Government agency Rosreestr explains methods for seizing land plots

Government agency Rosreestr explains methods for seizing land plots

Spring in Russia marks the implementation of the land development law. If property owners fail to clean up trash and allow their plots to become overgrown with weeds, they'll risk having their land seized.

Let's delve into the specifics of this law and how it will affect rule-breakers.

A reminder about the changes in legislation was given by the Land Registry Office in Krasnoyarsk Krai, during a briefing on the topic.

On March 1, 2025, a new law was enacted, setting a 3-year period for the development of land plots within populated areas intended for individual housing construction, personal subsidiary agriculture, and garden territories.

This means that property owners have a defined period to bring their land up to standard.

In cases where land was purchased after March 1 of that year, the countdown begins from the date of purchase.

Bringing the land up to standard involves:

• Removing dead trees, bushes, and weeds;
• Removing production and domestic waste;
• Drainage or irrigation of the land;
• Reclamation;
• Ground improvement works, and so on.

According to the Land Registry Office, the problem of abandoned plots is particularly relevant for garden cooperatives. Often, these plots catch fire and become littered with waste, and if a plot becomes overgrown with weeds, they can spread to neighboring properties over time.

However, immediate seizure of the land is not allowed, so owners will be given time and the opportunity to rectify the situation.

1. Firstly, the owner will receive a warning and a deadline will be set to rectify the violations.
2. If they ignore the demands, they may face administrative fines.
3. Only after this, the Land Registry will provide information to relevant authorities, who may, as a last resort, seize the land for public auction.

Clearly defined criteria have been established for labeling a plot as unused.

A plot may be deemed abandoned if more than half of the territory is polluted or if 50% of the plot is overgrown with weeds over 1 meter tall. Plots intended for construction, without buildings for 5 years, and those designated for individual housing construction without homes for 7 years can also fall under these criteria.

Abandoned plots due to hazardous structures can also be classified as such.

Local self-government bodies and state land monitoring authorities will be responsible for monitoring the condition of plots, and the regulations will come into effect on September 1, 2025.

It is anticipated that these new rules will bring order to land management and help ensure rational use of land resources.

[Image Source: Rosselhoznadzor, DELA]

Enrichment Data:

1. Changing Purpose of Land Plots: The Supreme Court of Russia has issued a decision that could allow the purpose of private land plots to be changed under new general plans, potentially affecting millions of landowners[1]. This might impact how residential, subsidiary, or garden plots are used, but specific penalties for violating these changes are not mentioned.
2. Alterations in Local Governance: In regions like the Altai Republic, changes in local governance are affecting land use decisions. The new system aims to centralize governance, potentially reducing local influence over land management[3]. However, this does not directly address penalties for plot misuse.
3. Environmental Assessments: Starting from September 1, 2025, non-governmental environmental assessments must be conducted by state-certified experts, which could influence environmental management of plots but does not directly mention penalties for misuse[5].

Penalties for violating land use regulations in Russia are typically covered under broader legal frameworks, such as the Land Code of the Russian Federation and other environmental laws, which can include fines or other administrative sanctions. However, specific details on penalties related to individual plots are not provided in the available information.

1. The new law in Russia also affects the environmental-science sector, as the cleanup of abandoned plots requires the removal of waste and the implementation of drainage, irrigation, reclamation, and ground improvement works, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
2. In line with the changes in the energy industry, supportive financing and incentives may be provided to property owners who comply with the land development law for sustainable practices, such as green energy solutions and efficient water management, benefiting the overall environmental-science and finance aspects.
3. Businesses involved in the construction and real estate industry may experience an increase in demand as homeowners and garden cooperatives seek solutions to bring their land up to standard and avoid administrative fines or land seizure, leading to potential economic growth and job creation in the industry.

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