An investigation into the existent of compliance of residential development with physical planning regulations in Uganda.

Abstract

This study aimed at an investigation into the extent of compliance of residential developments with the physical planning regulations. It was made of three objectives; determining factors that have led to noncompliance with residential standards, establishing the challenges faced by developers when following the set physical planning regulations and determining the causes of development of substandard residential houses. Literature was reviewed looking at what at what had been written by previous researchers on; the meaning of physical planning, the objectives of physical planning, theoretical review, the key players of physical planning in Uganda which include; the ministry of local government, ministry of land, housing and urban development, the national physical planning board, Uganda land commission, district land boards, physical planning committees and the general public. Literature was also reviewed about the legal framework in Uganda concerning physical planning, physical development plans, residential planning regulations and the types of residential developments which include; single family detached, single family semidetached home and the multifamily residential houses. The study was conducted using cross sectional research design with sample of numbers of 80 developers and 6 members of the physical planning committee. The researcher however managed to collect data from 75 respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data and these had both open and close ended questions. Data was also collected using Google earth and global positioning systems. Data was then analyzed using SPSS system version 26 which was then presented using frequency tables and bar graphs. The information presented included; response rates, demographic information, information about the buildings, information regarding compliance with residential, challenges faced by developers when following the set regulations, cause of noncompliance with physical planning standards and the factors that lead to the setting up of substandard residential developments. Results showed that the physical planning process needs to be improved and regulated so as to make it effective and reduce on the setting up of substandard developments. The researcher concluded that the physical planning process should be improved and gave recommendations which include; sensitization of the residential developers, encouraging use of Geographic Information System, conducting proper surveys and understanding the residential developers, reducing the fees and making the process affordable, reducing on taxes, encouraging residential developers to register land, enforce the regulations put in place, publishing the physical planning regulations, setting up a clear procedure to follow and fighting corruption.