What is the Master Urban Development Plan (SDU) in Ivory Coast?
Strategic long-term regional urban planning framework. Distinct from the Local Urban Master Plan (PUD), which is operational at the municipal level. A forward-looking urban planning document that outlines, over a defined period, the major development guidelines and development prospects for urban space. It covers one or more contiguous urban agglomerations.
Definition complete
Legal Definition
The Master Urban Development Plan (SDU — Schéma Directeur d'Urbanisme) is the urban planning tool defined by Law No. 2020-624 of August 14, 2020 (Code of Urban Planning and Urban Land Domain). It has a forward-looking and prospective character and outlines, over a determined period, the development perspectives and major spatial planning guidelines for urban areas.
Content
- Defines the major development axes of the urban agglomeration
- Establishes the principal structures of the space in question
- Covers one or more contiguous agglomerations
- Provides for development in the short, medium, and long term
Hierarchy of Urban Planning Documents
- SDU — General Guidelines (broadest level)
- PUD — Master Urban Development Plan (facilities and development of an agglomeration)
- Structure Plan — For areas not covered by the PUD
- Detailed Urban Development Plan — Fine-grained organization of a specific district
Importance for Land Investment
Before investing in a parcel of land, it is important to verify its compliance with the applicable SDU. A parcel located in an area designated for urban development may increase in value, whereas a parcel in a non-buildable zone according to the SDU may present problems.
Sources juridiques
Loi n°2020-624 du 14 août 2020 instituant le Code de l'Urbanisme et du Domaine Foncier Urbain, Article 83.
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Autres termes du glossaire
The ADU (Attestation de Droit d'Usage Coutumier / Customary Right of Use Certificate) is the single, secure document that replaces the former Village Certificate as of January 1, 2025. Established by Decree No. 2021-784 and secured by the SIGFU (Decree No. 2021-862), it requires a triple signature (village chief, CVGFR president, developer) and a unique IDUFCI. The ADU is not a property title: it constitutes a provisional recognition opening the path to the ACD (Arrêté de Concession Définitive / Definitive Concession Decree) — the ACD published in the Land Register IS the Land Title. In practice, the time between ACD signature and its publication in the Land Register is often longer than the official 180 calendar days (BÂTIR N°004, 2022). Published ACD = published Land Title — same legal deed, two stages.
The Rural Land Agency (AFOR — Agence Foncière Rurale) is the public institution responsible for implementing rural land policy in Ivory Coast. It oversees land certification, registration of rural properties, and coordination of boundary demarcation and surveying operations.
Legal document drafted by a notary that formalizes the transfer of land ownership between a seller and a buyer. The notarized deed of sale is mandatory and confers authenticity on the transaction.
Legal entity that must be established with a minimum share capital of 2 million FCFA held by Ivorian nationals, holding an approval from the Minister responsible for Housing and a financial guarantee from a bank or insurance company.
The alienation price is the sum that the buyer must pay to the State to obtain the Definitive Concession (ACD — Arrêté de Concession Définitive) of urban land. Calculated by an ad hoc commission, it corresponds to the market value of the parcel according to the official schedule.