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Almaty is set to implement new regulations governing the setup and operation of summer terraces for cafes. This initiative is designed to create a more favorable environment for entrepreneurs while addressing urban planning concerns.

Streamlining Summer Terrace Regulations

The city administration is revising the rules for outdoor cafe seating, a move that comes after discussions involving Mayor Darhan Satybaldy. Currently, approximately 30 percent of businesses in Almaty utilize these summer spaces. However, existing regulations have not always adequately accounted for the temporary and non-capital nature of these installations, leading to complications in the approval process and, in some cases, unauthorized constructions.

Addressing Unauthorized Structures

To tackle these issues, the Department of Entrepreneurship and Investment has begun amending regulations to simplify the approval procedures for summer terraces. This effort is part of a broader campaign to manage temporary trading structures within the city.

Crackdown on Illegal Trading Points

Monitoring efforts have identified 1,595 illegal trading points (NTOs) across Almaty. Of these, 509 were found on state-owned land, 210 were improperly located on private plots, and 876 did not comply with established design codes. City officials emphasize that these unauthorized structures obstruct pedestrian traffic, detract from the city's architectural appearance, and generate complaints from residents.

Mayor Orders Accelerated Demolition

Mayor Darhan Satybaldy has ordered an intensification of efforts to remove illegal structures, urging for a faster pace of demolition. He noted that district administrators are expected to identify violations daily, expressing concern that only 157 structures had been removed since the beginning of the year, a figure he deemed too low. The mayor also stressed the need to disconnect illegal structures from utilities and collaborate with law enforcement to hold owners accountable.

Expanding Designated Trading Locations

Currently, 142 locations have been designated for the placement of temporary trading structures in Almaty. Plans are in place to increase this number by the end of the year. This comes after a notable case where a popular lounge bar's summer terrace in Almaty was demolished following a court decision.