Bhutan Building Regulation 2018.

The purposes of this Regulation are: a) to establish standards for the construction of buildings which are responsive to the needs of the people of Bhutan and consistent with the traditions of Bhutan; b) to ensure that buildings are safe and accessible; c) to provide for the making of the Building Code of Bhutan; d) to recognise diversity in the needs of the people of Bhutan by making special provision for the rural areas of Bhutan; e) to establish procedures and requirements for the effective, transparent and efficient regulation of the construction, maintenance and demolition of buildings, including issuing building permits, monitoring building construction and issuing occupation certificates; and f) to provide for, encourage and facilitate energy efficient housing which is environmentally friendly.
Any building construction shall not commence without obtaining building permit and must comply with the procedures set under the permit. A person to whom a building permit has been issued shall comply with the conditions of the building permit.
The predominant land use in rural areas is residential and mixed-use development. Proposals for use other than the predominant land use, irrespective of ownership or the proponent, shall require special approval of the Dzongkhag Administration. In rural areas, construction shall not be permitted: a) in an environmentally sensitive area, or along or obstructing a water course or natural drainage; b) within 15 metres of the edge of a major stream or within 30 metres of the bank or the edge of a river, measured from the highest recorded water level; c) if it would have an adverse impact on the scenic views, the historical and cultural significant attributes of the area or the overall ambience of the traditional settlement. A preliminary study for waste collection and disposal, including the storm water drainage system, shall be carried out prior to approval of an application.