Turkey's Environment Ministry drafts sweeping building renovation rules

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change has prepared a draft regulation that would require the written consent of all co‑owners for non‑licensed alterations such as glass balconies, pergolas and bay windows. The draft also seeks to ease permit requirements for roof‑terrace glazing that covers less than 40 % of the area and for large‑scale renovations of older buildings, provided they do not violate fire, earthquake or energy‑efficiency standards. Additional provisions would exempt certain changes in shopping‑mall units from permits if they do not affect fire safety, common areas or total construction area.

Experts warn that without the required co‑owner approval, owners of glass balconies or PVC claddings could face demolition orders and administrative fines. Engineer Cevdet Şentürk notes that such alterations affect the building’s façade and structural load, and that non‑compliant work may be ordered to be removed at the owner's expense.