Article 1The purpose of this Act is to safeguard the life, health, and property of people by providing minimum standards concerning the site, construction, equipment, and use of buildings, and thereby to contribute to the furtherance of the public welfare.

Article 2In this Act, the meaning of the terms set forth in the following items shall be as defined in each item concerned:

Article 3(1)The provisions of this Act, and orders and ordinances based thereon shall not apply to buildings coming under any of the following items:

(2)If buildings which are actually existing or sites thereof, or the buildings under construction, repair or remodeling at the time or the sites thereof, of the enforcement or application of the provisions referred to in this Act, or orders or ordinances based thereon, do not conform to those provisions or have unconformable parts, the relevant provisions shall not apply to those buildings, sites of buildings, or the parts of those buildings or sites thereof.

(3)The provision of the preceding paragraph shall not apply to buildings, sites of buildings, or the parts of buildings or sites thereof coming under any of the following items:

Article 4(1)A city having a population of 250,000 or more as designated by Cabinet Order must appoint building officials to have them take charge of the affairs concerning confirmation under Article 6, paragraph (1) under the direction and supervision of its head.

(2)A city (excluding cities of the preceding paragraph), town or village may appoint building officials to have them take charge of the affairs concerning confirmation under Article 6, paragraph (1), under the direction and supervision of its head.

(3)When a municipality intends to appoint building officials pursuant to the preceding paragraph, it must engage in prior consultation with the prefectural governor and have an agreement with respect to the appointment.

(4)When a municipality is to appoint building officials based on consultation pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the head of the relevant municipality must publicly notify to that effect at least thirty days before the day of appointment of building officials, and notify the prefectural governor thereof.

(5)A prefecture must appoint building officials to have them take charge of affairs concerning confirmation under Article 6, paragraph (1) for buildings outside the area of a municipality having building officials under paragraph (1) or (2) (hereinafter referred to as a "municipality having building officials" except in Article 97-2), under the direction and supervision of its prefectural governor.

(6)Building officials as specified in paragraphs (1), (2) and the preceding paragraph shall be appointed by the head of a municipality, or the prefectural governor respectively from among officials of the municipality or prefecture that have been registered in accordance with the provisions of Article 77-58, paragraph (1).

(7)The Designated Administrative Agency may divide its jurisdiction into several areas and may designate the building officials in charge of each area.

Article 5(1)The qualifying examination for building regulation conformity inspectors shall be conducted so as to check the knowledge and experience necessary to judge whether a building designed by a Kenchikushi conforms to the provisions related to building regulations in Article 6, paragraph (1).

(2)The qualifying examination for building regulation conformity inspectors shall be conducted by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(3)No person shall be eligible for the qualifying examination for building regulation conformity inspectors unless the person is qualified as a 1st-class Kenchikushi, with two or more years of practical experience related to building administration or confirmation and inspection work in Article 77-18, paragraph (1) or other similar work specified by Cabinet Order.

(4)Examiners of building regulation conformity inspectors shall be established at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for conducting works related to qualifying examination for building regulation conformity inspectors.Provided, however, that this shall not apply if the designated qualifying examination body for qualified building regulation conformity inspectors provided for in paragraph (1) of the following Article performs the qualifying examination affairs for building regulation conformity inspectors provided for in that paragraph.

(5)An examiner of building regulation conformity inspectors shall be appointed by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism from among persons having learning and experience in architecture and administration.

(6)If a person has taken or has attempted to take a qualifying examination for building regulation conformity inspectors by illegal means, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may cancel the qualification or prohibit that person from taking the relevant examination.

(7)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may prohibit a person who has been penalized under the preceding paragraph or paragraph (2) of the next Article from taking the qualifying examination for building regulation conformity inspectors, depending on the circumstances, for a specified period of two years or less.

(8)In addition to the provisions of the preceding paragraphs, procedures and criteria and other necessary items for the qualifying examination for building regulation conformity inspectors shall be specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 5-2(1)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may have a person (hereinafter referred to as "the designated qualifying examination body for qualified building regulation conformity inspectors") designated in accordance with the provisions referred to in Articles 77-2 through 77-5 to perform affairs relating to the implementation of qualifying examination for building regulation conformity inspectors (hereinafter referred to as "qualifying examination affairs for building regulation conformity inspectors").

(2)The designated qualifying examination body for qualified building regulation conformity inspectors may exercise the authority of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as provided for in paragraph (6) of the preceding Article.

(3)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism shall not perform qualifying examination affairs for building regulation conformity inspectors when the designation under paragraph (1) has been performed.

Article 5-3(1)A person taking the qualifying examination for building regulation conformity inspectors (excluding the officials of a city, town, village, or prefecture) shall pay an examination fee specified by Cabinet Order in consideration of actual costs to the national government (or to a designated qualifying examination body for qualified building regulation conformity inspectors if the examination conducted by a designated qualifying examination body for qualified building regulation conformity inspectors will be taken), as specified by Cabinet Order.

(2)Examination fee paid to the designated qualifying examination body for qualified building regulation conformity inspectors pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall be income for that designated qualifying examination body for qualified building regulation conformity inspectors.

Article 5-4(1)The qualifying examination for structural calculation conformity inspectors shall be conducted with the knowledge and experience necessary to carry out structural calculation conformity reviews in Article 6-3, paragraph (1) for a plan for the building based on a design by a Kenchikushi.

(2)The qualifying examination for structural calculation conformity inspectors shall be conducted by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(3)No person shall be eligible to take the qualifying examination for structural calculation conformity inspectors unless the person is qualified as a 1st-class Kenchikushi, with five or more years of practical experience related to structural calculation conformity reviews in Article 6-3, paragraph (1) or similar work specified by Cabinet Order.

(4)A committee of examiners of qualified structural calculation conformity inspectors shall be established at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism with responsibility for administrative tasks relating to the qualifying examination for structural calculation conformity inspectors.Provided, however, that this shall not apply if a designated structural calculation conformity review body in paragraph (1) of the following Article conducts qualifying examination affairs for structural calculation conformity inspectors in that paragraph.

(5)The provisions of Article 5, paragraph (5) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the committee of examiners of qualified structural calculation conformity inspectors, and the provisions of Article 5, paragraphs (6) through (8) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the qualifying examination for structural calculation conformity inspectors.In this case, references to "paragraph (2) of the following Article" in Article 5, paragraph (7) shall be read as "Article 5-2, paragraph (2) applied mutatis mutandis to Article 5-5, paragraph (2)".

Article 5-5(1)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may have a person designated in accordance with the provisions referred to in Articles 77-3 through 77-5 applied mutatis mutandis to Article 77-17-2, paragraphs (1) and (2) (hereinafter referred to as "the designated qualifying examination body for structural calculation conformity inspectors") to perform affairs relating to the implementation of qualifying examinations for structural calculation conformity inspectors (hereinafter referred to as "the qualifying examination affairs for structural calculation conformity inspectors").

(2)The provisions of Article 5-2, paragraphs (2) and Article 5-3, paragraph (2) shall apply to the designated qualifying examination body for structural calculation conformity inspectors, the provisions of Article 5-2, paragraph (3) to the qualifying examination affairs for structural calculation conformity inspectors, and the provisions of Article 5-3, paragraph (1) to qualified structural calculation conformity inspectors, mutatis mutandis.In this case, "paragraph (6) of the preceding Article" in Article 5-2, paragraph (2) shall be read as "Article 5, paragraph (6) applied mutatis mutandis in Article 5-4, paragraph (5)", "paragraph (1)" in paragraph (3) of this Article as "Article 5-5, paragraph (1)", and "person (excluding the officials of a city, town, village, or prefecture)" in Article 5-3, paragraph (1) as "person".

Article 5-6(1)Construction work for buildings as specified in Article 3, paragraph (1) (including cases where it is applied pursuant to the paragraph (2) of that Article; the same applies hereinafter), Article 3-2, paragraph (1) (including cases where it is applied pursuant to Article 3, paragraph (2) applied mutatis mutandis in Article 3-2, paragraph (2); the same applies hereinafter) or Article 3-3, paragraph (1) (including cases where it is applied pursuant to Article 3, paragraph (2) applied mutatis mutandis in Article 3-3, paragraph (2); the same applies hereinafter) of the Act on Architects and Building Engineers or buildings as specified in ordinances under the provisions of Article 3-2, paragraph (3) of the same Act (including cases where it shall be read as mutatis mutandis in Article 3-3, paragraph (2) of the same Act and applied; the same applies hereinafter) shall not be executed unless those buildings are designed by Kenchikushi as specified on the relevant provisions of those Articles.

(2)Construction work for buildings under Article 20-2, paragraph (1) of the Act on Architects and Building Engineers based on structural drawings/specifications as specified in Article 2, paragraph (7) of the same Act shall not be executed unless it is based on structural design by a Structural Design 1st-class Kenchikushi (refers to structural design specified in Article 2, paragraph (7) of the same Act; the same hereinafter in the remainder of this Article and paragraph (3), item (ii) in the following Article) or on a structural design for which a Structural Design 1st-class Kenchikushi has confirmed that the relevant building conforms to structure-related provisions.

(3)Construction work for buildings under Article 20-3, paragraph (1) of the Act on Architects and Building Engineers based on equipment drawings/specifications specified in Article 2, paragraph (7) of the same Act shall not be executed unless it is based on MEP design by an MEP Design 1st-class Kenchikushi (refers to MEP design specified in Article 2, paragraph (7) of the same Act; the same hereinafter in the remainder of this Article and paragraph (3), item (iii) in the following Article) or on an MEP design for which an MEP Design 1st-class Kenchikushi has confirmed that the relevant building conforms to MEP-related provisions.

(4)When construction work as specified in paragraph (1) is to be executed, the building owner concerned must designate a person who conducts construction administration and is qualified as Kenchikushi as specified in Articles 3 through 3-3 of the Act on Architects and Building Engineers.

(5)Construction work in violation of the provision of the preceding paragraph shall not be executed.

Article 6(1)When a building owner intends to construct any building set forth in items (i) through (iii) (in the case of addition, including cases where a building has such scale set forth in items (i) through (iii) after the addition), intends to execute major repair or major remodeling of the building, or intends to construct a building set forth in item (iv), the building owner must submit an application for confirmation that the plan concerned conforms to the provisions related to building regulation (the provisions of this Act, and orders and ordinances based thereon (hereinafter referred to as "provisions of building standard laws and regulations"), and in addition, other provisions of laws concerning sites, construction, and equipment for buildings, orders and ordinances based thereon, those of which specified by Cabinet Order; the same applies hereinafter), obtain that confirmation from the building official and receive a certificate of completion for confirmation prior to starting the relevant construction work. This shall also apply when a plan for the building that received the relevant confirmation is to be revised (excluding minor revisions specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order) to construct the building set forth in items (i) through (iii) (in the case of addition, including those which scale becomes set forth in items (i) through (iii) after the addition), or when major repair or remodeling work of the building is to be executed, or the building set forth in item (iv) is to be constructed.

(2)The provisions in the preceding paragraph shall not apply in the case of addition, rebuilding, or relocation of a building outside a Fire Prevention District or a Quasi-fire Prevention District if the part of the building to be added, rebuilt, or relocated has an aggregate of floor areas of 10 square meters or less.

(3)If an application as mentioned in paragraph (1) has been submitted, the building official shall not receive the relevant application if the plan concerned comes under any of the following items:

(4)When a building official has received an application under paragraph (1), the building official shall examine the plan for the building concerned as to whether it conforms to the provisions related to building regulation, and if the building official confirms as a result of the examination, that it conforms to the provisions related to building regulation, the building official must issue a certificate of completion of confirmation to the relevant applicant within thirty-five days from the day of receipt in the case of buildings as mentioned in items (i) through (iii) of that paragraph, or within seven days from the day of receipt in the case of buildings as mentioned in item (iv) of that paragraph.

(5)If plan for the buildings relating to the application require the structural calculation conformity review in Article 6-3, paragraph (1), under the case of the preceding paragraph, the building official shall be able to carry out confirmation under paragraph (1) only if a conformity review notice or a copy thereof have been submitted by the building owner.

(6)In the case in paragraph (4) (limited to those for which a review to be performed as to whether the plan for the building in the application conforms to the designated structural calculation standards (limited to parts relating to the safety that can be confirmed by structural calculations in accordance with the standards specified by Cabinet Order referred to in Article 20, paragraph (1) item (ii), (a), using the method provided for in (a) of that item) and other cases specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order) and other cases specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order), if there are reasonable grounds why the building official cannot issue the certificate of completion of confirmation in paragraph (1) to the relevant applicant within the period in paragraph (4), the building official may extend the period in paragraph (4) within a range of thirty-five days.In this case, the building official must issue a written notice stating this fact and the period of the extension, and the reason for the extension of the period to the relevant applicant within the period in that paragraph.

(7)In the case of paragraph (4), if the building official concludes that the plan for the building in the application does not conform to the provisions related to building regulation, or if there are justifiable reasons to be unable to decide whether it conforms to the provisions related to building regulation, the building official must issue a written notice stating this fact and the reasons to the relevant applicant within the period in that paragraph (when the period in paragraph (4) has been extended pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the period after the relevant extension).

(8)The construction, major repair, or major remodeling of a building as specified in paragraph (1) shall not be executed until the certificate of completion of confirmation specified in that paragraph has been issued.

(9)Forms of the application for confirmation under paragraph (1) and of the certificate of completion of confirmation specified in that paragraph, and the written notice specified in paragraphs (6) and (7) shall be specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

Article 6-2(1)When the conformity of the plan for the building set forth in each item of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (excluding cases come under any one of the items in paragraph (3) of the preceding Article) with the provisions related to building regulation is confirmed by a person that was designated by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or a prefectural governor in accordance with the provisions referred to in Articles 77-18 through 77-21, and a certificate of completion of confirmation is issued as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, the relevant confirmation shall be considered equivalent to a confirmation under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article and the relevant certificate of completion of confirmation shall be considered equivalent to the certificate of completion of confirmation specified in that paragraph.

(2)The designation under the preceding paragraph shall be performed by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism if the person to be designated performs confirmation work under that paragraph within an area encompassing two or more prefectures, or by a prefectural governor involving a single prefecture.

(3)When a person that has been designated under paragraph (1) has received an application for confirmation under paragraph, and the plan for the buildings relating to the application need to undergo the structural calculation conformity review as provided for in paragraph (1) of the following Article, confirmation may be carried out under paragraph (1) provided that the building owner has submitted a conformity review notice or a copy thereof under the provisions of paragraph (7) of that Article.

(4)When a person designated under paragraph (1) has received an application for the confirmation under that paragraph concludes that the plan for the building in the application does not conform to the provisions related to building regulation, or if there are justifiable grounds to be unable to decide whether it conforms to the provisions related to building regulation, the relevant person must issue a written notice stating this fact and the reasons to the relevant applicant as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(5)When a person designated under paragraph (1) issues the certificate of completion of confirmation in that paragraph or a written notice in the preceding paragraph, within a period specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, the relevant person must prepare a confirmation examination report and attach documents concerning the plan for the building specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order related to the relevant certificate of completion of confirmation or the relevant written notice and must submit it to the Designated Administrative Agency, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(6)When the Designated Administrative Agency receives the submission of the confirmation examination report under the preceding paragraph, it finds that the plan for the building which received the certificate of completion of confirmation specified in paragraph (1) does not conform to the provisions related to building regulation, it must notify the information to the owner of the relevant building and the person who issued the relevant the certificate of completion of confirmation and has been designated under that paragraph to that effect.In this case, the relevant certificate of completion of confirmation shall cease to be effective.

(7)The Designated Administrative Agency shall issue the order in Article 9, paragraph (1) or (10), or take other measures, under the case of the preceding paragraph, as necessary.

Article 6-3(1)In the case of Article 6, paragraph (1), if the plans for the building covered by an application require confirmation examination (defined as an examination specified in Article 6, paragraph (4) or examination for the confirmation under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article: same shall apply below in this paragraph) to ascertain whether or not they comply with the standards provided for in Article 20, paragraph (1), item (ii) or (iii) (limited to structural calculations that conform to the standards provided for in item (ii), (a) or (iii), (a) of that paragraph, and limited to those parts for which safety can be confirmed by means of a method or program as provided for in item (ii), (a) of that paragraph, or by means of the program provided for in item (iii), (a) of that paragraph, hereinafter referred to as "designated structural calculation standards") or the standards provided for in Article 86-7, paragraph (1) in the case of additions or remodeling within the scope specified by Cabinet Order in that Article (limited to standards specified by Cabinet Order as designated structural calculation standards, hereinafter referred to as "designated structural calculation standards for additions and remodeling") in the case of a building to which the provisions referred to in Article 20 do not apply pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2) (including cases in which the provisions apply to Article 86-9, paragraph (1), mutatis mutandis), the building owner shall submit an application for a structural calculation conformity review (defined as a judgement to ascertain whether the plan for the relevant buildings conform to the designated structural calculation standards or the designated structural calculation standards for additions and remodeling; the same applies hereinafter) and obtain a structural calculation conformity review by a prefectural governor. Provided, however, that these requirements shall not apply if a building official satisfying requirements specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order as a person who possesses advanced specialist knowledge and technology pertaining to structural calculations conducts review specified in Article 6, paragraph 4 or having a building inspector as defined in Article 77-24, paragraph (1) who has been designated under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article and meets the conditions specified by the relevant Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order conduct confirmation examination under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article whether or not the plans for the relevant building conform to the designated structural calculation standards (limited to parts relating to safety characteristics that can be confirmed by structural calculations in accordance with the standards specified by Cabinet Order referred to in Article 20, paragraph (1) item (ii), (a), using the method provided for in that item, and which are specified by Cabinet Order as the parts for which the confirmation examination is relatively simple) or the designated structural calculation standards for additions and remodeling (limited to those for which confirmation evaluations are relatively simple).

(2)If a prefectural governor receives an application as defined in the preceding paragraph, and a building official in the relevant prefecture will carry out a review under Article 6, paragraph (1) concerning the conformity of the plans for the building covered by the relevant application with the relevant building standards, the governor must not allow the relevant building official to engage in affairs relating to the structural calculation conformity review pertaining to the relevant application.

(3)If a prefectural governor finds that it is necessary to review the structural calculation conformity review under the provisions of paragraph (1) in the case of plans for a building in which a special structural method will be used, the governor shall seek the opinion of a person with specialist knowledge of structural calculations pertaining to the relevant structural method.

(4)If a prefectural governor receives an application as defined in paragraph (1), the governor must issue a written notice to the applicant within 14 days from the date on which the relevant application was received, stating the results of the structural calculation conformity review pertaining to the relevant application.

(5)In the case of the preceding paragraph (limited to those for which an application for a review is received to ascertain whether the plan for the building specified in the application conforms to the designated structural calculation standards conforms to the designated structural calculation standards (limited to parts relating to the safety that can be confirmed by structural calculations in accordance with the standards specified by Cabinet Order referred to in Article 20, paragraph (1) item (ii), (a), using the method provided for in (a) of that item) and other cases specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order), if there are reasonable grounds why the prefectural governor cannot issue the notice in that paragraph to the relevant applicant within the period in the preceding paragraph, the period provided for in the preceding paragraph may be extended to 35 days.In this case, the prefectural governor must issue a written notice stating this fact and the period of the extension, and the reason for the extension of the period to the relevant applicant within the period in that paragraph.

(6)In the case of paragraph (4), if there are justifiable grounds to be unable to decide whether the plan for the building conform to the designated structural calculation standards or the designated structural calculation standards for additions and remodeling based on information in an application, the prefectural governor must issue a written notice stating this fact and the reasons to the relevant applicant within the period in that paragraph (when the period in paragraph (4) has been extended pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the period after the relevant extension).

(7)If a building owner is issued with a written notice pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (4) and the relevant written notice is a conformity review notice (a written notice stating that the plans for the relevant building has been judged to conform to the designated structural calculation standards or the designated structural calculation standards for additions and remodeling; the same applies hereinafter), a copy of the relevant conformity review notice must be submitted to the building official that will carry out the review under Article 6, paragraph (1) or paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, or to a person designated under that paragraph.Provided, however, that this requirement shall not apply if a written notice pertaining to the plans for the relevant building has been issued under the provisions of Article 6, paragraph (7) or paragraph (4) of the preceding Article.

