Concrete Measures for Reducing Housing Construction Cost
April 1996
The Ministry of Construction
The Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Health and Welfare
The Ministry of Agriculture,Forestry and Fisheries
The Ministry of International Trade and Industry
1. Circumstances
March 26,1996: "Emergency Priority Proguram for Reducing Housing Construction Cost" was announced by the Ministry of Construction,the Ministry ob Health and Welfare and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
March 29,1996: Administrative Reform Promotion Headquarters decided the revision on "The Deregulation Action Program"
2. Concrete measures established after the announcement of "Emergency Priority Program for Reducing Housing Construction Cost"
(1)In order to use overseas building materials like lumbers and plywoods for the assembly of wood frame construction in Japan, if they conform to overseas standards and habe many things in common with Japanese products,those overseas standards which are confirmede that they have sufficient structural strength will be certifies for the use in Japan as of April 1996.Furthermore in order to promote discussions about mutual recognition * meetings will be held with foreign testing laboratories and others during FY1996.
Note * By allowing mutural recognition of testing and standard inspection organizations,Japan and opposite nations will help standard products of the two nations to be used freely in the respective nations thereby promoting distribution thereof.
(2)As for JAS standard for wood products,designate two overseas testing laboratories as foreign testing organizations (FTO)within FY 1996. Also,simplify procedures for the application of approved / permitted plants which may affix JAS mark,and publish a manual of the procedure for designation of FTO and approval / permission of plants.
(3)Establish "Housing Import Information Dial" in April FY 1996,with an aim to ackowledge comprehensively up-dated public opinions onthe Japanese building regulations etc.
(4)"Imported Construction Materials and Equipment Fair" is schaduled tobe held at Yokohama from May 29,1996 to June 25,1996.
(5)In order to provide information as well as business talk opportunities,JETRO Housing Materials Centers are being set up in Tokyo in March and in Osaka in April 1996.
(6)Based on the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and the Ministry of Justice Ordinance,a measure was taken to quicken examination procedures to foreign skilled labors participationg in construction of imported houses to 2 to 3 weeks from the time of applications for necessary resident approval certificate to be granted to the said foreigners.
(7)As for low cost model housing developments such as "plus you" housing and imported houses,5model developments have already been concreted.
3. Main subjects of "Emergency Priority Program for Reducing Housing Construction Cost"
(1)Comprehensive Review of Building Regulatory Framework,etc.
1)from a point of view of harmonization with international standards, encouraging self-responsibility concept,enlarged peoples choice freedom, and inducement of technological developments, present system certering on prescriptive regulations* is to be changed to performance-based regulations** in principle. In order to do this, new building regulatory framework is to be prepared during FY 1996.Furthermore technical standard for housings bby wood frame construction method is to be precedentially changed to a performance-bassed ome during FY 1996.
Note* "Specification regulation" refers to regulation which insures structural and material safety by limiting sizes and materials.
**"Performance-based regulation" refers to regulation assuring structural and material safety by making clear performance needs to be sagisfied. Should tests and calculations ascertains performance can be achieved and satisfied most any material can be used, which is expected to enhance choice freedom while at the time have the effect of promoting technical developments.
2)Regulations on plumbing fixture contractors in performing works for appointed water works utilities which require office within their service area are to be relaxed.(For this purpose, the revision of Water Works Law has currently been submitted to the Diet.) Furthermore the use of Water Supply Equipment Regulations are to be comprehensively reviewed, and the revision will be implemented as of FY 1997.
(2)Facilitate Induction of Imported Housings and Foreign Materials and Components
(3)Promotion of Leading Projects for Reducing Housing Construction Cost
(4)Preparation of Positeve Support Organizations for the Consumers
(5)Promotion of Housing Production Rationalization Program
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