automated system of the state urban planning cadastre.

The order will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Original author: Alexander Smolin

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