75519790https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=CD48EE9F888FFE28What are the major benefits of urban renewal?For public participation in the developmental process of urban renewal, the rights of owners are not only be protected by the Urban Renewal Act, but according to the stipulation of rewards for transformation development rights for Urban Renewal, the owner may have access to a reward equal to a maximum of 1.5 times of the statutory volume of the floor area, or 0.3 times the statutory capacity of the original building base together with the capacity of the original building.During implementation, the owner may also enjoy tax reductions in land value tax, house tax, land value increment tax, deed tax, etc.If the building is not reconstructed according to the abovementioned urban renewal guidelines, the land will need to be reconstructed according to the statutory volume of the floor, and all of the abovementioned preferences will not apply.[][][][]Taipei City Urban Regeneration Office75519780https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=731B994D82C784EAWhat methods are available for urban renewal?According to rule No. 4 of the Amendment to the Statute For Urban Renewal, there are three approaches towards urban renewal:１．Reconstruction: Refers to demolishing the original building in the renewal area, and reconstructing new buildings and accommodation, improving public facilities within the renewal area, and allowing the land use or usage density to be altered.２．Refurbishment: Refers to remodeling and repairing of the building within the renewal area, or expanding its facilities and improving public facilities within the region.３．Maintenance: Refers to enhancing the land usage and building management within the renewal area, improve the public facilities and maintaining them in a decent condition.[][][][]Taipei City Urban Regeneration Office75519770https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=8F4287AA6501B796What is urban renewal?In order to maintain the constant vitality of a city, comprehensive renewal programs are designed for dilapidated, old and declining regions of a city through efforts from the government and private groups; these will further be reviewed and approved by experts to proceed with demolition, reconstruction, refurbishment or maintenance in terms of revitalizing urban functions, enhancing the living environment and increasing the value of real estate.Therefore, urban renewal is not restricted to reconstruction of houses, but also serves to stimulate renewal of the city in terms of society, economy and environment, through approaches including collaboration between the public and private sectors, expert reviews, and public participation.[][][][]Taipei City Urban Regeneration Office75525840https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=4A1D0848FF4290ADPlease brief us on the content of “The principle for The Priority of Inspections on Illegal Outdoor Advertising by the Taipei City Government” and corresponding penalties.7 types of illegal outdoor advertising are listed in the priority list for inspections interfering with public safety, public transportations, and city appearance:(1) Outdoor advertising in the areas of Urban Land Readjustment and Land expropriation undertaken by urban design reviews or outdoor advertising beautification.(2) Advertising objects subjected to miscellaneous license applications.(3) Outdoor advertising structures and signboards jeopardizing public safety and fire protection.(4) Abandoned outdoor advertising interfering with city appearance and public transportation or advertising out of specification.(5) Outdoor advertising text or graphic contents interfering with public order or social customs.(6) Outdoor advertising erected on rooftops.(7) Outdoor advertising which violates regulations, as reported by property owners or community management committees.Most of these 7 types of illegal advertising interfere with public safety, public transportation, and city appearance; therefore any advertising identified as any of the 7 types will be notified for make-up applications or removal within 20 days of notice; or alternatively fined NTD 40,000 with forced removal. Other illegal outdoor advertising not mentioned above will be photographed and listed for inspection in sequence.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75525850https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=C69BDD696FE101FBHow can I report an illegal outdoor advertising? Which channels can I submit my report through?Should there be any inquiries about outdoor advertising, please contact us by calling 1999 (for callers from other cities, please dial 02-27208889 ext.8388), send an e-mail to the Mayor’s inbox, or file written reports for relevant suggestions. Alternatively, you may visit the Apartment Building Section of the Taipei City Construction Management Office. Let’s commit to working together towards a better living environment.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75525860https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=6D29EF5EF36A0DC4Will the Taipei City Government commence inspections on all current advertising per “The principle for The Priority of Inspections on Illegal Outdoor Advertising by Taipei City Government”?This year, the Taipei City Construction Management Office has scheduled inspections of illegal advertising which interferes with public safety, public transportation, and city appearance along important roads. Regarding all other advertisements, they will be inspected in compliance with “The principle for The Priority of Inspections on Illegal Outdoor Advertising by Taipei City Government” once they are reported.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75525870https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=543371F0C9599681May I report an advertising signboard fixed on my wall by downstairs neighbors?Any illegal advertising reported by the property owners or the Community Management Committee of the location will be inspected with priority. Upon receiving the relevant documents, the illegal advertising will be inspected and fined accordingly once violations are confirmed by the Taipei City Construction Management Office.