Demolition of Prefabricated Slab Houses in Hangzhou: Translation

The prefabricated slab houses in Hangzhou are not being comprehensively demolished; instead, the focus is on 'governance and renovation,' with only a small number of Grade D dilapidated houses requiring demolition. The specific policies and implementation details are as follows:

I. Renovation Focus: Graded Treatment of Grade C and D Dilapidated Houses According to the '15th Five-Year Plan for Urban Renewal' issued by the State Council in 2026, the renovation of prefabricated slab houses in Hangzhou is primarily based on the safety rating of the houses:

1. Grade D Dilapidated Houses: Defined as having 'failed load-bearing structures and being at risk of collapse at any time,' these houses require 'complete demolition where necessary.' However, such houses account for less than 4% of the total, representing a very small minority.
2. Grade C Dilapidated Houses: These houses have localized hazards and priority is given to improving structural safety through repair and reinforcement. Demolition and reconstruction are considered only when the cost of reinforcement is excessively high (e.g., exceeding 50% of the cost of new construction). Grade C houses account for approximately 25% of the total and are the primary focus of renovation efforts.
3. Grade A and B Houses: These houses are structurally safe, accounting for 72% of the total, and are not within the scope of demolition. They are primarily maintained through routine upkeep to preserve their functionality.

II. Renovation Model: Combining Resident-Initiated Renewal with Government Support Hangzhou is exploring a resident-initiated renewal model of 'demolition and reconstruction on the original site,' exemplified by the Zhejiang Gongxin New Village project:

1. Fundraising: Residents have raised approximately 490 million yuan on their own, with the government making up the difference through special funds (e.g., land transfer fee refunds, tax and fee reductions) to alleviate the financial burden on residents.
2. Demolition and Construction Restrictions: It is specified that the demolished floor area shall not exceed 20% of the current total floor area, and the demolition-to-construction ratio (the ratio of newly built area to the original area) shall not exceed 2 to avoid overdevelopment.
3. Safety Basis: Renovation requires a housing safety appraisal report issued by a qualified institution to confirm the house rating and the necessity of renovation, ensuring scientific decision-making.

III. Policy Orientation: The Vast Majority of Houses Are Improved Through Non-Demolition Means Due to the high proportion of Grade A and B houses and the fact that Grade C houses are primarily repaired and reinforced, the renovation of prefabricated slab houses in Hangzhou follows a mainstream approach of 'preservation + renewal':

1. Repair and Reinforcement: Structural reinforcement, pipeline updates, elevator installations, and other measures are implemented for Grade C houses to enhance living safety and convenience.
2. Resident-Initiated Renewal: 'Demolition and reconstruction on the original site' initiated by residents must meet planning conditions and require unanimous agreement among all property owners, with the government providing policy support and streamlined procedures.
3. Restrictions on Demolition Compensation: Only Grade D dilapidated houses, which pose extremely high safety risks, require demolition, and the compensation standard is based on the principle of 'one-for-one replacement' to avoid excessive compensation that could lead to moral hazards.

IV. National Data Support: Renovation, Not Demolition, Is the Mainstream Nationwide, Grade A and B prefabricated slab houses account for 72%, Grade C accounts for 25%, and Grade D accounts for less than 4%. This data indicates that the vast majority of houses are structurally safe or can continue to be used through repair and reinforcement, making comprehensive demolition both unrealistic and uneconomical. Hangzhou's policy practices align with national trends, emphasizing a combination of 'preservation, renovation, and demolition,' prioritizing居住 safety (living safety) while balancing resource conservation and urban renewal efficiency.