Published by ChinaMNC · Xinmi

Zhengzhou's New Positive Optimization List for Detailed Urban Planning: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

Zhengzhou has introduced a new list that simplifies planning procedures for certain land-use changes and development projects. This article explains the key provisions and how they may affect foreign-invested enterprises operating in the city.

Zhengzhou Streamlines Planning Approvals for Land Use and Development

Foreign founders establishing or expanding operations in Zhengzhou should be aware of a new policy that could reduce administrative hurdles for certain development and renovation projects. The Zhengzhou Positive Optimization List for Detailed Urban Planning (Trial) (the “List”) was issued by the Zhengzhou Municipal Government on September 29, 2026, after being approved at the 87th Executive Meeting on September 1, 2026. The policy is designed to support urban renewal, industrial upgrading, and public welfare projects by making the detailed planning process more adaptable and efficient.

The List complements the Zhengzhou Measures for Optimizing the Implementation and Management of Detailed Urban Planning (Trial). It establishes a mechanism where certain planning adjustments can proceed without going through the full detailed planning modification procedure. Instead, projects falling within the listed scenarios can rely on a combination of the original detailed plan, the Positive Optimization List, and a plot plan (or linear facility optimization map) as the basis for obtaining planning and land-use approvals. This creates a two-track system: simplified procedures for listed cases and standard procedures for all others, while still respecting the mandatory requirements of higher-level plans.

Background and Legal Basis

The List was developed in response to national and provincial policies, including the State Council’s approval of pilot reforms for market-based allocation of production factors (Guohan [2025] No. 86), the Zhengzhou Work Plan for the Pilot Reform (Yuzheng [2025] No. 28), the Guidelines for Planning and Optimizing the Revitalization of Urban Stock Space (TD/T 1111-2025), and a notice from the Henan Provincial Department of Natural Resources, Department of Finance, and Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development on supporting urban renewal through planning and land policies (Yuzirangzi Gui [2026] No. 4). The List also aligns with Zhengzhou’s policies on new industrial land, small and micro enterprise parks, and new industrial land management, as well as national land and sea use classification guidelines.

The Zhengzhou Municipal Natural Resources and Planning Bureau initiated the drafting in February 2026, followed by public consultation, social disclosure, and expert review. The final version incorporates feedback from various stakeholders.

Scope of Application

The List applies to detailed urban planning and linear facility planning within the urban development boundaries of Zhengzhou’s main urban area (the five inner districts and development zones). Other counties (cities), Shangjie District, and the Airport Economy Zone may refer to it on a voluntary basis.

Key Optimizations

1. Land Use Conversion

The List allows certain land use conversions without a full planning modification:

• Industrial land: Conversions among new industrial, small and micro enterprise park, new industrial, Class I industrial, Class I logistics warehouse, Class II industrial, and Class II logistics warehouse land are permitted, provided they comply with industrial policies.
• Residential land: Urban residential land may be converted to community service facility land.
• Public service and commercial land: Conversions among cultural, educational, sports, medical and health, commercial, business and financial, and entertainment land are allowed, but only towards public-benefit public service uses.

The List also clarifies land classification bases: industrial land must align with Zhengzhou’s specific policies for industrial and new industrial land, while other land uses exclude nuisance facilities such as wholesale markets, gas stations, and infectious disease hospitals.

2. Mixed Land Use

Mixed-use development is encouraged for certain land types. For example, urban residential land may be mixed with cultural, sports, and park green space functions. The dominant use must account for more than 50% of the total floor area, and core indicators of the original plan must be strictly observed. Industrial and logistics warehouse land may support mixed functions of the same type (e.g., logistics with industrial).

3. Planning Control Indicators

Flexibility is introduced for specific planning indicators, subject to constraints related to safety, sunlight, and urban design:

• Industrial and logistics warehouse land: Adjustments to floor area ratio and building density are allowed.
• Commercial, business, entertainment, and public management/public service land: Building height may be adjusted by up to 10% of the original plan.
• Urban residential land: Building height may be slightly adjusted provided floor area ratio, building density, and green space ratio remain unchanged.
• Municipal utility land: Adjustments to floor area ratio and building height are permitted.

4. Linear Facility Control Elements

Optimizations are permitted for roads, pipelines, and rail transit:

• Roads: Local alignment optimization, channelization adjustments, and cross-section improvements are allowed without changing red line width, road grade, or lane configuration.
• Pipelines: Adjustments to pipe position, diameter, slope, and elevation for local sections or nodes are permitted, provided the upstream and downstream rainwater/sewage systems and other pipeline layouts remain unchanged.
• Rail transit: Ancillary facilities such as passages, entrances/exits, elevator shafts, ventilation shafts, air ducts, cooling towers, and fire water tanks for stations and tunnels may be adjusted, as long as no negative impact on surrounding land use occurs.

Definitions and Practical Guidance

The List provides definitions for terms such as “linear facility detailed planning,” “detailed planning modification,” “plot plan,” and “linear facility optimization map” to unify concepts and facilitate practical implementation.

For foreign founders, this policy can reduce time and uncertainty when repurposing existing industrial buildings, adjusting facility layouts, or integrating mixed-use functions into a project. However, it is important to confirm that your specific project falls within the listed scenarios and to engage local planning professionals to ensure compliance with all conditions.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

For assistance with company registration and ongoing compliance in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.