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75525880https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=2659B8A67551C88DDo I need submit an application in order to set up an outdoor advertising signboard?According to Building Act Article 97-3, those setting up advertising signboards should apply a permit from the relevant authority. For information about the application documents and procedure, please visit the Taipei City Construction Management Office website at http://www.tccmo.taipei.gov.tw/; or visit the Apartment Building Section of the Taipei City Construction Management Office. Contact No: 1999 (caller from other cities please dial 02-27208889 ext. 8388).[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75525890https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=D9217A88F3EDE7BFTaipei City Old Building Inspection FAQQ: Who is eligible for subsidies via the Old Building Inspection Program? A: Any licensed congregate housing building three stories high and above that is over 30-years-old (based on the issue date of the Building Use Permit), with more than half the units for residential use. However, if the whole building is in one single property owner’s possession, if it is undergoing any urban renewal process, announced as a high chloride ion contented concrete building, or an application for building license has already been submitted, no subsidy will be granted.Q: What are the applicant qualifications for Old Building Inspection? A: The community management committee should submit an application to the Taipei City Government with relevant documents. Should there be no such organization for the building, a representative authorized by over half of the residents may submit the application, along with Letters of Authorization, Copy of Building Ownership Certificate or Building Registration Transcription.Q: What is the application and processing protocol for the Old Building Inspection Program? A: Please visit the Taipei City Construction Management Office website to download the application form from “Old Building Inspection Program” page. Submit the completed written application forms to the Department of Urban Development or Construction Management Office of Taipei City Government to be proceeded on a first come first served basis (according to sequence of applications filed). Once prerequisite conditions are confirmed, the application will be allocated to the authorized inspection organization for the following procedures. For information about inspection organizations, please visit the “Old Building Inspection Program” page on the Taipei City Construction Management Office website. (Announcement of authorized inspection organizations will be posted around Sep. 24th 2013.)Q: Application period for Old Building Inspection Program? A: In 2013, the pilot program will accept 100 applications during the application period from October 1st to November 10th 2013. Another 200 applications will be accepted in 2014 for those who were not able to submit applications by November 10th this year.Q: What inspection categories are included in Old Building Inspection Program? A: There are 5 main categories for the Old Building Inspection Program, including: structure, fire protection, evacuation, facility and external walls. Inspection results are marked in five grades ranging from Excellent (A), Good (B), Fair (C), Poor (D) to Extremely Poor (E). For items rated Grade D or E, the Inspection Organizations will then make specific suggestions for improvement.Q: How much is the Old Building Inspection Program subsidy? A: The subsidy will be calculated using the number of applicant households. Each application will be granted a subsidy varying from NTD $15,000 to $30 000, paid directly to inspection organizations by the Taipei City Government.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75525900https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=B67364F00643A856What does “Sea-Sand Building” refer to?A so-called Sea-Sand Building refers to a building constructed with concrete mixed with sand from the ocean instead of river sand, which is normally used. Due to the high chloride ion content, in the short term sea sand causes white stains to emerge from the walls, commonly referred to as “Wall Cancer. In the long term, the contents will accelerate rebar corrosion and result in flaking of the concrete in blocks, severely damaging the building’s structure. There are now two anti-corrosive applications: one is the cathodic protection technique, while the other is the electrochemical chloride extraction technique; both can be applied to slow down rebar corrosion and prolong the lifespan of building structures.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75525910https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=4CADD04B2EAB0DE2How can I avoid purchasing Sea-Sand Buildings and Radioactive Buildings?Recently, there has much upheaval regarding the issue of sea-sand buildings and radioactive buildings in Taiwan. Many sea-sand buildings and radioactive buildings have been found, yet more remain. Such a phenomenon has caused panic in the society. Therefore, how one can avoid purchasing sea-sand buildings and radioactive buildings has become a major concern for all house buyers. So, how exactly can we avoid buying sea-sand buildings and radioactive buildings?1. Buy houses from reputable developers or real estate agents in the industry. Due to the fact that those companies cherish their reputation, they tend to take more responsibilities for any problems with the houses they construct than companies which only complete one-project.2. Ask the developer to note in writing that the property purchased is not a sea-sand building in the contract as the evidence for possible claims in the future. 