(8)The plans for a building require confirmation by a building official under Article 6, paragraph (1), under the case of the preceding paragraph, the building owner must submit the conformity review notice in the preceding paragraph or a copy thereof to the relevant building official not later than three days before the final day of the period in the paragraph (4) of that Article (if the period has been extended pursuant to the provision of paragraph (6) of that Article, the extended period).

(9)The format for applications for structural calculation conformity reviews under paragraph (1) and written notices under provisions of paragraphs (4) through (6) will be determined by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 6-4(1)In applying the provisions referred to in Article 6 and 6-2 to the construction, major repair, or major remodeling of buildings set forth in item (i) or (ii), or to the construction of buildings set forth in item (iii), "as specified by Cabinet Order; the same applies hereinafter" in Article 6, paragraph (1) shall read "as specified by Cabinet Order but excluding the provisions specified by Cabinet Order among the provisions referred to in building standard laws and regulations; the same in this and the next Article.":

(2)Cabinet Order which specifies the provisions of building standard laws and regulations under Article 6, paragraph (1) as applied by replacing phrases therein pursuant to the preceding paragraph, shall specify cases, according to the classification of Kenchikushi and buildings, where no objections are anticipated from the viewpoint of safety, fire prevention and sanitation of a building even if it is decided, based on the consideration of the technical level of Kenchikushi, site, structure and use of buildings and other conditions, that no review by a building official is required.

Article 7(1)When construction work under Article 6, paragraph (1) has been completed, the building owner must apply for an inspection by the building official as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(2)The application under the preceding paragraph must be submitted so that it reaches the building official within four days from the completion date of the construction work under Article 6, paragraph (1).Provided, however, that this shall not apply when there is an unavoidable reason for the failure to submit the application specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(3)The application for an inspection specified by the proviso of the preceding paragraph must be submitted so that it reaches the building official within four days from the day that the reason preventing its submission no longer exists.

(4)If the building official has received an application under paragraph (1), the building official or an official of the relevant city, town, village, or prefecture as entrusted by the building officer (hereinafter in this Chapter, "building official, etc.") must inspect the building and its site concerning the relevant construction work whether they conform to the provisions related to building regulation, within seven days from the receipt of the application.

(5)The building official, etc. must give the building owner of the building concerned a certificate of final inspection as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, when the building official has conducted an inspection under the preceding paragraph and confirmed that the relevant building and its site conform to the provisions related to building regulation.

Article 7-2(1)The provisions of paragraphs (1) through (3) of the preceding Article shall not apply when a person designated by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or a prefectural governor under Articles 77-18 through 77-21 has accepted to perform an inspection of construction work under Article 6, paragraph (1) within four days from the completion date of the relevant construction work to confirm whether the building and its site conform to the provisions related to building regulation, and when the construction work is completed.

(2)The designation under the preceding paragraph shall be performed by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in the case of designating a person who intends to perform the inspection work in that paragraph within an area encompassing two or more prefectures, or by a prefectural governor in the case of designating a person who intends to perform the inspection work in that paragraph within a single prefecture.

(3)When a person designated under paragraph (1) has accepted to perform an inspection under that paragraph, it must issue written confirmation of that acceptance to the building owner and must notify the building official to that effect as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(4)When a person designated under paragraph (1) has accepted to perform an inspection under that paragraph, it must perform the inspection within seven days of the later of two dates: either the day that the construction work under Article 6, paragraph (1) has been completed, or the day that the person accepted the relevant inspection.

(5)When a person designated under paragraph (1) confirms that the building and its site inspected under that paragraph conform to the provisions related to building regulation, it must issue a certificate of final inspection to the building owner of the relevant building as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.In this case, the relevant certificate of final inspection shall be considered equivalent to the certificate of final inspection specified in paragraph (5) of the preceding Article.

(6)When a person designated under paragraph (1) has performed the inspection in that paragraph, the relevant person shall, within a period specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, prepare a final inspection report, attach documents specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order concerning the building and its site that was inspected under that paragraph, and must submit this to the Designated Administrative Agency as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(7)When the Designated Administrative Agency has received the submission of the final inspection report under the preceding paragraph, if it finds that the building and its site inspected under paragraph (1) does not conform to the provisions related to building regulation, it immediately issues orders and takes other necessary measures in accordance with the provisions of Article 9, paragraph (1) or (7).

Article 7-3(1)If construction work under Article 6, paragraph (1) includes one of the processes coming under any of the following items (hereinafter referred to as, "designated construction processes") and this work including the relevant designated construction process has been completed, a building owner must request, on all that occasions, an inspection by the building official as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(2)The application under the preceding paragraph must be submitted to the building official within four days from the day the work involving the designated construction process has been completed.Provided, however, that this shall not apply when there is an unavoidable reason for the failure to submit the application as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(3)The application for an inspection specified by the proviso of the preceding paragraph must be submitted so that it reaches the building official within four days from the day that the reason preventing its submission no longer exists.

(4)When the building official has received an application under paragraph (1), the building official, etc. shall inspect parts of buildings and their sites where work was executed prior to the inspection to confirm whether it conforms to the provisions related to building regulation, within four days after receiving the application, concerning the buildings, etc. under construction work (meaning the building and its site during construction, major repair, or major remodeling; hereinafter the same in this Chapter).

(5)When the building official, etc. has performed an inspection under the preceding paragraph and has confirmed the fact that the buildings, etc. under construction work conform to the provisions related to building regulation, the building official must issue a certificate of interim inspection concerning the relevant designated construction process to the relevant building owner as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(6)Construction work which follows processes executed after relevant designated construction process specified by Cabinet Order for each designated construction process specified by Cabinet Order under paragraph (1), item (i), and designated construction processes that the Designated Administrative Agency stipulates along with the provisions of item (ii) of that paragraph (referred to collectively as "processes executed after a designated construction process" in Article 18, paragraph (22)") must not be executed until after the certificate of interim inspection concerning the relevant designated construction process under the preceding paragraph has been issued.

(7)When a building, etc. under construction work of which conformity with the provisions related to building regulation has been confirmed by an inspection under paragraph (4); inspections under Article 7, paragraph (4), paragraphs (1) and (4) of the preceding Article; or paragraph (1) of the next Article, by a building official, etc. or a person designated under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article for the parts of buildings and site subject to the relevant interim inspection shall not be required.

(8)Public notice and other necessary items concerning designations under paragraph (1), item (ii) shall be specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

Article 7-4(1)The provisions of paragraphs (1) through (3) of the preceding Article shall not apply if a person designated under Article 7-2, paragraph (1) has accepted to perform an inspection of part of a building or its site related work prior to the inspection concerning the building, etc. under construction work under Article 6, paragraph (1) and has completed the designated construction process, as to whether the building, etc. conforms to the provisions related to building regulation within four days after the completion date of the relevant construction work.

(2)When a person designated under Article 7-2, paragraph (1) has accepted to perform the inspection under the preceding paragraph, it must issue written confirmation of that acceptance to the building owner and shall notify the building official to that effect as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(3)When a person designated under Article 7-2, paragraph (1) has performed the inspection provided for in paragraph (1) and has confirmed the fact that the building, etc. under construction work of a designated process conforms to the provisions related to building regulation, the relevant person must issue a certificate of interim inspection concerning the relevant designated construction process to the relevant building owner, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(4)A certificate of interim inspection concerning a designated construction process issued pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall, on all that occasions, be considered equivalent to the certificate of interim inspection concerning the relevant designated construction process specified in paragraph (5) of the preceding Article.

(5)In applying the provisions referred to in paragraph (7) of the preceding Article, an inspection provided for in paragraph (1) for which a certificate of interim inspection concerning a designated construction process was issued pursuant to paragraph (3) shall, on all that occasions, be considered equivalent to an inspection under paragraph (4) of that Article for which the certificate of interim inspection concerning the relevant designated construction process was issued pursuant to paragraph (5) of that Article.

(6)When a person designated under Article 7-2, paragraph (1) has performed the inspection under paragraph (1), the relevant person shall prepare an interim inspection report, and accompanied by documents specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order concerning the building etc. under construction that was inspected under that paragraph, submit the report to the Designated Administrative Agency as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, within a period specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(7)When the Designated Administrative Agency has received a submission of an interim inspection report, it finds that the building, etc. under construction work that was inspected under paragraph (1) does not conform to the provisions related to building regulation under the preceding paragraph, it immediately issues orders and takes other necessary measures under Article 9, paragraph (1) or (10).

Article 7-5In applying the provisions referred to in Article 7 through the preceding Article to the construction work, major repair, or major remodeling for a building set forth in item (i) or (ii) of Article 6-4, paragraph (1) or the construction work of a building set forth in item (iii) of that paragraph (in the case of construction work of a building set forth in that item, limited to that confirmed as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, to have been executed by Kenchikushi as the person who conducts construction administration in accordance with the drawings/specifications), the phrase, "provisions related to building regulation" appearing in Article 7, paragraphs (4) and (5) shall read, "provisions related to building regulation provided for in Article 6, paragraph (1) as applied by replacing phrases therein pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article." Likewise, the phrase "provisions related to building regulation" in Article 7-2, paragraphs (1), (5), and (7), Article 7-3, paragraphs (4), (5), and (7), and paragraphs (1), (3), and (7) of the preceding Article shall read, "provisions related to building regulation pursuant to the provisions of Article 6, paragraph (1) as applied by replacing phrases therein in accordance with the provisions of Article 6-4, paragraph (1)."

Article 7-6(1)If buildings as mentioned in Article 6, paragraph (1) items (i) through (iii) are newly constructed, or where construction work for addition to, rebuilding, relocation, major repair or major remodeling of those buildings (excluding any houses other than apartment houses and any buildings which have no habitable rooms) includes construction work on corridors, stairways, doorways or other evacuation facilities, fire hydrants, sprinklers or other fire extinguishing equipment, smoke exhaust equipment, emergency lighting system, elevatory system for emergency use or fire compartments which are specified by Cabinet Order (excluding minor construction work as specified by Cabinet Order; referred to in this paragraph, Article 18, paragraph (24) and Article 90-3 as "construction work on evacuation facilities, etc."), the building owner concerned shall neither use nor let anyone use the building to be newly constructed, or the building or its parts subject to construction work on evacuation facilities, etc. until the building owner obtains a certificate of final inspection under Article 7, paragraph (5). Provided, however, that in cases of any of the following items, the building owner may use or let someone use the relevant building or its parts temporarily even before obtaining the certificate of final inspection:

(2)Necessary items concerning the procedures of applying for permission under items (i) and (ii) of the preceding paragraph shall be specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(3)If a person designated under Article 7, paragraph (2), item (i) grants approval under paragraph (1), item (ii), a temporary use approval report must be created as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order within the period specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order and submitted to the Designated Administrative Agency, together with documentation concerning the approved building under that item, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(4)When the Designated Administrative Agency has received a submission of temporary use approval report under the preceding paragraph, it finds that the building for which approval has been given under paragraph (1), item (ii) does not to conform to the standards specified by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, it must notify this information to the owner of the relevant building and to the person designated under Article 7-2, paragraph (1) who carried out the relevant approval.In this case, the relevant approval shall cease to be effective.

Article 8(1)The owner, custodian or occupant of a building must endeavor to maintain the site, construction and building equipment of the building in a state complying with legal requirements.

(2)The owner or custodian of a building coming under any of the following items must prepare standards or plans for the maintenance of the building and take other appropriate measures as the need arises, in order to maintain the site, construction and building equipment of the building in a state complying with legal requirements.Provided, however, this shall not apply to a building owned or managed by the State, a prefecture, or a municipality that has building officials.

(3)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may specify necessary guidelines in order to contribute to the proper preparation provision of standards or plans mentioned in the preceding paragraph by the owner or custodian of a building that comes under any of the items in that paragraph.

Article 9(1)With respect to buildings or building sites in violation of the provisions of building standard laws and regulations or of requirements attached to permission based on the provisions of this Act, the Designated Administrative Agency may issue orders for the suspension of the construction work concerned or, providing a reasonable grace period, for the demolition, relocation, rebuilding, addition, repair, remodeling, prohibition or restriction of use of the building concerned or the implementation of other measures to correct violations against those provisions or requirements, to the building owner of the relevant building, or to the contractor (including subcontractors of contracted work) or field manager of the construction work on the relevant building, or to the owner, custodian or occupant of the relevant building or its site.

(2)When the Designated Administrative Agency intends to issue an order for the measures mentioned in the preceding paragraph, it must deliver in advance a written notice setting forth the measures to be taken, the reason therefor and the office to which written opinions are to be submitted, and the deadline for submission of written opinions to the person to be ordered to take those measures. It must provide the person to be ordered to take those measures or a representative of the person concerned with the opportunity to submit a written opinion and evidence advantageous to the person concerned.

(3)A person who has received a written notice under the preceding paragraph may request the Designated Administrative Agency to hold a public hearing within three days from the day of receipt thereof instead of a submission of written opinions.

(4)When a hearing of opinions has been requested under the preceding paragraph, the Designated Administrative Agency must request the appearance of the person who is seeking to order the measures in paragraph (1) or of which agent, and hold a public hearing of opinions.

(5)When the Designated Administrative Agency conducts the hearing of opinions under the preceding paragraph, it must notify the person specified in the preceding paragraph of the measures that it is seeking to order under paragraph (1), and the date and place of the hearing not later than two days before that date, and it must give public notice thereof.

(6)The person specified in paragraph (4) may present witnesses and submit evidence in one's favor at the hearing.

(7)The Designated Administrative Agency may issue provisional orders for the prohibition or restriction of use of a building without following the procedure specified in the preceding five paragraphs, notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding five paragraphs in case of urgent necessity.

(8)A person who has received an order under the preceding paragraph may request the Designated Administrative Agency to hold a public hearing within three days from the day of receipt thereof. In this case, the provisions of paragraphs (4) through (6) shall apply mutatis mutandis.Provided, however, that the hearing must be held within five days from the day of that request.

(9)If the Designated Administrative Agency concludes as a result of a hearing held under the preceding paragraph that a provisional order issued under paragraph (7) is reasonable, it may render an order under paragraph (1). If it concludes as a result of the hearing that a provisional order issued under paragraph (7) is unreasonable, it must revoke the order immediately.

(10)With respect to buildings under construction, repair, or remodeling apparently in violation of the provisions of building standard laws and regulations or of requirements attached to permission based on the provisions of this Act, the Designated Administrative Agency may issue orders for the suspension of the construction work concerned without following the procedure, to the building owner of the building concerned, or to the contractor (including subcontractors of contracted work) or field manager of the relevant construction work only when that procedure as specified in paragraphs (2) through (6) can not be taken because of urgent necessity,.In this case, when these persons not in the field of the relevant construction work, it may order persons actually engaged in the relevant construction work to suspend it.

(11)When the Designated Administrative Agency intends to issue an order for the necessary measures pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), and it can not identify, despite its every effort, the person to whom the order is to be issued and concludes that leaving the violation as it is will be extremely contrary to the public interest, it may take the measures by itself at the expense of such person, or may order or entrust a person to take the measures.In this case, it must give public notice in advance to the effect that the measures shall be taken in a specified reasonable period, and that if the measures are not taken within the time limit, the Designated Administrative Agency or the person ordered or entrusted by it shall take the measures.

(12)When the Designated Administrative Agency has issued an order for the necessary measures pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), and the person ordered to take the measures does not perform the measures, the performance is insufficient, or the performance cannot be expected to be completed within a period as mentioned in that paragraph, it may proceed to execute, by itself, the measures which should have been taken by the person under obligation or to cause a third person to take those measures as specified by the Act on Substitute Execution by Administration (Act No. 43 of 1948).

(13)When the Designated Administrative Agency has issued an order under paragraph (1) or (10) (including cases where a building surveillant has issued an order under paragraph (10)), it must publicly notify to that effect by way of a sign board or other method as established by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(14)A sign board in the preceding paragraph may be established in the building or at the building site subject to an order under paragraph (1) or (10).In this case, the owner, custodian or occupant of the building or building site subject to that order under paragraph (1) or (10) shall neither refuse nor obstruct the establishment of the relevant sign board.

(15)The provisions of Chapter III (excluding Article 12 and Article 14) of the Administrative Procedures Act (Act No. 88 of 1993) shall not apply to orders issued under paragraph (1), (7), or (10).

Article 9-2The Designated Administrative Agency may appoint building surveillants from among the officials of the relevant city, town, village, or prefecture and have them exercise the authority of the Designated Administrative Agency as specified in paragraphs (7) and (10) of the preceding Article as specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 9-3(1)When the Designated Administrative Agency has issued an order under Article 9, paragraph (1) or (10) (including cases where a building surveillant has issued an order under paragraph (10) of that Article), it must give notice of the name or appellation and address of the designer, the person who conducts construction administration or contractor (including subcontractors of contracted work; the same in the next paragraph) of the building subject to the relevant order or those of the building lot and building transaction agent that has conducted the transaction concerning the relevant building or manufacturer of wastewater purifier concerning the order concerned, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, and other items specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or the prefectural governor supervising these persons in accordance with the Act on Architects and Building Engineers, the Construction Business Act (Act No. 100 of 1949), the Purification Tank Act (Act No. 43 of 1983) or the Real Estate Brokerage Act (Act No. 176 of 1952).

(2)Having received a notice under the preceding paragraph, without delay, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or prefectural governor must revoke any license or permission which has been issued under the Act on Architects and Building Engineers, the Construction Business Act, the Purification Tank Act or the Real Estate Brokerage Act, take actions to suspend services or other necessary measures with respect to the persons concerned in the relevant notice, and give notice of the results to the Designated Administrative Agency having made the relevant notice under that paragraph.

Article 9-4In a case where the Designated Administrative Agency concludes that the site, construction or building equipment of a building (limited to those that, pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2), are not subject to the provisions of next Chapter nor to the provisions referred to in orders or ordinances based thereon) has been damaged, is corroded or has suffered other deterioration, and that if this damage, etc. is not repaired, it will be a threat to public safety or will be harmful to sanitation, the Designated Administrative Agency may state necessary guidance and advise the owner, custodian or occupant of the relevant building, or its building site concerning the repair, corrosion prevention measures or other maintenance of the relevant building or its building site.

Article 10(1)In a case where the Designated Administrative Agency concludes that the site, construction, or building equipment of a building set forth in Article 6, paragraph (1), item (i) or building specified by another Cabinet Order (limited to those that, pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2), are not subject to the provisions of next Chapter nor to the provisions referred to in orders or ordinances based thereon) has been damaged, corroded, or suffered other deterioration, and that if this damage etc. is not repaired, it will be seriously dangerous to public safety or will be seriously harmful to sanitation, the Designated Administrative Agency shall issue a warning to the owner, custodian, or occupant of the relevant building or its building lot, giving an appropriate grace period, for the demolition, relocation, rebuilding, addition, repair, remodeling, prohibition or restriction of use of the relevant building or other measures necessary to preserve public safety or to keep sanitation.

(2)In cases where the person that has been issued a warning in the preceding paragraph has not taken the relevant measures without justifiable grounds, if the Designated Administrative Agency fides it to be particularly necessary, it may order the relevant person to take the measures in the warning, giving an appropriate grace period.

(3)In cases other than cases under the preceding paragraph, where the Designated Administrative Agency concludes that the site, construction or building equipment of a building is seriously dangerous to public safety or harmful to sanitation (limited to those for which the relevant building is not subject to the provisions referred to in next Chapter or those of orders or ordinances based thereon pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2)), it may order the owner, custodian or occupant of the relevant building or its site for the demolition, relocation, rebuilding, addition, repair, remodeling, prohibition or restriction of use of the relevant building or other measures necessary to preserve public safety or to keep sanitation ,giving an appropriate grace period.

(4)The provisions of Article 9, paragraphs (2) through (9) and paragraphs (11) through (15) shall apply mutatis mutandis in cases as specified in the preceding 2 paragraphs.

Article 11(1)When the Designated Administrative Agency finds that the site, construction or building equipment, or use of a building (limited to those for which the relevant building is not subject to the provisions of Chapter III or those referred to in orders or ordinances based thereon pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2) (including cases where it applies mutatis mutandis in Article 86-9, paragraph (1)), conspicuously spoils the public interests, it may, only after consent has been obtained from the assembly of the municipality where the relevant building is located, orders the owner, custodian or occupant of the relevant building, giving an appropriate grace period, for the demolition, relocation, repair, remodeling, prohibition or restriction of use of the relevant building.In this case, the municipality where the relevant building is located must compensate for the loss to be normally expected by the measures taken based on that order, at the current market price.

