Construction measures not requiring approval
Service description
The construction, erection, installation, and alteration of structures or parts thereof, as well as any change in their use, generally require a building permit, unless otherwise expressly specified. For smaller and less significant construction projects, the Hessian Building Code contains an exhaustive list of construction projects that are exempt from requiring a permit. The list primarily includes projects that are of relatively minor significance under building code regulations.
The catalog also includes projects for which the exemption from permitting is subject to certain conditions, because they require review only under specific circumstances due to their relevance under planning law or for reasons of public safety and order. One such condition may be, for example, the submission of construction plans to the municipality, as is the case with garages.
The final list of projects that do not require a building permit can be found in the appendix to Section 63 of the Hessian Building Code.
Prerequisites
Projects that do not require a building permit must comply with applicable public law regulations. Therefore, even if the authorities do not review the project, care must be taken, for example, to ensure that the required setback distance is maintained.
For projects that do not require a building permit, other permits may be necessary, which you must obtain on your own. For projects in rural areas, for example, this typically includes a permit under nature conservation laws. In addition, a permit under historic preservation laws may be required for historic buildings or in their vicinity.
What documents are required?
If the project is subject to municipal approval, the necessary construction documents must be submitted to the municipality for review. The specific documents required depend on the individual case.
What deadlines do I have to observe?
Work on the project may not begin until 14 days after the municipality has received the required construction documents. Within this period, the municipality may require that an approval process be conducted by the building authority.
Legal basis