3. Pay more attention to buildings situated in regions where radioactive buildings have been found, and request the seller provide a radioactive testing report or to carry out such testing before a purchase.4. Hire relevant organizations for safety testing and evaluation. Qualified organizations for such services currently include the: Architects Association, Civil Engineering Technicians Association, Structural Engineering Technicians Associations and Industrial Technology Research Institute.Moreover, the Ministry of Finance has also determined that any sea-sand buildings identified by government institutions or structural engineering associations may receive property tax deductions based on the degree of damage according to property tax regulations, i.e. for those with damaged areas covering 30-50% of the building area, property tax will be reduced by 50%. Those with damaged covering more than 50% of the building area will be exempt from the property tax.There are other relevant issues related to sea-sand buildings in the Consumer Protection Law; which indicates that if the consumer unfortunately buys any sea-sand building after act’s enactment (1994.1.1.), the consumer may request compensation amounting to triple of purchasing price from the developer.Concerning the dangers caused by sea-sand buildings and the protection of citizens’ rights, the standards for Sea-Sand Building Demolishment and Reconstruction Regulations and compensations are as follows:Standards for Demolishment and Reconstruction: Buildings with 20% of the contaminated residences containing an Annual Collective Dose of over 0.5 rem and one residence containing a dose of over 0.5 rem; or 20% of the contaminated residences containing an Annual Collective Dose of over 0.5 remand are not suitable for any improvement measures other than demolishment and reconstruction.Reconstruction Compensation Measures: Applications for reconstruction may be made to the local building authority within three years after being identified as meeting the standard for demolishment and reconstruction. Upon the Executive Yuan’s approval, the residences may be reconstructed at the original building’s coverage ratio, with an additional increase of 30% of the floor area ratio or total floor area.For buildings which do not meet standards for demolishment and reconstruction but containing an annual collective dose between 0.5-1.5 rem, residents may apply to the Atomic Energy Council for improvement design and planning and an improvement construction grant within the budget of NTD $400,000.Sea-Sand Testing Organizations A. Industrial Technology Research Institute Fee Basis：NTD$5,000 for the first sample, then NTD$2,000 for every extra one.Radiation Testing Organizations A. Radiation Protection Association Fee Basis: Area under 50 pings, NTD$3,000 for every case. Contact No.: (035)722-224B. Fu-Hsin Corp. Fee Basis: Area under 32 pings: NTD $2,500. Area over 32 pings, NTD $80 for every extra ping Contact No.: (02)736-3656C. International Hwashen Corp. Fee Basis: Area under 20 pings: NTD $2,500. Area between 20-50 pings: NTD $3,000. Area over 50 pings: NTD $4,500. Contact No.: (02)368-8182D. Becquerel & Sievert (formerly known as Transtex Corporation) Fee Basis: Area under 20 pings: NTD $1,600. NTD $400 for every extra 10 pings. Contact No.: (02)2702-9086[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75517410https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=A3E56C0643E618A1How should one cope with the excessive noise from ongoing constructions?If the noise reaches intolerable levels, you can dial 1999 to report to the Environmental Protection Agency. [][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75517400https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=BEDA1E14473C58A7What information of housing purchase does Construction Management Office provide? (Housing purchase service hotline: 1999(For callers outside of Taipei City, please dial 02-27208889) ext. 8383 )1.Sales of houses in the public market: location, number of households available, floors, scope of public facilities and so forth. 2.Verification of pre-sale house advertisements in accordance with the approved license. 3.Land use zoning and floor occupancy purposes. 4.Basement property rights. 5.Parking lot location. 6.Project commencement date. 7.Project progress. 8.Scheduled date of completion. 9.Information of applicants, supervisors and contractors, and other non-privacy, non-price related issues. [][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75517390https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=42BE78454386664EDo I need to submit an application if I want to change walls or ceilings? How can I apply for?If the building has more than 6 floors, a review of interior decoration will be required if you wish to replace partitioning walls or a ceiling regardless of the dwelling’s floor location. For detailed application procedure, please dial Building User Permit Section’s service line ：1999 (For callers outside of Taipei City, please dial 02-27208889) ext. 8387 and our staff will be more than pleased to serve you.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75517380https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=7B155C736FDB2B5BWhere can I get more information on interior decoration?Simply visit Construction Management Office’s website and click check the “Building interior decoration” section (including the 50 questions of Q & A) for more information on interior decoration.