(2)If a person entitled to compensation under the preceding paragraph objects to the determined amount of compensation, such person may ask, within one month from the day on which such person have received the notice of that amount, for a ruling by the Expropriation Committee under Article 94, paragraph (2) of the Expropriation of Land Act (Act No. 219 of 1951) in accordance with the procedure specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 12(1)The owner (the custodian if the owner and the custodian are different persons; the same in paragraph (3)) of a building as mentioned in Article 6, paragraph (1) item (i) that has been specified by Cabinet Order as being particularly important for safety, fire prevention, or sanitation (excluding buildings owned or managed by the state, prefectures, or a municipality that has building officials, referred to in this paragraph and paragraph (3) as "buildings of the state, etc.") or a designated building other than one specified by the relevant Cabinet Order (defined as a building set forth in that item and other buildings as specified by Cabinet Order, the same in the remainder of this Article) must have the site, structure, and building equipment inspected periodically (including inspections of damage, corrosion, and other deterioration to the building site and structure, excluding inspections of building equipment, fire doors, and other fire prevention equipment in the building, as specified by Cabinet Order (hereinafter referred to as "building equipment, etc.") by a 1st-class Kenchikushi, a 2nd-class Kenchikushi, or a person certified as a qualified building inspector (referred to in the following paragraph and paragraph (3) of the next Article as "building inspectors") and report the inspection results to the Designated Administrative Agency, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(2)Head of a body of the State, a prefecture, or a municipality that is the custodian of a designated building (limited to buildings mentioned in Article 6, paragraph (1), item (i) and other buildings specified by Cabinet Order in the preceding paragraph) owned or managed by the State, a prefecture, or a municipality that has building officials, or a person delegated by the head (below in this Chapter referred to as, "head, etc. of the national government organs"), must have a 1st-class Kenchikushi, a 2nd-class Kenchikushi or a building inspector periodically check the state of damage, corrosion, and other deterioration of the site and construction of the relevant designated building (excluding inspections of building equipment, fire doors, and other fire prevention equipment in the building in paragraph (4)), as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order. Provided, however, that these requirements shall not apply to designated buildings (excluding buildings designated under the provisions of Cabinet Order as mentioned in the preceding paragraph as being particularly important in relation to safety, fire prevention, and sanitation, set forth in Article 6, paragraph (1), Item (i), and designated by a Designated Administrative Agency pursuant to the provisions of the provision of that paragraph) that have been designated by a Designated Administrative Agency, with the consent of the Building Review Council, as causing no hindrance in relation to safety, fire prevention, or sanitation.

(3)The owners of designated building equipment, etc. (defined as elevatory systems and building equipment, etc., other than elevatory systems in designated buildings, the same in this paragraph and the next) specified by Cabinet Orders as being particularly important for safety, fire prevention, or sanitation, and designated building equipment, etc. (excluding items installed in government buildings, etc.) and other than those specified by the relevant Cabinet Order (excluding items installed in government buildings, etc.) which has been designated by a Designated Administrative Agency, must have the relevant equipment inspected periodically (including inspection of the building equipment, etc., for damage, corrosion and other deterioration) by a 1st-class Kenchikushi, a 2nd-class Kenchikushi or a person certified as a qualified inspector (referred to as "inspector of building equipment, etc." in the next paragraph and in Article 12-3, paragraph (2)) and report the results to the Designated Administrative Agency.

(4)The head, etc. of the national government organs must have a 1st-class Kenchikushi, a 2nd-class Kenchikushi or an inspector of building equipment, etc. periodically inspect designated building equipment, etc. for damage corrosion, or other deterioration, of elevatory system in a building owned or managed by the State, a prefecture, or a municipality that has building officials and building equipment other than elevatory system in a building of the State, a prefecture or a municipality having building officials (limited to buildings mentioned in Article 6, paragraph (1), item (i) and other buildings specified by Cabinet Order in paragraph (1)), as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.Provided, however, that these requirements shall not apply to designated building equipment, etc. (excluding items specified by Cabinet Order referred to in the preceding paragraph, and items designated by the Designated Administrative Agency pursuant to the provisions of that paragraph) that have been designated by a Designated Administrative Agency, with the consent of the Building Review Council, as causing no hindrance in relation to safety, fire prevention, or sanitation.

(5)The Designated Administrative Agency, a building official or building surveillant may request the following parties a report on the site, construction, building equipment the use of a building, the receipt or delivery of materials, building equipment or other building parts (hereinafter referred to as "building materials, etc."), or on the scheme of construction work or progress of construction work on a building, or on the progress of surveys relating to the building site, structure, or building equipment (hereinafter referred to as "building-related surveys").

(6)A Designated Administrative Agency or building official may require the owner, manager, or occupant of a building or site, a building owner, a designer, a manufacturer of building materials, etc., a construction superintendent, a construction executor, or a person who conducted a survey relating to the building, to submit ledgers, documents, and other objects as required for the enforcement of the provisions referred to in Article 6, paragraph (4); Article 6-2, paragraph (6); Article 7, paragraph (4); Article 7-3, paragraph (4); Article 9, paragraph (1) and 10; or Article 13; Article 10, paragraphs (1) through (3); paragraph (1) of the preceding Article; or Article 90-2, paragraph (1); and a building surveillant may as required for the enforcement of the provisions referred to in Article 9, paragraph (10).

(7)In limits necessary for a building official or that official of a city, town, village or a prefecture as ordered by the Designated Administrative Agency or entrusted by a building official, to perform execution under Article 6, paragraph (4); Article 6-2, Paragraph (6); Article 7, paragraph (4); Article 7-3, paragraph (4); Article 9, paragraphs (1), (10), or (13), Article 10, paragraphs (1) to (3); paragraph (1) of the preceding Article; or Article 90-2, paragraph (1); or in limits necessary for a building surveillant to perform execution under Article 9, paragraph (10); such person may enter the building concerned, its site, the factory, sales premises, offices, warehouse, or other place of business of the person who manufactured the construction materials, etc., or the sales premises, office, or other places of business of the person who carried out surveys relating to the construction work or building, and inspect or examine the building, its site, building equipment, building materials, objects related to the manufacture of building materials, etc., drawings/specifications, and other objects related to construction work on the building, or objects pertaining to surveys concerning the building, or may question the owner, custodian, or occupant of the building or its site, building owner or designer, superintendent, construction executor, or the person who manufactured the construction materials, etc., the construction superintendent, or a person who conducted surveys relating to the building, on any necessary items.Provided, however, that in entering a dwelling, such person must obtain the consent of the dweller in advance.

(8)The Designated Administrative Agency must prepare the official books concerning the site, construction, building equipment, or use of a building subject to confirmation or other actions under building standard laws and regulations and reports under paragraphs (1) and (3), and must retain the relevant official books (including documents concerning the relevant action and the relevant reports that are specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order).

(9)The retention period and other necessary items concerning the retention of items recorded in the official books mentioned in the preceding paragraph, other items required for the preparation of the relevant official books, and the official records (including documents specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order in that paragraph) shall be specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

Article 12-2(1)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism shall issue building surveyor qualification certificates to persons to whom comes under any of the following items.

(2)Irrespective of the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may decline to issue building surveyor qualification certificates to parties coming under any of the following items.

(3)If the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism finds that a building surveyor falls under any of the following items, the Minister may order the relevant surveyor to surrender of which building surveyor qualification certificate.

(4)The procedures for obtaining a building surveyor qualification certificate and other essential items pertaining to building surveyor qualification certificates are specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

Article 12-3(1)The types of building equipment, etc., inspector qualification certificates are specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(2)The types of building equipment, etc., that a building equipment, etc., inspector can inspect under the provisions of Article 12, paragraph (3) or examine under the provisions of paragraph (4) of that Article (referred to as "inspections, etc." in item (i) of the following paragraph) are specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(3)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will issue building equipment, etc., inspector qualification certificates to parties coming under any of the following items.

(4)The provisions of paragraphs (2) through (4) of the preceding Article shall apply mutatis mutandis to building equipment, etc., inspector qualification certificate.In this case, "the preceding paragraph" in paragraph (2) of the preceding Article will be read as "paragraph (3)" of the following Article", and "surveys, etc." in item (iv) of that paragraph and paragraph (3), item (iii) of that Article as "inspections, etc., as provided for in paragraph (2) of the following Article.

Article 13(1)When a building official, building surveillant or that official of a city, town, village or a prefecture as ordered by the Designated Administrative Agency or entrusted by a building official enters a building, its site or construction field under the provisions of Article 12, paragraph (7), or where a building surveillant exercises the authority under Article 9-2 (including cases where this Article applies mutatis mutandis in Article 90, paragraph (3)), the official or surveillant must carry an identification card showing the status and present it to any concerned persons.

(2)The authority under Article 12, paragraph (7) must not be construed as being granted for the purpose of criminal investigation.

Article 14(1)The head of a municipality having building officials may ask the prefectural governor or the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for any necessary advice or assistance relating to the enforcement of this Act, or the prefectural governor may ask the Minister therefor.

(2)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may give necessary recommendations, advice or assistance relating to the enforcement of this Act or furnish necessary materials to the Designated Administrative Agency, or the prefectural governor may give it or furnish them to the head of a municipality having building officials.

Article 15(1)If a building owner intends to construct a building or a person engaged in the demolition work of buildings intends to demolish a building, such persons must notify the prefectural governor to that effect through the building official.Provided, however, that this shall not apply if the aggregate of floor areas of the relevant building or of its parts subject to the work concerned is 10 square meters or less.

(2)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the construction or demolition of the building in that paragraph, the notification in that paragraph in a case that corresponds to seismic retrofitting in item (i) or demolition and construction in item (ii) must be transmitted, when the competent administrative authority with jurisdiction provided for in that item is the prefectural governor, directly to the relevant prefectural governor, and when it is the head of the municipality, through the head of the relevant municipality:

(3)The head of a municipality must report it to the prefectural governor, if a building within the area of the relevant city, ward, town, or village has been lost or destroyed due to a fire, earthquake, flood, storm or other disaster.Provided, however, that this shall not apply if the aggregate of floor areas of the lost building or destroyed parts of the damaged building is 10 square meters or less.

(4)The prefectural governor must prepare building statistics and forward them to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and must retain the relevant documents for the period specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, on the basis of the notification and report under the preceding three paragraphs.

(5)Procedures for the notification and report, and the preparation and forwarding of building statistics under the preceding each paragraph, shall be specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

Article 15-2(1)If the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism finds it specifically necessary in order to achieve the aims of Article 1, the Minister may request the owner, manager, or occupant of a building or site, a building owner, a designer, a manufacturer of building materials, etc., a construction superintendent, a construction executor, the parties that have conducted a survey relating to the building, the parties that have obtain type-approval (referred to in the remainder of this paragraph as "type-approval, etc.") in Article 68-10, paragraph (1), approval in Article 68-25, paragraph (1), or special structural methods approval in Article 68-26 to submit reports, ledgers, documents, and other objects relating to building site, structures, or building equipment, or use thereof, the receipt or delivery of building materials, etc., or the progress of surveys relating to plans for work relating to the building, or the construction of the building, or require staff to enter the building, the building site, the plant of the parties that have manufactured the building materials, etc., sales premises, offices, warehouses and other places of business, building construction sites, sales premises of the parties that have conducted a survey relating to the building, offices, and other places of business, or other places of business of parties that have obtained type-approval, etc., in order to inspect the building, the building site, building equipment, building materials, objects relating to the manufacturer of the building materials, etc., drawing/specifications, and other objects pertaining to work relating to the building, objects pertaining to surveys relating to the building, or objects relating to type-approval, etc., or have the owner, manager, or occupant of the building site, the building owner, the designer, the manufacturer of building materials, etc., the construction superintendent, the construction executor, or parties that have obtained type-approval, etc., ask questions about essential information. Provided, however, that prior notice must be given to residents before entering a residential property.

(2)Staff that enter premises to carry out inspections pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph must carry identification cards and display them to those concerned.

(3)The authority under paragraph (1) must not be construed as being granted for the purpose of criminal investigation.

Article 16The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may ask the Designated Administrative Agency for the submission of reports or statistical materials necessary for the enforcement of this Act, or the prefectural governor may ask the head of a municipality having building officials therefor.

Article 17(1)When the actions taken by a building official of a prefecture or a municipality are in violation of the provisions of this Act or those of orders based thereon, or that a building official of a prefecture or a municipality is negligent in taking the actions specified in the relevant provisions, if the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism finds it necessary with regard to a building that has a significant relationship to the interests of the Nation, the Minister may instruct the relevant prefectural governor or the head of the municipality to set a deadline and to order the building official of the prefecture or the municipality to take necessary measures.

(2)If the actions taken by a building official of a prefecture are in violation of the provisions of this Act or those of orders based thereon, or that a building official of a prefecture is negligent in taking the actions specified in the relevant provisions, if the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism finds that these violations or negligence seriously harm to the lives or physical safety of large number of people, the Minister may instruct the relevant prefectural governor to set a deadline and to order the building official of the prefecture to take necessary measures.

(3)If the actions taken by a building official of a municipality are in violation of the provisions of this Act or those of orders based thereon, or that a building official of a municipality is negligent in taking the actions specified in the relevant provisions, if the prefectural governor finds that these violations or negligence seriously harm to the lives or physical safety of large number of people, the prefectural governor may instruct the head of the relevant municipality to set a deadline and to order the building official of the municipality to take necessary measures.

(4)When the prefectural governor fails to issue orders under the case of the preceding paragraph, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may personally issue those orders.

(5)A prefectural governor or the head of a municipality must obey the instructions given by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or the prefectural governor pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraphs, unless there are justifiable grounds.

(6)A building official of a prefecture or of a municipality must obey the orders given by the prefectural governor or the head of the municipality in response to the instructions under paragraph (1) to paragraph (4), unless are justifiable grounds.

(7)If a prefectural governor or the head of a municipality has not obeyed the instruction under paragraph (1) by a designated deadline without justifiable grounds, or cases where the building official of a prefecture or of a municipality has not obeyed an order of a prefectural governor or the head of a municipality based on an instruction by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism under paragraph (1) by a designated deadline without justifiable grounds, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may take necessary measures for the relevant instructions after obtaining confirmation from the Council for Social Infrastructure that there is no justifiable ground.

(8)When a prefectural governor or the head of a municipality is in violation of the provisions of this Act or those of orders based thereon, or is negligent in taking the actions specified in the relevant provisions, if the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism finds it necessary with regard to a building that has a significant relationship to the interests of the Nation, the Minister may instruct the relevant prefectural governor or the head of the municipality to set a deadline and to take necessary measures.

(9)When a prefectural governor is in violation of the provisions of this Act or those of orders based thereon, or is negligent in taking the actions specified in the relevant provisions, if the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism finds that these violations or negligence seriously harm to the lives or physical safety of large number of people, the Minister may instruct the prefectural governor to set a deadline and to take necessary measures.

(10)When the head of a municipality is in violation of the provisions of this Act or those of orders based thereon, or is negligent in taking the actions specified in the relevant provisions, if the prefectural governor finds that these violations or negligence seriously harm to the lives or physical safety of large number of people, the prefectural governor may instruct the relevant mayor of municipality to set a deadline and to take necessary measures.

(11)The provisions of paragraphs (4) and (5) shall apply mutatis mutandis in the cases referred to in the preceding three paragraphs.In this case, the term, "of the preceding paragraphs" in paragraph (5) shall be replaced with, "of paragraph (4) applied mutatis mutandis in paragraphs (8) through (10) or paragraph (11)".

(12)If or the head of a municipality has not obeyed the instruction under paragraph (8) by a designated deadline without justifiable grounds, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may take necessary measures for the relevant instructions after obtaining confirmation from the Council for Social Infrastructure that there is no justifiable ground.

Article 18(1)With respect to buildings and building sites of the State, a prefecture, or a municipality having building officials, the provisions of Articles 6 through 7-6, Articles 9 through 9-3 and Article 10 and Article 90-2 shall not apply.In this case, the provisions of the next paragraph through paragraph (25) shall apply.

(2)If the State, a prefecture, or a municipality having building officials intends to construct a building or make major repair or remodeling under Article 6, paragraph (1), the head, etc. of the national government organs must notify the building official concerned of the plan prior to the start of the construction work therefor.Provided, however, this shall not apply if the building owner intends to add, rebuild or relocate the building to an area outside of a Fire Prevention District or of a Quasi-fire Prevention District (limited to those for which the parts related to the relevant addition, rebuilding or relocation of the relevant building have an aggregate floor area of 10 square meters or less).

(3)The building official must examine the plan for the building as notified as to whether it conforms to the provisions related to building regulation (when a notice has been received concerning the construction, major repair, or major remodeling of a building set forth in item (i) or (ii) of Article 6-4, paragraph (1), or the construction of a building set forth in item (iii) of that paragraph, the provisions related to building regulation provided for in Article 6, paragraph (1) as applied by replacing phrases therein pursuant to the provisions of that paragraph; the same in this paragraph and paragraph (14) within that period as specified in Article 6, paragraph (4). In addition, based on the results of the inspection, if it has been confirmed that the relevant plan conforms to the provisions related to building regulation, the building official shall issue a certificate of completion of confirmation to the head, etc. of the national government organs that issued the relevant notice, after having received the notice in the preceding paragraph.

(4)In the case of paragraph (2), if the plan for the building specified in the notice in that paragraph requires the review specified in the preceding paragraph as to whether the plan for the building conform to the designated structural calculation standards or designated structural calculation standards for additions and remodeling based on the content of a notice, the head, etc. of the national government organs must notify the prefectural governor the relevant plan for the building and request the structural calculation conformity review.Provided, however, that this requirement shall not apply if a building official satisfying requirements specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order under the proviso of Article 6-3, paragraph (1) conducts review specified in the preceding paragraph whether or not the plans for the relevant building conform to the designated structural calculation standards (limited to parts relating to safety characteristics that can be confirmed by structural calculations in accordance with the standards specified by Cabinet Order referred to in Article 20, paragraph (1), item (ii), (a), using the method provided for in that item, and which are specified by Cabinet Order as the parts for which the review specified in the preceding paragraph is relatively simple) or the designated structural calculation standards for additions and remodeling (limited to those for which the review specified in that paragraph is relatively simple).

(5)If a prefectural governor receives an application as defined in the preceding paragraph, and a building official located in the relevant prefecture will carry out the review provided for in paragraph (3) to determine whether or not the plan for the building conforms to the relevant provisions of the building standards, the relevant prefectural governor must not allow the relevant building official to engage in affairs relating to the structural calculation review pertaining to the relevant notice.

(6)If a prefectural governor finds it necessary to perform the structural calculation conformity review in paragraph (4) for the plan for a building with a special construction method, the prefectural governor hears the opinions of parties with expert knowledge concerning the structural calculation of the relevant construction method.

(7)When a prefectural governor has received a notice as referred to in paragraph (4), the prefectural governor must issue a written notice of the results of the structural calculation review referred to in the relevant notice to the head, etc., of the national government organs, within fourteen days from the day that the relevant structural calculation conformity review was requested.

(8)In the case of the preceding paragraph (limited to those for which a review is requested to ascertain whether or not the plan for the building relating to the notice in paragraph (4) conforms to the designated structural calculation standards (limited to parts relating to the safety that can be confirmed by structural calculations in accordance with the standards specified by Cabinet Order referred to in Article 20, paragraph (1), item (ii), (a), using the method provided for in (a) of that item) and other cases specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order), there are reasonable grounds why the prefectural governor cannot issue the written notice in that paragraph to the head, etc., of the national government organs that submitted the notice within the period in the preceding paragraph, the prefectural governor may extend the period to 35 days.In this case, the prefectural governor must issue a written notice stating this fact and the period of the extension, and the reason for the extension of the period to head, etc., of the national government organs that gave the notice within the period in that paragraph.

