Where and How to Get a Zoning Status (Çap) Certificate?
The official way to find out what can be built on a plot of land is to obtain a zoning status (çap) certificate (imar durumu belgesi, colloquially known as çap or imar çapı). In this guide we explain step by step what a zoning status certificate is, where and with which documents it is obtained, and what information it contains.
What Is a Zoning Status (Çap) Certificate?
A zoning status certificate is the official document showing a parcel's development conditions under the zoning plan in force. It typically includes:
- The parcel's land-use designation (residential, commercial, industrial, green space, etc.),
- The FAR (KAKS) [floor-area ratio], maximum building height (Yençok) and building coverage ratio (TAKS) values,
- The building setback distances (çekme mesafesi),
- The road width and the parcel's road frontage situation,
- Any special plan notes and restrictions, if applicable.
Where Is a Zoning Status Certificate Obtained?
A zoning status certificate is obtained from the Zoning and Urban Planning Directorate of the district municipality to which the parcel belongs. For parcels in the Arnavutköy/Yenişehir area, the application is made to the relevant municipality. There are three main channels:
| Channel | Description |
|---|---|
| Municipality (in person) | Application by petition to the Zoning Directorate; an official wet-signed certificate is issued. |
| e-Municipality / e-İmar | Some municipalities offer online application and a digital certificate. |
| e-Devlet (e-Government) | Some query services are provided via e-Devlet (varies by municipality). |
Required Documents
- A copy of the title deed (tapu) and the block/parcel number,
- An application petition,
- The identity document of the owner or their representative (a notarized power of attorney if applying by proxy),
- The fee/charge set by the municipality.
Step-by-Step Application
- Identify the parcel's block/parcel number and the municipality it belongs to.
- Apply to the municipality's Zoning Directorate or through the online portal.
- Submit the required documents and the petition, and pay the fee.
- Collect the prepared zoning status certificate and check the FAR (KAKS)/Yençok/TAKS values.
If you would like preliminary information before obtaining the official certificate, you can quickly view your parcel's land-use designation and development values in the zoning plan by entering the block/parcel numbers on e-yenişehir.
Query your parcel now →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a zoning status (çap) certificate?
It is the official document showing a parcel's development conditions under the zoning plan in force. It includes the land-use designation, the FAR (KAKS), Yençok and TAKS values, the setback distances and the road situation.
Where is a zoning status certificate obtained?
It is obtained from the Zoning and Urban Planning Directorate of the district municipality to which the parcel belongs. Many municipalities also offer this service via e-Devlet or their own e-municipality/e-imar portal.
Which documents are required to get a zoning status certificate?
A copy of the title deed, the block/parcel number, an application petition and the identity document of the owner/representative are required. A notarized power of attorney is requested for applications by proxy; the municipality may collect a fee.
Does a zoning status certificate have a validity period?
It is generally considered valid for a certain period (for example, 1 year); the period varies by municipality. If the zoning plan changes, the certificate may become outdated.