General Process: What Are the Steps?
| Step | Action | Duration | Who Handles It |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obtaining the zoning status document | 1-3 days | Municipality |
| 2 | Soil survey (geotechnical drilling) | 3-7 days | Soil Lab |
| 3 | Architectural + structural project preparation | 1-2 weeks | MefSteel Eng. |
| 4 | Permit file submitted to municipality | 1 day | Designer/Owner |
| 5 | Municipal review and approval | 12-16 weeks | Municipality |
| 6 | Construction + progress inspections | Throughout construction | Municipality |
| 7 | Occupancy certificate (building use permit) | 1-2 weeks | Municipality |
Step 1: Zoning Status Document
First and foremost, find out the zoning status of your plot. The zoning status document is obtained from the municipality's zoning department; a copy of the title deed is sufficient.
Check the following in the zoning status:
- Intended use: If it says "residential zone," a permit can be obtained
- Lot coverage / floor area ratio (TAKS/KAKS): What percentage of the plot and how many floors can be built
- Setback distances: Minimum distance to neighboring parcels and roads
- Front facade: The side on which the building will be positioned
Residential permits are not issued on unzoned agricultural land — this applies to light steel too. On such land, only agricultural-purpose structures (storage, greenhouse, barn) may receive permits. Always check the zoning status before purchasing land.
Step 2: Soil Survey
The soil survey establishes the bearing capacity and geological characteristics of the ground the structure will sit on. It has been mandatory for all structures since 2007; the project cannot be approved without it in the permit file.
A soil laboratory or geotechnical engineering firm is engaged for the soil survey. In and around Tekirdağ, the cost generally ranges between 5,000 – 15,000 TL. The price increases with drilling depth and number of test points.
Because light steel structures are very lightweight, the soil report is usually simpler; this also translates to cost savings.
Step 3: Architectural and Structural Project
Once the soil survey results are in hand, architectural and engineering projects are prepared. Documents that must be included in the permit file for light steel:
- Architectural project: Site plan, floor plans, sections, elevations
- Structural project: Reinforced concrete foundation + light steel frame calculations
- Structural calculation report: Compliant with the 2026 Light Steel Building Regulation + TBDY 2018
- Soil survey report
- Electrical and mechanical installation projects (if turnkey)
The 2026 Light Steel Building Regulation, which will become mandatory on January 1, 2027, requires the structural calculation report to document TBDY 2018 seismic loads and profile inspection items. MefSteel prepares this compliant report for every project.
Steps 4 and 5: Permit Application and Approval
Once all documents are complete, the permit file is submitted to the municipality's building inspection unit. The file typically contains the following:
- Copy of the title deed
- Zoning status document
- Architectural project (signed and sealed)
- Structural project and calculation report
- Soil survey report
- Installation projects
- Designer's letter of undertaking
- Relevant fee and charge receipts
The municipality reviews the file, returns it if anything is missing, and approves it if complete. Approval time varies between 12-16 weeks depending on the district; applying early matters a great deal.
Step 6: Construction Process and Progress Inspections
Construction can begin once the permit is obtained. The municipality makes inspection visits to the site — these are called "progress inspections":
- 1st Inspection: Formwork and rebar check before foundation concrete is poured
- 2nd Inspection: After the foundation is completed, before moving to the superstructure
- 3rd Inspection: After the steel frame is completed
- Final inspection: Full building check before the occupancy application
Applications to the municipality for inspections are made in advance. The engineer running your MefSteel project tracks the inspection appointments on your behalf.
Step 7: Occupancy Certificate (Building Use Permit)
Once construction is complete, the municipality is petitioned for the occupancy certificate. A building without an occupancy certificate is technically considered "unusable"; problems arise with electricity and water connections, condominium title deeds, and sale transactions.
For occupancy, the municipality performs one final inspection. If the project matches what was built, the certificate is issued. The process is usually completed within 1-2 weeks.
In MefSteel's turnkey projects, preparing the architectural + structural project, building the permit file, and following up with the municipality are part of the service. You provide the land, and we'll handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a light steel home be built without a permit?
Technically it can be done, but it carries major risk. Unpermitted construction can be sealed by the municipality or face a demolition order. In addition, electricity and water connections cannot be made, and title deed transactions cannot proceed. What looks like short-term cost savings leads to major losses in the long run.
How much do permit costs run?
Municipal fees are calculated based on the building's m² value. For a 150 m² home, total fees generally range between 15,000 – 40,000 TL. Project designer fees and soil survey costs are added on top of this.
Is there a separate permit category for light steel?
No. Light steel structures are subject to the standard building permit process. The difference is that the structural calculation report must be prepared in compliance with the 2026 Light Steel Building Regulation and TBDY 2018.
How is a permit obtained for land within village boundaries?
Parcels within a village settlement area require application to the provincial special administration with the approval of the village headman. The process differs for village structures outside municipal boundaries; check local regulations before applying.