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75517370https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=BFBA701F8ED4C229How are apartment building statutes drafted?The Statute is drafted during the meeting of all the owners in the district. A resolution may only be reached when 3/4 of the attendees agree to pass the motion during the first meeting (with no less than 2/3 of the owners in the district attending the meeting). If the number of attendees during the first meeting were insufficient for a resolution to be reached, the convener may reconvene another meeting at a later date. The second meeting will only require 1/5 of the owners to participate and a resolution can be reached as long as 1/2 of the attendees agree to pass the motion. The proposed motion will be printed in written form and distributed to all the owners in the district; opponents to the motion will have seven days to submit their written objection. If the number of objections is less than 1/2 of the total number of the owners in the district, the proposed motion will be deemed as passed.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75517360https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=027F4AA84811FE68How do I apply an apartment building organization report?Pursuant to Apartment Building Management Organization Application Procedure, the chairperson of your apartment building’s management committee or manager is required to prepare relevant documentations stated in Clause III and report to the Office. You can download the list of required documentations from the Office’s website.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75517350https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=0DD4FA95BBD2B3C4How can I find out if the proprietor of the building I am residing in has filed for a declaration with the Municipal Government?You can visit our website at http://www.dba.taipei.gov.tw (Chinese version) and click popular searches -> Apartment Management Registration to find out if the proprietor of your building has filed for approval.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75517340https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=E41AEE1312CA4192How do I apply for odd land mediation?Both parties should try to mediate privately beforehand and if attempts at mediation fails (i.e. both parties refuse to combine their land for construction or have differing views on land use), one may submit relevant records to the Office for mediation.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75517330https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=446D55DA0A4B5668How should I mediate odd lands between owners in private?There are no restrictions on the number of mediations or formats and mediations can be done via conferences, phone conversations or personal visits. However, mediation contents must include clearly stated opinions from owners (should the mediation fail, you can compile the records and submit the case to the mediation committee).[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75517320https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=F1FC2D6DBC4AA13AWhat should I do if I want to set up a new fence on the vacant lot of a building?You are permitted to put up barbed wire less than 2 meters in height on a vacant lot or a railing fence of less than 2 meters in height on a site with brick concrete foundations below 60cm. License application is exempted if 70% or more of the fenced area is open. For cases of other circumstances, one will be required to apply for a miscellaneous license.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75517310https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=26568286BD166095Can I place seats or run businesses in arcades?The Taipei City Building Management Self Government Ordinance has clearly laid out relevant provision on the dimensions and construction of building arcades. Placement of any obstacles in an arcade is prohibited.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75517300https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=D945CA4CC0B2C270What should I do if my house is damaged by new construction projects nearby?When a building is damaged by new adjacent constructions, the claim can be resolved through civil litigation. Alternatively, the proprietor of the damaged building (or client of the proprietor) may request for assistance from the Office. [][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75517280https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=E60C56E7D81F5839What should I do if I encounter a breach of contract during the purchase of pre-sale house?Disputes pertaining to the formulation of contract contents fall under the scope of debt in Civil Law; breach of contract in household transactions also fall under private right disputes and therefore require judicial resolution. Should you require legal advice, please dial the public service hotline ：1999 (For callers outside of Taipei City, please dial 02-27208889) ext. 6168 (Mon-Fri: 09:00AM-12:00PM, 14:00-17:00PM) [][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75517270https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=3C9F6F0B4F9C55D2Do I have to apply for a license to install capping without walls on the roof of an old building to prevent water leakage? If so, how do I apply for one?Pursuant to building related laws and regulations, the installation of capping falls under the scope of building construction and you need to commission a qualified architect to apply for a construction license from the Construction Management Office before commencing the project. If you start the project without a legitimate license, it will be deemed as an illegal project and will be subject to demolition.[][][][]Taipei City Construction Management Office75515870https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=923D1F3797B06D75What constitutes the main work of the urban planning commission?1. Discussion of matters pertaining to the alteration of urban planning proposals.2. Deliberation over matters relating to the planning and scope of redevelopment of the city.[][][][]Taipei Urban Planning Commission75515840https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=E62673D473E3BEF2What is the membership of Taipei Urban Planning Commission comprised?1. The Deputy Mayor is the chairperson of the committee, and the secretary serves as the deputy director of the committee.2. The heads of each related municipal department for example the Public Works Department, Department of Land Administration, Department of Economics Development,or Department of Transportation. 