Illegal construction complaints surge nearly 33%

Complaints about illegal construction works surged nearly 33% last year, with the Land and Urban Construction Bureau (DSSCU) receiving 2,153 complaints in 2025, up from 1,622 in 2024.

Construction-related complaints dominated, accounting for 81% of all cases – a total of 1,749. Illegal works, including unit renovations without permits, rooftop structures, balcony additions, and illegal platform structures, made up the largest share. The bureau noted that many commercial shops proceeded with renovations without submitting the required “prior notification” or applying for a construction permit.

Beyond construction issues, public safety complaints totaled 150, primarily involving dilapidated buildings with falling plaster, tilted walls, collapsing roofs, or loose illegal structures. Urban infrastructure complaints reached 87, mainly concerning land use and urban planning. Housing-related complaints numbered 27, while another 140 complaints fell into other categories.

Under Macau’s building laws, non-residential units with a usable area not exceeding 120 square meters may be exempt from a construction permit for renovations that do not alter the unit’s use, structure, or common facilities – but a prior notification application is still mandatory. Violators face fines and must pay three times the standard administrative fee to legalize completed works.

The DSSCU stressed that installing balconies remains illegal, and all filed cases will be pursued to completion. A penalty reduction is available for voluntary demolition of illegal structures, but reoffending within five years triggers a 25% fine increase.

Of the 2,153 complaints received, 1,447 were fully processed last year. However, 219 cases missed the statutory 45-day deadline due to administrative delays or jurisdictional issues involving other public entities. The bureau also received 73 suggestions regarding regulatory functions but no formal objections.

Regarding service process feedback, the bureau received five suggestions and 39 complaints last year, primarily about personnel services and procedural handling. 19 cases falling outside the bureau’s scope were referred to other relevant authorities.