(9)In the case of paragraph (7), if there are justifiable grounds to be unable to decide whether the plan for the building conform to the designated structural calculation standards or designated structural calculation standards for additions and remodeling based on information in a notice in paragraph (4), the prefectural governor must issue a written notice stating this fact and the reasons to the head, etc. of the national government organs that made the relevant notice within the period in paragraph (7) (when the period in paragraph (7) has been extended pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the period after the relevant extension).

(10)If the head, etc., of the national government organs receives a written notice pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (7) and the relevant notice is a conformance review notice, the relevant conformance review notice or a copy thereof must be provided to the building official that conducts examination under paragraph (3).Provided, however, that this requirement shall not apply if a written notice relating to the relevant plan for the building has been issued under the provisions of Article 14.

(11)The head, etc. of the national government organs must submit a conformity review notice or a copy thereof to the building official no later than three days before the final day of the period in paragraph (3) (if the period in paragraph (3) has been extended pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (13), the extended period), under the case of the preceding paragraph.

(12)In the case of paragraph (3), if a structural calculation review under the provisions of paragraph (4) is required for the plan for the building specified in the notice in paragraph (2), the building official may issue a certificate of completion of confirmation in paragraph (3), if and only if a conformity review notice or a copy thereof has been received from the head, etc., of the national government organs.

(13)In the case in paragraph (3) (limited to those for which a review to be performed as to whether the plan for the building specified in the notice in paragraph (2) conforms to the designated structural calculation standards (limited to parts relating to the safety that can be confirmed by structural calculations in accordance with the standards specified by Cabinet Order referred to in Article 20, paragraph (1), item (ii), (a), using the method provided for in (a) of that item) and other cases specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order), when there are reasonable grounds why the building official cannot issue the certificate of completion of confirmation in that paragraph to the head etc. of the national government organs that issued the relevant notice, by the end of the period in paragraph (3), the building official may extend the period in that paragraph within a range of thirty-five days.In this case, the prefectural governor must issue a written notice stating this fact and the period of the extension, and the reason for the extension of the period to head, etc., of the national government organs that gave the notice within the period in that paragraph.

(14)In the case of paragraph (3), if the building official concludes that the plan for the building in a notice in paragraph (2) does not conform to the provisions related to building regulation, or if there are justifiable grounds to be unable to decide whether it conforms to the provisions related to building regulation, the building official must issue a written notice stating this fact and the reasons to the head, etc. of the national government organs that made the relevant notice within the period in paragraph (3) (when the period in paragraph (3) has been extended pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the period after the relevant extension).

(15)The construction, major repair, or major remodeling of a building as notified under paragraph (2) shall not be executed before a certificate of completion of confirmation in paragraph (3) has been received.

(16)The head, etc. of the national government organs must notify the building official concerned to that effect within four days from the day of that completion, upon completion of the construction work concerned.

(17)When a building official has received a notice under the preceding paragraph, the building official, etc. must inspect the building and its site as notified as to whether they conform to the provisions related to building regulation (when a notice has been received concerning the construction, major repair, or major remodeling of a building provided for in Article 7-5, the provisions related to building regulation provided for in Article 6, paragraph (1) as applied by replacing phrases therein pursuant to the provisions of Article 6-4, paragraph (1); the same in this Article) within seven days from the day of receipt of the relevant notice.

(18)The building official, etc. must give the head, etc. of the national government organs a certificate of final inspection, after having made an inspection under the preceding paragraph and confirming that the relevant building and its site conform to the provisions related to building regulation.

(19)When the relevant construction work includes a designated construction process which has been completed, the head, etc. of the national government organs must notify the building official to that effect so that the building official receives the notice within four days of that day, on all that occasions.

(20)When a building official has received a notice under the preceding paragraph, the building official, etc. must inspect the building under construction in the relevant notice as to whether parts of the relevant building and its site executed prior to the inspection of the building conforms to the provisions related to building regulation within four days after receiving the notice.

(21)When the building official, etc. has performed an inspection under the preceding paragraph and has confirmed the fact that the building, etc. under construction work conforms to the provisions related to building regulation, the building official, etc. must issue a certificate of interim inspection concerning the relevant special construction process to the head, etc. of the national government organs. as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(22)Construction work which follows a designated construction process must not be executed until the certificate of interim inspection concerning the relevant designated construction process under the preceding paragraph has been issued.

(23)When a building official performs an inspection under paragraph (17) or (20) of a building etc. under construction of which parts' conformity with the provisions related to building regulation has been confirmed by an inspection under paragraph (20), it shall not be necessary to perform an inspection under that paragraph of the parts of the building and its site that were confirmed to be in conformity with the provisions related to the building regulations by an inspection under that paragraph.

(24)If buildings as mentioned in Article 6, paragraph (1) items (i) through (iii) are newly constructed, or where construction work for the addition, rebuilding, relocation, major repair or major remodeling of those buildings (excluding houses other than apartment houses and buildings which have no habitable rooms) includes construction work on evacuation facilities, etc., no person shall use or cause to be used the building pertaining to the relevant new building or the building or its parts subject to construction work on evacuation facilities, etc. until that person obtains a certificate of final inspection under paragraph (18).Provided, however, that in cases of any of the following items, that person may use or let someone use the relevant building or its parts temporarily even before obtaining the certificate of inspection:

(25)If the Designated Administrative Agency concludes that a building or its site of the State, a prefecture, or a municipality having building officials falls under the provisions of Article 9, paragraph (1), Article 10, paragraph (1) or (3) or Article 90-2, paragraph (1), it must immediately notify head, etc. of the national government organs in charge of the relevant building or its site, to that effect, and request to take the necessary measures set forth in the relevant provisions.

Article 18-2(1)A prefectural governor may have a person designated by the prefectural governor or Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in accordance with the provisions referred to in Articles 77-35-2 through 77-35-5 to perform all or part of the structural calculation conformity review under the provisions of Article 6-3, paragraph (1) and paragraph (4) of the preceding Article.

(2)Designation under the preceding paragraph shall be performed by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism if the person designated will engage in structural calculation review work under that paragraph in an area spanning two or more prefectures, or by the prefectural governor if the person designated will engage in structural calculation review work under that paragraph in an area in one prefecture.

(3)If a prefectural governor decides to have all or part of structural calculation conformity review work carried out by a person designated under paragraph (1), the prefectural governor shall not carry out all or part of the relevant structural calculation conformity review work.

(4)In applying the provisions referred to in Article 6-3, paragraph (1) and paragraphs (3) through (6), and paragraph (4) and paragraphs (6) through (9) of the preceding Article in a case where a person designated under paragraph (1) performs a structural calculation conformity review, "prefectural governor" in these provisions shall be read as "person designated under Article 18-2, paragraph (1)."

Article 18-3(1)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism must provide a guideline concerning confirmation examination, etc., in order to ensure that an examination under Article 6, paragraph (4) and Article 18, paragraph (3) (including cases where these provisions are applied mutatis mutandis in Article 87, paragraph (1), Article 87-2, and Article 88, paragraphs (1) and (2)), an examination to perform a confirmation under Article 6-2 paragraph (1) (including cases where these provisions are applied mutatis mutandis in Article 87, paragraph (1), Article 87-2, and Article 88, paragraphs (1) and (2)), the structural calculation conformity review under Article 6, paragraph (5), Article 6-3, paragraph (1), and Article 18, paragraph (4), the inspection under Article 7, paragraph (4), Article 7-2, paragraph (1) and Article 18, paragraph (17) (including cases where these provisions are applied mutatis mutandis in Article 87-2 and Article 88, paragraphs (1) and (2)), and the inspection under the provisions of Article 7-3, paragraph (4), Article 7-4, paragraph (1), and Article 18, paragraph (20) (including cases where these provisions are applied mutatis mutandis in Article 87-2 and Article 88, paragraph (1)) (referred to as "confirmation examination, etc." hereinafter in this Article and in Article 77-62, paragraph (2) item (iii)) are performed fairly and appropriately.

(2)When the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has prescribed the policy of the preceding paragraph or changed it, the Minister must publicize to that effect without delay.

(3)A confirmation examination, etc. must be performed in conformity with the guideline under paragraph (1) that was the subject of the public notice pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

Article 19(1)Sites of buildings must be higher than the border of roads adjacent thereto, and ground levels of buildings must be higher than adjacent land lots.Provided, however, this shall not apply if there is no impediment to drainage within the sites or there is no necessity for damp-proofing because of the use of the buildings.

(2)If buildings are to be constructed on damp land, land frequently threatened by flood or land reclaimed with rubbish or other matter similar thereto, fills, an improvement of ground or other measures necessary for sanitation or safety must be taken.

(3)Sites of buildings must have proper sewer pipelines, sewer channels, manholes and other facilities similar thereto for the purpose of draining and disposing of rainwater and wastewater.

(4)If buildings are likely to be damaged by landslides, etc., retaining walls shall be constructed and other appropriate measures for safety must be taken.

Article 20(1)Buildings shall conform to the following criteria provided for in the following items respectively according to classification of the building set forth in each of following items specified below as being structurally safe from dead load, live load, snow load, wind load, ground pressure and water pressure, and earthquakes or other vibration or impact.

(2)Even if a building is a single building, for the purpose of applying the standards specified in the preceding paragraph, if the relevant building has two or more parts that are deemed to be separate buildings under the provisions of Cabinet Order, each shall be deemed to be separate buildings for the purpose of applying the provisions referred to in relevant paragraph.

Article 21(1)Buildings coming under any of the following items (limited to those using wood, plastic or other combustible materials for all or part of their principal building parts (excluding floors, roofs and stairs) specified by Cabinet Order) shall conform to the technical criteria established by Cabinet Order concerning the performance required for the principal building parts in order to prevent the destruction of relevant buildings or their catching fire during the period that a normal fire will burn (which means the time normally required for a normal fire to be extinguished by firefighting measures according to the construction, building equipment and use of the building), and which use construction methods established by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or which were approved by the Minister.Provided, however, this shall not apply to buildings that have open space in the area surrounding the building that is effective for the prevention of the spread of fire and conforms to the technical criteria established by Cabinet Order.

(2)Buildings exceeding 3,000 square meters in total floor area (limited to those for which all or part of the principal building parts (excluding floors, roofs, and stairs) specified by Cabinet Order in the preceding paragraph are made of wood, plastic, or other combustible materials) shall conform to the criteria provided for in any of the following items.

Article 22(1)The construction of roofs of buildings within areas designated by the Designated Administrative Agency in urban areas excluding Fire Prevention Districts and Quasi-fire Prevention Districts shall conform to technical criteria established by Cabinet Order according to the construction and the category of use of the building concerning the performance necessary for a roof to prevent the occurrence of a fire in the building caused by burning brands assumed to accompany a normal fire, and which use construction methods established by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or which were approved by the Minister.Provided, however, that this shall not apply to the roof except for the part thereof liable to catch fire in the case of tea ceremony houses, summerhouses and other buildings similar thereto or in the case of storerooms, barns and other buildings similar thereto of which total floor area does not exceed 10 square meters, this shall not apply to the roof except for the part thereof liable to catch fire.

(2)When prior to designation under the preceding paragraph, the Designated Administrative Agency must hear the opinion of the Prefectural City Planning Council (if this is done by the Designated Administrative Agency that is the head of a municipality with Municipal City Planning Council, the relevant Municipal City Planning Council; the same applies hereinafter excluding Article 51) with respect to areas within City Planning Areas, and must obtain the consent of the municipality concerned with respect to other areas.

Article 23With respect to buildings within urban areas in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article (limited to those which principal building parts specified by Cabinet Order under Article 21, paragraph (1) are made of that combustible materials as wood, plastic, etc. (referred to as "wooden buildings, etc." in Article 25, and Article 61), the part of exterior walls liable to catch fire shall be of earth-plaster wall construction or other construction method which conforms to technical criteria established by Cabinet Order concerning quasi fire-preventive performance (performance required for an exterior wall to effectively prevent fire spreading under the effects of a normal fire occurring in the area surrounding the building) and which uses construction methods established by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or which was approved by the Minister.

Article 24If buildings in urban areas as specified in Article 22, paragraph (1) extend outside thereof, the provisions applicable to buildings in urban areas under that paragraph shall apply to the whole building.

Article 25With respect to wooden buildings, etc. of which total floor area (or the aggregate of total floor areas if there are two or more wooden buildings etc. on the same site) exceeds 1,000 square meters, the part of exterior walls or soffits liable to catch fire must be of fire preventive construction and roofs must be of construction as specified in Article 22, paragraph (1).

Article 26Any building exceeding 1,000 square meters in total floor area must be effectively separated by fire walls or fire floors of that construction as is effective for fire safety and the aggregate of floor areas of each separated part shall not exceed 1,000 square meters.Provided, however, that this shall not apply to buildings coming under any of the following items:

Article 27(1)The principal building parts of special buildings that come under any of the following items must conform to the technical standards specified by Cabinet Order concerning the performance required to prevent the spread of a normal fire leading to the collapse of the building during the period until the evacuation of all persons in the relevant special building to ground level has been completed, and which uses construction methods established by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or which was approved by the Minister, and fire doors or other opening protective assemblies (limited to items that meet the technical standards for flame blocking performance as specified by Cabinet Order and which uses construction methods established by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or which was approved by the Minister) must be installed at openings in exterior walls designated in Cabinet Order as being at risk of the spread of fire from other parts of the building.

(2)Special buildings coming under any of the following items must be a fire-resistive building.

(3)Special buildings coming under any of the following items must be fire-resistive or quasi fire-resistive buildings (excluding quasi fire-resistive buildings coming under Article 2, item (ix)-3, (b) and as specified by Cabinet Order in the case of buildings for use set forth in column (a), row (6) of Appended Table 1):

Article 28(1)Habitable rooms of houses, schools, hospitals, clinics, dormitories, boarding houses, or other buildings similar thereto as specified by Cabinet Order (limited to those for residential use, classrooms of schools, wards of hospitals, and other rooms similar thereto as specified by Cabinet Order) must have openings such as windows for natural lighting, and the ratio of the area effective for natural lighting to the floor area of those habitable rooms must not be less than 1/7 in the case of houses, and not less than a ratio between 1/5 and 1/10 to be specified by Cabinet Order in the case of other buildings.Provided, however, that this shall not apply to habitable rooms located in basements or underground structures or other habitable rooms similar thereto, or work rooms requiring the adjustment of temperature and humidity or habitable rooms under inevitable circumstances due to their use.

(2)Habitable rooms must have openings such as windows for ventilation, and the ratio of the area of the part effective for ventilation to the floor area of those habitable rooms must be not less than 1/20.Provided, however, that this shall not apply if ventilation system is provided in compliance with the technical criteria established by Cabinet Order.

(3)Habitable rooms of special buildings for use set forth in column (a), row (1) of Appended Table 1 or those cooking rooms, bathrooms or other rooms of buildings which are equipped with kitchen ranges, cooking stoves or other equipment or apparatus using flame (excluding those specified by Cabinet Order) must have ventilation system in compliance with the technical criteria established by Cabinet Order.

(4)Two habitable rooms partitioned by fusuma, shoji or other fittings that can be freely opened shall be considered to be one room in applying the provisions referred to in the preceding three paragraphs.

Article 28-2A building must conform to the following criteria in order to prevent damage to human health by the scattering or emissions of buildings materials made of asbestos and other substances.

Article 29Habitable rooms of houses, classrooms of schools, wards of hospitals, or bedrooms of dormitories provided in basements must conform to technical criteria established by Cabinet Order necessary for sanitation concerning damp-proofing measures for walls or floors and other items.

Article 30(1)Unit separation walls in row houses and apartment houses must conform to the following criteria.

(2)The provisions of item (ii) of the preceding paragraph shall not apply to if the construction of the ceilings of row houses or apartment houses conforms to the technical criteria established by Cabinet Order concerning the performance that is required of ceilings to reduce the sound generated by daily activities from adjoining units so that the sound will not affect the health of residents, and which uses the construction methods established by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or which was approved by the Minister.

Article 31(1)Lavatories must not have toilets other than those of flush type (limited to those in which the soil pipes are connected to public sewerage as specified in Article 2, item (iii) of the Sewerage Act) in areas as specified in Article 2, item (viii) of the Sewerage Act (Act No. 79 of 1958).

(2)If the sewerage of lavatories is to be drained into a place other than the public sewerage having a terminal treatment plant as specified in Article 2, item (vi) of the Sewerage Act, wastewater purifiers (limited to those of a construction which conforms to technical criteria established by Cabinet Order concerning wastewater treatment performance (performance of wastewater purifiers necessary to treat wastewater without adversely affecting sanitation) and which uses construction methods established by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or which was approved by the Minister) must be provided.

Article 32Electrical equipment in buildings must be installed by a method as specified in those provisions of laws or orders based thereon which pertain to the safety and fire prevention of buildings concerning electrical structures.

Article 33Buildings exceeding 20 meters in height must have lightning conductors in an effective manner.Provided, however, that this shall not apply if there is no objection from the viewpoint of safety, due to surrounding conditions.

Article 34(1)Elevatory system to be installed in buildings must be of safe construction, and surrounding walls and openings of hoistway must be of construction appropriate for fire prevention.

(2)Buildings (excluding those specified by Cabinet Order) exceeding 31 meters in height must be provided with elevatory system for emergency use.

Article 35With respect to special buildings offered for use set forth in column (a), rows (1) through (4) of Appended Table 1, buildings having three or more stories, buildings having habitable rooms with no openings such as windows as specified by Cabinet Order, or buildings of which total floor area (or the aggregate of total floor areas if there are two or more buildings on the same site) exceeds 1,000 square meters, corridors, stairways, doorways or other evacuation facilities, fire hydrants, sprinklers, water tanks or other fire extinguishing equipment, smoke exhaust equipment, emergency lighting system and entrances for emergency use, and passageways within the site for evacuation and fire fighting must be provided in a manner so as not to obstruct evacuation and fire fighting, in compliance with the technical criteria established by Cabinet Order.

Article 35-2All special buildings for use set forth in column (a) of Appended Table 1, buildings having three or more stories, buildings having habitable rooms with no openings such as windows as specified by Cabinet Order, buildings of which total floor area exceeds 1,000 square meters, or buildings of which rooms such as cooking rooms and bathrooms are equipped with kitchen ranges, cooking stoves or other equipment or apparatus using flame must have the interior surface of their walls and ceilings (their roofs if there is no ceiling) finished in a manner appropriate for fire safety, in compliance with the technical criteria established by Cabinet Order, excluding those as specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 35-3Principal building parts which partition a habitable room with no openings such as windows as specified by Cabinet Order must be of fire-resistive construction or be made of noncombustible materials.Provided, however, that this shall not apply to habitable rooms for use set forth in column (a), row (1) of Appended Table 1.

Article 36With respect to the natural lighting area of habitable rooms, height of ceilings and floors, damp-proofing methods for floors, construction of stairways, installation and construction of lavatories, fire walls, fire floors, fire compartments, fire extinguishing equipment, lightning conductor and plumbing equipment supplying water and drainage, and the construction of wastewater purifiers, chimneys and elevatory system of buildings, technical criteria necessary for safety, fire prevention and sanitation in order to enforce or supplement the provisions of this Chapter shall be established by Cabinet Order.

Article 37Those building materials as wood, steel, concrete, and other materials specified by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism used for the foundations, principal building parts, and other parts of buildings specified by Cabinet Order which are important from the viewpoint of safety, fire prevention, and sanitation (hereinafter in this Article referred to as "designated building materials") must come under any of the following items:

Article 38The provisions of this Chapter and orders based on those provisions shall not apply to buildings in which special structural methods or building materials not anticipated herein are used, provided that the relevant structural methods or building materials have been approved by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as having efficacy that is equivalent or superior to items that conform to these provisions.

Article 39(1)A local government may designate areas with a frequent danger of tidal waves, high tide, flood, etc. as Disaster Risk Areas by ordinances.

(2)With respect to Disaster Risk Areas, the prohibition of construction of buildings for use as houses and other restrictions relating to the construction of buildings, which are necessary for disaster prevention, shall be specified by ordinances as mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

Article 40If a local government concludes that the provisions of this Chapter or those of orders based thereon do not suffice for ensuring safety, fire prevention or sanitation of buildings due to the characteristics of climate or natural features of the region or the use or scale of special buildings, it may prescribe, by ordinances, additional restrictions necessary for safety, fire prevention or sanitation concerning the site, construction or building equipment of buildings.

