A decree issued by Russian Emperor Peter the First in September 1715, emphasizing strict adherence to urban planning regulations for house construction in St. Petersburg, has been verified as authentic by historians in St. Petersburg. The document, discovered in the Central State Historical Archive of St. Petersburg (TsGIA), mandates that all residents construct buildings in accordance with approved designs.

Violators of the decree would face a fine of 10 rubles, with the collected funds earmarked for the construction of a hospital. Historians believe this refers to the hospital complex on the Vyborg side, which later evolved into the Military Medical Academy.

The decree, written on paper with a Dutch watermark, bears the signature of Tsar Peter the First. The signature is consistent with known samples of his handwriting from that period, before he adopted the title of emperor.

The decree stipulates that residents must consult with the appointed Ober-Commissar in charge of construction, Prince Cherkassky, to obtain approved drawings before commencing any building work.