New resolution sets principles of state land policy - International Law Office

On March 3 2012 the government adopted Resolution 297-p, firmly establishing the principles of state policy on the use of land resources for the period from 2012 to 2017. The resolution came into force on the same day.

The main purpose of this document is the further regulation of legal relations as they affect the provision and use of land by individuals and legal entities, as well as the seizure of land for public needs. Its main aims are to:

• eliminate so-called 'land categories';
• streamline the procedures for land privatisation and the manner in which land plots are constituted, from a technical and legal perspective;
• refine the rules and bases for the appropriation of land for state and municipal needs and the encumbrance of land without appropriation for public needs (eg, to provide for rights of way for roads and power lines, as well as for mining);
• regulate the procedure and bases for the appropriation of land from private owners due to unauthorised use or long-term non-use;
• delineate and clarify the powers of various authorities in overseeing both state and municipal land; and
• improve cooperation between various authorities when managing land resources.

The resolution establishes no new legal requirements, but will serve as the basis for the further development of land legislation. Significant amendments to the Civil Code - which will have an impact on land legislation, among other areas - are expected soon.

For further information on this topic please contact Elena Frolovskaya or Arsen Ayupov at Noerr by telephone (+7 495 799 56 96), fax (+7 495 799 56 97) or email (elena.frolovskaya@noerr.com or arsen.ayupov@noerr.com).