Failure to observe construction rules by Chisinau’s residents and the lack of approved urban planning documentation leads to chaotic housing stock construction, which affects the city’s architectural integrity, among many other issues.

Responding to an IPN request for information, Chisinau Deputy Mayor Ilie Ceban said the situation of unauthorized construction is permanently monitored by the local authorities, with deterrent orders being issued and sanctions being imposed.

The municipal interventions include demolition of unauthorized constructions, issuance of cease-and-desist orders, rejection, suspension or cancellation of construction permits and submission of formal complaints for further enforcement of construction rules.

The deputy mayor says the court may order the culprit to cover the damages done by the unauthorized construction. “The City Hall and Municipal Council subdivisions offer all the needed support and explanations regarding the legal framework to the petitions submitted by the citizens. Preventing and documenting unauthorized constructions in the early stages is a big task for the local administration, given the large jurisdiction area, the small number of specialists and vacancies, due to poor salaries”, says Ilie Ceban.

Natalia Ixari, spokesperson to the general mayor, says that it is complicated to establish an exact number of unauthorized constructions in Chisinau. “To find out how many constructions are unauthorized, an inventory is needed of all the constructions in Chisinau. This inventory of Chisinau, of the historical monuments in the city, needs to be done with the help of the Ministry of Culture, among other agencies”, she said.

Ilie Ceban underlines that the national legislation does not allow the legalization of unauthorized constructions. If anyone plans to carry out redesigns inside an apartment building, for example, a prior permit is needed in line with the relevant legislation.

Most violations of construction rules stem from the desire of residents to save money and improve their housing conditions on their own, without the help of specialists. Another issue is the failure of the authorities to supervise the constructions and to certify them as compliant once they are completed.

Under the legislation, unauthorized constructions are those carried out without a prior design certificate, design documentation and construction permit.