Do you need a permit for renovation? Simple vs substantial renovation
Simple repair and renovation work that does not affect the load-bearing system, such as joint repointing, plaster, paint, whitewash, gutters, joinery, floor and ceiling coverings, electrical and sanitary plumbing repair, roof repair and re-laying tiles, does not require a permit. A permit is required for substantial renovation that changes the load-bearing system, building area, number of independent units, common areas or intended use.
Last updated: · Home renovation
Work that can be done without a permit
According to the list quoted from the last sentence of Article 21 of the Zoning Law (İmar Kanunu), joint repointing, interior and exterior plaster, paint, whitewash, gutters, joinery, floor and ceiling coverings, electrical and sanitary plumbing repairs, roof repair and re-laying tiles, and other repairs that do not affect the load-bearing system are not subject to a permit.
The Planned Areas Zoning Regulation (Official Gazette 03.07.2017) describes simple repair and renovation as work that is not substantial renovation and does not change the load-bearing system, the external appearance of the independent unit, or the location and number of wet areas. The relevant article of the regulation also places partition walls, railings, pergolas, gazebos and sliding glass balconies outside the scope of the permit.
What does substantial renovation change?
Substantial renovation means work that changes a load-bearing element, the building's construction area, the floor-area-ratio area, the footprint, the number of independent units, the common or independent unit areas, the intended use or the approved project. A permit is mandatory for such work.
Grey areas
Sources classify differently for work such as adding a second bathroom or WC, incorporating a recessed balcony into a room, or merging apartments; there are also Council of State (Danıştay) rulings that treated some of these as simple. For such work, consulting the municipal zoning department in writing is the safest route.
The regulation text also changes over time (amendments in 2022 and 2026 are mentioned). This page is based on the 2017 text and secondary sources; verify the current version with the municipality.
Things to remember even when no permit is needed
- In apartment buildings, Condominium Law consents are separately required for work touching common areas
- For registered (listed) buildings, a conservation board permit is separately required
- For building inspection and load-bearing system changes, an engineer's responsibility is required
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit needed to renovate a bathroom?
According to sources, renewing an existing wet area in the same place falls under simple renovation. Adding a new wet area or moving it may be considered substantial renovation.
Is permission needed for roof repair?
Roof repair and re-laying tiles are permit-free. A renewal that changes the roof form and load-bearing system is assessed separately.
Demolishing an interior wall?
Non-load-bearing walls are, as a rule, considered simple renovation; a structural check is needed first.
Sources (Turkish-language originals)
- Hukukçuların Evi: Basit tamir, tadil ve esaslı tadilat (İmar Kanunu m.21, Planlı Alanlar İmar Yönetmeliği)
- Hukuki Haber: Ruhsat gerektirmeyen basit tadilatlar ve esaslı tadilatlar
Areas we serve
This article is general information only; a precise diagnosis and the scope of work are determined on site.