Under the amendment to the Coastal Law regulation, in built-up areas with a zoning plan approved before 17 April 1990, the shoreline strip width in the plan will apply.
The amendment that the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change made to the Regulation on the Implementation of the Coastal Law entered into force with its publication in the Official Gazette of 24 January 2026. The regulation changes which date's zoning plan is to be taken as the basis for construction in the shoreline strip, and it directly concerns landowners and homeowners in coastal settlements such as Akçay, Altınoluk, Güre, Zeytinli and Burhaniye.
What changed?
The date "11 July 1992" in the definition of "partial development" and in Article 16 on the shoreline strip in the regulation was changed to "17 April 1990". The relevant paragraph of Article 16 was also rewritten. According to the new text:
- In urban and rural settlements with an implementation zoning plan approved before 17 April 1990,
- In tourism-purpose areas within tourism centres and areas, and in urban and rural settlements within these centres,
- Where there is partial or full development, the shoreline strip in the approved zoning plan applies.
If these conditions are not met, the shoreline strip is determined under the general rule in the same article of the regulation.
The amendment also updated the definition of "Ministry" in the regulation to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change.
Why does it matter?
The width of the shoreline strip is one of the basic measures that determine where and how much can be built on parcels close to the coast. Moving the reference date from 1992 back to 1990 narrows the scope of the plans that can benefit from the "previously approved plan" exception: plans approved between 17 April 1990 and 11 July 1992 are no longer within the scope of this exception.
Who should take note?
- Those buying land near the coast: They should confirm the approval date of the zoning plan for the area where the parcel is located and the coastal edge line with the municipality or the e-zoning system.
- Those planning to rebuild or renovate: At the permit stage, the rule by which the shoreline strip is determined may change the project's capacity.
- Sellers: Verifying the building rights stated in the listing against current legislation prevents disputes after the sale.
Because the approval dates of zoning plans in the Edremit Gulf differ from one settlement to another, the soundest way is to look at municipal records parcel by parcel rather than at a single general rule.
The amendment entered into force on its publication date. For definitive information on the coast and shoreline strip, you can apply to the zoning unit of the municipality to which the parcel belongs and to the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change.
Which documents should be checked before buying?
- The zoning status certificate and plan notes to be obtained from the municipality,
- The approval date of the implementation zoning plan in the area where the parcel is located,
- The position of the approved coastal edge line relative to the parcel,
- If there is an existing building, the building permit and the occupancy permit.
The regulation also updated the name of the provincial directorates to "provincial directorates of environment, urbanisation and climate change."
