What is the ISKAN certificate (building permit)
In Turkey, ISKAN refers to the “İskân Ruhsatı,” which is a building permit or occupancy permit issued by the local municipality. It is an official document that certifies that a building has been constructed by the approved architectural plans, regulations, and safety standards.
The ISKAN certificate, or building permit, is necessary for several important reasons, primarily related to ensuring safety, legality, and proper urban planning. Here are some key reasons why obtaining a certificate is essential:
- Safety: It ensures that the building has been constructed following the appropriate safety standards and regulations. It confirms that the building has been inspected by the relevant authorities and deemed safe for occupation. This is crucial to protect the well-being of the residents and to minimize the risk of accidents, collapses, or other structural issues.
- Compliance with Building Codes: The issuance of an iskan certificate signifies that the building has been constructed in compliance with local building codes and regulations. Building codes are in place to ensure that structures are built to withstand environmental conditions, such as earthquakes, floods, or strong winds. Compliance with these codes helps create more resilient and sustainable communities.
- Legality and Property Rights: Without an iskan certificate, a building may be considered illegal. This could lead to legal issues and penalties for the property owner. Additionally, in many cases, a property owner might need the iskan certificate to prove legal ownership or to conduct property-related transactions, such as selling or transferring ownership.
- Access to Utilities: The iskan certificate is often required to obtain utility connections for the building, such as water, electricity, and natural gas. Without this certificate, utility companies may refuse to provide essential services to the property.
- Urban Planning and Zoning: Iskan certificates play a role in urban planning and zoning regulations. They help ensure that buildings are constructed in designated areas and line with the city’s development plan. Proper urban planning is essential for the orderly growth of cities and to avoid overcrowding and other urban development issues.
- Insurance and Financing: Many insurance companies and financial institutions require an iskan certificate before providing insurance coverage or financing for a property. This is because the certificate serves as evidence of the building’s legality, safety, and compliance with building codes, reducing the risk for insurers and lenders.
The process for obtaining an iskan certificate can vary depending on the location and local regulations. Typically, the following steps might be involved:
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Completion of Construction: Ensure that the construction of the building is complete and meets the required standards for safety, structural integrity, and functionality.
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Application Submission: Submit an application for an iskan certificate to the local municipality. This application usually includes various documents such as architectural plans, structural engineering reports, utility connection information, and other necessary paperwork.
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Inspection: Municipal authorities will conduct an inspection of the building to verify its compliance with construction codes and regulations. This might involve checking the building’s structure, electrical and plumbing systems, fire safety measures, and other relevant aspects.
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Approval Process: Once the inspection is successful and the building is deemed compliant, the municipality will review the submitted documents and the inspection results. If everything is in order, they will approve the issuance of the iskan certificate.
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Issuance of Certificate: Upon approval, the municipality will issue the iskan certificate to the property owner. This certificate officially confirms that the building is legally fit for occupancy.
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Utilities Connection: In some cases, utility companies might require a copy of the iskan certificate before they provide services such as water, electricity, and gas to the property.
It is imperative to understand that a significant number of buildings in Turkey may lack the necessary permit. This is especially true for older constructions or informal settlements that may have failed to obtain the permit for various reasons. When considering purchasing a property, it is absolutely crucial to verify the validity of the ISKAN permit to ensure strict adherence to legal requirements, as well as to guarantee personal safety and peace of mind.
Overall, obtaining an ISKAN certificate is not only a legal requirement but also a critical step in ensuring the safety and legitimacy of a building. It provides peace of mind for property owners and occupants, contributes to organized urban development, and helps create safer and more sustainable communities.
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