Belarus has updated building codes for the planning and development of settlements

In Belarus, the building codes for the planning and development of settlements have been adjusted. What innovations are introduced, explained in RUE "Strotekhnorm", writes sb.by.

Amendment No. 4 CH 3.01.03-2020 approved by the decree of the Ministry of Architecture and Construction of August 25, 2026 No. 70 and enters into force on December 1, 2026.

For new construction, the rules have become stricter: the house is no closer than 3 m from the border of the neighboring site, farm buildings (garage, shed, bathhouse and others) are no closer than 2 m. Previously, it was possible to retreat less if the neighbor gave written consent, certified by a notary. Now this possibility is completely excluded, the experts explained.

As for existing houses and buildings that are closer than three and two meters, respectively, they do not need to be demolished. You can repair and reconstruct, but with one condition: do not increase the dimensions and area in the direction of the neighboring site.

“The essence of change lies in two different approaches. Do you want to build a new home or home? Retreat 3 m and 2 m respectively. Is there a house or a building closer? Repair, rebuild, but do not go beyond the existing dimensions, experts noted.

The question of distance measurement is also clarified. It is now considered strictly from the basement or exterior walls of the building to the boundary of the site. This removes disputes about what exactly to measure - from the canopy, roof, protruding foundation or from the wall, - noted in RUE "Strotekhnorm".

Other important innovations were introduced. Container areas for garbage can not be placed closer than 20 m from the windows of residential buildings, playgrounds, schools, kindergartens, healthcare facilities, trade and catering. This applies to both new projects and reconstruction.

In new residential areas and near public buildings, requirements are set for the design of sites equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles. At least 10% of parking spaces must be equipped with EZS. And we are talking not only about fast stations, but also about “slow” charging right near the house.

The rules on how far from the fire station buildings can be located have been clarified. If the depot does not have special equipment to rescue people from heights (stairway or lift), the service area is limited to 2.4 km. If such equipment is - the zone is determined by the height of lifting equipment. "Simply put: the better equipped the fire depot, the further it can "serve" the buildings," the company explained.

Requirements remain that from the boundaries of development to the forest of coniferous and mixed species should be at least 50 m, to deciduous forest - at least 20 m.

Another innovation is that architects are forbidden to pave car passes through pedestrian paths leading to children's and sports grounds. The path to sandboxes, swings and street simulators should be completely isolated from the transit of transport.

Change No. 4 removes the opportunity to “neighborly negotiate” for new construction, but does not force to demolish what is already close, and does not prohibit the reconstruction of existing buildings – simply without expanding towards the neighboring site. At the same time, the rules for placing container areas (not closer than 20 m from the windows of residential buildings, schools and kindergartens) are established, mandatory charging for electric vehicles is introduced (at least 10% of parking spaces). The service areas of fire depots (2.4 km without special equipment for rescue from heights) are being specified, fire breaks to the forest (50 m for conifers and 20 m for hardwoods) are being preserved, and it is also expressly forbidden to lay road passages through pedestrian paths leading to children's playgrounds.