Vietnam empowers commune-level officials to adjust urban plans and approve single-family housing

A new regulation in Quảng Ngãi province authorises commune‑level People's Committees to carry out local adjustments of urban and rural master plans. The rule sets detailed procedures for drafting, consulting, reviewing and publishing changes, requires coordination with the provincial Department of Construction, and mandates public disclosure on the national planning portal. The amendment takes effect on 10 August 2026, replacing the previous provincial decision.

Separately, the National Assembly debated a draft amendment to the Architecture Law that would allow communes to approve single‑family housing and social‑welfare projects, while larger developments remain under provincial control. Lawmakers highlighted the need for clear limits, stronger oversight and capacity‑building at the commune level, warning that post‑completion checks could be costly if violations are discovered later.