Skip to main content
Zoning

Master Zoning Plan

A 1:5,000 or 1:25,000 scale upper-tier zoning plan that defines land use decisions, transport systems and densities for a settlement in broad terms.

A master zoning plan (Turkish: *nazım imar planı*) is the upper-tier zoning plan under art. 8/b of Zoning Law 3194 that sets general-framework decisions for a settlement. Typical scale is 1:5,000; metropolitan cities also prepare 1:25,000 master plans (e.g. İstanbul's 1:100,000 Environmental Master Plan → 1:25,000 Master Zoning Plan → 1:5,000 District Master Plans).

Content: The master plan makes area-level (not parcel-level) decisions — land use designations (residential, commercial, industrial, tourism, social amenities, green space, etc.), transport system (main arterials, transit lines), general density values (persons/hectare, units/hectare). Parcel-level FAR/GCR values do not appear in the master plan; they live in the 1:1,000 implementation plan.

Preparation and approval: Inside municipal boundaries, prepared by the municipality; outside, by the provincial special administration. In metropolitan cities, the metropolitan municipality prepares 1:25,000 and 1:5,000 master plans; district municipalities prepare only 1:1,000 implementation plans. After approval, posted publicly for 1 month, then finalised.

Hierarchy: The master plan must conform to the environmental master plan. The implementation plan must conform to the master plan. Master plan amendments do not automatically change implementation plans — those must be amended separately.

Examples

  • 1.İstanbul Asian side 1:25,000 master plan → Kadıköy district 1:5,000 master plan → each neighbourhood's 1:1,000 implementation plan.
  • 2.In a district, a master plan revision converted an area from residential to commercial; the implementation plan also had to be renewed.
  • 3.A new metro line appeared in the metropolitan master plan; setback distances were changed in the implementation plan for parcels along the route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the master plan tell me my parcel's FAR/GCR?expand_more
No. The master plan only makes general land use + density decisions. Parcel-level values — FAR, GCR, storey count, setbacks — live in the **implementation zoning plan** (1:1,000). The values shown on your zoning status document come from the implementation plan.
Can master plans be challenged?expand_more
Yes. After approval, plans are publicly posted for 1 month; written objections can be filed during this period. After the posting period, annulment actions can be filed at administrative court (60-day filing window).
What do I need to do if the master plan changes?expand_more
A master plan change alone doesn't change your parcel's zoning status. It only changes when the implementation plan is amended accordingly. After the change, renew your zoning status document — the old one is invalid.

Related Terms

Zoning PlanImplementation Zoning PlanLocal Zoning Plan

Sources

  • • Zoning Law 3194 art. 8
  • • Spatial Plans Preparation Regulation

Look up your parcel's zoning status instantly

Query zoning status with province, district, neighbourhood, block and parcel numbers — free. FAR, GCR, setbacks and plan notes.

Look Up Zoningarrow_forward

Last updated: 2026-04-24