Revision of the Building Standards Act for fireproof buildings!
- Impact on important matters explanation documents -
Posted: May 2025, 4
The Building Standards Act was revised in April 2024!
In April 2024, the Building Standards Act was significantly revised.
This revision was implemented as part of a policy aimed at taking into account recent advances in construction technology and wooden architecture, as well as reducing the environmental impact.
In particular, the changes to the definitions and requirements regarding fire-resistant buildings will have a significant impact on real estate transactions and the practice of preparing important information documents.
In the real estate industry, this legal amendment has created a need for even greater scrutiny of the information that should be included in important information documents.
This page explains in detail how the legal changes regarding fire-resistant buildings will affect the preparation of important information documents!
The definition of fire-resistant buildings has changed!
The definition of a fire-resistant building has been revised due to the revision of the Building Standards Act.
Until now, fire-resistant buildings have mainly been made of reinforced concrete (RC) or steel-framed (S) construction, but the number of wooden buildings with fire-resistant properties is increasing.
This has expanded the scope of legal fire-resistant buildings, making it possible to build high-rise and large-scale wooden buildings both on construction sites and in design.
Key points of the legal reform
The main changes regarding fire-resistant buildings in this revision of the Building Standards Act are as follows:
1. Promoting the spread of fire-resistant wooden buildings
Not only traditional steel frame and reinforced concrete structures, but also wooden buildings that meet certain fire resistance standards are now considered fire-resistant buildings.
This is increasing the demand for wooden buildings using new building materials such as CLT (cross-laminated timber).
2. Fire prevention and fire resistance standards are being revised
Fire resistance standards for exterior walls, partition walls, floors, etc. have been redefined.
In particular, it is now mandatory to use designs and building materials that suppress the spread of smoke and heat in the event of a fire.
3. Relaxation of building restrictions due to use restrictions and fire prevention area designations
In some fire prevention regions, fire-resistant wooden buildings are now permitted more flexibly than before.
This could lead to more efficient land use in urban areas.
Impact on important matters explanation documents
The recent revision of the Building Standards Act will also have a major impact on the content of important information documents.
1. The criteria for determining whether a building subject to a transaction is a fireproof building have changed.It is becoming increasingly important to check property information will be important.In particular, for wooden buildings, it is necessary to accurately describe how they are legally classified as "semi-fireproof buildings" or "fireproof buildings."
Two.The explanation content is also specific.Is required.For example, even if a building is made of wood, failure to explain that it meets fire resistance standards could lead to misunderstandings among buyers or tenants.
Therefore, it is necessary to have a detailed understanding of the building materials and fire-resistant construction used and reflect this in the instructions.
Three.Caution is also required when dealing with buildings in fire prevention and semi-fire prevention areas..Until now, construction was restricted by the building's use and structure, but legal reforms have relaxed these conditions, expanding the selection of properties available for trading.
As a result, it will be necessary to provide more detailed explanations of the legal conditions and restrictions in the target areas.
Four.Cases where the fact that the building is fire-resistant is related to the conditions of fire insurance or earthquake insurance.Therefore, when making a transaction, you will need to be prepared to also explain the scope of insurance coverage and the impact on insurance premiums.
Summary
Due to the revision of the Building Standards Act in April 2024, the definition of a fire-resistant building will be revised, greatly increasing the possibility of fire-resistant wooden buildings becoming more widespread.
This legal amendment has a direct impact not only on the construction industry, but also on real estate transactions and the preparation of important information documents.
In particular, important information documents are being required to include more accurate and detailed information in the definition of fire-resistant buildings and explanations of building structures.
Providing incorrect information can lead to problems and legal liability, so it is important to stay up to date with the latest information under the Building Standards Act and respond appropriately.
Leave the preparation of important matter explanations to Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation!
Support administrative scriveners are professionals who are well versed in the law.
We are creating an explanation of important matters.
Our staff have experience conducting surveys in prefectures across the country.
Please feel free to contact us with any inquiries or requests!