Article 41For locations outside the areas specified in Article 6, paragraph (1), item (iv), any municipality may not apply, in whole or in part, provisions referred to in Article 19, Article 21, Article 28, Article 29 and Article 36 or may relax the restrictions under these provisions within areas specified by ordinances, when it has been concluded that that non-application or relaxation of the restrictions is necessary due to the land conditions, upon obtaining the approval of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.Provided, however, that this shall not apply to buildings as mentioned in Article 6, paragraph (1), items (i) and (iii).

Article 68-10(1)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may, upon application, approve certain types of building materials or principal building parts, building equipment, or other parts of buildings specified by Cabinet Order that conform to a series of provisions specified by Cabinet Order concerning criteria of construction for the relevant building materials or parts of buildings, or other technical criteria among those provisions of the preceding three Chapters or provisions of orders based thereon (including the content of approvals of construction methods, etc. under Article 68-25, paragraph (1)), (hereinafter referred to as "type-approval").

(2)Procedures for type-approval applications and other necessary items concerning type-approval shall be specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

Article 68-11(1)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism shall, upon application, certify a person who performs manufacturing or newly constructing (hereinafter in this Chapter referred to simply as "manufacturing") of standardized types of building materials, parts of buildings or buildings specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order (hereinafter in this Chapter referred to as "specific type products"), as a manufacturer of the relevant specific type products.

(2)An applicant under the preceding paragraph must apply by submitting a written application containing the items specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(3)When the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism performs the certification under paragraph (1), as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, the Minister must publicly notify to that effect.

Article 68-12A person coming under any one of the following items is not qualified for certification under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article:

Article 68-13If the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism finds that an application under Article 68-11, paragraph (1) conforms to the following criteria, the Minister must grant certification under that paragraph:

Article 68-14(1)If a certification under Article 68-11, paragraph (1) is not renewed at an interval from five to ten years specified by Cabinet Order, it shall cease to be effective.

(2)The provisions in Article 68-11, paragraph (2) and the preceding two Articles shall apply mutatis mutandis to the renewal of certification specified in the preceding paragraph.

Article 68-15When a person certified under Article 68-11, paragraph (1) (hereinafter in this Chapter referred to as "certified specific-type products manufacturer") cedes all of the specific-type products manufacturing business concerning the relevant certification or there has been a succession, merger or division involving the relevant certified specific-type products manufacturer (limited to those for which all of the business of manufacturing the specific-type products concerning the relevant certification is ceded), the person or successor who has undertaken entire the business (when there are two or more successors, a person selected as the successor with unanimous agreement; the same in this Article), a corporation which will continue the work after the merger, or a corporation established by the merger, or a corporation that has succeeded to the entire business as a result of the division shall succeed to the position of the relevant certified specific-type products manufacturer. Provided, however, that this shall not apply if the relevant person or successor who has undertaken entire relevant business, a corporation which will continue the work after the merger, or a corporation established by the merger, or a corporation that has succeeded to the entire business as a result of the division comes under any one of the items in Article 68-12.

Article 68-16When there has been a change in items specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order under Article 68-11, paragraph (2) (excluding minor changes specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order), as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, a certified specific-type products manufacturer must notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to that effect.

Article 68-17(1)When a certified specific-type products manufacturer has closed the business of manufacturing the specific-type products, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, the manufacturer must notify the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to that effect in advance.

(2)When a notification under the preceding paragraph is submitted, the certification under Article 68-11, paragraph (1) for the relevant notification shall cease to be effective.

(3)When the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism receives the notification under paragraph (1), the Minister must publicly notify to that effect.

Article 68-18(1)When a certified specific-type products manufacturer manufactures specific-type products for that certification, it must be ensured that the products conform to the type concerning the certification.Provided, however, that this shall not apply if the relevant specific-type products are manufactured for export or for trial, and in other cases specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(2)A certified specific-type product manufacturer must perform inspections of the specific-type products subject to the certification, and prepare and keep inspection records for them, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

Article 68-19(1)When a certified specific-type products manufacturer has manufactured specific-type products, the relevant manufacturer may attach a special indication to it using a method specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order to indicate that the relevant products were manufactured by a certified specific-type products manufacturer.

(2)No person except for the cases under the preceding paragraph shall attach an indication under that paragraph or a misleading indication thereof to any building materials, parts of buildings, or buildings.

Article 68-20(1)Specific-type products manufactured by a certified specific-type products manufacturer (hereinafter in this Chapter referred to as "certified specific-type products") shall be considered to conform to the type concerning the certification under the examination specified in Article 6, paragraph (4), the certification for the confirmation under Article 6-2, paragraph (1), or the certification specified in Article 18, paragraph (3).

(2)Certified specific-type products excluding buildings with the indication provided for in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, or a building of a certified specific-type product that was constructed in conformity with the design drawings/specifications by a person who conducts construction administration (Kenchikushi) as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, shall be considered to conform to the type concerning the certification under the inspections under Article 7, paragraph (4); Article 7-2, paragraph (1); Article 7-3, paragraph (4); Article 7-4, paragraph (1); or Article 18, paragraph (17) or (20).

Article 68-21(1)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism must revoke the certification of a certified specific-type products manufacturer when it comes under any of the following items:

(2)the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may revoke the certification of a certified specific-type products manufacturer when it comes under any one of the following items:

(3)When The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism revokes the certification pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, the Minister must publicly notify to that effect.

Article 68-22(1)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism shall, upon application, certify a person that manufactures a specific-type product in a foreign country for export to Japan as an overseas manufacturer of the relevant specific-type product.

(2)The provisions of Article 68-11, paragraphs (2) and (3), and Articles 68-12 through 68-14 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the certification under the preceding paragraph, the provisions of Articles 68-15 through 68-19 and Article 68-21 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the person certified under that paragraph (hereinafter in this Chapter referred to as "certified overseas specific-type products manufacturer"), and the provisions of Article 68-20 shall apply mutatis mutandis to specific-type products manufactured by a certified overseas specific-type products manufacturer. In these cases, the term "person" in Article 68-19, paragraph (2) shall be replaced with, "certified overseas specific-type products manufacturer" and the phrase "building materials, parts of buildings, or buildings" shall be replaced with "building materials, parts of buildings, or buildings exported to Japan."

Article 68-23(1)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism must revoke the certification of a certified overseas specific-type products manufacturer when it comes under any of the following items:

(2)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may revoke the certification of a certified overseas specific-type products manufacturer when it comes under any of the following items:

(3)When The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism revokes the certification pursuant to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, the Minister must publicly notify to that effect.

(4)Expenses required for the inspection or testing under Article 15-2, paragraph (1) (limited to those specified by Cabinet Order) shall be borne by the certified overseas specific-type products manufacturer that received the relevant inspection or testing.

Article 68-24(1)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may have a person designated in accordance with the provisions referred to in Articles 77-36 through 77-39 to perform all or part of type-approval or certification under Article 68-11, paragraph (1); or Article 68-22, paragraph (1); renewal of certification under Article 68-14, paragraph (1) (including cases where it applies mutatis mutandis in Article 68-22, paragraph (2)); and public notice under Article 68-11, paragraph (3) (including cases where it applies mutatis mutandis in Article 68-22, paragraph (2)) (hereinafter referred to as "approval, etc.").

(2)When the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism designates a person under the preceding paragraph, the Minister shall not perform the approval, etc. performed by the relevant designated person.

(3)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may have a person recognized in accordance with the provisions referred to in Article 77-54 to perform all or part of the approval, etc. (limited to those based on an application by the person performing the work overseas).

Article 68-25(1)An applicant for approval of a construction method, etc. (referring to approval of a construction method, building materials or program by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism based on provisions concerning structural criteria or other technical criteria of the building under the preceding three Chapters or orders based thereon; the same applies hereinafter) must apply by submitting a written application containing items specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order to the Minister, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(2)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism shall perform an examination to approve construction methods, etc. based on evaluations of the performance of the construction method, building materials or program (hereinafter in this Article referred to simply as "evaluation").

(3)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may have a person designated in accordance with the provisions referred to in Article 77-56 to perform all or part of evaluations necessary for examination to approve construction methods, etc.

(4)When the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism designates a person under the preceding paragraph, the Minister shall not perform the evaluations performed by the relevant designated person.

(5)When a designation under paragraph (3) has been performed by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, an applicant for approval of a construction method, etc. concerning the relevant designation must apply by submitting a written application specified in paragraph (1) with a written performance evaluation of the construction method, building materials or program prepared by a designated person under paragraph (3) (hereinafter in this Article referred to as "performance evaluation report"), except in the case pursuant to the provision of paragraph (7). In this case, the Minister shall perform an examination to approve the construction method, etc. based on the relevant performance evaluation report.

(6)The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism may have a person recognized in accordance with the provisions referred to in Article 77-57 to perform all or part of evaluations necessary for examination to approve construction methods, etc. (limited to those based on an application by the person performing the work overseas).

(7)A person performing the work overseas may apply for approval of a construction method, etc. by submitting a written application specified in paragraph (1) with a performance evaluation report prepared by a recognized person under the preceding paragraph.In this case, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism shall perform an examination to approve the construction method, etc. based on the relevant performance evaluation report.

Article 68-26A person intending to apply for approval of a special structural method, etc. (approval under Article 38 (including circumstances in which the provisions of Articles 66 and 67-2 apply mutatis mutandis), the same applies hereinafter) must submit an application form containing the information specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

Article 69When a municipality, with respect to a part of its area, deems it necessary for the purpose of promoting the utilization of buildings by effectively maintaining and improving the environment of a residential area or the convenience of a commercial area as well as for the purpose of improving the surrounding area, it may provide by ordinances that landowners and those of which have superficies or leases (in the case of land designated as provisionally replotted pursuant to the provisions of Article 98, paragraph (1) of the Land Readjustment Act (including cases where it is applied mutatis mutandis in Article 83 of the Act on Special Measures concerning Promotion of Supply of Houses and Housing Lands in Urban Districts; the same in paragraph (3) of the following Article, Article 74-2, paragraphs (1) and (2); and Article 75-2, paragraphs (1), (2), and (5)), previous landowners and persons with leases to the concerned land; hereinafter collectively referred to as "landowners, etc.") may specify a certain area on the land concerned and make an agreement (hereinafter referred to as a "building agreement") on criteria for the site, location, construction, use, form, design or building equipment of buildings within the area.

Article 70(1)Any landowner, etc. intending to make a building agreement under the preceding Article shall prepare a written building agreement stating therein the area of the land subject to the agreement (hereinafter referred to as a "building agreement area"), standards for buildings, effective period of the agreement and measures against breaches of the agreement and must have one's representative submit it to the Designated Administrative Agency to obtain validation therefrom.

(2)In addition to the provisions specified in the preceding paragraph, the landowners, etc. of the building agreement area concerned may specify the desired land in the area specified by ordinances under the preceding Article, which adjoins the building agreement area, to make it a part of the building agreement area as it promotes utilization of the buildings and improves the environment of the land (hereinafter referred to as "land adjoining the building agreement area") in a written building agreement mentioned in the preceding paragraph:

(3)A written building agreement as specified in paragraph (1) must be prepared based on the agreement of all parties of the landowners, etc.Provided, however, that if there is land which is under lease in the land in the building agreement area concerned (in the case of land designated as provisionally replotted land pursuant to the provisions of Article 98, paragraph (1) of the Land Readjustment Act, previous land which corresponds to the land concerned), it is sufficient that the agreement of all parties of the landowners, etc. other than the landowner of the land which is under lease is obtained.

(4)If, if a building agreement is submitted under paragraph (1), the building agreement area concerned is outside a municipality having building officials, it must be submitted through the head of the municipality where the area is located.

Article 71When a written building agreement has been submitted under paragraph (1) or (4) of the preceding Article, the head of the municipality must give public notice to that effect without delay, and offer it for inspection by the parties concerned for a reasonable period of time, not less than twenty days.

Article 72(1)The head of a municipality shall, after the expiration of the inspection period mentioned in the preceding Article, hold a public hearing to request the presence of the parties concerned.

(2)The head of a municipality not having building officials must forward the written building relevant agreement, along with the record of the hearing mentioned under that paragraph, to the prefectural governor, after a hearing held under the preceding paragraph, and without delay.In this case, when the relevant head of a municipality holds opinions with regard to the contents of the relevant written building agreement, the relevant head of a municipality shall attach the relevant opinions.

Article 73(1)If a request for validation of a building agreement comes under the following conditions, the Designated Administrative Agency must validate the building agreement concerned:

(2)When the Designated Administrative Agency has rendered the validation under the preceding paragraph, it must give public notice to that effect without delay.In this case, if a building agreement concerns an area outside a municipality having building officials, the prefectural governor must send a copy of the validated building agreement to the head of the municipality where the building agreement area and the land adjoining the building agreement area concerned are located.

(3)The head of the municipality that has validated a building agreement under paragraph (1) or that has received a copy of the validated building agreement under the preceding paragraph must offer the validated building agreement for public inspection by keeping it in the office of the relevant municipality.

Article 74(1)When landowners, etc. of land within building agreement areas (excluding those not subject to the building agreement concerned) intend to modify the building agreement area, criteria for buildings, effective periods, measures against breaches, or land adjoining the building agreement area in a building agreement that has been validated under paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, they must establish to that effect and submit an application therefor to the Designated Administrative Agency to obtain validation therefrom.

(2)The provisions of the preceding four Articles shall apply mutatis mutandis to the procedure of validation under the preceding paragraph.

Article 74-2(1)If a lease has terminated with respect to the whole or part of land which is located in a building agreement area (in the case of land designated as provisionally replotted land pursuant to the provisions of Article 98, paragraph (1) of the Land Readjustment Act, previous land which corresponds to the land concerned) but is owned by a person or parties that are not subject to the building agreement concerned, the land having been under lease (in the case of previous land corresponding to the land designated as provisionally replotted land pursuant to the provisions of that paragraph, land designated as provisionally replotted land for the land concerned) shall be excluded from the relevant building agreement area.

(2)If land within a building agreement area that was designated as provisionally replotted land pursuant to the provisions of Article 98, paragraph (1) of the Land Readjustment Act has not been specified as replotted land of previous land corresponding to the land concerned under the replotting plan in Article 86, paragraph (1) of the same Act or the replotting plan in Article 72, paragraph (1) of the Act on Special Measures concerning Promotion of Supply of Houses and Housing Lands in Urban Districts, and further, has not been specified as land given a share of joint ownership to the owner of the previous land corresponding to the land concerned pursuant to the provisions of Article 91, paragraph (3) of the Land Readjustment Act (including cases where it is applied mutatis mutandis in Article 82 of the Act on Special Measures concerning Promotion of Supply of Houses and Housing Lands in Urban Districts), the land concerned shall be excluded from the building agreement area after the day of the public notice in Article 103, paragraph (4) of the Land Readjustment Act (including cases where it is applied mutatis mutandis in Article 83 of the Act on Special Measures concerning Promotion of Supply of Houses and Housing Lands in Urban Districts).

(3)In the case of the preceding two paragraphs, the person with the lease concerned or the landowner, etc. of the land concerned with the previous land corresponding to the land designated as the provisionally replotted land concerned (excluding those not subject to the relevant building agreement) must notify the Designated Administrative Agency of that fact without delay.

(4)When the Designated Administrative Agency has been notified under the preceding paragraph, or where it has become aware of the fact that land within the building agreement area has been excluded from the relevant building agreement area pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2), it must give public notice to that effect without delay.

Article 75A building agreement of which validation has been announced through a public notice (referred to in the next Article as a "public notice of validation, etc. of the building agreement") under Article 73, paragraph (2) or Article 74, paragraph (2) where Article 73, paragraph (2) applies mutatis mutandis shall be effective even to those who become a landowner, etc. (excluding those who have succeeded to the ownership of the land owned by those who did not give the consent under Article 70, paragraph (3) or Article 74, paragraph (2) where Article 70, paragraph (3) applies mutatis mutandis) of the land within the building agreement area concerned on or after the day of t public notice.

Article 75-2(1)A landowner within a building agreement area (in the case of land designated as provisionally replotted land pursuant to the provisions of Article 98, paragraph (1) of the Land Readjustment Act, owner of the previous land which corresponds to the relevant land) that is not subject to the building agreement may, at any time on or after the day of public notice of validation, etc. of the building agreement, participate in the building agreement by declaring that landowner's intention in writing to the Designated Administrative Agency.

(2)The landowner, etc. of land within the land adjoining the building agreement area may participate in the building agreement with the agreement of all the landowners, etc. for the relevant land by declaring of which intention in writing to the Designated Administrative Agency, at any time on or after the day of public notice of validation, etc. of the building agreement.Provided, however, that if there is land which is under lease in the area of the relevant land (in the case of land designated as provisionally replotted land pursuant to the provisions of Article 98, paragraph (1) of the Land Readjustment Act, previous land which corresponds to the relevant land), it is sufficient that the agreement of all parties of the landowners, etc. other than the landowner of the land which is under lease is obtained.

(3)The area within the land adjoining the building agreement area and declared by the landowners, etc. under the preceding paragraph shall become part of the building agreement area after the declaration.

(4)The provisions of Article 73, paragraphs (2) and (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis if intention under paragraph (1) or (2) has been declared.

(5)With respect to that land within a building agreement area as is owned or is leased by a later participant in the building agreement pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) at the time of that person's participation (in the case of land designated as provisionally replotted land pursuant to the provisions of Article 98, paragraph (1) of the Land Readjustment Act, previous land which corresponds to the land concerned), the building agreement concerned shall be effective even to those who become a landowner, etc. (excluding those who have inherited ownership of land owned by a person who did not agree under paragraph (2) regarding the building agreement concerned and those to whom the provisions referred to in the preceding Article apply) of the relevant land on or after the day of public notice under Article 73, paragraph (2) as applied mutatis mutandis in the preceding paragraph.

Article 76(1)When the landowners, etc. (excluding those to whom the building agreement concerned is not effective) of land within a building agreement area intend to abolish a building agreement that has been validated under Article 73, paragraph (1), they must establish to that effect with the consent of their majority and must submit an application for that abolition to the Designated Administrative Agency to obtain validation therefrom.

(2)When the Designated Administrative Agency has rendered the validation under the preceding paragraph, it must give public notice to that effect without delay.

Article 76-2Co-owners or co-lessees of land shall be considered to be one owner or one lessee in applying the provisions referred to in Article 70, paragraph (3) (including cases where this paragraph applies mutatis mutandis in Article 74, paragraph (2)), Article 75-2, paragraphs (1) and (2), and paragraph (1) of the preceding Article.

Article 76-3(1)The owner of land within areas designated by ordinances under Article 69, of which no landowner, etc. exists other than the one landowner may establish a building agreement of which building agreement area is the area of the relevant land.

(2)A person who intend to establish a building agreement under the preceding paragraph must prepare a written building agreement stating therein the building agreement area, standards for buildings, effective period of the agreement, and measures against breaches of the agreement, and submit it to the Designated Administrative Agency, to obtain validation therefrom.

(3)In a written building agreement specified in the preceding paragraph, land adjoining the building agreement area may be specified in addition to the items specified in that paragraph.

(4)The provisions of Article 70, paragraph (4) and Articles (71) through (73) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the procedure for validation under paragraph (2).

(5)A building agreement validated under paragraph (2) shall become a building agreement having the same effects as those of a building agreement of which validation has been announced through a public notice under Article 73, paragraph (2) when two or more landowners, etc. have come to exist for land in the building agreement area concerned within three years from the day of validation.

(6)The provisions of Article 74 and Article 76 shall apply mutatis mutandis to alteration or abolition of any building agreement which, pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, has become a building agreement having the same effects as those of a building agreement of which validation has been announced through a public notice under Article 73, paragraph (2).

Article 77If standards for buildings as stated in a building agreement pertain to the rights of lessees of those buildings, the lessees of the relevant buildings shall be considered to be members of the landowners, etc. concerned.

Article 78(1)A Building Review Council shall be established in any city, town, village having building officials or in any prefecture in order to decide by vote on items requiring its consent as specified in this Act and on rulings as to investigation demands made under the part of Article 94, paragraph (1), and further, to investigate and deliberate on important items concerning the enforcement of this Act in response to inquiries of the Designated Administrative Agency.

