Đà Lạt Launches Ambitious Plan to Safeguard French Colonial Heritage

## New Urban Planning Guidelines Target 127 Historic Buildings

Đà Lạt's People's Committee unveiled comprehensive urban planning regulations on January 28 aimed at protecting the city's distinctive French colonial architectural heritage, a move that has drawn praise from conservationists but concerns from some property developers.

The initiative, spearheaded by Vice Chairman Trần Minh Tuấn, designates 127 buildings constructed during the French colonial period (1893-1954) as protected structures requiring special permits for any modifications or demolitions. The list includes iconic landmarks along Trần Phú Street, the historic Đà Lạt Railway Station, and numerous villas scattered throughout the Tây Hồ and Phường 1 neighborhoods.

"Đà Lạt's architectural identity is inseparable from its French colonial past," Tuấn said at a press conference held at the Lâm Đồng Provincial People's Committee headquarters. "These buildings are not just structures—they represent our city's unique character that attracts millions of visitors each year."

## Balancing Development and Conservation

The new regulations establish a three-tier classification system for heritage buildings. Tier 1 structures, including the former residence of Bảo Đại at Palace III and the Domaine de Marie Convent, face the strictest protections with renovation requiring approval from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Tier 2 buildings, primarily private villas along Hồ Xuân Hương Lake and in the Đà Lạt Market area, must maintain their original facades while allowing interior modifications. Tier 3 structures have more flexibility but must still comply with height restrictions and architectural style guidelines.

The initiative allocates 45 billion VNĐ (approximately $1.8 million USD) from the provincial budget for restoration grants to private owners, with additional funding expected from the central government's heritage preservation fund.

## Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders

Lê Hoàng Nam, director of the Đà Lạt Heritage Conservation Association, called the plan "a significant step forward" but expressed concerns about enforcement. "We've seen regulations before, but implementation has been inconsistent," he noted.

Property developer Nguyễn Thị Hương, whose company owns several colonial-era buildings near Cam Ly Falls, voiced concerns about financial burdens. "Maintaining these old structures is expensive. The government grants cover maybe 30% of actual restoration costs," she said.

The regulations take effect March 1, 2026, with a six-month grace period for property owners to register their buildings and submit renovation plans. The city has also announced plans for a dedicated architectural review board to oversee compliance starting in April.