The reply note stated that procedures applied for construction of belief-related or religious works have been clearly stipulated in the Construction Law 2014 and the guiding circular No. 15 dated June 30, 2016. Accordingly, the construction permit shall not be required in cases where the repair or renovation of an existing belief related or religious work would causes no changes to its original structure, function and architecture.

The construction ministry’s note also informed that the ministry is drafting revised laws on construction, housing, urbanization and real estates in ways that there will be more exemption of construction permit and shorter time, from 30 working days to 20 working days, for applying construction permit.

Earlier, electors in Nam Dinh province recommended that the ministry of construction would make a proposal and submit it to the Government and the Prime Minister for exemption of or simpler procedures in applying for construction permit in cases of repairing, renovating or reconstructing a belief-related or religious work of minor scales when still maintaining its original structure and using non-state fund. 

PTT