The federal government has initiated a reform of the Building Code. The Cabinet approved the corresponding draft law on Wednesday, a proposal put forward by Federal Minister for Building, Verena Hubertz (SPD).
This plan aims to streamline and simplify development planning procedures, while simultaneously declaring the construction of housing a paramount public interest. Furthermore, it grants municipalities increased authority when dealing with severely dilapidated properties. The draft is now undergoing parliamentary review.
Hubertz described the Building Code upgrade as a “comprehensive modernization package” that addresses nearly every aspect of municipal planning. She emphasized that housing now holds priority, officially within the legislature. Additionally, the reforms aim to allow citizens who want to build to track their applications online instead of waiting in local government offices.
Under the new rules, housing construction will gain legal priority in areas facing a stressed housing market. Planning procedures will become faster and more transparent through the introduction of digital tools. Environmental impact assessments will only be required in cases where they are strictly necessary, and local authorities will find it easier to establish more public green spaces.
Specific measures also ease the right of municipalities to purchase poorly maintained properties. In cases of extreme misuse or neglect, the option of expropriation is now possible. Finally, new guidelines for spatial planning mandate that potential risks and crisis scenarios must be considered in future developments.