3. The experts in the areas of urban planning, urban design, landscape,transportation,etc.4. The public welfare activists.In total there are 21 committee members.[][][][]Taipei Urban Planning Commission75515850https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=AA214413D2DA248BHow long can members of Taipei Urban Planning Commission serve and can one’s term of office be renewed?Members of Taipei Urban Planning Commission serve for one year, after which their term of office can be extended. Field professionals may serve for a maximum of three terms. The number of continuing professionals and public welfare activists may not exceed 50% of the total number of members.[][][][]Taipei Urban Planning Commission75515880https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=DB9874FA031758E7What procedures does the urban planning commission adopt upon receiving new cases?Upon receipt of new cases staff members carry out initial analysis of their content, and receive citizens opinions. Following the commission's decision, cases are ranked from 1 to 3 according to priority.[][][][]Taipei Urban Planning Commission75515910https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=34278E468EDD627EHow can one convey one’s opinions to the urban planning commission via the internet?For the commission to fully understand your needs, please use <a href="https://hello.gov.taipei/" title="hello taipei">https://hello.gov.taipei</a> and provide the following details (format used is unimportant) .You may also mail your written complaint to us at Taipei Urban Planning Commission (10F, Northwest Wing, No.1, City Hall Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City). Upon receiving your correspondence a written response will be given.Full name, day/ nighttime contact number, mailing address, e-mail address (if corresponding by regular mail); please state your case and your reasons (in no more than 500 words) and your proposed solution (100 words). [][][][]Taipei Urban Planning Commission75515920https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=733F4ABF5A8F620AHow will the urban planning commission deal with the suggestions it receives?At commission or sub-commission evaluation meetings, the person making the suggestion and the relevant government department(s) will be invited to attend and explain their ideas. It is up to the chairperson and commission members to discuss these ideas and find a resolution.[][][][]Taipei Urban Planning Commission75515900https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=FB20DF50CD13257DCan an ordinary citizen audit an urban planning commission members’ meeting?During the commission's deliberations, an observatory is made available and all are welcome to audit such meetings. For those wishing to do so, take note of the following rules regarding meeting etiquette: 1. While meetings are in progress complete silence should be maintained. 2. If during proceedings you would like to give your opinion please first register statements with staff. 3. With the chairperson's consent, please follow staff into the conference area. Upon finishing your statement we kindly ask you to promptly exit the meeting area so as not to disrupt the proceedings.[][][][]Taipei Urban Planning Commission75514200https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=0E398C44CFB74F7AHow can I obtain a new Taipei City map?The Department of Urban Development cooperated with two map publishing companies recently . They have published two atlases and a series of 12 districts’ wall charts dated from October 2004 to March 2005 in Chinese. In addition to traditional vector maps, they especially represent colorful aerial images taken in 2002 that you can have clearer view of the buildings, roads, rivers, mountains and various green spaces, etc. By comparing traditional two dimensional maps, you can obtain more geographic information from the aerial images. You can visit the major bookstores for purchase.[][][][]Department of Urban Development Taipei City Government75514190https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=1778407A102B3EEEWhat is “Neighborhood Improvement Program”?Neighborhood Improvement Program” is a government-supported project that encourages citizens to propose their own improvement plan of neighborhood public space. Planners collect the anticipated ideas from citizens and offer professional assistance to implement the proposed plan. During the process of planning, there will be constant negotiation and communication between public and private sectors. The goal of this program is to enhance the quality of urban environment and to build a human city and in terms of improving civil participation and reinforcing community consciousness.[][][][]Department of Urban Development Taipei City Government75514180https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=75F6F6E627301163What is“Community Planner”? What can they do for me?Community Planners are those who have urban/spatial planning background or plenty of community-work experiences and are enthusiastic about community services. Their role is to facilitate the communication between public and private sectors regarding issues about public space. The tasks of Community Planners involve contextual planning. Community Planners possess in-depth understanding and strong emotional bond to the neighborhood they are serving. With the help of Community Planners and their on-site studios, local citizens will be able to consult and discuss community issues with professionals. People can also propose to the public sector about how they want to improve the community, the environment, and the appearance of a city. Community Planners encourage the communities to participate in public issues, to improve living quality, and to create a pleasant civil society.