Azerbaijan official clarifies illegal construction and land use restrictions

Mətin Eynullayev, head of the State Service on Property Issues under the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, has clarified that certain types of construction cannot be legally documented.

According to Eynullayev, illegal construction is identified by building on unauthorized lands. Prohibited categories include agricultural, forest, water fund, and specially protected lands. While limited agricultural structures are permitted on land exceeding 5 hectares—provided the construction area does not exceed 1% of the total plot—residential buildings are strictly forbidden in these zones.

Additionally, construction is prohibited within the protection zones of engineering communication infrastructure. This includes areas occupied by collectors, water and sewage lines, high-voltage electricity lines, communication lines, and oil or gas pipelines. Eynullayev noted that these restrictions are necessary to ensure maintenance access for utility providers and to prevent significant risks to human life, health, and property.