Possibility and method for converting the status of "unregulated land" into "regulated land" under Bulgarian law

Planning Law --> Change of zoning status: Unregulated into Regulated

A plan must be prepared by a Bulgarian-registered architect for each structure or track which will be constructed over the former agricultural land.

This is submitted for approval to the appropriate authority. Which authority is appropriate depends on the type of land whose zoning needs to be altered (agricultural, urban, forest etc) The legislation and the general law specify a hierarchy of decision-making bodies. There are requirements on provision of reasons to the applicant, on the provision of the text of the decision in writing and on the term for decision-making.

Depending on the size of the plot the decision may need to be taken by the Council of Ministers but is more usually adopted by a local body.

The buildings or, more generally, the new use, need to be different from the original use. The change in use must be positively shown to not have a deleterious effect on the environment and to comply with the requirements of public hygiene, construction standards and fire safety requirements. A variety of regulatory organisations are considered sufficient arbiters and their opinions are positive proof.

The product of the application is known as a Decision/Determination and comes into effect on the payment of the fee for its issue by the applicant and not on the date of the decision.