Analyzing the Impact of Laws and Regulations on the Urban Planning Process with a Focus on the Regeneration of Deteriorated Urban Fabrics (Case Study: Qazvin City)

A considerable share of dysfunctions in the social, economic, physical–functional, and decision-making systems of deteriorated urban fabrics in many countries, including Iran, originates from the absence, weakness, or inadequacy of laws and regulations. These instruments, designed to guide legislators and urban decision-makers in controlling development, promoting social justice, and ensuring a safe and livable environment, often fail to achieve their intended goals due to shortcomings, contradictions, or conflicting objectives. Qazvin, chosen as the case study for this research, is one of Iran’s historic cities and a pioneer in urban planning. Nevertheless, its deteriorated urban fabric is of particular importance given its scale, proximity to heritage assets and valuable urban spaces, and the severity of its physical and social challenges. This study examines the existing laws and regulations, their impacts on physical–functional, socio-cultural, economic, decision-making, and environmental–natural systems, and evaluates their influence on the regeneration of Qazvin’s deteriorated urban fabric. The research pursues two main objectives: (1) to address or mitigate problems arising from the enactment or implementation of relevant laws and regulations, and (2) to identify potential solutions to enhance their effectiveness. To achieve this, impact analysis techniques were employed alongside the Delphi method to propose strategies for improvement. Findings highlight the crucial role of laws and regulations in urban regeneration. Drafting such frameworks requires a comprehensive, multidimensional approach grounded in the needs of residents. Success depends on active community participation, the application of appropriate analytical tools, and collective decision-making to address the intertwined physical, social, economic, and environmental dysfunctions of deteriorated areas.