Simplified building permit procedure

The simplified procedure applies to all construction projects that are not special structures, are not exempt from building permits, and are not subject to any exemption from the permit requirement.

For construction projects subject to an exemption from the building permit requirement, the municipality may declare that a simplified building permit procedure is to be carried out. In the case of exemptions, this is determined by the lower building authority. The building owner may also request that the simplified building permit procedure be carried out.

Unlike in the full procedure, the scope of review by the building authority is significantly reduced in the simplified building permit procedure.

The subject of the review is

• the project’s compliance with building code regulations
• any requested deviations, exceptions, or exemptions
• other public law regulations, insofar as a decision under these regulations is waived or replaced by the building permit

The building owner is responsible for ensuring compliance with public law regulations that are not reviewed in the simplified building permit procedure. In individual cases, a separate application must be filed for a deviation, exception, or exemption from public law provisions that are not subject to review. In the event of a violation of these provisions, the building permit authority may halt construction or order the demolition of structures already built.

The building permit expires if you do not begin construction within 5 years of the permit being issued, or if construction has been interrupted for more than 2 years after this period.

Information on the required documents and forms can be found under the attached link to building documents.

The amount of the fees is based on the structural costs of the building. The respective local authorities can set fees that deviate from the list of fees in the administrative cost regulations by means of statutes. Please contact the building supervisory authority responsible for you.

The duration of the procedure depends on the individual case, including which agencies need to be involved. As a rule, the procedure takes a maximum of 3 months. The procedure can only be extended by 2 months if there are special circumstances.

The building application is deemed to have been approved if no decision has been made within this period.