The Armenian National Assembly today rejected a bill calling for the dismantling of all structure on state or community land built before obtaining a construction permit.

The nine My Step faction MPs who introduced the bill argue that, in the past, the accepted policy was for individuals and companies to build without a permit and then to file for the legalization of such structures with the local authorities.

The MPs say that the legalization of unauthorized structure is faster and more affordable than obtaining a legal construction permit and thus more attractive to developers.

My Step MP Vahagn Hovakimyan, a member of the Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs, said the bill would only create more confusion from a legal standpoint.

Hovakimyan said the government is working on a comprehensive package to  solve the problem.

Only 37 MPs voted for the bill, less than the required number needed to pass.