Turkey drafts stricter rules for apartment renovations requiring neighbour consent

The Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has prepared a draft regulation that revises standards for repairs and renovations in apartment blocks. Simple maintenance works may continue if they match existing building practices and use safety‑approved materials, but any alteration that changes the façade or shared‑area architecture will require written consent from all co‑owners. The regulation lists specific interventions – such as installing or removing glass balcony systems, building verandas or summerrooms, and adding or renewing railings – that now need a formal neighbour approval.

For larger renovation projects the draft keeps the existing permitting process, allowing works that comply with fire, earthquake and energy‑efficiency rules to proceed under the building code in force at the time of the original construction. However, extensions that increase floor area or alter the building’s footprint will need a new construction permit. A notable concession is the removal of the permit requirement for roof terraces covering up to 40% of the roof area when they are enclosed with fixed or operable glass panels.