(2)In addition to conducting affairs as specified in the preceding paragraph, the Building Review Council may make suggestions to related administrative organs on items concerning the enforcement of this Act.

Article 79(1)A Building Review Council shall be composed of five or more members.

(2)The members shall be appointed by the mayor of the municipality, or by the prefectural governor from among persons of superior learning and experience in the field of laws, economy, architecture, city planning, public sanitation or administration, that are capable of giving fair judgment on items concerning the public welfare.

Article 80Any person coming under any of the following items may not become a member:

Article 80-2(1)If a member pertaining to their appointment by each of the mayor of municipality or the prefectural governor comes under any of the items of the preceding Article, the mayor or the governor must dismiss that member.

(2)If a member pertaining to their appointment by each of the mayor of municipality or the prefectural governor comes under any of the following items, the mayor or the governor may dismiss that member:

Article 81(1)The Building Review Council shall have a president. The president shall be elected through co-optation by the members.

(2)The president shall preside over the affairs of the Council and represent the Building Review Council.

(3)If the president becomes incapacitated, any member selected in advance through co-optation by the members shall act in the president's stead.

Article 82No member shall, with respect to any case of interest to the member's own or kin within third grade kinship, take part in any proceeding concerning decisions on consent as specified in this Act or investigation demands made under the first part of Article 94, paragraph (1).

Article 83In addition to the provisions of this Chapter, the organization of the Building Review Council, Council proceedings, and compensation, payment of expenses to members, terms of office of members and other necessary items concerning the Building Review Council shall be provided by ordinances.In this case, the terms of office of Council members shall be determined with reference to the standards specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

Article 84(1)In case of a disaster in an urban area, if the Designated Administrative Agency finds it necessary for the City Planning or the land readjustment project under the Land Readjustment Act, it is able to designate areas and restrict or prohibit the construction of buildings therein, for a limited period of time within one month from the day of the occurrence of the disaster.

(2)The Designated Administrative Agency may extend the period in the preceding paragraph within a range that does not exceed an additional one month.

Article 84-2The provisions of Articles 22 through 26, Article 27, paragraph (1) and 3, Article 35-2, Articles 61, Article 62 and Article 67, paragraph (1) shall not apply to buildings or parts of buildings with simple construction which are designated by Cabinet Order such as automobile garages without walls or sports practice facilities with canvas roofs for example, and which conform to standards established by Cabinet Order.

Article 85(1)In the case of a serious disaster, the provisions of building standard laws and regulations shall not apply to the emergency repair of buildings destroyed in the disaster or the construction of emergency temporary buildings coming under any of the following items, which begins within one month from the day of the occurrence of the disaster within the serious disaster area, etc. (which means the area where the serious disaster has occurred or adjacent areas thereto as designated by the Designated Administrative Agency; the same shall apply in Article 87-3, Paragraph (1)).Provided, however, that this shall not apply in cases where construction is executed within Fire Prevention Districts:

(2)The provisions of Articles 6 through 7-6, Article 12 paragraphs (1) through (4), Article 15, Article 18 (excluding paragraph 25), Article 19, Articles 21 through 23, Article 26, Article 31, Article 33, Article 34, paragraph (2), Article 35, Article 36 (limited to parts which pertain to Article 19, Article 21, Article 26, Article 31, Article 33, Article 34, paragraph (2), and Article 35), Article 37, Article 39 and Article 40, and the provisions of Chapter III shall not apply to those buildings which are constructed in disasters, such as stations, government and public offices or other emergency temporary buildings similar thereto offered for use necessary for the public interest, or to offices, sheds, storage facilities for construction materials or other temporary buildings similar thereto provided in construction fields for the execution of construction work.Provided, however, that the provisions referred to in Article 62 shall apply to any building of which total floor area exceeds 50 square meters in Fire Prevention Districts or Quasi-fire Prevention Districts.

(3)If a person who has constructed an emergency temporary building under the preceding two paragraphs intends to leave the relevant building as is for more than three months after the completion of construction, that person must obtain permission from the Designated Administrative Agency the day before that period is exceeded.Provided, however, that when the person has applied for the relevant permission, but action has not been taken to deal with the application by the day before the three-month period is exceeded, it shall be possible to leave the relevant building as is until the relevant action has been taken.

(4)When that an application for permission in the preceding paragraph has been made, if the Designated Administrative Agency finds that the permission is not detrimental for safety, fire prevention, and sanitation, it may give relevant permission for a limited period of time within two years.

(5)With respect to temporary play houses, pavilions, temporary stores and other temporary buildings similar thereto (to be referred to as a "temporary playhouse, etc." in the next paragraph and in Article 101, paragraph (1), item (x)), the Designated Administrative Agency may, if it concludes that there is no objection from the viewpoint of safety, fire prevention, and sanitation, give permission for the construction of those buildings, specifying a period of use of not more than one year (or a period deemed necessary by the Designated Administrative Agency for the construction concerned, with respect to temporary stores or other temporary buildings necessary for taking the place of the old buildings during the period of construction work).In this case, the provisions of Article 12, paragraphs (1) through (4), Articles 21 through 27; Article 31, Article 34, paragraph (2), Article 35-2, Article 35-3 and Article 37, and the provisions of Chapter III shall not apply.

(6)The Designated Administrative Agency may grant permission for the construction of the temporary playhouse, etc. notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, by specifying a period that is deemed necessary for use of the relevant temporary playhouse, etc., concerning a temporary playhouse, etc. of which use in excess of one year is necessary due to reasons such as providing a meeting place or for competitions of an international scale, when the Agency concludes that there are no objections from the viewpoint of safety, fire prevention and sanitation, and that it is permissible in light of the public interest.In this case, the provisions of the latter part of that paragraph shall apply mutatis mutandis.

(7)The Designated Administrative Agency must obtain consent thereto from the Building Review Council in advance, when granting permission under the preceding paragraph.

Article 85-2Concerning to regarded one worthy to be preserved in its current location and construction to conserve the good scenery, of buildings designated as Buildings important for landscape pursuant to the provisions of the Landscape Act, Article 19, paragraph (1), municipalities may provide in their ordinances, upon obtaining the approval of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, that whole or part of the provisions referred to in Articles 21 through 25, Article 28, Article 43, Article 44, Article 47, Article 52, Article 53, Articles 54 through 56-2, Article 58, Article 61, Article 62, Article 67, paragraph (1) and paragraphs (5) through (7), and Article 68, paragraph (1) and paragraph (2) or that the restrictions under those provisions are to be relaxed, when those provisions is deemed necessary to enforce the provisions referred to in Article 22 and Article 25 of the same Act.

Article 85-3In traditional building preservation zones as specified in Article 143, paragraph (1) or (2) of the Cultural Properties Protection Act, municipalities may provide in their ordinances upon obtaining the approval of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism that the whole or part of the provisions referred to in Articles 21 through 25, Article 28, Article 43, Article 44, Article 52, Article 53, Article 55, Article 56, Articles 61, Article 62 and Article 67 paragraph (1) are not applicable or that the restrictions based on those provisions are to be relaxed, when that provision is deemed necessary by the relevant municipalities for ensuring appropriate measures for the restraint of modification of the present state or for preservation as prescribed in ordinances under the latter part of paragraph (1) of Article 83-3 of the same Act (including cases where the part applies mutatis mutandis in the latter part of paragraph (2) of that Article.) .

Article 86(1)If two or more buildings are constructed within one estate (when this estate includes another target area pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (8), the entire relevant other target areas must be included) by integral designing, those buildings shall be considered to be located on the same site in applying the provisions of Article 23, Article 43, Article 52, paragraphs (1) through (13), Article 52-2, Article 52-3, paragraphs (1) through (4), Article 53, paragraph (1) or (2), Article 54, paragraph (1), Article 55, paragraph (2), Article 56, paragraphs (1) through (4) or (6), Article 56-2, paragraphs (1) through (3), Article 59, paragraph (1), Article 59-2, paragraph (1), Article 60, paragraph (1), Article 60-2, paragraph (1), Article 60-2-2, paragraph (1), Article 60-3, paragraph (1), Article 61, or Article 68-3 paragraphs (1) through (3) (referred to in the next paragraph through paragraph (4) as "regulations subject to exemption") if the Designated Administrative Agency concludes, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, that the location and construction of each building presents no objection from the viewpoint of safety, fire prevention and sanitation.

(2)If, considering the locations and structures of buildings already constructed in an area of the land of a certain single estate (when this estate includes another target area pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (8), the entire relevant other target areas must be included), buildings are to be constructed on the relevant site based on the integral designing in accordance with requirements for safety, fire prevention, and sanitation as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, and so approved by the Designated Administrative Agency, the regulations subject to exemption shall be applied to the buildings on the relevant site as if these buildings were located on a single building site.

(3)If two or more buildings are constructed within one estate with open space specified by Cabinet Order and with an area equal to or larger than a scale specified by Cabinet Order (when this estate includes another area subject to public notice pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (8), the entire other site must be included) by integral designing, and where with regards those buildings, the Designated Administrative Agency has, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, permitted as buildings of which location, building coverage ratio, floor area ratio, height of each part, and other structures will not be detrimental from the viewpoint of traffic, safety, fire prevention and sanitation, and as a result of overall consideration, will contribute to the improvement of the environment of the urban area, the regulations subject to exemption (excluding Article 59-2, paragraph (1)) shall be applied to the relevant permitted buildings as if they were on the same site, and, within the authorization of permission, it shall be possible for the floor area ratio of those buildings and for the height of each of their parts to exceed the limits under Article 52, paragraphs (1) through (8); Article 52-2, paragraph (6) or Article 56; or Article 55 paragraph (1) which are applied assuming these buildings are on the same site.

(4)If, premised on the locations, building coverage ratios, floor area ratios, heights of each part and other structures of buildings which already exist in an area of the land of a certain single estate with an area equal to or larger than a scale specified by Cabinet Order (when this estate includes another area subject to public notice pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (8), the entire other site must be included) , buildings are constructed in the relevant area by integral designing based on the criteria specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order that are necessary for traffic, safety, fire prevention, and sanitation, and the relevant area contains open space specified by Cabinet Order, when the Designated Administrative Agency has, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, permitted the relevant new building as one of which location, building coverage ratio, floor area ratio, height of each part, and other structures will not be detrimental from the viewpoint of traffic, safety, fire prevention, and sanitation, and as a result of overall consideration, will contribute to the improvement of the environment of the urban area, the regulations subject to exemption (excluding Article 59-2, paragraph (1)) shall be applied to each of the buildings that now exist in the relevant area as if these buildings were on the same site, and, within the authorization of permission, it shall be possible for the floor area ratio of the new building and for the height of each of its parts to exceed the limits under Article 55; or Article 52, paragraphs (1) through (9), Article 56 or Article 57-2, paragraph (6) which are applied assuming these buildings are on the same site.

(5)The provision of Article 44, paragraph (2) shall apply mutatis mutandis in the case of the permissions under the preceding 2 paragraphs.

(6)A person applying for the approval or permission under paragraphs (1) through (4) must prepare and submit a plan concerning the locations and structures of the buildings on the specified site (one estate in paragraphs (1) or (3), or an area of the land of a certain single estate in paragraph (2) or (4); the same applies hereinafter), as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, and when there are other parties with property ownership rights or leasehold rights to land within the relevant specified site, the agreement of all these parties concerning the relevant plan must be obtained in advance.

(7)With respect to buildings in District Plans areas, etc. (excluding Rural District Plans) coming under the following conditions in the case of paragraph (1) or (3), the construction of two or more buildings on one estate by integral designing can be done by dividing the buildings into execution phases:

(8)When the Designated Administrative Agency has given approval or permission under paragraphs (1) through (4), it must immediately publicly notify of the relevant specified site and other items concerning the plan in paragraph (6) related to the relevant approval or permission as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, and must at the same time drawings and documents concerning the specified site, the locations of the buildings, and other items specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order to make them available for public inspection.

(9)An approval or permission under paragraphs (1) through (4) shall take effect by the public notice under the preceding paragraph.

(10)When an application under paragraphs (1) through (4) for approval or permission of the locations and structures of the buildings on a site that includes the entire site in the target area publicly notified pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (8) (hereinafter referred to as "area subject to public notice") has been approved under paragraph (1) or (2) (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as "new approval"), or permitted under paragraph (3) or (4) (hereinafter in this paragraph referred to as "new permission") by the Designated Administrative Agency, the prior approvals concerning locations and structures of the buildings on a relevant area subject to public notice under paragraph (1) or (2) or under paragraph (1) of the next Article, or the prior permission under paragraph (3) or (4), or under paragraph (2) or (3) of the next Article shall cease to be effective on and after the day of the public notice under paragraph (8) concerning the new approval or permission.

Article 86-2(1)A person which intends to construct a building other than buildings considered to be on a single site pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) of that Article (hereinafter referred to as "approved buildings on a single site") within the site approved in the public notice (referred to the area subject to public notice related to the approval under the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) of the preceding Article; the same applies hereinafter), as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, must obtain the approval of the Designated Administrative Agency to the effect that the location and structure of the approved building on a single site presents no objection from the viewpoint of safety, fire prevention, or sanitation in relation to the locations and structures of the existing approved buildings on the same site within the site approved in the public notice concerned.

(2)If a building other than approved buildings on a single site is to be constructed within the site approved in the public notice with an area equal to or larger than the scale specified by Cabinet Order (limited to those for which the relevant site includes open space specified by Cabinet Order), when the Designated Administrative Agency has, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, permitted after concluding that the location, building coverage ratio, floor area ratio, height and each part and other structures of the relevant building will not be detrimental from the viewpoint of traffic, safety, fire prevention, and sanitation and that will contribute to the improvement of the urban area in relation to the location, building coverage ratio, floor area ratio, height and each part and other structures of the other approved buildings on a single site, within the authorization of permission, it shall be possible for the heights and floor area ratios of each part of the relevant building to exceed the limits under Article 55, paragraph (1) and the provisions of Article 52, paragraphs (1) through (9), Article 56, or Article 57-2, paragraph (6) which are applied assuming that site approved in the public notice is a single site In this case, the provisions of the preceding paragraph shall not apply.

(3)A person which intends to construct a building other than buildings considered to be on a single site pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) or (4) of that Article (hereinafter referred to as "permitted buildings on a single site") within the site permitted in the public notice (referred to the area subject to public notice related to the permission under the provisions of paragraph (3) or (4) of the preceding Article; the same applies hereinafter) must obtain permission from the Designated Administrative Agency, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order. In this case, the Designated Administrative Agency shall give permission only in a case where it is concluded that the location, building coverage ratio, floor area ratio, height of each part and other structures of the relevant building will not be detrimental from the viewpoint of traffic, safety, fire prevention, and sanitation and that it will contribute to the improvement of the urban area in relation to the location, building coverage ratio, floor area ratio, height and each part and other structures of the other permitted buildings on a single site, and it is also concluded that the relevant site will maintain open space specified by Cabinet

(4)A person that intends to apply for permission under paragraph (2) must obtain, in advance, the agreement of these parties concerning the plan for the building, when there are parties other than this person with ownership rights or leasehold rights to land within the site approved in the public notice.

(5)The provision of Article 44, paragraph (2) shall apply mutatis mutandis in the case of the permission under paragraph (2) or (3).

(6)When the Designated Administrative Agency has given approval or permission under the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (3), as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, it must immediately give public notice to that effect to that effect, and must carry out specified changes to the items presented in the drawings and documents specified in paragraph (8) of the preceding Article.

(7)The provisions of paragraph (9) of the preceding Article shall apply mutatis mutandis in the case of an approval or permission under paragraphs (1) through (3).

(8)The provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) of the preceding Article or the provisions of paragraph (3) or (4) of that Article (in the case of the permission under paragraph (2), limited to parts of paragraph (3) or (4) of that Article which treat one estate or an area of the land of a certain single estate as a single site) shall apply mutatis mutandis to a building within an area subject to public notice that has received approval under paragraph (1) or permission under the provisions of paragraph (2) or (3) and to a building on the area subject to public notice concerned other than the relevant building respectively.

(9)The provisions of paragraph (1) if there is a building which has received approval under the provisions referred to in that paragraph or paragraph (2) within the site approved in the public notice, shall be applied assuming that the relevant building is an approved building on a single site.

(10)A site approved in the public notice for which there has been a public notice under the provisions of paragraph (6) concerning the permission under paragraph (2), shall be considered to be a site permitted in the public notice from the day of the relevant public notice.

(11)The provisions referred to in paragraph (3) shall be applied on a site permitted in the public notice under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, assuming that the building which has received permission under paragraph (2) and a building on the site permitted in the public notice concerned other than the relevant building is permitted buildings on a single site.

(12)The provisions of paragraph (3) if there is a building which has received permission referred to in that paragraph within the site permitted in the public notice, shall be applied assuming that the relevant building is a permitted building on a single site.

Article 86-3Buildings considered to be on a single site pursuant to the provisions of Article 86, paragraphs (1) through (4) (including cases where these provisions apply mutatis mutandis in paragraph (8) of the preceding Article) shall be treated as a single building when the provisions of Article 59, paragraph (1) or Article 60-2, paragraph (1) or Article 60-3, paragraph (1) are applied.

Article 86-4When Article 27, paragraph (2) or (3), or Article 67, paragraph (1) applies to a building coming under any of the following items, a building under item (i), (a) shall be considered to be a fire-resistive building and a building under item (i), (b) shall be considered to be a quasi fire-resistive building:

Article 86-5(1)Parties with property ownership rights or lease-hold rights to land on the area subject to public notice shall, with the unanimous agreement of all parties, be able to submit a request for cancellation of the approval under Article 86, paragraph (1) or (2); or Article 86-2, paragraph (1); or a request for cancellation of the permission under Article 86, paragraph (3) or (4); or Article 86-2, paragraph (2) or (3) to the Designated Administrative Agency.

(2)If a Designated Administrative Agency which has received an application for cancellation of the approval under the preceding paragraph, finds that the location and structure of buildings on the site permitted in the public notice for the relevant application is not detrimental for safety, fire prevention, and sanitation, it cancels the approval concerning the relevant application.

(3)If a Designated Administrative Agency which has received an application for cancellation of the permission under paragraph (1), finds that the location, building coverage ratio, floor area ratio, height of each part, and other structures of buildings on the site permitted in the public notice for the relevant application are not detrimental for safety, fire prevention, and sanitation, and does not obstruct the improvement of the environment of the urban area, it cancels the permission concerning the relevant application.

(4)When a Designated Administrative Agency has made a cancellation under the preceding two paragraphs, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order, it must immediately issue a public notice to that effect.

(5)The cancellation under paragraph (2) or (3) shall take effect at the time of the public notice under the preceding paragraph.

(6)In addition to the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, items necessary for the cancellation of the approval or permission under paragraph (2) or (3) shall be specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

Article 86-6(1)When specifying the City Planning for residential facilities on one estate, with respect to the floor area ratio specified in Article 52, paragraph (1), item (i), the building coverage ratio specified in Article 53, paragraph (1), item (i), the retrocessive distance of exterior walls specified in Article 54, paragraph (2) and the height of buildings specified in Article 55, paragraph (1), criteria for the ratio, distance and height other than those specified in each relevant provision may be specified for Category 1 Low-rise Exclusive Residential Districts, Category 2 Low-rise Exclusive Residential Districts or Countryside Residential Districts.

(2)If buildings are constructed by comprehensive designing based on the city planning in the preceding paragraph, if the relevant buildings conform to the criteria specified in the relevant city planning pursuant to e preceding paragraph, and if the Designated Administrative Agency finds that the location and structure of each building is not detrimental for protection of the residential environment in the Category 1 Low-rise Exclusive Residential Districts, Category 2 Low-rise Exclusive Residential Districts, or Countryside Residential Districts, the provisions of Article 52, paragraph (1), item (i); Article 53, paragraph (1), item (i); Article 54, paragraph (1); and Article 55, paragraph (1) shall not apply to those buildings.

