萬國法律事務所

The Geology Law was first passed by the Legislative Yuan in 2004, but was immediately overturned in a “Reconsideration Procedure” just three days after passage. However, due to the catastrophic landslide on National Highway No. 3 in April 2010, the importance of the Geology Law has once again regained the attention of the authorities. As such, the Geology Law was re-sent to the Legislative Yuan for review and eventually passed the third reading by the Legislative Yuan on 16 November 2010.

According to the new Geology Law, the Ministry of Economic Affairs must conduct a national geological assessment of landscape periodically and announce the results to the public so that people know whether the house/apartment they are living in or planning to purchase is located in a geologically “sensitive area”. The result of the geological assessment will also be used in the land development and environmental protection plans. In the event that the land to be used is located in a “sensitive area”, the intended user will be required to apply to the authorities for an investigation and safety evaluation, and use of such land shall be supervised under a strict standard.

A Government official stated that although the promulgation of the Geology Law will definitely affect the market prices of any house/apartment located in “sensitive areas”, the Geology Law will be enforced strictly in order to protect the public safety.