New Construction Regulations: Mandatory Approval for Balcony Glass and Pergolas

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has prepared a comprehensive draft regulation covering unlicensed renovations aimed at preserving the building stock and ensuring life safety. This new regulation, poised to end debates over architectural integrity in the sector, makes the written consent of all co-owners mandatory for applications such as balcony glazing and pergolas.

Co-Owners Gain Veto Power on Common Areas

The most striking aspect of the draft changes the approval mechanism for activities that do not require a building license. Accordingly, individual decision-making authority is restricted for the construction of retractable glass systems on balconies, pergolas, and gazebos.

■It is mandatory to perform similar applications in each independent section for simple repairs and renovations in houses.

■A letter of consent demonstrating the individual consent of all co-owners is required for balcony glass panel, railing, and pergola applications.

■The preservation of visual and structural integrity and the use of materials suitable for life safety are made compulsory.

40% Flexibility for Roof Terraces

The regulation does not only impose restrictions but also offers certain facilities for terraces on roof floors. New limits have been set for large-scale repair and renovation works of existing structures.

■Installing fixed or retractable glass panels on the edges, provided it does not exceed 40% of the roof area, will not be subject to a license.

■Non-compliance with regulations on fire, earthquake, and energy efficiency in large-scale renovations will not be accepted.

■Compliance with the zoning plan and the legislation at the date of the license will be taken as a basis, but a license will still be required for additional renovations.

This regulation subjects renovation activities in the real estate market to a bureaucratic process, potentially leading to increased disputes, especially in multi-story buildings. While it is expected to have a contractionary effect on construction material demand in the short term, it holds the potential to increase the quality of the building stock in the long run.