The requirement for permits for electric vehicle charging units in site and apartment parking lots has been abolished. Additionally, the installation of rainwater and greywater systems in newly built buildings of specific sizes has become mandatory.

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change made changes to the Planned Areas Zoning Regulation. Published in the Official Gazette, the Regulation Amending the Planned Areas Zoning Regulation prepared by the General Directorate of Professional Services includes updates on various topics ranging from rainwater and greywater use in buildings to Green Certificates, installation of charging units for electric vehicles, and barrier-free children’s playgrounds. Accordingly, as of January 1, 2026, the installation of rainwater and greywater systems will be mandatory in private and public buildings of certain sizes and types. Greywater (from showers, bathtubs, and hand-face washbasins) will be treated and used only in toilet cisterns. Greywater systems will be mandatory in accommodation facilities with more than 200 beds, shopping centers with a construction area larger than 10,000 square meters, and public buildings with a construction area larger than 30,000 square meters. This way, an average annual water saving of 4 million cubic meters will be achieved in buildings, aiming to save as much water as Lake Mogan with rainwater and greywater systems in 1.5 years. Green Certificate Requirement

With the update, starting from 2026, new public buildings with a total construction area exceeding 10,000 square meters will be required to have a Green Certificate (YeS-TR). This will result in an annual energy saving of approximately 600 million kilowatt-hours, equivalent to the energy produced by the Keban Dam in one month. The changes will lead to a reduction of 50 million kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 8 acres of forest area and a savings of 800 million TL. The use of recycled materials in Green Certificate buildings will prevent economic losses. Buildings will be constructed with environmentally labeled materials, reduced chemical and radiation emissions, ensuring more comfortable and healthier structures. According to the amendment, at least 4% of parking areas larger than 2,500 square meters must be designated for the use of disabled children. These areas will be designed not only for disabled children but also for all children to play together in the same area.

REVISIONS TO BUILDING PERMITS AND LICENSES

The presence of facilities such as electric vehicle charging units, solar energy systems, wind energy systems, and cogeneration will now be indicated in the Building Permit and Building Usage Permit Forms. This will allow title holders and potential buyers to know which systems are present in the building through documents to ensure that the relevant authorities can carry out inspections smoothly.

CHARGING UNIT REGULATIONS

The installation of charging units for electric vehicles in residential areas will be facilitated. Electrical installations required for charging units in site and apartment parking lots will not be subject to permits. The regulation will simplify processes such as project preparation and signing for the installation of electric vehicle charging units.

REGULATIONS REGARDING WIND TURBINES

New standards will be introduced in the regulation regarding the installation of wind turbines. The surface area covered by the concrete base carrying the wind turbine and the tower carrying the wind turbine’s rotor area will be calculated as the construction area, and the building permit fee will be determined by multiplying this area with the square meter unit price. Preparations will be made for a database to ensure that materials used in building construction and resulting wastes have minimum impact on the environment. Studies will be conducted for Building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

The carbon footprint of buildings’ life cycles will be calculated and restricted, and the data related to building life cycles will be digitally transferred. Management and visualization of three-dimensional building models will be ensured, allowing permit and approval processes to be carried out digitally.

STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTRY

Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum shared on his social media account regarding the regulation, stating: “We have taken a new, powerful step towards a greener environment to further facilitate the lives of our citizens. Our ‘Planned Areas Zoning Regulation’ published in the Official Gazette will prioritize recycling and environmentally friendly practices in public buildings, contributing significantly to our 2053 Net Zero Emissions and Green Transformation goals.”