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What is Zoning?

26 May 2025
What is Zoning?

Zoning" is a term that refers to the creation of a zoning plan for settlements with a population exceeding 10,000 people. In Turkey, this process has been made mandatory under Zoning Law No. 3194. The purpose of a zoning plan is to regulate land use within a settlement, determine the placement of buildings, and define other infrastructure elements.

Following the creation of a zoning plan, the layout of roads, green spaces, parks, school areas, and all other urban development components within the settlement are defined. This process ensures the orderly growth of cities and towns and enables the efficient delivery of infrastructure services.

The data obtained during the zoning process plays a crucial role in the positioning of buildings, the provision of infrastructure services, and the organization of traffic flow. As a result, it becomes possible to plan residential areas more effectively and make them more livable.

What Are the Types of Zoning Plans?

Types of zoning plans are generally categorized based on scale and purpose. For instance, broad-scale plans such as 1:250,000 and 1:500,000 are used for large-scale mapping. On the other hand, environmental zoning plans are typically prepared at scales of 1:50,000 or 1:100,000 and must be developed at least on a provincial or basin-wide level.

Another type is the Master Zoning Plan (Nazım İmar Planı), which is drawn at a scale of 1:25,000. These are prepared based on environmental development plans and take into account factors such as population density and the size of settlement areas.

In summary, zoning plans can be created at various scales and for different purposes. They play a vital role in guiding urban growth and development. Therefore, the accurate and effective preparation of zoning plans contributes significantly to the sustainable growth of cities and the preservation of the environment.

What is a 1/1000 Implementation Zoning Plan and How Is It Prepared?

Implementation zoning plans are detailed plans prepared at a 1/1000 scale, developed in line with the master zoning plan. These plans are created by local municipalities and must comply with zoning laws. They include detailed regulations on land use, building conditions, and environmental planning, aiming to ensure the sustainable and orderly development of cities and settlements.

First, a solid infrastructure must be established that aligns with the master zoning plan. Then, experts conduct analyses and gather public input to draft the plan. These drafts are submitted for approval by relevant public authorities and municipal councils before they come into effect.

Implementation zoning plans must not only address current needs but also anticipate future population growth and changing conditions. In doing so, they meet both current societal demands and support sustainable urbanization policies.

What is a Master Zoning Plan?

A Master Zoning Plan (Nazım İmar Planı) is a strategic planning document created to ensure the organized and planned development of settlement areas. It defines the future land use of a city or district.

This plan is typically prepared at a scale of 1:5,000 to 1:25,000 and provides information about the general structure of a city or district, functional zones, main transportation routes, social infrastructure areas, and green spaces.

The Master Zoning Plan includes both an analysis of the current situation and projections for future development, encompassing the economic, social, and physical growth strategies of a specific region.

Prepared with explanatory notes, the plan is approved by local administrations and relevant public authorities. Additionally, these plans must be aligned with implementation zoning plans to ensure consistency and coherence throughout the urban planning process.

How Are Master Zoning Plans Prepared?

Master Zoning Plans are essential documents that define the development and growth strategies of cities. During the preparation of these plans, the general land use characteristics of the city must first be considered. The planning process involves a detailed analysis of how specific areas will be used and what types of development will occur in these areas.

These analyses help determine building densities where necessary and ensure a balanced distribution of structures throughout the city. Furthermore, strategies for solving existing transportation issues are included, which contribute to increasing urban mobility and minimizing environmental impacts.

The direction and scale of development in various settlement areas are also taken into account. Based on these principles, decisions are made about which regions will be opened to further settlement and the type of development that will take place there.

Preparation of the Zoning Plan and Report Generation

The creation of a zoning plan begins with the careful collection and analysis of current data. Factors such as land use, population density, socio-economic indicators, and environmental protection are taken into consideration. Based on the data collected, a professional planning tool is used to draw the proposed plan and initiate the design process. Compliance with urban planning principles and zoning legislation is of critical importance during the drafting phase.

Once the drawing stage is completed, the next step is to prepare detailed reports. These reports should include comprehensive information about every aspect of the zoning plan and must be submitted to relevant institutions and authorities. Such reports are key documents required for the approval and implementation of the project. The accuracy and thoroughness of these reports directly affect the success of the overall project.