On October 10, officials in Tan Lap Ward said they had inspected efforts to rectify violations at The Canopy restaurant and café complex on Vo Nguyen Giap Street.
The inspection followed complaints that construction work at the premises had damaged public greenery and irrigation equipment.
Authorities found that the business had damaged 50 square metres of grass and four irrigation sprinklers, disturbed another 80 square metres of lawn and planted 22 date palms and American palms on the pavement without approval.
The owner was ordered to repair the damage, restore the grass and return the affected pavement to its original condition.
On July 31, Tan Lap Ward authorities fined him VND 12.5 million for unauthorised tree planting.
More than two months later, the owner had paid the fine, but the 22 trees remained in place. Decorative water jars, flowers and other landscaping features had also been installed along the pavement.
The owner acknowledged that vehicles entering and leaving the construction site had damaged the grass and sprinklers. He said the irrigation system had been repaired and replacement grass had been ordered.
He also admitted planting the trees before obtaining permission, explaining that he wanted to provide shade while the existing roadside trees were still small.
He said he intended to relocate the palms once the original trees had grown larger.
On October 9, ward authorities agreed in principle to allow the business to renovate the pavement at its own expense, subject to an approved design.
Officials said the owner must coordinate with local authorities to ensure the proposed improvements meet urban landscaping, pavement use and traffic safety requirements.
They added that while private investment in urban beautification was encouraged, any changes to public spaces must comply with regulations.
