Legislative Decree No.69/83 issuing the Urban Planning Code.

This Urban Planning Code consisting of 45 articles represents the legal framework for urban planning in Lebanon and consists of three Parts: (1) Urban planning, which focuses on plans and regulations, relevant planning conditions and possibilities (Articles 4 to 17); (2) Urban planning operations in relation with operational arrangements that the government can use when undertaking a development project (Articles 18 to 24); (3) the planning permissions, which focus mainly on building permits and land subdivision (Articles 25 to 44), knowing that most of the provisions relating to building permits are within the Building Code. Article 1 establishes the Superior Council of Urbanism, holding the authority over urban and rural planning matters. Its responsibilities include providing input on the following matters (i) urban and rural design schemes, as well as district classification plans; (ii) proposed decrees regarding the establishment of real estate firms, land expropriation, annexation, and subdivision; (iii) reviewing appeals against decisions concerning building permits and subdivision; (iv) initiatives to amend legislation concerning the organization of cities and villages, as well as building regulations.
The Code indicates three categories of urban instruments (1) the Territorial Land Use Plan (PAT): According to Article 4, its requirements must be followed by all municipal urban planning plans and regulations. It ought to serve as the main framework for the other two categories as a result; (2) The Master Plan (article 7): is the sole enforceable plan, mandated by government bodies, aiming to serve the public interest by identifying key geographic features and guiding significant planning decisions. It includes provisions for urban extensions, maintaining equilibrium between natural and agricultural areas, delineating industrial zones and traffic routes, establishing public infrastructure zones, and defining historic district boundaries. This system sets the overarching framework for area organization, encompassing regulations for residential expansion, land use balancing urban growth with environmental preservation, infrastructure development, transportation planning, productive activities, and neighborhood revitalization, while facilitating project coordination among public entities; (3) the Detailed Master Plan: It is comparable to the traditional land use plan. The final zoning restrictions are also defined in this plan.
As for the Urban planning operations, the Code at article 18 states that the administrations have the authority to appropriate areas designated for public interests, including streets, parks, and public buildings, and can acquire entire designated areas. Properties acquired can be sold at public auction or developed by the administration, with remaining areas subject to expropriation decreed by the municipality. Unsuitable areas may benefit neighboring owners, who must secure their value with a bank guarantee. The administration can purchase on behalf of non-purchasing owners. These provisions also apply to areas subject to expropriation prior to the enactment of this legislative decree.
Regarding the building permits, article 25 establishes that building permits will only be issued if the proposed works comply with the regulations set forth in the Building Law, relevant local zoning regulations, and any additional requirements specified in special texts pertaining to environmental protection, air easements, or classified institutions. Alternatively, if the real estate document outlines specific designs and regulations for urban and rural organization that differ from those in the Building Law, compliance with these rules is mandatory for permit issuance. These regulations must ensure safety, health, environmental protection, and aesthetic considerations, meeting standards at least equivalent to those mandated by the Building Law.
Article 26 deals with the establishment and operation of quarries and crushers on various types of land, including common, private, and state-owned property. It requires a license and must adhere to specific conditions and regulations set by the General Directorate of Civil Planning in collaboration with relevant ministries. The administration can designate temporary areas for quarrying and crushing activities based on detailed plans, which cease once the investment is completed, following conditions and guidelines established by the administration. The investor or owner must rearrange the site’s land at his expense after the completion of the works in accordance with the approved final maps, including the possibility of imposing arrangement and reforestation of the site.