New Taipei City’s Renovation Rules: What Home Improvements Truly Require No Permit?

“My apartment is on the 4th floor in Yonghe, and I just want to replace the flooring and redo the ceiling. Do I really need a permit for this?” Mr. Lin, a homeowner, felt overwhelmed by the complex ‘simplified renovation’ procedures he found online. His contractor confidently assured him, “Don’t worry! In New Taipei City, for buildings under 5 stories, as long as you don’t move any walls, you don’t need a permit! It’s in the regulations, let’s get started!”

However, in the neighboring district of Zhonghe, Ms. Huang, who also lives in a 3rd-floor apartment and wanted to redo her ceiling, received different advice from her designer. The designer presented Article 29-1 of the “Regulations Governing Interior Decoration of Buildings,” explaining word-for-word, “Ms. Huang, the ‘no permit required’ mentioned in the regulations is our ‘minimum standard.’ The risk is that if a neighbor reports you, you’ll have to provide 100% proof of complete compliance. I recommend spending a little money to go through the ‘simplified renovation’ process and obtain that ‘permit.’ It’s the safest protection.”

These two vastly different decisions highlight the core issue of the **’no permit required’ renovation standard in New Taipei City**. It’s both a convenient path provided by central regulations and a high-risk gray area in practical renovation scenarios. This article will delve into **which renovations truly don’t require reporting** and the significant risks you undertake when opting for the ‘no permit’ route.

Challenging the ‘No Permit’ Standard: Why ‘Old Experience’ Fails to Define ‘Unauthorized Renovation’

“Under 5 stories, no structural changes, no permit needed” – this mantra is the ‘old experience’ and ‘sword of authority’ for many New Taipei City residents and contractors. However, the flaw in this ‘old model’ is its oversimplification of complex regulations and its underestimation of the legal repercussions triggered by a ‘neighbor’s complaint.’ What you believe is ‘legal’ might instantly become ‘unauthorized renovation’ in the eyes of an inspector.

The Myth of ‘Under 5 Stories’: Ignoring the ‘Public Use’ Override

This is the most common oversight regarding ‘no permit required.’ Many people remember “under 5 stories” but forget the regulation’s (Article 29-1 of the “Regulations Governing Interior Decoration of Buildings”) primary prerequisite: it applies to buildings **”not for public use”** (i.e., H-2 residential type). The paradox of the old model is that a homeowner might operate a small tutoring center (D-5 type) or an office (G-2 type) on the 4th floor. They might think that because they are “under 5 stories” and “not moving walls,” they can proceed without a permit. However, the reality is that their business premises are “for public use,” making this regulation inapplicable from the start. Any renovation would require a permit. There was a case in Tucheng, New Taipei City, where a ground-floor shop underwent renovation and was reported, subsequently being deemed “unauthorized renovation” by the Public Works Department, leading to a work stoppage and fines.

The Blurred Line of ‘No Structural Changes’: Your ‘Room Divider’ vs. the Regulation’s ‘Partition Wall’

The second red line for ‘no permit required’ is “not involving” the addition of bathrooms or partition walls. But the definition of a “partition wall” is the biggest trap. A homeowner might think, “I’m just using woodwork to create a ‘fixed screen’ or a ‘half-height TV wall’ to divide the living and dining areas. That’s not a wall, is it?”

However, in an inspector’s assessment, any structure “fixed to the floor or ceiling” could be considered a “partition wall.” What you perceive as “beautification” constitutes the act of “adding a partition” in the eyes of the law. Once reported, you’ll have no defense and will immediately fall from the ‘no permit required’ status into the abyss of ‘unauthorized renovation.’

The Price of ‘No Permit’: When ‘Burden of Proof’ Meets ‘Neighbor Complaint’

This is the most frightening cost of choosing ‘no permit required.’ By opting out of the permit process, you are essentially choosing a high-stakes gamble. You are betting that:

1. Your neighbors will 100% not file a complaint.
2. Your construction crew will 100% not cause noise or dust.
3. Your construction work will be 100% flawless according to regulations.

The moment a neighbor makes a phone call to report you (regardless of the reason), and a Public Works Department inspector arrives, the legal burden of proof falls entirely on you, the homeowner. You must “actively prove” that your unit is below the 5th floor, that it’s used for residential purposes, and that you “absolutely did not” alter any partitions. In this process, without the ‘permit’ as your shield, inspectors will scrutinize your work with the strictest lens. Any minor flaw will immediately result in a “forced work stoppage.”

Rewriting the Rules in New Taipei City: The Roles of ‘Central Regulations’ and ‘Local Pragmatism’

To clarify this gray area, we must return to the source. New Taipei City’s ‘no permit required’ standard isn’t unique; it directly adopts Article 29-1 of the central government’s “Regulations Governing Interior Decoration of Buildings.” New Taipei City’s pragmatism lies in its simultaneous provision of a safer “middle path” through “simplified renovation.”

Core Elements: The Regulatory Standard for ‘No Permit Required’

So, which renovations truly don’t require reporting? The regulatory answer is: you must meet **all** the following conditions simultaneously, without exception:

• Condition 1: Building Use. Must be a building **”not for public use”** (e.g., H-2 residential type).
• Condition 2: Renovation Floor. Your unit must be on a floor **5th or below**.
• Condition 3: Scope of Work (Red Line 1). **No** addition of toilets or bathrooms.
• Condition 4: Scope of Work (Red Line 2). **No** addition or alteration of “partition walls” (i.e., interior partition walls).