Article 86-7(1)If addition, rebuilding, major repair or major remodeling (below in this Article and the next Article, "addition etc.") (limited to cases in which the structural method in the building after the additions or rebuilding conforms to the standards specified by Cabinet Order in the case of additions or rebuilding within the scope specified by the relevant Cabinet Order in buildings to which the provisions of Article 20 do not apply under the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2)) is undertaken within the scope specified by Cabinet Order as to those buildings which, pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2) (including cases where it is applied mutatis mutandis in Article 86-9, paragraph (1); same shall apply below in this Article, in the next Article, in Article 87 and in Article 87-2), are not subject to the provisions referred to in Article 20, Article 26, Article 27, Article 28-2 (limited to parts of standards referred to in each item of that Article concerning provisions specified by Cabinet Order) Article 30, Article 34 paragraph (2), Article 47, Article 48, paragraphs (1) through (13), Article 51, Article 52, paragraphs (1) and (2) or Article 7, Article 53, paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), Article 54, paragraph (1), Article 55, paragraph (1), Article 56, paragraph (1), Article 56-2, paragraph (1), Article 57-4, paragraph (1), Article 57-5, paragraph (1), Article 58, Article 59, paragraph (1) or (2), Article 60, paragraph (1) or (2), Article 60-2, paragraph (1) or (2), Article 60-2, paragraph (1) or (2), Article 60-2-2, paragraphs (1) through (3), Article 60-3, paragraph (1) or 2, Article 61, Article 67, paragraph (1) or paragraphs (5) through (7) or Article 68, paragraph (1) or (2), those provisions shall not apply notwithstanding the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (3), items (iii) and (iv).

(2)If, in a building not subject to the provisions referred to in Article 20 or Article 35 (limited to parts of the technical standards of that Article specified by Cabinet Order; same shall apply below in this paragraph and in Article 87 paragraph (4)) pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2), addition, etc. of two or parts specified by Cabinet Order as parts that can be regarded as separate buildings even when they are a single building under the application of the standards provided by Article 20 or Article 35 (below in this paragraph, called "independent parts") is undertaken, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (3), items (iii) and (iv), these provisions shall not apply to independent parts other than independent parts concerning the addition, etc.

(3)In the case of the addition etc. of a building not covered by the provisions referred to in Article 28, Article 28-2 (limited to parts of criteria set forth in each item of that Article specified by Cabinet Order) Articles 29 through 32, Article 34, paragraph (1), Article 35-3 or Article 36 (excluding parts related to the locations and construction of fire walls, fire floors, fire separations, fire extinguishing equipment, and lightning conductors) pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2), notwithstanding the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (3), items (iii) and (iv), these provisions shall not apply to parts other than parts concerning the relevant addition etc.

(4)In the case of a building to which the provisions referred to in building standard laws and regulations do not apply pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2), the provisions of building standard laws and regulations shall not apply to the relocation of a building within the scope specified by Cabinet Order, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (3), items (iii) and (iv) of that Article.

Article 86-8(1)In a case where work including addition, etc. is performed divided into two or more works on a building not subject to provisions referred to in this Act, or orders or ordinances based thereon pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2), when the provisions of that paragraph and of paragraph (3) of that Article are applied after the Designated Administrative Agency has concluded that the overall plan for the relevant two or more works complies with the following criteria, the words "among construction, repair, or remodeling work" in paragraph (2) of that Article shall be reread as "within the two or more works or between these works in the overall plans that have received approval under Article 86-8, paragraph (1)" and "shall not apply" in paragraph (3) of that Article shall be reread as "shall not apply, Provided, however, that this shall not apply until the final work among the two or more works in the overall plan approved under Article 86-8, paragraph (1) in a case covered by item (iii) or (iv) is begun" and "work" in item (iii) of that paragraph shall be reread as "initial work", and "addition, rebuilding, relocation, large scale repair and large scale remodeling", shall be reread as "two or more works in the overall plan approved under Article 86-8, paragraph (1)".

(2)Procedures for requesting the approval in the preceding paragraph and other items necessary for the relevant approval shall be specified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

(3)When a building owner that has obtained approval for work in an overall plan in paragraph (1) (below in this Article "approved building owner"), intends to revise the relevant approved overall plan (excluding minor revision specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order) the relevant building owner must obtain approval of the Designated Administrative Agency. The provisions of the proceeding two paragraphs shall apply mutatis mutandis to this case.

(4)The Designated Administrative Agency may request that the approved building owner submit a report on the state of the work in the overall plan that has received the approval in paragraph (1) (when a revision under the preceding paragraph has been obtained, after this revision; the same shall apply in the next paragraph).

(5)If the Designated Administrative Agency finds that the approved building owner has not performed the work in conformity with the overall plan that has received the approval in paragraph (1), it may order the relevant approved building owner to take measures necessary to improve the work within a suitable period of grace.

(6)The Designated Administrative Agency shall, when the approved building owner has failed to obey the order in the preceding paragraph, be able to cancel the approval under paragraph (1) or (3).

Article 86-9(1)The provisions of Article 3, paragraphs (2) and (3) (excluding items (i) and (ii)) shall apply mutatis mutandis, in a case where, when the following project is executed, an existing building or its building site, or a building or its building site that is already being rebuilt, being repaired, or being remodeled no longer complies with the provisions of this Act, or orders or ordinances based thereon, or a part of these relevant building no longer complies with these provisions, because of the reduction in site area of the building as a result of the execution of the project.In this case, the words, "enforcement or application of the provisions referred to in this Act, or orders or ordinances based thereon" in item (iii) of that paragraph shall be reread as, "reduction in site area of a building as a result of the execution of a project set forth in each item in Article 86-9, paragraph (1)."

(2)The provisions of Article 53-2, paragraph (3) (including cases where it is applied mutatis mutandis in Article 57-5, paragraph (3), Article 67, paragraph (4), and Article 68, paragraph (4); the same shall apply below in this paragraph) shall apply mutatis mutandis to land, if the land already used as the site of a building, because of reduction in site area of a building as a result of execution of a project, no longer complies with the provisions of Article 53-2, paragraph (1) (including cases where it applies mutatis mutandis in Article 57-5, paragraph (3)), Article 67, paragraph (3) or Article 68, paragraph (3), or in cases where the land no longer complies with these provisions if it is used as the site of a building under ownership rights or other rights existing at the time of the execution of the relevant project.In this case, the term "provisions of that paragraph" in Article 53-2, paragraph (3) shall be replaced with "provisions of paragraph (1), Article 67, paragraph (3) or Article 68, paragraph (3)"; and the words, "when the minimum site area of a building in city planning in paragraph (1) has been revised" in item (i) of that paragraph shall be replaced with "even if the relevant site area is reduced when the area has been reduced by the execution of a project set forth in each item of Article 86-9, paragraph (1)"; and the term "proceeding restriction" shall be replaced with "restriction"; and the term "paragraph (1)" in item (ii) of that paragraph shall be replaced with "paragraph (1) (including cases where it is applied mutatis mutandis in Article 57-5, paragraph (3)) Article 67-3, paragraph (3) or Article 68, paragraph (3)"; and the words "that paragraph" shall be replaced with "these paragraphs".

Article 87(1)When the use of a building is altered as to special building as mentioned in Article 6, paragraph (1), item (i) (excluding cases where the relevant alteration of use is between similar uses as designated by Cabinet Order), the provisions of that Article (excluding paragraph (3), (5), and (6)), Article 6-2 (excluding paragraph (3)), Article 6-4 (limited to parts concerning buildings in paragraph (1), items (i) and (ii)), Article 7, paragraph (1), and Article 18, paragraphs (1) through (3) and paragraphs (14) through (16) shall apply mutatis mutandis.In this case, the term "must apply for an inspection by the building official" in Article 7, paragraph (1) shall be replaced with "must submit a notice to the building official."

(2)When the use of a building (excluding buildings as specified in the following paragraph) is altered, the provisions of Article 48, paragraphs (1) through (13), Article 51, Article 60-2, paragraph (3) and Article 68-3, paragraph (7) and the provisions of ordinances based on the provisions of Article 39, paragraph (2), Article 40, Article 43, paragraph (3), Article 43-2, Article 49 though Article 50, Article 60-2-2, paragraph (4), Article 60-3, paragraph (3), Article 68-2, paragraphs (1) and (5), and Article 68-9, paragraph (1) shall apply mutatis mutandis.

(3)If the use of a building is altered as to those buildings which, pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2), are not subject to the provisions of Article 27, Article 28, paragraph (1) or 3, Article 29, Article 30, Articles 35 through 35-3, parts of Article 36 which pertain to Article 28, paragraph (1) or Article 35, Article 48, paragraphs (1) through (13) or Article 51, or not subject to the provisions of ordinances based on the provisions (referred to in paragraph (1) of the following Article as "Provision of Article 27, etc.") of Article 39, paragraph (2), Article 40, Article 43, paragraph (3), Article 43-2, Articles 49 through 50, Article 68-2, paragraph (1) or Article 68-9, paragraph (1), those provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis except in cases coming under any of the following items:

(4)The provisions of Article 86-7, paragraph (2) (limited to parts concerning Article 35) and Article 86-7, paragraph (3) (limited to parts concerning Article 28, paragraph (1) or (3), Article 29, Article 30, Article 35-3 or Article 36 (limited to parts concerning the natural lighted area of habitable rooms; same shall apply below in this paragraph)) shall apply mutatis mutandis to cases of the change in use of a building not subject to the provisions referred to in Article 28, paragraph (1) or (3), Article 29, Article 30, Article 35, Article 35-3 or Article 36 pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2).In this case, the term "addition etc." in Article 86-7, paragraphs (2) and (3) shall be replaced with "change in use"; and the term "Article 3, paragraph (3) items (iii) and (iv)" shall be replaced with "Article 87, paragraph (3)".

Article 87-2(1)In the case where construction work associated with a change of designated use is performed by dividing the work into two or more works on a building to which the provisions referred to in Article 27, etc. do not apply pursuant to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2) (excluding cases that come under the cases specified in Article 86-8, paragraph (1)), concerning the application of the provisions referred to in Article 3, paragraphs (2) and (3) of the preceding Article when the Designated Administrative Agency has concluded that the overall plan for the relevant two or more works complies with the following criteria, the phrase of "under construction, repair or remodeling" in Article 3, paragraph (2) shall be read as "under construction of two or more works related to an overall plan that has been approved under Article 87-2, paragraph (1) or during these works", and the phrase "shall apply mutatis mutandis" in paragraph (3) of the preceding Article shall be read as "shall apply mutatis mutandis. Provided, however, this shall not apply until, of the two or more works related to the overall plan that has been approved under paragraph (1) of the next Article, the final work has begun":

(2)The provisions of Article 86-8, paragraphs (2) through (6) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the approval under the preceding paragraph.

Article 87-3(1)In the case of a serious disaster, when using a building located in a serious disaster area, etc. after receiving approval to change its designated use to that of a building for disaster rescue (which means a house, hospital or any other building similar thereto that is used for disaster rescue by the State, a local government or the Japan Red Cross Society; the same shall apply in paragraph (3) and Article 101, paragraph (1), item (xvi)) (limited to those for which the relevant change of use is started within one month from the date of occurrence of the relevant disaster), the provisions of building standard laws and regulations shall not apply to the relevant building for disaster rescue.Provided, however, this shall not apply to buildings located in Fire Prevention Districts in a serious disaster area, etc.

(2)In the case of a disaster, when using a building after receiving approval to change its designated use to that of a building for the public interest (which means a school, assembly hall or any other building similar thereto that is put to a use that is necessary for the public interest; the same shall apply in the next paragraph and Article 101, paragraph (1), item (xvi)), the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (4) of Article 12, Article 21, Article 22, Article 26, Article 30, Paragraph (2) of Article 34, Article 35, Article 36 (limited to parts related to Article 21, Article 26, paragraph (2) of Article 34, and Article 35), Article 39, Article 40, and Chapter III, and paragraphs (1) and (2) of Article 87 shall not apply to the relevant building for the public interest.

(3)A person who has changed the use of a building and used it as a building for disaster rescue as stated in paragraph (1) or a building for the public interest as stated in the preceding paragraph must obtain permission therefor from the Designated Administrative Agency before the date when the 3-month period is exceeded, when intending to continue to use the relevant building as a building for disaster rescue or a building for the public interest in excess of 3 months after completion of the relevant change of use.Provided, however, when an application for the relevant permission has been filed, if the application has not been processed before the date when the relevant period is exceeded, the person may use the relevant building continue to use building for disaster rescue or a building for the public interest until the relevant measures have been taken.

(4)When that an application for permission in the preceding paragraph has been made, if the Designated Administrative Agency finds that the permission is not detrimental for safety, fire prevention, and sanitation, it may give relevant permission for a limited period of time within two years.

(5)When the use of a building is changed to a playhouse, etc. (which means a playhouse, exhibition building, store or any other building similar thereto; the same applies hereinafter), if the Designated Administrative Agency finds that the relevant playhouse is not detrimental for safety, fire prevention, and sanitation, it may grant permission for use of the relevant building as the playhouse, etc. by specifying a period not exceeding 1 year (when using a building by changing its designated use to that of another building (which means a playhouse, shop or any other building similar thereto to be used in place of the relevant former building in order to execute the construction work of a building during the period of the relevant work), a period deemed to be necessary by the Designated Administrative Agency from the viewpoint of execution of the relevant work, with respect to the relevant substitute building).In this case, the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (4) of Article 12, Article 21, Article 22, Article 24, Article 26, Article 27, paragraph (2) of Article 34, Article 35-2, Article 35-3, Chapter III, and paragraph (2) of Article 87 shall not apply.

(6)When the use of a building is changed to a playhouse, etc. (which means a playhouse, etc. of which use in excess of one year is particularly necessary due to reasons such as providing it for use for meetings or competitions of an international scale; the same applies hereinafter), if the Designated Administrative Agency finds that the relevant playhouse is not detrimental for safety, fire prevention, a which means a playhouse, etc. of which use in excess of one year is particularly necessary due to reasons such as providing it for use for meetings or competitions of an international scale and sanitation, and is unavoidable for the public interest, it may grant permission for the use of the relevant building as a special playhouse, etc., notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, by specifying a period that is deemed necessary for the use of the relevant special playhouse, etc.In this case, the provisions of the latter part of that paragraph shall apply mutatis mutandis.

(7)The Designated Administrative Agency must obtain consent thereto from the Building Review Council in advance, when granting permission under the preceding paragraph.

Article 87-4When elevatory system or other building equipment designated by Cabinet Order are installed in buildings set forth in Article 6, paragraph (1), items (i) through (iii); excluding the cases where confirmation under that paragraph or notice under Article 18, paragraph (2) (both includes the case of mutatis mutandis application in Article 87, paragraph (1)) is required; the provisions of Article 6 (excluding paragraph (3) and paragraphs (5) through (12)), Article 6-2 (excluding paragraphs (3) through (8)), Article 6-3 (limited to parts concerning buildings in paragraph (1), items (i) and (ii)), Articles 7 through 7-4, Article 7-5 (limited to parts concerning buildings in Article 6-3 paragraph (1), items (i) and (ii)), Article 7-6, Article 18 (excluding paragraphs (4) through (11) and paragraph (23)) and Articles 89 through 90-3 shall apply mutatis mutandis.In this case, the term "within thirty-five days from the day of receipt in the case of buildings as mentioned in items (i) through (iii) of that paragraph, or within seven days from the day of receipt in the case of buildings as mentioned in item (iv) of that paragraph" in Article 6, paragraph (4) shall be replaced with "within seven days from the day of receipt."

Article 88(1)With respect to chimneys, advertisement towers, elevated water tanks, retaining walls and other structures similar thereto as designated by Cabinet Order and elevatory system, water chutes, aero-towers and other structures similar thereto as designated by Cabinet Order (referred to in this paragraph as "elevatory system, etc."), the provisions of Article 3, Article 6 (excluding paragraphs (3), (5) and (6); in paragraphs (1) and (4), limited to parts pertaining to buildings in paragraph (1), items (i) through (iii) as for elevatory system etc., and limited to parts pertaining to buildings in item (iv) of that paragraph as for other structures), Article 6-2 (excluding paragraph (3)), Article 6-4 (limited to parts concerning buildings in paragraph (1), items (i) and (ii)), Articles 7 through 7-4, Article 7-5 (limited to parts concerning buildings in Article 6-4, paragraph (1), items (i) and (ii)), Articles 8 through 11, Article 12, paragraph (5) (excluding item (iii)) and paragraphs (6) through (9), Article 13, Article 15-2, Article 18 (excluding paragraphs (4) through (13) and paragraph (24)), Article 20, Article 28-2 (limited to parts of standards set forth in each item of that Article concerning provisions specified by Cabinet Order) Article 32, Article 33, Article 34, paragraph (1), parts of Article 36 which pertain to Article 33 and Article 34, paragraph (1), Article 36 (limited to parts concerning lightening conductors and elevatory system), Article 37, Article 38, Article 40, Chapter III-2 (in the case of Article 68-20 paragraph (2), limited to parts concerning certified specific-type products other than buildings under that paragraph), Article 86-7, paragraph (1) (limited to parts concerning Article 28-2 (limited to parts concerning criteria specified by Cabinet Order Article 68-7 paragraph (1))). Article 86-7, paragraph (2) (limited to parts concerning Article 20), Article 86-7, paragraph (2) (limited to parts concerning Article 20), Article 86-7 paragraph (3) (limited to parts concerning Article 32, Article 34, paragraph (1) and Article 36 (limited to parts concerning elevatory system)) the preceding Article, the next Article, and Article 90 shall apply mutatis mutandis; with respect to elevatory system etc., the provisions of Article 7-6, Article 12, paragraphs (1) through (4), Article 12-2, Article 12-3, and Article 18, paragraph (24) shall apply mutatis mutandis. In this case, the term "the following criteria provided for in those items respectively according to classification of the building forest forth in each of the following items" in Article 20, paragraph (1) shall be replaced with, "technical criteria established by Cabinet Order."

(2)With respect to manufacturing facilities, storage facilities, amusement facilities and other structures as designated by Cabinet Order, the provisions of Article 3, Article 6 (excluding paragraphs (3), (5), and (6); in paragraphs (1) and (4), limited to parts pertaining to buildings in paragraph (1), items (i) through (iii)), Article 6-2 (excluding paragraphs 3), Article 7, Article 7-2, Articles 7-6 through 9-3, Article 11, Article 12, paragraph (5) (excluding item (iii)), and paragraphs (6) through (9), Article 13, Article 15-2, Article 18 (excluding paragraphs (4) through (13) and (19) through (23)), Articles 48 through 51, Article 60-2, paragraph (3), Article 60-2-2, paragraph (4), and Article 60-3, paragraph (3), Article 68-2, paragraphs (1) and (5), Article 68-3, paragraphs (6) through (9), Article 86-7, paragraph (1) (limited to parts which pertain to Article 48, paragraphs (1) through (13) and Article 51), Article 87, paragraph (2) (limited to parts which pertain to Article 48, paragraphs (1) through (13), to Articles 49 through 51, to Article 60-3, paragraph (3) and Article 68-2, paragraphs (1) and (5), Article 87, paragraph (3) (limited to parts which pertain to Article 48, paragraphs (1) through (13), Articles 49 through 51, and Article 68-2, paragraph (1)), the preceding Article, the next Article, Article 91, Article 92-2, and Article 93-2 shall apply mutatis mutandis. In these cases, the term "an aggregate of floor areas" in Article 6, paragraph (2) and in Appended Table 2 shall be replaced with "construction areas", and "site, structure, building equipment or use" in Article 68-2, paragraph (1) shall be replaced with "use."

(3)The provisions of Article 3, Articles 8 through 11, Article 12 (excluding paragraph (5), item (iii)), Article 12-2, Article 12-3, Article 13, Article 15-2, and Article 18, paragraphs (1) and (25) shall apply mutatis mutandis to structures specified in Article 66.

(4)The part of paragraph (1) which pertains to Articles 6 through 7-5, Article 18 (excluding paragraphs (1) and 25) and the next Article shall not apply to retaining walls for which permission is required under Article 8, paragraph (1) main text or Article 12, paragraph (1) of the Act on Regulation of Residential Land Development (Act No. 191 of 1961), Article 29, paragraph (1) or (2) or Article 35-2, paragraph (1) main text of the City Planning Act or Article 73, paragraph (1) or Article 78, paragraph (1) of the Act on Regional Development for Tsunami Disaster Prevention (Act No. 123 of 2011).

