Urbanization and construction processes in Turkey are constantly being updated in line with the needs of society and modern living conditions. On August 13, 2025, the “Regulation Amending the Urban Planning Regulation for Planned Areas” was published in the Official Newspaper, introducing important innovations and simplifications in construction. In this article, we will examine the main provisions of the new regulation and its effects on our lives in detail.
UnPrecedential Areas in Residential Plots: Childcare and Family Health Centers
One of the most notable points of the new regulation is that areas designated for child care and family health centers in residential plots will not be considered as precedent. What does this mean?
“ Non-precedential” means that these types of areas are not included in zoning calculations, i.e., they do not contribute to the density of development.
This is a very important step forward, particularly in terms of meeting social infrastructure needs in urban areas. Social services such as daycare and family health centers, will be encouraged in housing projects.
In addition, an important step has been taken in terms of accessibility: whereas the previous regulation only referred to “persons with disabilities,” the new regulation expands this term to “persons with disabilities and the elderly.” This ensures that the needs of our elderly citizens are also taken into consideration in their living spaces.
Residential Flexibility with Bed Niches
In small residential units, especially studio and open-plan apartments, the requirement for a separate bedroom has been expanded. The regulation states that if there is a sleeping niche within the living room that is at least 2.50 m long and 9 m² in size, it can be considered a bedroom in up to 20% of the independent sections of the parcel.
This innovation will allow for increased flexibility and comfort in residential design, especially for those living in small spaces.
New Generation Parks: Ready, Safe, Functional
Parks will no longer be just green zones; they will now be transformed into multifunctional spaces such as public health facilities, helicopter landing spots, and running and walking trails.
- In park areas of 5,000 m² and above, small public health facilities, helicopter landing spots, and running and walking tracks can be built with a floor area of 250 m², a construction area of 500 m², two stories, and a height limit of 7.5 m.
- Parks ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 square meters will be able to accommodate smaller-scale healthcare facilities.
The views of the City Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate, the City Health Directorate, and the General Directorate of Civil Aviation were required for the construction of these facilities. The aim is to create parks that are prepared for disasters and have a strong healthcare infrastructure.
Childcare and Health Center Requirement for Large Scale Projects
According to the new regulation:
- Childcare facilities are now mandatory in residential projects with an area of 15,000 m² and more than 150 independent units.
- In mixed-use projects (residential + commercial) with an area of 25,000 m² and 250 independent units or more, a family health center is now required.
These requirements are crucial in ensuring that social amenities are available in residential spaces and that public health is protected. However, they can be flexed in public housing.
Ease of Precedence for Social Amenities: Common Areas Are Being Redefined
In common areas, 75 m² of childcare centers, 60 m² of family health centers, and half of the additional areas added for every 500 residences will be considered exempt from the building precedent.
This regulation promotes the increase of social amenities while preventing an increase in building density, ensuring a balanced urban development.
A New Era in Renovation: Small Changes Are Now Easier
In existing buildings, renovations that do not modify the external contours of the structure, the construction area, or the intended use, and that are compatible with the load-bearing system and fire safety requirements, will not be subject to abiding by the zoning plan. This will enable minor renovations to be carried out more quickly and easily.
Result: A More Flexible, More Social, and More Ready Housing Model
The amendments to the regulations dated August 13, 2025, both make the construction processes more flexible and focus on the health and social needs of society. While the spread of such services is encouraged with childcare and family health centers that are excluded from the regulations, our cities are made more resilient with disaster-prepared parks and social areas.
These new regulations improve the quality of urban life while also ensuring the creation of accessible and inclusive spaces. In Turkey’s rapidly growing cities, such innovations offer important opportunities for both citizens and local governments.
