Although prefabricated houses are known as "lightweight construction", the existing Zoning LawAccording to the Turkish Civil Code, most of the time, just like reinforced concrete structures, they must be licensed and approved.
"Do I need a license to build a prefabricated house?" is one of the most frequently asked and most misunderstood questions in this field. In this article, As of 2025, according to the current legislation in Turkey We explain the license and zoning processes of prefabricated houses step by step.
1️⃣ Can Prefabricated Houses be Built without a License?
❌ Short answer: NO.
If the prefabricated structures are not temporary, will be inhabited and exceed a certain square meter, you have to get a license from the municipality.
Related Law:
📌 Zoning Law No. 3194
📌 Building License Regulation
According to these regulations, even if it is portable:
"All structures that allow human habitation are subject to a license."
So it's a prefabricated house:
✅ If it has living space
✅ If it is built on a foundation
✅ If it will be connected to electricity and water installation
... are necessarily subject to a license.
2️⃣ How Should Land Zoning Status Be?
The land where you will build a prefabricated house open for residential development land must be a "field". It is not enough for the land to be a "field", "vineyard", "vineyard house", "olive grove", etc.
What You Need to Check:
✅ Does the land title deed say "land"?
✅ Is the area open for construction in the zoning plan?
✅ What is the precedent (construction area right) value?
✅ Are the TAKS / KAKS ratios appropriate?
You should go to the municipality's zoning unit and request a "zoning diameter" and "zoning status certificate".
3️⃣ Prefabricated House License Process Step by Step
🧾 A. Pre-Application Preparations
Land title deed and zoning status are obtained
Application sketch is obtained from the map engineer
Ground survey is performed (if necessary)
Project is drawn with architect and civil engineer
🏢 B. License Application to the Municipality
Apply to the municipality with the following documents:
📄 Photocopy of title deed and identity card
📄 Zoning diameter
📄 Architectural project
📄 Static project
📄 Electrical and mechanical installation projects
📄 Ground investigation report
📄 Map application certificate
📄 Tax and fee payment receipts
📄 Contractor's certificate (if an external company will install it)
🏗️ C. License Approval and Construction Process
After the license is issued:
✅ Construction site is set up
✅ Prefabricated manufacturer starts assembly
✅ Construction notification is made to the municipality
Construction phases are supervised
📜 D. Occupancy Permit (Settlement)
After the house was completed:
📄 Certificate of occupancy is obtained
📄 Infrastructure connections such as electricity, water, internet can be made legally
📄 Address registration is provided
4️⃣ Risks of Building a Prefabricated House without a License
Some people build prefabricated structures without a license, thinking "it can be moved anyway, nothing will happen". However, this too big a risk overflowing:
⚠️ In case of municipal detection:
→ Demolition order removable
→ Administrative fine cut off
→ Electricity and water subscriptions cannot be made
Moreover, if your land is subject to a loan or if you want to sell it, unlicensed construction is a serious obstacle.
5️⃣ Most Common Mistakes in Prefabricated Houses
Building an unauthorized structure in the field
❌ Building a house without a project or license
❌ Petitioning the municipality for a "vineyard house" and building a large structure
❌ Drawing a 150 m² plan and making it 200 m²
❌ Starting work without making a contract with the company
Solution:
✅ Get architect and legal advice
Never build the project without approval
✅ The whole process must be documented and official
6️⃣ What's New in 2025 and Digital Application Process
By 2025, many municipalities will have e-government and E-Zoning systems to accept license applications digitally. This is also
Speeds up the process
✅ Reduces the risk of lost documents
✅ Makes tracking easier
7️⃣ Advantages of Prefabricated Houses with License
✅ Easy to get electricity, water, natural gas subscriptions
✅ Credit eligibility is ensured
✅ Official address and title deed integration
✅ No demolition, no threat of fines from the municipality
✅ The building gains value in the future
8️⃣ Which Prefabricated Buildings Are Not Subject to License?
In some special cases, a license may not be required:
✅ Mobile structures under 30 m², without foundation
✅ Temporary structures such as construction site containers and guard shacks
✅ "Vineyard house" type sheds in certain agricultural areas (with certificate condition)
But still relevant written application to the special provincial administration or municipality should be consulted.
Conclusion Licensed Prefabricated House = Safe Investment
The first and most basic step in ensuring the legal security of a prefabricated house: licensed and approved by the municipality is to carry out a process. Building without a license will not only expose you to fines and demolition, but also to serious material losses can also drag you down.
✅ Find out the land zoning status
✅ Have an architect draw the project
✅ Get approval from the municipality
Work with an authorized manufacturer
✅ Document the process from start to finish
When you provide these, your prefabricated house investment will turn into a long-lasting, legal and comfortable living space.
