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Morocco: Urban planning reform aims to modernize land subdivision law
The Moroccan government has introduced a new legislative reform aimed at modernizing the legal framework governing land subdivisions, housing groups, and land divisions — an effort designed to remove long-standing obstacles in the urban planning sector and stimulate investment.
The draft law, numbered 34.21, amends and complements Law No. 25.90, in force since 1992. According to the explanatory note, the proposal responds to practical difficulties identified over three decades, which have delayed numerous projects and affected the country’s urban landscape.
Extended timelines and greater flexibility
One of the key measures is the extension of project completion deadlines from three years to up to fifteen years, depending on project scale. The law also introduces, for the first time, the possibility of suspending legal deadlines in cases of force majeure — protecting developers from penalties when delays are beyond their control.
Clearer procedures and administrative accountability
The reform also clarifies procedures for provisional and final project approvals, requiring municipal leaders to convene reception commissions within strict timeframes. If a mayor fails to act, provincial governors will be empowered to intervene.
Developers must correct any defects within one year of provisional approval, or municipalities may carry out repairs and recover costs directly.
Transfer of ownership and improved public service management
A major innovation is the automatic transfer of ownership of roads, water, electricity, and sanitation networks to local authorities as soon as provisional approval is granted. This ensures immediate public maintenance and strengthens service quality.
The draft law also provides a legal framework for progressive or emergency land subdivisions and simplifies procedures — reducing document requirements and shortening administrative review times from 45 to 30 days.
Toward a sustainable and inclusive urban future
This large-scale reform aims to balance real estate investment with sustainable urban development, creating a clear, transparent, and investor-friendly framework that benefits citizens, local authorities, and the national economy alike.
