Periodic Renewal of New Occupancy Permits: Overlooking the Deterioration of the Existing Urban Fabric

In early 2023, seismic activity raised fears of building collapses in Lebanon, especially in Tripoli. By late 2023, the country witnessed a series of nine full or partial building collapses over six months across various areas. This trend, which predates 2023, is accelerating dangerously and now affects a large number of buildings, not only historic ones. The situation is expected to worsen, especially after the recent Israeli war that damaged or weakened buildings, with no clear reconstruction plan in place.

In this context, MP Ibrahim Mneimneh proposed a law on April 14, 2025, to amend the Building Law. The proposed amendment mandates that newly issued occupancy permits be renewed ten years after issuance, and then every five years, to ensure the structural integrity of buildings and public safety. If a building is deemed unsafe, the renewal would be denied until necessary repairs are made. 

While the proposal has a valid objective—enhancing future public safety—it does not explicitly state that it applies only to new permits, creating confusion, especially given the urgent need to address existing at-risk buildings. Moreover, it overlooks the immediate danger posed by thousands of aging and structurally unsound structures and the effects of urban decay, which may impose significant financial and logistical burdens on residents, while excluding informal housing.

Ultimately, while seemingly well-intentioned, the draft law remains a fragmented approach that offers a narrow and insufficient response to Lebanon’s broader urban crisis. It fails to address the deeply rooted structural, legal, and socio-economic factors contributing to building deterioration. Ensuring public safety in Lebanon requires not only forward-looking policies for new buildings but also an integrated, inclusive approach that addresses the existing built environment and guarantees safe housing for all.

Read the full commentary in Arabic.