What is a Building Permit?

A building permit is an official authorization required to begin construction of a building. It is issued by the municipality or relevant authority upon approval of the construction project and ensures that construction is carried out in accordance with specific regulations.

Building permits are issued in accordance with the provisions of the zoning plan and regulations, and the regulations regarding the layout, shape, and dimensions of buildings are specified in the plan and regulations. Metropolitan Municipalities issue regulations such as the Metropolitan Municipality Zoning Regulation in accordance with their local conditions. Substantial changes to the building and changes affecting its load-bearing elements are subject to a permit, and an additional permit may be required. Building permits are issued by municipalities within their boundaries and adjacent areas, and by governorships outside these areas.

Building permits are mandatory for all structures covered by the Zoning Law No. 3194, issued by the municipality or governorship. Exceptions include structures of a confidential nature related to state security and safety, and those belonging to the Turkish Armed Forces and their defense. According to the law, repairs to joints, interior or exterior plaster, paint, whitewash, gutters, downpipes, joinery, flooring and ceiling coverings, electrical and plumbing repairs, roof repairs and tile replacement, and other alterations and repairs that do not affect the load-bearing structure, as specified in the zoning regulations prepared by the municipalities according to the characteristics of the locality, are exempt from building permit requirements.

Licensing Requirements

To obtain a building permit, an application must be submitted to the municipality or governor's office. The application must include the title deed, architectural project, structural project, electrical and plumbing projects, drawings and calculations, and a surveyed or, if unavailable, a scaled sketch. If there are no deficiencies, the building permit will be issued within 30 days of the application date. If deficiencies are found, the applicant will be notified in writing. The building permit will be issued 15 days after these deficiencies are rectified.

License Period

Construction must begin within two years of the permit being issued. If construction begins but is not completed within five years (including the commencement period), the permit becomes invalid, and a new permit must be obtained.

No additional fees are charged during license renewal and plan amendment. Furthermore, if there is an increase in the construction area, or a change in the gross area or nature of the independent units, the previously paid fee will be deducted from the recalculated fee. However, if the newly calculated fee amount decreases, no fee refund will be given.

If the requirement to obtain a permit is not met, the competent authorities will prepare a building inspection report and construction will be stopped. If the zoning violations are not rectified within the given time, a decision will be made to demolish the building. Even after the building is constructed and put into use, if major renovations are made, a renovation permit must be obtained. These renovations may include, for example, demolishing a wall inside the building, replacing the roof, or adding an extension to the building.

A renovation permit is obtained when the building owner applies to the municipality with a project detailing the changes they wish to make. The municipality reviews the project and, if deemed appropriate, issues the renovation permit. During the renovation process, it is crucial not to deviate from the changes specified in the permit. Otherwise, the renovation permit may be deemed invalid, and the building owner may face legal consequences.