Unveiling the Land Buyout Saga in Almaty: The Inside Story
Explanations Provided for the Design of Almaty's Courtyards by the Urban Planning Department
In the bustling heart of Almaty, courtyards multiply, thanks to mass, free land buyouts: a revelation shared by Almas Khan Akhmedjanov, the head of the urban planning and urbanism department as reported by "Kryisha".
"Previously unregistered courtyards dot Almaty's landscape," Akhmedjanov explained, "This was a result of schemes that went unchecked during the era of the Land Code (2003, 2006, 2007). Anyone could seize and register free land that hadn't been claimed by individuals or entities."
According to Akhmedjanov, some homeowner associations exercised foresight and registered courtyards as condominium territory, while the majority only seized the plot under their houses. This oversight is now bearing its consequences.
"Property rights are paramount," Akhmedjanov stressed, "Yet, construction can only be halted through legal means. The court is the final arbiter."
He further elucidated, "With the introduction of new laws on urban planning in Almaty, the gap is being bridged. Unauthorized construction is being outlawed, and population density will determine courtyard dimensions moving forward. A benchmark of 10 sq.m per resident has been set, with an approximate norm of 6-7 sq.m. For instance, in a courtyard populated with 400 residents, an area of 0.4 hectares is required to maintain this standard."
A Brief Look at the Past: Land Reforms and Buyouts in Almaty
Historically, Almaty has experienced significant land reforms, particularly following Kazakhstan's independence in 1991. The Land Code of 2003 marked a critical juncture for land tenure and transactions, adopting a market-oriented stance on land ownership and usage. This move aimed to streamline land acquisition procedures, clarify land rights, and align Kazakhstan's land laws with international property rights standards.
The Present State of Affairs: Regulations and Practices
Almaty Railway Bypass Project (2025)
Ongoing projects in Almaty, such as the Almaty Railway Bypass (scheduled for 2025), exemplify current regulations regarding mass land buyouts. In accordance with national law, land procurement and compensation for 70 plots have been completed, while 92 plots are still in process. This process unfolds under the guidance of a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), ensuring fair treatment for displaced households. Additionally, a detailed Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) outlines the timelines, responsible organizations, and measures for compensation, allowances, assistance, and livelihood restoration.
Unregistered Courtyard Construction
While unauthorized construction transpires in Almaty, local authorities endeavor to enforce the Urban Planning Code and related regulations. Illegal construction can lead to legal challenges, penalties, or even demolition orders. Nonetheless, enforcement can be uneven, with reports of inconsistencies, particularly in densely-populated urban areas.
A Comparative Perspective on Land Buyout and Construction Regulations
| Aspect | Historical (pre-2010s) | Recent (2020s) ||-------------------------------|-------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|| Land Buyout Legal Basis | Land Code 2003; civil law principles | Project-specific RAPs, ESAPs, national law || Compensation/Resettlement | Basic statutory framework | Detailed plans, audits, livelihood support || Unregistered Construction | Construction codes sporadically enforced | Enforced with fines, potential demolition |
Final Thoughts
The evolution of land buyout regulations in Almaty offers a fascinating study of a city in transition. As lawmakers refine the regulatory landscape, constituents and developers strive to adapt to these changes, ensuring the sustainable and equitable growth of this dynamic city.
- In Almaty, an increasing number of courtyards are appearing due to mass, free land buyouts, as revealed by Almas Khan Akhmedjanov, the head of the urban planning and urbanism department.
- Akhmedjanov stated that previously unregistered courtyards are found in Almaty, a result of unchecked schemes during the era of the Land Code (2003, 2006, 2007).
- Construction in courtyards can only be halted through legal means, according to Akhmedjanov, with the court being the final arbiter.
- In the future, courtyards in Almaty will have their dimensions determined by population density, with a benchmark of 10 sq.m per resident set in a new law on urban planning.
- The Almaty Railway Bypass Project (2025) is an example of current regulations regarding land buyouts in Almaty, where land procurement and compensation are being handled according to national law and a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).
