Demolition of Prefabricated Panel Houses in Chengdu

Whether the prefabricated panel houses in Chengdu should be demolished depends on specific circumstances. Sichuan Province implements a graded treatment policy for prefabricated panel buildings, with different treatment methods for different grades.

Grade A or B Houses: If a prefabricated panel house is identified as Grade A or B, it means the structure is still acceptable, and such houses are usually retained and renovated. Renovation includes refurbishing the exterior walls, replacing decayed water pipes and electrical wires, repairing leaks, and improving fire safety facilities. The government is responsible for renovating the public areas of the residential community, while homeowners need to bear the costs of home decoration or elevator installation themselves. For example, some prefabricated panel houses in old residential communities, although they have a long age, have a basically safe structure, and their living quality can be improved through such renovations.

Grade C Houses: When a prefabricated panel house is identified as Grade C, it indicates that there are local structural hazards. The usual treatment method is to first arrange for seismic reinforcement, such as adding load-bearing columns, repairing cracks, removing rust from steel bars, and updating supporting facilities such as water, electricity, and gas. Demolition and reconstruction can only be applied for if it is technically impossible to reinforce or if reinforcement is meaningless. Moreover, the conditions for applying for demolition and reconstruction are very strict, requiring compliance with urban planning, identification of irreparability, and the consent of most homeowners. This means that the possibility of demolition and reconstruction of Grade C houses is relatively low, and safety is more often ensured through reinforcement.

Grade D Houses: If a prefabricated panel house is identified as Grade D, it means the house is completely damaged and must be immediately vacated. Such houses are usually included in urban renewal or demolition projects, and the treatment methods are demolition and reconstruction, monetary compensation, or replacement with resettlement houses. For example, some prefabricated panel houses that are severely damaged due to natural disasters or long-term disrepair will be treated in this way.

In addition, although some prefabricated panel houses have problems, they have not yet been included in relevant demolition plans. For example, the prefabricated panel houses in the Xinyangcheng commercial housing development project at No. 373 Beidajie, Pidu District, have not been included in the 2026 annual plan for the expropriation of houses on state-owned land, so they have not been demolished; Yingkang Road No. 1 courtyard has a house age of nearly 30 years, a prefabricated panel structure, and various problems, but as of September 2025, there was still no plan for house demolition.