From 1 December in Belarus, a house cannot be built closer than 3 metres to a neighbour, and a notary’s consent No longer helps

On 1 December 2026, amended building codes for the planning and development of settlements come into force in Belarus. This was reported by RUP Stroytekhnorm.

Amendment No. 4 to the building code SN 3.01.03-2020 was approved by Resolution No. 70 of the Ministry of Architecture and Construction dated 25 August 2026.

According to Stroytekhnorm, in new construction a house must stand at least 3 metres from the boundary of the neighbouring plot. A garage, shed, bathhouse and other outbuildings must stand at least 2 metres away.

Previously, the setback could be reduced if the neighbour gave written consent certified by a notary. Now, the RUP reported, this option has been removed entirely.

The distance is measured strictly from the plinth or outer walls of the building to the plot boundary. Stroytekhnorm stated: "This removes disputes about what exactly to measure from: the canopy, the roof, a protruding foundation or the wall."

The codes affect more than private plots. Waste container areas may not be placed closer than 20 metres to the windows of residential buildings, playgrounds, schools, kindergartens, healthcare facilities, shops and catering venues.

Requirements are being introduced for sites with charging stations for electric vehicles in new residential districts and near public buildings. At least 10% of parking spaces in new districts must be equipped with such stations, including "slow" chargers right next to the home.

It is prohibited to route roads for cars across pedestrian paths leading to children's and sports playgrounds. The route to sandpits, swings and outdoor exercise equipment must be fully isolated from through traffic.

Existing houses and buildings that stand closer than three and two metres respectively do not have to be demolished. They can be repaired and reconstructed, but their dimensions and floor area cannot be expanded towards the neighbouring plot.

The previous requirements for forests also remain: there must be at least 50 metres from the edge of development to coniferous and mixed forest, and at least 20 metres to deciduous forest.

In August 2026, the director general of RUP Stroytekhnorm, Tatsiana Nikalayeva, told a press conference that a large-scale optimisation of the regulatory framework in construction is being completed in the country. In September, at the BUDEXPO and "Nash Dom" exhibitions, she presented the digital information platform "Stroyprofi".