The requirement of a permit for electric vehicle charging units in site and apartment parking lots has been eliminated. Additionally, the installation of rainwater and greywater systems in new buildings of certain 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 on Amendments to the Planned Areas Zoning Regulation prepared by the Directorate of Professional Services includes updates on various topics such as rainwater and greywater use in buildings, installation of charging units for electric vehicles, and barrier-free children’s play areas. Accordingly, after January 1, 2026, the installation of rainwater and greywater systems in private and public buildings of certain sizes and types will be compulsory. Greywater (coming from showers, baths, and hand-face washing sinks) will be treated and used only in toilet reservoirs. 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 in buildings is aimed to be achieved, saving water equivalent to Mogan Lake within one and a half years. GREEN CERTIFICATE MANDATORY With the update, new public buildings constructed after 2026 with a total construction area exceeding 10,000 square meters must obtain a Green Certificate (YeS-TR). This will lead to an energy saving of approximately 600 million kilowatt-hours per year, equivalent to the energy produced by the Keban Dam in a month. The changes will also result in 50 million kilograms of greenhouse gas reduction equivalent to 8 hectares of forest area and a savings of 800 million TL. Buildings with a Green Certificate will prevent economic losses with the use of recyclable materials. The use of environment-labeled, low-chemical and low-radiation emitting materials will lead to the construction of more comfortable and healthier buildings. According to the modifications, at least 4% of parking areas larger than 2,500 square meters must be made available for use by disabled children. These areas will be designed to allow both disabled and non-disabled children to play together. REVISION OF BUILDING PERMITS AND LICENSES The Building Permit and Building Usage Permit Forms will now include information on whether facilities such as electric vehicle charging units, solar energy systems, wind energy systems, and cogeneration systems are present. This way, apartment owners and potential buyers will be informed about the systems in the building through documents, ensuring that the inspections by relevant authorities are not disrupted. CHARGING UNIT REGULATIONS Installation of charging units for electric vehicles in residential areas will be facilitated. The electrical installation required for the installation of charging units in site and apartment parking lots will not be subject to a permit. The regulation will simplify processes like project submissions and signatures for the installation of electric vehicle charging units. PRINCIPLES REGARDING WIND TURBINES The regulation will introduce new standards for the installation of wind turbines. The total area covered by the concrete base carrying the wind vane and the wind direction vane will be calculated as the construction area, and the building permit fee will be determined by multiplying this area with the square meter unit cost. A database will be prepared for using materials in building construction and generating waste with minimal environmental impact. Studies will be conducted for Building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Carbon footprint of a building’s life cycle will be calculated and limited. Data related to building life cycle will be digitally transferred. Three-dimensional building models will be visualized and managed, allowing permit and approval processes to be carried out in a digital environment. SHARING FROM THE MINISTRY Murat Kurum, the Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, shared the following on his social media account regarding the regulation: “We have taken a new, strong step towards making our citizens’ lives easier with a goal of a greener environment. Our ‘Planned Areas Zoning Regulation’ published in the Official Gazette will prioritize recycling, environmentally friendly savings in public buildings, and make a significant contribution to our goal of Net Zero Emissions and Green Transformation by 2053.”