[][][][]Department of Urban Development Taipei City Government75514170https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=721026842B1EAFADHow does Taipei City control its urban design?Taipei City formulates the Urban Design Guidelines to direct and control the fashion of its urban development. The major task of urban design control is to overcome the regulatory loophole pertaining public interface. By rigidly following the Urban Design Review framework, the Urban Development Department endeavors to control the quality of individual development cases. The approaches undertook to regulate urban design in Taipei City include: (a)Urban Design Guidelines- the fundamental spatial regulation Urban Design Guidelines are formulated to supervise the developments according to the culture and the characteristics of each of the newly-developed zones, the urban renewal zones, and other specialized areas. The goal is to preserve, improve and create life spaces for the citizen of Taipei. There are two significant purposes of the urban design guidelines: (1)to protect high quality public environments and life spaces; and (2)to create local and regional characteristics. The regulatory content of the Urban Design Guidelines is listed below: ‧Land uses and building masses -Minimum site area -Intensity of land use, floor area ratio, and floor space ratio -Development right transfer and height restriction incentives -Permitted land uses -Yard and lawn spaces -Interspaces between buildings -Building height -Building mass -Building types and organizations -Underground area size -Plaza development ‧Open Space -Destination, size and shape of designated open spaces -Pedestrian sidewalks created by designated building setback -Width and connection of designated public sidewalks -Property right of overpass and underpass -Thoroughfare in pedestrian system ‧Urban Fabric -Allocation of building types -Allocation of public buildings -Allocation of parks and open spaces -Preservation and redevelopment of historical buildings ‧Streetscape -Visual axis of buildings -Street planting -Allocation of urban furniture -Allocation of public arts -CIS -Lighting system -Commercial billboards -Green roof ‧Services system -Parking spaces -Off-street loading areas -Garbage storing sites -Disabled accessibility (b)Urban Design Review- development consultation The Urban Design Review of Taipei City is the most developed land use control system in Taiwan. The function of Urban Design Review, in early days, is to compensate the deficiency and rigidity of the Architecture and Building Control regulations. Nowadays the role of Urban Design Review moves to actively control the qualities of public and private developments. For example, the Urban Design Review system can, by directing the discussion and negotiation among professionals and developers, introduce public concerns about city space and images to the benefit-oriented development cases. Urban Design Review of Taipei City started to roll in 1982. Xin-Yi Planning District was the first review area. More review areas and review principles were created and formulated subsequently. By organizing the Urban Design Review Panel, Taipei City is able to maintain decent public spaces and quality environment. [][][][]Department of Urban Development Taipei City Government75514140https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=6691E067D07FEFFCWhat plans and measures are implemented to develop the modern Taipei sub-center, the Xinyi Planning District?Xinyi Planning District is a newly developed sub-center of Taipei City. The district is designed prospectively to provide better land uses and transportation systems. Both the urban landscape and service system of the district achieve the standard of a high-quality commercial and residential environment. The Xinyi Planning District hence creates a window for internationalization of Taipei City. In terms of urban design, Xinyi Planning District aims to establish a human-scaled urban environment and to comprehensively improve the urban landscape. Listed below are the applied urban design measures: (1)Land uses - Practicing zoning by creating commercial zones, special zones, business zones, residential zones, residential/commercial mix use zones, entertainment zones, parks, open spaces, etc. (2)Intensity of land use - Formulating the standard of FAR, FSR, and underground area size (<80% of site area). (3)Building height (4)Courtyard regulation (5)Minimum lot size of each zone (6)Open space - Designating the location, size and shape of public open space; increasing and consolidating the connection between green spaces and open spaces. (7)Setback - Requiring at least 1.57 meters of setback in front of buildings of 8 meters or above. (8)Pedestrian sidewalk - Designating the location and size of the dedicated pedestrian passageways; connecting the ground level pedestrian stream with the upper level bridge and overpass network. (9)Comprehensive CIS system - Placing Chinese and English CIS system at the important entries and exits within the sites. (10)Commercial billboard - Prohibiting the placing of neon light billboard on top of a building roof, considering the height, location and lighting system of a building. (11)Beautification of building roof - Encouraging the roof design in correspondence with the design of the surrounding buildings. (12)Lighting system - Allocating lightings along pedestrian overpasses and sidewalks. (13)Parking spaces - Regulating maximum parking space provision as a means of encouraging the usage of public transits. Parking incentives do not apply in this district. Various plans are carried out to deal with urban designs issues of the district, including (1)district-wide road openings, pedestrian network planning, lightings and drainage system along pedestrian sidewalks, construction of parks, open spaces, schools, and local language centers; (2)construction of MRT system and the Second Highway; (3)construction of pedestrian overpass system by the aid of private sectors; and (4)improvement plan of night time lighting