Renovation of 20 Major Prefabricated Panel Houses

The renovation of prefabricated panel houses built in the 20th century should be determined comprehensively based on factors such as the results of housing safety appraisals, urban planning needs, and residents' wishes. Details are as follows:

I. Disposal Paths Determined by Housing Safety Appraisal Grades Housing safety appraisals classify houses into four grades: A, B, C, and D, with different renovation strategies corresponding to each grade:

• Grade A or B houses: With no major issues in the main structure, priority is given to improving living conditions through the renovation of old residential communities. For example, local repairs are carried out for issues such as roof leaks, aging pipelines, and non-compliance with fire safety standards, and elevators can be installed in eligible communities. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period in Yangzhou City, the living conditions of more than 100,000 households were improved through such renovations.
• Grade C dilapidated houses: These houses have local structural damage but are worth repairing and require maintenance and reinforcement. Reinforcement covers the strengthening of structural components such as walls, beams, columns, floor slabs, and foundations, and enhances earthquake resistance. The central budget's investment in urban renewal special projects provides support for the renovation of dilapidated housing on state-owned land at Grades C and D, with a subsidy ratio not exceeding 70% of the total approved project investment.
• Grade D dilapidated houses: If the structure is severely damaged and beyond repair, expropriation and demolition procedures must be initiated in accordance with the law. Demolition should be based on urban planning needs, such as the implementation of projects like road construction, subway construction, and the construction of public facilities, or when the area is included in a clear demolition and reconstruction plan.

II. Exploration of Innovative Renovation Models Some regions are piloting the "original demolition and reconstruction" model, where residents independently update their houses. For example, 273 households in the Changcheng Jiaoyuan community in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, raised funds on their own to rebuild six 11-story high-rise buildings on the original site, equipped with elevators and public supporting facilities. This model requires conditions such as unified resident wishes and sufficient fundraising, and must comply with urban planning requirements.

III. Policy Support and Planning Objectives According to the "15th Five-Year Plan for Urban Renewal", the country plans to renovate more than 500,000 sets (units) of non-complete housing, including dilapidated housing at Grades C and D and prefabricated panel houses, and steadily promote earthquake resistance reinforcement in earthquake-prone areas. The policy focuses on supporting structural safety repairs and functional improvements, while encouraging localities to explore diversified renovation paths.