In other words, a purely residential unit on the 4th floor that only intends to “re-wallpaper, re-floor, replace the kitchen cabinets, or create a new ceiling design (without obstructing fire safety systems)” genuinely falls within the scope of “no permit required” according to the regulations.

The Crucial Decision: Risk Assessment Between ‘No Permit’ and ‘Simplified Renovation’

However, “legally permissible” does not always equate to “practically advisable.” New Taipei City’s pragmatism is evident in offering the “simplified renovation” option (as discussed in the previous article).

Professional designers and homeowners must conduct a “risk assessment” between “no permit required” and “simplified renovation”:

• Choosing ‘No Permit’ (High Risk):
  • Pros: Saves on design fees and permit application fees (approximately tens of thousands of dollars).
  • Cons: Forfeits the protection of a “permit.” If reported during construction, you must “self-prove” legality; failure means work stoppage and fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$300,000.
• Choosing ‘Simplified Renovation’ (Low Risk):
  • Pros: For a reasonable design fee, you obtain an “Interior Decoration Permit.” If reported during construction, you can “proceed legally,” with inspectors merely verifying adherence to the approved plans, significantly reducing the risk of work stoppage.
  • Cons: Incurs design fees and administrative time.

Beyond the ‘Gray Area’: 3 Key SOPs for Determining ‘No Permit Required’

If you’ve reviewed the risk analysis and still decide to pursue the “no permit required” path, you must ensure 100% compliance with the following SOPs. Otherwise, immediately switch to the “simplified renovation” route.

Core SOP: ‘Minimalist’ Scope of Work

Your scope of work must be “extremely simple.” Any action that “could be interpreted as adding a partition” is prohibited. For example:

• ProhibitedUsing wood or light steel frames to create “fixed” TV walls, screens, or built-in cabinets.
• ProhibitedCreating ceiling designs that “imply” area segmentation (e.g., varying heights).
• ProhibitedAdding any “wet areas” (like laundry rooms or bar sinks), as this could be deemed “pipe alteration.”

Your project must be limited to “purely aesthetic” enhancements such as “painting, wallpapering, flooring, modular cabinets (non-fixed), or replacing kitchen appliances (in the original location).”

Key SOP: ‘Maximized’ Neighborly Relations

Since the biggest risk comes from “neighbor complaints,” your second SOP is to achieve “zero disturbance” in neighborly relations. This includes:

• Proactive Communication: Before construction, proactively visit neighbors above, below, and on either side. Offer a small gift, explain that it’s just a “minor project for beautification, no structural changes,” and leave your contact information.
• Strict Adherence to Work Hours: Absolutely comply with the building’s construction hours stipulated in the community rules. Never work during lunch breaks or on weekends.
• Environmental Maintenance: Ensure meticulous protection of common areas. Clean public spaces thoroughly at the end of each workday.

You must use “the highest standard” of neighborly relations maintenance to achieve the “lowest” risk of complaints.

By choosing ‘no permit required,’ you save on design fees, but you shoulder the “100% legal burden of proof” and “unlimited neighbor communication costs.”

Below is the “New Taipei City: No Permit vs. Simplified Renovation Risk Assessment Dashboard” to help you make your final decision:

• Assessment Dimension:
• Choosing ‘No Permit’ (High Risk):
• Regulatory Basis: Article 29-1 of the “Regulations Governing Interior Decoration of Buildings” (Central Regulation)
• Applicable Conditions: Residential units below 5 stories + no structural changes
• Core Advantage: Cost Savings (saves on design fees/permit fees)
• Core Risk: Work stoppage upon complaint (requires self-proof)
  Ambiguous definitions easily cross the line into “unauthorized renovation.”
• Professional Recommendation: Strongly not recommended. Only applicable to owner-occupied units with excellent neighborly relations and extremely simple projects (like painting).
• Choosing ‘Simplified Renovation’ (Low Risk):
• Regulatory Basis: “New Taipei City Simplified Application Notes” (Local SOP)
• Applicable Conditions: Residential units below 5 stories + no structural changes + project cost under NT$12 million
• Core Advantage: Legal Assurance (obtains permit) + Efficiency (fast process)
• Core Risk: Incurs design fees and administrative time.

The Future of ‘No Permit Required’: A Choice Between ‘Risk’ and ‘Protection’

New Taipei City’s standard for determining “no permit required” renovations is a seemingly attractive shortcut that is, in reality, fraught with challenges. Stemming from the “convenience” intent of central regulations, this convenience is distorted in densely populated urban areas by “neighbor disputes” and the “ambiguity of regulatory interpretation,” turning it into a high-risk legal gray area.

Will you choose to save a few tens of thousands of dollars in design fees today, gambling on a future where you “won’t be reported,” exposing yourself to the immense risk of “unauthorized renovation”? Or will you take an extra step, incur reasonable costs, apply for “simplified renovation,” and secure a legal, peace-of-mind “shield” for your home? Ultimately, this is a choice between “chance” and “protection.”