The implementation of the policy on provincial mergers and the abolition of district-level administrative units has inevitably led to the requirement that all provinces and cities nationwide must review and adjust related planning to ensure consistency with the new administrative units. However, due to the lack of specific guidance from competent authorities in recent times, the implementation process across all localities has encountered difficulties, resulting in delays in planning updates and significantly affecting the progress of investment projects. On July 18, 2025, the Government promulgated Resolution No. 66.1/2025/NQ-CP (“Resolution 66.1”) to remove obstacles related to subdivision planning (formulation, adjustment, and approval) after provincial or city mergers. This is the first Resolution of the Government issued under a special mechanism to address difficulties and obstacles caused by legal provisions (under Resolution No. 206/2025/QH15; specifically, the Government is authorized to promulgate normative resolutions to amend laws – ATA has published a detailed analysis of this Resolution; readers may refer to: “RESOLUTION NO. 206/2025/QH15: FROM NOW UNTIL FEBRUARY 28, 2027, THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE AND THE GOVERNMENT ARE AUTHORIZED TO PROMULGATE NORMATIVE LEGAL RESOLUTIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF AMENDING LAWS”).
1. Regulations on subdivision planning in areas where urban centers are formed
According to Resolution 66.1, subdivision planning in areas where urban centers are formed and which play a role in promoting the socio-economic development of the locality may be newly formulated or adjusted concurrently with the process of formulating or adjusting provincial planning or general urban planning and may be approved before the higher-level planning (provincial planning, general urban planning) is approved and later integrated into such higher-level plans to ensure consistency and synchronization.
Areas eligible for subdivision planning under this mechanism must have a projected population size reaching the minimum threshold within 10 years, specifically:
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From 45,000 people or more for centrally-run cities;
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From 15,000 people or more for provinces formed after restructuring in mountainous, highland, and border areas;
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From 21,000 people or more for other provinces formed after restructuring.
Under the Urban Planning and Subdivision Planning Law 2024, subdivision planning may only be formulated or adjusted after the approval of general planning and provincial planning. However, the newly issued provisions in Resolution 66.1 demonstrate greater flexibility and initiative by allowing subdivision planning to be carried out concurrently with general planning and provincial planning. This change not only shortens the planning timeline but also facilitates localities in exploiting development potential in a synchronized, sustainable, and more efficient manner. It can be seen as a positive step toward improving the legal framework on planning, aligning with practical requirements and current socio-economic development orientations.
2. Requirements for the contents of subdivision planning
To ensure effectiveness, Resolution 66.1 requires that the contents of subdivision planning for areas expected to form urban centers must comply with regulations on urban and rural planning and simultaneously ensure the following requirements:
a. The boundaries and scale of the subdivision planning area must be determined in the decision approving the planning task based on a review and identification of the characteristics, functions, and role in promoting socio-economic development, as well as the potential for technical and social infrastructure connectivity of the area expected to be planned;
b. Compliance with urban and rural planning standards, regulations, and relevant legal provisions.
Resolution 66.1 takes effect from July 18, 2025 until February 28, 2027.
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During this period, if laws, resolutions of the National Assembly, ordinances, or resolutions of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly are amended, supplemented, or newly promulgated, the corresponding provisions in this Resolution shall cease to be effective.
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In case the provisions on state management authority, responsibilities, procedures, or processes in this Resolution differ from those in other relevant legal normative documents, this Resolution shall prevail.
Comment: