30.04.2026 17:15
The one-month period granted under the regulation on hobby gardens expires on Monday, May 4. The process for unauthorized structures subject to demolition decisions will begin on Monday; garden owners who do not remove their structures will face triple fines. Municipalities and special provincial administrations that fail to enforce the demolition decision will also have to pay the costs with interest.
The one-month period granted by the regulation on hobby gardens expires on Monday, May 4. For those previously subject to a demolition order, the demolition process will begin as of Monday. Regarding new constructions identified during inspections, governorships will initiate demolition procedures. Those who do not demolish their structures will face penalties, and municipalities and special provincial administrations that fail to carry out demolitions will also receive their share of the fines.
REGULATION GRANTS ONE MONTH
The regulation concerning the implementation of the law imposing restrictions on hobby gardens was published on April 4, 2026. Within the framework of the regulation, significant limitations were placed on the non-agricultural use of agricultural land. Those who have built structures in hobby gardens were given a one-month period. Those who do not remove the structures and convert the land back to agricultural use within this time will face demolition processes.
DEADLINE EXPIRES ON MAY 4
The procedures for demolition are regulated in Article 22 of the regulation under the title "Penalties and obligations regarding the misuse of agricultural land and non-compliance with soil conservation projects."
- Accordingly, agricultural lands cannot be used for non-agricultural purposes without obtaining permission.
- If a structure on such land is under construction, the governorship will halt all work; if the work is completed, its use will not be permitted.
- The governorship will impose a fine on the landowner or the person who damaged the land.
- If the person subjected to the fine can apply for the necessary permit within one month and obtain it, their use of the land will be allowed.
- Those who do not apply or whose permit requests are denied will be given two months to demolish all unauthorized structures and make the land suitable for agricultural production.
TRIPLE PENALTY FOR NON-DEMOLITION
If it is determined that unauthorized structures have not been demolished within the given period and the land has not been made suitable for agricultural production, the governorship will halt the activity and impose a fine three times the original amount.
The governorship will also notify municipalities or special provincial administrations that all unauthorized structures must be demolished and the land made suitable for agricultural production. The relevant municipality or special provincial administration will carry out the demolition within one month and ensure the land is made suitable for agricultural production.
DEMOLITION COSTS BORNE BY THE GARDEN OWNER
The same process will apply in cases of non-compliance with soil conservation projects. In such cases, the ministry will cover the costs initially and then collect both the demolition and cleaning expenses from the hobby garden owners.
PENALTIES FOR MUNICIPALITIES AND SPECIAL PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIONS THAT DO NOT DEMOLISH
If a demolition order has been issued but the structure is not demolished by the municipality or special provincial administration within one month, the ministry may demolish or have it demolished. The land will be made suitable for agricultural production. The invoice for the costs will be sent to the municipality or special provincial administration that failed to carry out the demolition for payment. The costs of demolition and making the land suitable for agricultural production will be collected from the relevant municipality or special provincial administration with a 50% surcharge. If the municipality or special provincial administration does not pay this amount, it will be deducted from their allocated share of the budget.