URBAN PROGRAMS STRATEGIC URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND C ITIES AND C LIMATE C HANGE MAPPING OF RELEVANT INSTITUTIONS AND CENTERS OF COMPETENCE
Ministère du Transport et des Travaux Publics Direction Générale de l’Urbanisme (DGU) Conseil Supérieur de l’Urbanisme Category: Urban development operator
Country: Lebanon
Director: M. Joseph Abdelahad Contact: Beyrouth Lebanon Tel : 961 1-428 970 Fax : 961 1-427 046 Website: www.public-works.gov.lb Missions: The Directorate General of Urbanism (DGU), created in 1959 in the Ministry of Public Works, is the government body in the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation responsible for urban planning. It was entrusted with the planning of the development of land through the preparation of comprehensive master plans for the urban and regional development of Lebanon. The DGU is one of three departments in the Ministry of Public works reporting directly to the Minister. The DGU comprises of two divisions: an urban planning and studies divisions and a municipality projects division. The Directorate of Urban Planning and the Higher Council for Urban Planning regulate all matters related to urban planning and building laws. The DGU undertakes all master-plan studies in the country, and if unable, usually commissions the study to a private office. . The Urban Development Department inspects the property and the plans to ensure that they are consistent with the construction laws and regulations, and then grants its clearance for the issuance of the building permit and calculates the building permit taxes. Once completed, the master plan is submitted to the concerned municipality, which has a month to respond with comments, critiques and counter proposals if necessary. If accepted, the plan is then sent to the Council of Ministers for final authorization. The DGU also plays a critical role in the protection of archaeological and cultural heritage. All development plans have to be approved by the DGU before their implementation. The DGU produced several localized master plans for the purpose of managing urban growth. These master plans addressed land use and division, Floor to Area Ration (F.A.R), building heights, and setback regulations. In addition, all proposed master plans, or changes in zoning regulations, construction laws etc. must be submitted to the Higher Council of Urbanism whose job is to assess the impact of these projects and proposals. Other projects relevant in size or location must also be submitted to the Higher Council of Urbanism for consultation and approval. Relevance to the CMI urban programs: UD1 – Urban expansion and renewal; Urban land management Date of entry: June 2010