The DGUP falls under the authority of the Ministry of public works and Transport. Its mandate is to develop regulations and orchestrate urban planning. It defines urban master plan and issues building permits for municipalities that do not have a municipal council or an engineering department (this includes most of the municipalities in Lebanon except Beirut, Tripoli, Federation of Municipalities of Jbail, Keserouan and Mten).

The HCUP is presided by the DGUP and consists of the Director Generals of select ministries (Interior and Municipalities, Housing, Transports, Public work, Justice and Environment), representatives from several institutions (CDR), and urban planning specialists. It makes recommendations on urban planning projects and regulations, and large-scale development projects.

The CDR is a public institution established in 1977. It is directly linked to the Council of Ministers. The CDR is responsible for the planning and programming of reconstruction/rehabilitation projects in all sectors and across Lebanon. It is also mandated to develop a master plan for urban planning. Almost 85% of all funds earmarked for reconstruction transit through the CDR. It could replace all public institution to implement projects as necessary.

The Municipalities and Municipal Federations have many responsibilities (all that concern physical development in their territorial limits). They implement urban projects, follow up on cleanliness and public health issues, water works, public transport and tax collection. They may also request from the DGUP the definition of urban master plans and the municipalities have the necessary resources. Municipalities are also responsible for receiving applications for construction permits and issue permits.