system. The Xinyi Planning District incorporates department store industry, entertainment industry, headquarters of private corporations, and upscale residential developments. The skyscraper Taipei 101 has become the landmark of this Taipei City sub-center. [][][][]Department of Urban Development Taipei City Government75514150https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=46C1F6F046DA7029How does Taipei City establish and manage its urban design system? What are the accomplishments?The urban design system of Taipei City is established and managed in light of its three dimensional sensory meanings, the efficacy of its land use, and its prospective vision and opportunities. The goal of the urban design system is to create a high quality urban environment for the purpose of satisfying the citizens’ prospect toward their everyday living space. Two major approaches are implemented to establish and manage the urban design system in Taipei City, which include: (a) creating the Urban Design Guidelines according to the unique characteristics of an area or an urban setting; and (b) implementing the Urban Design Review framework. Urban Design Guidelines of newly developed zones, urban renewal zones, and other specialized zones are subsequently created since the inauguration of the Urban Design Review system in 1982. The existing Urban Design Guidelines include sub-central Xinyi Planning District, Keelung River and Reclamation Land Area, Taipei Station Area Special District, Nangang Economic and Financial Park, S.Y.S Memorial Hall Area Special District, Dadaocheng Historical Preservation Special District, and Muzha Second Phase Redevelopment Area. These guidelines are formulated according to unique regional characteristics in terms of regional activities and urban spaces. The guidelines aim to create localized and living spaces for the citizens. The total area currently within the scope of Urban Design Review system is 1426.39 hectares, which constitutes 10.64% of Taipei City land area. Urban Development Department also formulates the Accessory Urban Design Review Guidelines, including guidelines for pedestrian overpass, underpass, for development of hill parks, and for management and maintenance of public open spaces. Moreover, Taipei City is able to regulate and enforce the obligation of the landholders to maintain the lands prior to any development. The legal power is given by (1)the regulatory system for the open spaces of the completed public facilities and (2)the Guidelines to Manage the Construction to Open Spaces. Urban Development Department, in combination with Urban Design Review Committee, effectively reviews the development approval application in terms of the lands, buildings, open spaces, urban fabric, landscape and movement framework of the applied development areas. [][][][]Department of Urban Development Taipei City Government75514160https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=2012E4CC7AB926EDWhat are the focuses and the accomplishment of urban design in Taipei City? To promote and implement urban design in Taipei City, the responsible authorities focus on the following: (1)the formulation of city-wide urban design framework and review guidelines; (2)the promotion and implementation of the Urban Design Review system; and (3)the promotion of urban design regulation and the pertaining developments. The accomplishments based on each focus are listed below: (1) The formulation of city-wide urban design framework and review guidelines (a) created Urban Design Guidelines for specialized areas, i.e. guidelines for Xinyi Planning District and Keelung River Reclamation Area. (b) created general Urban Design Guidelines, i.e. guidelines for large-scale parks, hills, pedestrian overpass and underpass, open spaces, and elevated parking lots, etc.; (c) created mid- and long-term plans for urban landscape; (d) created comprehensive landscape plans, i.e. - Taipei City Water Highway Comprehensive Landscape Plan - Taipei City Night Time Landscape Planning Principles - Taipei City Ecological System and Urban Design Guideline - Community Landscape Moverment - Taipei City Environment, History and Art Development Plan. (2) The promotion and implementation of the Urban Design Review system (a) established Urban Design Review System; (b) organized periodically the campaigns for exemplary urban design plans and openly rewarded the public-interests-oriented design companies; (c) established a database for urban design review for providing reference to other design authorities, creating coherent perspectives, and improving life quality. (3) The promotion of urban design regulation and the pertaining developments (a) implemented Taipei City Street Furniture Installation Plan; (b) implemented Taipei City Environment, History and Art Spatial Redevelopment and Management Comprehensive Plan; (c) implemented Taipei City Water Highway Expansion Plan; (d) organized Capital Plaza International Design Competition, Taipei; (e) organized Taipei City Urban Design and Landscape Competition; (f) organized Public Art Special Plan, (g) implemented Urban Design and Planning Guideline; (h) organized Taipei City Environment, History and Art Development Plan Phase I Construction; (i) organized Taipei City Characteristic Landscape and Streetscape Design, i.e. Shuncheng Pub Street, Linsen North Pub Street; Bade Electronic Devise Street; (j) organized Huashan Art and Cultural District Development Plan; (k) organized Siping Street Landscape Renovation Plan; (l) organized Taipei City Night Time Lighting Plan; (m) created Xinyi Planning District Elevated Pedestrian Facilities; (n) implemented City Hall Surrounding Area Landscape Improvement Plan; (o) organized Capital City Central Area Plan; (p) organized Ximen Pedestrian Only Area Plan. [][][][]Department of Urban Development Taipei City Government75513430https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=80A40ECF4D54F1AEWhat are the urban redevelopment policies and major work in Taipei City?1. Renewal actions in the strategic areas The team organized by staff of Urban Redevelopment Office has practically visited communities to help address many local renewal plans during the past years. There are two strategies taken by the team. One is to develop the key areas in order to stimulate the various living activities of the surrounding areas. The other one is to preserve the local culture and industries for local developments. 