Article 89(1)The executor of construction work for construction, major repair or major remodeling under Article 6, paragraph (1) must indicate the names or trade names of the building owner, designer, executor of construction work and field manager concerned, and the fact that the relevant construction work has been confirmed under that paragraph, at an easily visible place in the construction field concerned in the form specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(2)The executor of construction work for construction, major repair or major remodeling under Article 6, paragraph (1) must keep the drawings/specifications for the relevant construction work in the construction field concerned.

Article 90(1)The executor of construction work for the construction, repair, remodeling or demolition of a building must take necessary measures for the prevention of that danger as may accompany the execution of the construction work concerned due to those reasons as the fall of groundwork, destruction of buildings or structures used for construction work, etc.

(2)Technical criteria for the measures mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be specified by Cabinet Order.

(3)The provisions of Article 3, paragraphs (2) and (3), Article 9 (excluding paragraphs (13) and (14)), Article 9-2, Article 9-3 (excluding the parts of the provisions pertaining to the designer and the land and house agent), and Article 18, paragraphs (1) and 23 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the execution of construction work under paragraph (1).

Article 90-2(1)The Designated Administrative Agency may order the building owner, owner, custodian, or occupant of the relevant building to prohibit or restrict the use thereof, or otherwise take measures necessary for safety, fire prevention, or evacuation, providing a reasonable grace period for those measures to be taken, in addition to cases under Article 9 or 10, when it is concluded that a building as specified in Article 6, paragraph (1), items (i) through (iii) being used during construction, repair, remodeling, or demolition is an extreme hazard from the viewpoint of safety, fire prevention, or evacuation.

(2)The provisions of Article 9, paragraphs (2) through (9), and paragraphs (11) through (15) shall apply mutatis mutandis in cases as specified in the preceding paragraph.

Article 90-3If the building owners of buildings for use set forth in column (a), rows (1), (2) and (4) of Appended Table 1, and those to be built inside underground structures as specified by Cabinet Order use or let others use the relevant buildings while they are being constructed or while other construction work is executed on the evacuation facilities, etc. of the relevant buildings, they must prepare a safety, fire prevention and evacuation plan for the relevant buildings during the construction work concerned and submit it to the Designated Administrative Agency prior to the use of the relevant building, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

Article 91If a building site extends outside an "area" (excluding areas in urban areas as specified in Article 22, paragraph (1); the same in this Article), "zone" (excluding Fire Prevention Districts and Quasi-fire Prevention Districts; the same in this Article) or "district" (excluding Height Control Districts; the same in this Article) which is subject to prohibition or restriction concerning the site, structure, building equipment or use of buildings under the provision of this Act (excluding the provisions of Article 52, Article 53, Articles 54 through 56-2, Article 57-2, Article 57-3, Article 67, paragraphs (1) and (2), and Appended Table 3; the same in this Article), the provisions of this Act or those of orders based thereon applicable to buildings in the "area", "zone" or "district" to which the majority of the site belongs shall apply to the entire building or site.

Article 92Calculation methods of the site area, building area, total floor area, floor area and height of a building, the height of eaves, ceiling and floor of a building, number of stories of a building, and the construction area of a structure shall be specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 92-2Permission granted under this Act can be granted subject to requirements required to prevent the building or the building site from having a detrimental effect on traffic, safety, fire prevention, or sanitation, or any other requirements deemed necessary.In this case, these requirements shall not compel the person receiving the permission concerned to fulfill unreasonable obligations.

Article 93(1)When a Designated Administrative Agency, a building official, or a designated confirmation and inspection body gives permission or confirmation under this Act, it shall not give the relevant permission or confirmation unless it obtains consent from the fire inspector (in a municipality without a fire department, the head thereof; the same applies hereinafter) or the chief of the fire station having jurisdiction over the work execution district or the location of the building subject to that permission or confirmation.Provided, however, that this shall not apply if the buildings requiring confirmation are houses (excluding row houses, apartment houses, and other houses specified by Cabinet Order), located in areas other than Fire Prevention Districts or Quasi-fire Prevention Districts or when building official or the designated confirmation and inspection body performs a confirmation under Article 6, paragraph (1) or Article 6-2, paragraph (1) as applied mutatis mutandis in Article 87-4.

(2)When a plan for the building for which the consent of the fire chief or the fire station chief is requested as specified in the preceding paragraph is not in violation of the provisions of Acts or those of orders or ordinances based thereon concerning fire prevention in buildings (excluding provisions of building standard laws and regulations specified by Cabinet Order under Article 6, paragraph (1) as applied by replacing phrases therein pursuant to the provisions of that paragraph, if consent is requested for the construction of buildings set forth in Article 6-4, paragraph (1), item (i) or (ii), major repair, major remodeling, change of use of buildings, or the construction of buildings set forth in item (iii) of that paragraph, which are to be confirmed by a building official or by a designated confirmation and inspection body), the fire chief or the fire station chief concerned must give one's consent to the relevant plan for the building and notify the relevant Designated Administrative Agency, building official, or the designated confirmation and inspection body of the consent within three days from the day of request in cases coming under Article 6, paragraph (1), item (iv), and within seven days in other cases.In this case, if the fire chief or the fire station chief finds that there is a reason for not being able to consent, the fire chief or the fire station chief must notify the Designated Administrative Agency, the building official, or the designated confirmation and inspection body of the reason within that period.

(3)The provision of Article 68-20, paragraph (1) (including cases where it applies mutatis mutandis in Article 68-22, paragraph (2)) shall apply mutatis mutandis to an examination performed by a fire inspector or the chief of a fire station requested under paragraph (1).

(4)In those cases coming under the proviso of paragraph (1) as where a building official or a designated confirmation and inspection body has received an application for confirmation under Article 6, paragraph (1) (including cases where this paragraph applies mutatis mutandis in Article 87-4) or has received an application for confirmation under Article 6-2, paragraph (1) (including cases where this paragraph applies mutatis mutandis in Article 87-4), or a notice under Article 18, paragraph (2) (including cases where this paragraph applies mutatis mutandis in Article 87, paragraph (1) or Article 87-2), the building official or a designated confirmation and inspection body must notify the fire inspector or the chief of the fire station having jurisdiction over the work execution district or the location of the building concerned as mentioned in the relevant application or notice, of that receipt without delay.

(5)When a building official or the designated confirmation and inspection body has accepted an application for confirmation under Article 6, paragraph (1) (including cases where this paragraph applies mutatis mutandis in Article 87, paragraph (1)), has received an application for confirmation under Article 6-2, paragraph (1) (including cases where this paragraph applies mutatis mutandis in Article 87, paragraph (1)) or a notice under Article 18, paragraph (2) (including cases where this paragraph applies mutatis mutandis in Article 87, paragraph (1)), in regard to a wastewater purifier as specified in Article 31, paragraph (2) or to a building regarded as a specified building under Article 2, paragraph (1) of the Act on Maintenance of Sanitation in Buildings (Act No. 20 of 1970), a building official or the designated confirmation and inspection body must notify the chief of the health center having jurisdiction over the work execution district or the location of the building concerned as mentioned in the relevant application or notice, of that receipt without delay.

(6)The chief of the health center may give one's opinion to the Designated Administrative Agency, building official, or the designated confirmation and inspection body as to permission or confirmation under this Act, if the chief deems it necessary.

Article 93-2Designated Administrative Agency must made available for public perusal on request, the documents concerning confirmations and other actions under the building standard laws and regulations, and reports under Article 12, paragraphs (1) and (3), when that will not improperly infringe on the rights and interests of owners, custodians, or occupants of the building or building site related to the relevant actions and reports, or of third parties, specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

Article 93-3In addition to the provisions of this Act, procedures of permission and other actions and other necessary items for the execution of this Act shall be specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

Article 94(1)Demands for investigations under the provisions of Article 4, item (i) of the Administrative Appeal Act, concerning actions performed or omitted by a Designated Administrative Agency, building official, building surveillant, prefectural governor, designated confirmation and inspection body, or designated structural calculation conformity review body under the building standard laws and regulations shall be submitted to the Building Review Council of the relevant city, town, village, or prefecture in the case of actions taken or omitted by a Designated Administrative Agency, building official, building surveillant, or prefectural governor, to the Building Review Council of the city, town, village, or prefecture where the building official with the authority to carry out confirmations under Article 6, paragraph (1) (including cases in which the provisions of Article 87, paragraph (1), Article 87-4, or Article 88, paragraph (1) or (2) are applied mutatis mutandis) is located in the case of actions performed or omitted by a designated confirmation and inspection body, and to the Building Review Council of the prefecture governed by the governor that allowed the relevant designated confirmation and inspection body to perform structural calculation conformity reviews pursuant to the provisions of Article 18-2, paragraph (1) in the case of a designated structural calculation conformity review body. In those cases, demands for the investigation of actions omitted can be submitted to the head of the municipality concerned or the prefectural governor, instead of the Building Review Council, in the case of an action omitted by a Designated Administrative Agency, building official, building surveillant, or prefectural governor, to the designated confirmation and inspection body concerned in the case of an action omitted by a designated confirmation and inspection body, and to the designated structural calculation conformity review body concerned in the case of an action omitted by a designated structural calculation conformity review body.

(2)When the Building Review Council has received an investigation demand under the first part of the preceding paragraph, it must render its ruling within one month from the date on which the investigation demand was filed (if an order for the rectification of a deficiency has been issued pursuant to the provisions of Article 23 of the Administrative Appeal Act), from the date on which that deficiency was rectified).

(3)Except when it has decided to reject an investigation demand pursuant to the provisions of Article 24 of the Administrative Appeal Act, the Building Review Council shall, when determining its ruling, first hold a public oral inquiry at which it must seek the presence of the person demanding the investigation, the Designated Administrative Agency, the building official, the building surveillant, prefectural governor, the designated confirmation and inspection body, the designated structural calculation conformity review body, or any other person concerned, or the agent thereof.

(4)The provisions of Article 31 of the Administrative Appeal Act shall not be applied to investigation demands under the first part of paragraph (1). The provisions of paragraphs (2) through (5) of that Act as replaced pursuant to the provisions of Article 9, paragraph (3) of that Act shall be applied to oral hearings in the preceding paragraph, mutatis mutandis.

Article 95Any person aggrieved by the ruling of the Building Review Council may make an appeal against the ruling to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Article 96Deleted

Article 97It shall be possible to assign part of the authority of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism provided for in this Act to the Director-General of a Regional Development Bureau or to the Director-General of the Hokkaido Bureau as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

Article 97-2(1)Any city other than cities as specified in Article 4, paragraph (1), or town or village may appoint building officials under the direction and supervision of the head of the relevant municipality in order to have them take charge of the affairs which are specified by Cabinet Order from among those considered to be under the authority of building officials in this Act, in addition to following the provisions of paragraph (2) of that Article.In this case, the provisions applicable to building officials in this Act shall apply to those building officials appointed by the relevant municipality.

(2)The provisions of Article 4, paragraphs (3) and (4) shall apply mutatis mutandis when a municipality as mentioned in the preceding paragraph appoints building officials pursuant to the provisions of that paragraph.

(3)A municipality appointing building officials pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) shall, insofar as the affairs to be executed by building officials pursuant to the provisions of that paragraph are concerned, be considered to be a municipality having building officials as specified in Article 4, paragraph (5) in applying the provisions of this Act. In this case, "appoint" in Article 78, paragraph (1) shall read "can appoint".

(4)Affairs which are specified by Cabinet Order from among those under the authority of, that functions as the Designated Administrative Agency the prefectural governor under this Act, shall be executed by the head of a municipality appointing building officials pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), as specified by Cabinet Order.In this case, provisions applicable to the prefectural governor, that functions as the Designated Administrative Agency under this Act, shall apply to the mayor of the relevant municipality as the provisions applicable to the head of the relevant municipality.

(5)Investigation demands concerning actions taken or omitted under the building standard laws and regulations by the Designated Administrative Agency as the head of a municipality appointing building officials pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) and , by building officials in that paragraph, or by a building surveillant so ordered by the relevant Designated Administrative Agency shall be submitted to the Building Review Council of the prefecture where the relevant municipality is located, when a Building Review Council is not established therein. Investigation demands concerning actions omitted can be submitted to the head of the municipality concerned, instead of the Building Review Council.

Article 97-3(1)A special ward may appoint building officials under the direction and supervision of the head of the special ward, in order to have them take charge of the affairs which are specified by Cabinet Order from among those considered to be under the authority of building officials in this Act, in addition to following the provisions of Article 4, paragraph (2).In this case, the provisions applicable to building officials in this Act shall apply to those building officials appointed by the special ward.

(2)The provisions of the preceding paragraph shall not preclude the Metropolis from appointing building officials under the direction and supervision of the metropolitan governor, in order to have them take charge of the affairs in the area of a special ward not under to the authority of building officials appointed by the special ward.

(3)Affairs which are specified by Cabinet Order from among those under the authority of the prefectural governor that functions as the Designated Administrative Agency under this Act shall be conducted by the head of the special ward as specified by Cabinet Order.In this case, the provisions applicable to the prefectural governor that functions as the Designated Administrative Agency under this Act shall apply to the head of the special ward as the provisions applicable to the head of the special ward.

(4)If it is intended to appoint a building official in a special ward pursuant to the provisions of Article 4, paragraph (2), "shall engage in prior consultation" in Article 4, paragraph (3) will be read as "shall engage in prior consultation and obtain consent" and "based on consultation" in Article 4, paragraph (4) as "if consent is obtained" when applying the provisions of Article 4, paragraphs (3) and (4).

Article 97-4(1)A person applying for the following actions by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism must pay to the national government a fee specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order based on the actual expenses, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order:

(2)A person applying for actions by a designated approval body, recognized approval body, designated performance evaluation body, or recognized performance evaluation body set forth in items (iii) through (v) of the preceding paragraph must pay a fee specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order based on the actual expenses to the relevant body, as specified by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Order.

(3)The fee paid to the designated approval body, recognized approval body, designated performance evaluation body, or recognized performance evaluation body pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph shall be proceeds of the relevant body.

Article 97-5(1)Duties performed by the prefectures pursuant to the provisions of Article 15, paragraph (4), Article 16 and Article 77-63, and duties performed by municipalities pursuant to the provisions of Article 15, paragraphs (1) through (3) shall be item (i) legally commissioned duties provided by Article 2, paragraph (9), item (i) of the Local Autonomy Act (Act No. 67 of 1947).

(2)Duties that are performed by municipalities (limited to municipalities without a building official) pursuant to the provisions of Article 70, paragraph (4) (including cases where it is applied mutatis mutandis in Article 74, paragraph (2) (including cases where it is applied mutatis mutandis in Article 76-3, paragraph (6); the same in this paragraph) and in Article 76-3, paragraph (4)), Article 71 (including cases where it applies mutatis mutandis in Article 74, paragraph (2) and in Article 76-3, paragraph (4)), Article 72 (including cases where excluding parts concerning the duty to append opinions to a written building agreement pursuant to paragraph (2) of this Article, it is applied mutatis mutandis in Article 74, paragraph (2) and Article 76-3, paragraph (4)) and Article 73, paragraph (3) (including cases where it is applied mutatis mutandis in Article 74, paragraph (2), Article 75-2, paragraph (4) and Article 76-3, paragraph (4)) shall be item (ii) legally commissioned duties specified in Article 2, paragraph (9), item (ii) of the Local Autonomy Act.

Article 97-6In enacting, amending or abolishing an order under this Act, that order may provide for certain transitional measures (including transitional measures concerning) penal provisions) within the limits considered reasonably necessary for that enactment, amendment or abolition.

Article 98(1)Any person who comes under any of the following items shall be penalized with imprisonment with forced labor for not more than three years or a fine of not more than three million yen:

(2)When a violation of the provisions of item (ii) or (iii) of the preceding paragraph is a violation that has been made purposely by the owner or the installer of the building equipment, in addition to the penalization of the relevant designer or contractor, the relevant owner or installer of the building equipment shall be punished under that paragraph.

Article 99(1)Any person coming under any of the following items shall be punished with imprisonment with forced labor for not more than one year, or a fine of not more than one million yen:

(2)When a violation of the provisions of item (viii) or (ix) of the preceding paragraph is a violation that has been made purposely by the building owner, structure owner, or installer of the building equipment, in addition to the penalization of the relevant designer or executor of construction work, the relevant building owner, structure owner, or installer of the building equipment shall be penalized under that paragraph.

Article 100If an order under Article 77-15, Article 2 (including cases in which it is applied mutatis mutandis to Article 77-17 paragraph (2), item (ii)), Article 77-35-19, paragraph (2) or Article 77-51, paragraph (2) (including cases in which it is applied mutatis mutandis to Article 77-56, paragraph (2)) to suspend the qualifying examination affairs for building regulation conformity inspectors or structural calculation conformity reviewers, structural calculation conformity review work, approvals, etc., or performance assessment work is violated, a penalty of imprisonment with forced labor for not more than one year, or a fine of not more than one million yen shall be imposed on the officer or employee including a qualified building regulation conformity inspector or qualified structural calculation conformity reviewer) of the designated qualifying examination body for building regulation conformity inspectors or structural calculation conformity reviewers, or the employee (including a structural calculation conformity reviewer, approver, or assessor) of the designated structural calculation conformity review body, designated approval body, or designated performance evaluation body (or if any of these bodies are corporations, an officer thereof) (referred to in Article 104 as "officers, etc., of designated qualifying examination bodies for building regulation conformity inspectors or structural calculation conformity reviewers, etc.) that committed the relevant violation.

Article 101(1)Any person coming under any of the following items shall be punished with a fine not more than one million yen:

(2)If a violation as specified in item (iii), (iv) or (vi) of the preceding paragraph has been found and that violation has been made purposely by a building owner or person who has had building equipment installed, a penalty as specified in that paragraph shall be imposed on the relevant building owner or person who has had the building equipment installed in addition to any penalty imposed on the designer or executor of construction work concerned.

Article 102A fine not exceeding one million yen shall be imposed on a designated structural calculation conformity review body (if the body is a corporation, an officer thereof) or employee thereof (including a structural calculation conformity reviewer) that fails to report under Article 12, paragraph (5) (limited to parts relating to item (iii)) or makes a false report.

Article 103Any person coming under any of the following items shall be punished with a fine of not more than five hundred thousand yen:

Article 104When any action in any of the following items has occurred, the executives, etc., of the examination body for qualified Building Regulation Conformity Inspectors, etc., etc., that committed this violation shall be punished by a fine of no more than five hundred thousand yen.

Article 105If the representative of a corporation, or agent, employee or other worker of a corporation or an individual, has committed an act in violation of any of the following provisions in connection with the business of the corporation or the individual, in addition to the punishment of that offender, corporation shall be punished by the fine prescribed in each of the relevant items, and the individual shall be punished by fine prescribed in each of those Articles.

Article 106(1)A person coming under any of the following items shall be penalized by a fine of no more than three hundred thousand yen:

(2)A designated structural calculation conformity review body (if the body is a corporation, an officer thereof) or an employee thereof that in violation of the provisions of Article 77-35-15 fails to provide documents or make them available for perusal at the request of a concerned person, or records falsified information in documents, or causes a concerned person to peruse documents containing falsified information shall be penalized by fine not exceeding three hundred thousand yen.

Article 107It shall be possible to establish provisions stipulating that a penalty of up to five hundred thousand yen be imposed on persons who contravene an ordinance based on the provisions of Article 39, paragraph (2), Article 40 or Article 43, paragraph (3) (including cases where these provisions apply mutatis mutandis in Article 87, paragraph (2)), Article 43-2 (including cases where these provisions apply mutates mutandis in Article 87, paragraph (2)), Article 49, paragraph (1) (including cases where it applies mutatis mutandis in Article 87, paragraph (2) or Article 88, paragraph (2)), Article 49-2, (including cases where it applies mutatis mutandis in Article 87, paragraph (2) or Article 88, paragraph (2)), Article 50 (including cases where it applies mutatis mutandis in Article 87, paragraph (2) or Article 88, paragraph (2)), Article 68-2, paragraph (1) (including cases where it applies mutatis mutandis in Article 87, paragraph (2) or Article 88, paragraph (2)), Article 68-9, paragraph (1) (including cases where it applies mutatis mutandis in Article 87, paragraph (2)) or Article 68-9, paragraph (2).