Submit a building application All about the building application

If you want to build a house in Germany, you need a building permit. For this purpose it is necessary to submit a planning application to the competent authority. Since this raises a number of questions for most construction families, below we will give you an overview of the most important aspects related to the construction application. This means you are well prepared when seeking approval for your construction project.

What is the construction demand?

With the construction application the builder obtains authorization to carry out his construction project. In Germany all details are determined by the building regulations of the respective federal state, although the respective building regulations may vary from country to country. The building authority checks the application for all building regulations and finally issues the building permit. When it comes to building a house, this can only be done in accordance with the instructions contained in the building permit. In this way, the document legally protects all parties involved in the construction and guarantees that the construction project is carried out as planned.

Who submits the building application?

Building owners submit the building application together with someone authorized to submit construction documents. This may be an architect or civil engineer who is familiar with the construction project and has the technical and planning knowledge necessary to compile the documents.

But be careful: Not all construction companies offer assistance in preparing the building application. Before signing the purchase contract it is best to check whether your building contractor will also take care of the formalities.

When is the planning application submitted?

Since all important aspects of the construction project must be recorded in the construction application, it should be submitted after determining the most important planning points. For example if:

• the right property has been purchased
• the construction company was found
• all financing issues related to building a house have been clarified
• the floor plan is determined
• optional: preliminary building permit is available

Does a preliminary building permit make sense?

The preliminary building notice, i.e. the preliminary building application, clarifies at an early stage whether a building project can be implemented and offers building families additional planning security. It is not always necessary, but sometimes it makes sense, for example if the feasibility of building a house raises doubts. If there is no building plan for the building land, a preliminary building survey is also advisable.

A distinction is made between one shapeless and one formal construction request. For the informal application it is sufficient to submit the floor plan and drawings, while for the formal application many documents are needed, including descriptions and drawings of the building, photos of the property and gross volume calculations.

How much does the building application cost?

The costs of a construction request always depend on the respective construction project. Furthermore, the components of the calculation formula vary depending on national requirements, which is why deviations may occur. However, for a single-family house, a building area of ​​approx from 0.2% to 0.7% of total costs makes a difference – with one Minimum fee between 100 and 200 euros.

Danger: Even if the building application is rejected, the costs are still borne by the builders. So make sure you submit a complete planning application.

How long does it take for approval?

If there is no building permit, construction cannot begin. The planning application should therefore be submitted in good time, as it is usually possible to obtain one Processing time 3 to 4 months must calculate. If there is no local development plan for the property, waiting times may be longer.

Rötzer tip: Some building authorities offer an online service that allows you to view the processing status of your building application and also subsequently upload missing documents via PDF.

What documents are needed for the construction application?

If the authority rejects the application, important documents are usually missing. Therefore, you should ensure that all documents are present when you submit them. Common documents that need to be submitted when applying for a building permit include:

• Completed construction request form with signature
• Property map
• Site plan and open space plan
• Construction drawing
• Description of the construction
• Calculation of unbuilt and developed surface area
• static calculations
• Thermal insulation proof
• technical tests
• Evidence of property development (energy, wastewater, traffic, telecommunications)
• Test parking spaces
• if necessary, request a detour

For further reading

Is it still taking some time for the planning application to be submitted because you are only in the planning phase?
In our blog posts “Estate Planning: Here’s What You Need to Consider” and “Design a House Floor Plan: These Tips Will Make Planning Work” you’ll find helpful tips for designing your new home.