Architecture Term

Occupancy Permit (İskân)

In Turkey, the permit issued by the municipality or governorship once a building is complete, after confirming that it was built in line with its permit and annexes and that it is technically safe to use; commonly called iskân (Zoning Law, Article 30). By law, the authority must conclude the owner's application within thirty days at the latest.

Also available in:Türkçe (Yapı Kullanma İzni (İskân))·رخصة إشغال المبنى (İskân)

Why it matters

Under Article 31 of Turkey's Zoning Law, buildings for which no occupancy permit has been issued or obtained are not supplied with electricity, water and sewage services until it is obtained; units that have received an occupancy permit do receive them[1]. Under Article 3 of the Condominium Law, a floor easement is converted into floor ownership on the basis of the occupancy permit issued for the whole building[2]. So without iskân, the flats cannot be converted to condominium ownership at the land registry.

Application and time limit

Under Article 30, when a building is fully complete, or the parts that can be used are complete, an occupancy permit must be obtained from the authority that issued the permit. On the owner's application it must be established that the building conforms to the permit and its annexes and that there is no technical objection to its use. The authority must conclude the application within thirty days at most[1]. The permit does not release the owner from liability for non-compliance with the law and the permit[1].

What delays iskân

Changes that depart from the approved project cause problems at the iskân inspection; any change to a permitted building already needs a new permit (Zoning Law, Art. 21). If a retaining wall is required on the parcel, no occupancy permit is issued for the building until the wall is complete (Planned Areas Zoning Regulation, Art. 60)[3]. For the process see our article on how to obtain iskân.

Frequently asked questions

When is an occupancy permit (iskân) obtained?

Under Article 30 of the Zoning Law, when a building is fully complete, or its usable parts are complete, an occupancy permit must be obtained from the authority that issued the permit.

How long does iskân take?

Under Article 30, municipalities and governorships must conclude the owner's application within thirty days at most.

Can a building without iskân get electricity and water?

No. Under Article 31 of the Zoning Law, buildings without an occupancy permit are not supplied with electricity, water and sewage services until it is obtained.

Sources

  1. Zoning Law (İmar Kanunu, No. 3194), Articles 21, 30 and 31 (occupancy permit, time limit, utility connection)
  2. Condominium Law (No. 634), Article 3 (conversion from floor easement to floor ownership)
  3. Planned Areas Zoning Regulation (Planlı Alanlar İmar Yönetmeliği), Article 60 (retaining walls)

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