Tainan City Special Feature 1/4: Interior Renovation Permits in the Ancient Capital

Tainan, as Taiwan’s ancient cultural capital, boasts a rich tapestry of historical architecture and heritage. Interior renovations here must not only comply with building regulations but also carefully consider cultural preservation and the urban landscape. This article delves into the unique requirements and strategic approaches for obtaining interior renovation permits in Tainan.

The Uniqueness of Tainan Renovations

Tainan City is home to the most historical sites and heritage buildings in Taiwan. Interior renovation applications require special attention to cultural preservation and the maintenance of the urban aesthetic. According to the ‘Tainan City Historic District Revitalization Self-Government Ordinance,’ renovations in specific areas must adhere to additional regulations to safeguard the city’s ancient character.

Cultural Protection: Tainan has specific regulations for historic districts and areas surrounding heritage sites. Renovations must align with principles of preserving the existing aesthetic and may necessitate a cultural impact assessment report. ️ Heritage Preservation Zones: Strict Regulations ️ Historic Districts: Aesthetic Maintenance ️ Cultural Landscape: Integrated Planning ️ General Areas: Basic Regulations

Tainan’s Historic Districts and Cultural Preservation Zones

Areas Subject to Special Regulations

Several areas in Tainan are subject to special renovation guidelines, primarily categorized as follows:

Heritage Preservation Zones

Areas surrounding national heritage sites like Chihkan Tower, Anping Fort, and the Confucius Temple have stringent aesthetic requirements for renovations.

Scope: Within a 500-meter radius

Historic Districts

Streets such as Shennong Street, Xinyi Street, and Xinmei Street focus on preserving traditional facades and streetscapes.

Characteristics: Preservation of traditional street house facades

Cultural Landscape Zones

Areas like the Canal waterfront and the old city district require the maintenance of overall visual harmony.

Requirements: Coordinated colors, materials, and forms ⚠️ Important Note: Before undertaking any renovation in the aforementioned areas, it is crucial to consult with the Tainan City Cultural Heritage Management Office to determine if a cultural impact assessment or special permit is required.

Renovation Restrictions in Cultural Preservation Zones

Within cultural preservation and historic districts, interior renovations must adhere to these specific regulations:

• Exterior Alterations: Significantly restricted, requiring adherence to original facade and roof styles, unlike the more flexible approach in general areas.
• Material Usage: Priority is given to traditional materials like brick, wood, and tiles, whereas general areas offer more diverse choices.
• Color Palette: Subject to review for consistency with the overall streetscape, contrasting with the free choice in general areas.
• Signage Design: Limited in size and material to avoid disrupting the historical ambiance, differing from the commercially driven designs in general areas.
• Additions: Generally prohibited to maintain the original building scale, unlike general areas where additions are permitted according to building codes.

Professional Tip: When renovating in a historic district, engaging an architect or designer familiar with Tainan’s cultural preservation regulations can significantly streamline the application process.

Tainan City Interior Renovation Permit Application Process

Special Cultural Review Procedure

Renovation projects located within cultural preservation zones undergo an additional cultural review process:

Tainan Cultural Preservation Zone Renovation Application Flow:

1. Initial Consultation (Cultural Heritage Management Office)
2. Preparation of Cultural Impact Assessment Report
3. Review by the Cultural Affairs Review Committee
4. Permit Application to the Building Administration Office
5. Construction and Supervision
6. Final Cultural Inspection upon Completion

Cultural Impact Assessment: Requires a professional team to produce a report detailing the renovation’s impact on cultural aesthetics and proposed mitigation measures. Cultural Affairs Review Committee: A committee of academic and industry experts reviews the cultural appropriateness of the renovation plan. Design Adjustments: Design modifications are made based on committee feedback to comply with cultural preservation requirements. Dual Permits: Approval is needed from both the Cultural Heritage Management Office and the Building Administration Office.

General Area Application Process

Renovation projects outside cultural preservation zones follow the standard application process, though Tainan’s specific requirements must still be considered:

Document Preparation: Application form, proof of property rights, renovation drawings, and professional technical personnel certification. Drawing Requirements: Must include detailed floor plans, elevations, sections, material specifications, and color schemes. Application Submission: Submit application documents and fees to the Tainan City Building Administration Office. Review Process: Document and technical reviews, typically taking 20-30 business days. Permit Issuance: Upon approval, an interior renovation construction permit is issued. Expedited Process Tip: Tainan offers a pre-application consultation service. Consulting with the Building Administration Office beforehand can reduce the number of corrections needed and shorten review times.

Principles for Handling Traditional Architectural Elements

Brick Walls and Timber Structures

Traditional brick walls and timber framing should be preserved as much as possible. Necessary reinforcements must use traditional or reversible modern techniques to avoid damaging the original structure and appearance.

Roofs and Tiling

Traditional roof forms and tiling should be retained, using traditional materials and methods for repairs. New additions must harmonize with the original style.

Opening Treatments

Traditional window lattices and doors should be preserved, and replacements must match the original form and proportions. New openings require careful assessment of their impact on the facade.

Decorative Elements

Traditional decorations such as paintings, cut-and-paste pottery, and Jiao-chi pottery should be preserved and restored. If preservation is not possible, records should be kept, and restoration possibilities considered.

Integration Strategies for Modern Facilities

Concealed Installation

Modern facilities like air conditioning and plumbing should be designed for concealed installation to minimize visual impact on traditional aesthetics.

Reversible Design

Employ reversible installation methods that allow modern facilities to be installed and removed without damaging the original structure.

Material Coordination

New and old materials must harmonize. New facilities should ideally use traditional materials or modern materials that complement the traditional aesthetic.

Success Stories and Shared Experiences

Shennong Street Old House Regeneration

The traditional street house facade and structure were preserved, while modern living facilities were integrated internally, earning recognition from both the Cultural Affairs Bureau and residents.

Key Factor: Complete exterior preservation with careful interior updates.

Anping District Homestay Renovation

A traditional Southern Fujian-style building was transformed into a homestay, retaining its original layout and materials, with new facilities discreetly incorporated into the traditional spaces.

Key Factor: Harmonious coexistence of old and new, with modernized functionality.

Central-West District Commercial Space

A historic building was converted into a commercial space, preserving traditional exterior elements while integrating modern design with traditional motifs internally.

Key Factor: Transformation and application of cultural elements without sacrificing modern functionality.

Balancing Cultural Preservation with Modern Needs

• ✅ Value of Cultural Preservation:
• Preserves the city’s historical memory and cultural identity.
• Creates unique urban landscapes and tourism resources.
• Enhances regional cultural value and property values.
• Passes down traditional construction techniques and wisdom.
• Establishes a sustainable urban development model.
• ❌ Potential Challenges:
• Complex and lengthy application processes.
• Higher costs for restoration and materials.
• Difficulties in integrating modern facilities.
• Limited design freedom.
• Scarcity of qualified technical personnel.

Successful Balancing Strategy: Adopt the principle of ‘exterior preservation, interior renovation.’ This involves maintaining the traditional architectural facade and streetscape while carefully introducing modern living facilities internally, achieving a win-win for cultural preservation and quality of life.

The Perfect Blend of Cultural Heritage and Modern Living

Interior renovation permits in Tainan are more than just an administrative procedure; they are a vital part of cultural heritage transmission. By respecting history, embracing innovative thinking, and executing professionally, we can create comfortable, modern living environments while preserving our cultural assets.

Remember: A successful Tainan renovation project is a perfect balance of cultural respect and modern needs. Start planning your Tainan-style renovation today!