2. Renewal and reconstruction of old communities By considering the domestic demands and adjusting the city functions, Taipei City Government draws up a comprehensive renewal plan which mainly targets in rebuilding, repairing and preserving the old communities in the city. In order to improve the quality of the residential functions of the old communities, the goals of the renewal plan are “renewing bad buildings, improving the living environment, and regenerating good quality of life”. Furthermore, a comprehensive implementation system is one particular sound part of the urban renewal plan. Except urging residences of the old communities to propose their own renewal projects, the city government also encourages the low-income communities to participate in old housing repair and reconstruction. 3. Reconstruction of the urban space and revitalization of commercial power in Taipei City In order to create a better urban space and environment, the Urban Development Department of Taipei City Government has initiated the “Face off the City: the Colorful Makeup Movement” activity since 2000. The event gave awards and encouragement focusing on the cases of the repair and preservation of the outer environment, open space and historical buildings. Not only taking actions on the physical environment, but also series of activities, such as promotion of local products, are the major concerns for revitalizing the commercial power of the industries in the city. 4. Establishment of a well-structured urban redevelopment system in implementation This work needs efforts on regulations and codes, a more simplified application review procedure, and a well-established maintenance and management system on constructions. On the other hand, to collect the exclusive fund is also an essential method for running the urban redevelopment mechanism.[][][][]Department of Urban Development Taipei City Government75513420https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=4D75E019FF133326How parcels of land can be approved as the designated urban renewal areas?Qualifications for : 1. Applicants: owners of land and properties, 2. Minimum of land areas: an entire street or above 1,000m2, 3. At least 3 out of 12 indexes of the environmental assessment approved by Taipei City Government are met.[][][][]Department of Urban Development Taipei City Government75513410https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=CCDE98B27517447EHow to apply floor-area-ratio transfer in the Dadaocheng Historical District?1. Requirements for transferring-out (1). Parcels in the District where historical constructions locate, (2). Parcels in the historical block of the District where non-historical constructions locate, (3). Parcels have been legally approved by the Urban Design and Land-Use Development Committee of Taipei City. 2. Requirements for transferring-in (1). in the designated areas a. crossing different zoning areas to transfer floor-area-ratio is allowed, but the amount of transferring-in cannot exceed 40﹪of the total legally assigned floor-area-ratio. b. the transferring-in areas are: (a). all of the street blocks, except the historical block, in the District. (b). the adjacent blocks along the MRT Dan-shuei line and Muzha line; and the transferring-in areas announced by the city government near the MRT stations. (c).street blocks along Zhong-ching north road and Zheng-Der road in the Ta-tong District. (d). the 4th’ 5th’and 6th consolidation areas in the city. (e). lands along the Kee-long River. (f). Nan-gang Business Park (g). other transferring-in areas approved by the city government (2). in the non-designated areas: lands in the same categories of zoning areas, except the above transferring-in areas, are allowed to transfer into the amount of less than 30% of the total legally approved floor-area-ratio. 3. Process of transferring Step 1: initiation of constructing, maintaining, or fixing moves in transferring-out sites. Step 2：owners of lands and properties in transferring-out sites summit construction （maintenance）projects to the Urban Design Review Committee of Taipei City. Step 3：waiting for legally approve. Step 4：owners from both of transferring-out and –in sites negotiate for agreements upon the construction. Step 5：owners from transferring-in sites summit application of floor-area-ratio transfer to the Urban Redevelopment Review Committee of Taipei City. [][][][]Department of Urban Development Taipei City Government75512790https://english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=9466C65F1E35239A&s=48878902A2640DAAWhat qualification do the applicants need for applying housing application waiting list for renting public house?1. The applicant’s age has to over twenty years old. . The household is registered in Taipei over six months. 2. The unmarried persons should have registered in the same domicile with their lineal ascendant and descendant or the applicant is married; the single person is not accepted unless his/her age is over forty; if the applicant without parents has to take care of his/her brothers and sisters who are students under twenty years old and can’t afford their lives by themselves. 3. The applicant and his/her spouse or co-living relatives should not have any houses while applying. 4. The monthly income of the low-income family meet the standard set up by the Central government. (The family income is less than NT$860,000 for one year in 2005.) 5. The applicant and his/her spouse or co-living relatives never accept the other governmental subsidy.[][][][]Department of Urban Development Taipei City Government