Criminal liability introduced for violations of urban planning laws resulting in death

Criminal liability has been established for violations of urban planning legislation that result in human death. This measure is outlined in the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts, adopted on March 25.  

According to the law, amendments to the Criminal Code introduce liability for violations related to:  
- Issuing permits for the use of buildings and structures  
- Accepting buildings for use  
- Constructing facilities without authorization from state urban planning bodies  
- Altering or reconstructing supporting structures in apartment buildings in violation of regulations  
- Designing, reconstructing, or constructing buildings in breach of approved master plans and urban planning projects  

Criminal liability applies only after the offenders have first been subjected to administrative penalties. Additionally, separate criminal liability is established for cases where violations lead to death or other severe consequences.  

The law also provides an exemption for first-time offenders who, after illegally altering or reconstructing supporting structures in apartment buildings, voluntarily reverse the changes and mitigate the consequences.  

Furthermore, the Code of Administrative Liability has been amended to introduce penalties for:  
- Customers who fail to comply with instructions issued by design organizations under authorship control  
- Constructing facilities without an approved urban planning assessment from expert organizations  

The law also increases fines for urban planning violations.  

The new regulations will take effect three months after their official publication.