March 10, 2024, 5:25 am | Read time: 5 minutes
If you want to make changes to your house, you usually need a building permit. However, there are also measures for which no special application is required. myHOMEBOOK author Daniela Matsuzaki explains which ones these are.
Building without a permit certainly saves a lot of bureaucracy–especially for smaller projects. However, you should always check with the local building authority beforehand. Regulations often vary from state to state.
Overview
What is a building permit?
A building permit is a written authorization issued by a competent building authority. Only with this document can you start your construction project. It ensures that the planned project complies with all local building codes and laws. Before receiving approval from the authority, construction plans detailing the project must be submitted.
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When do you need a building permit?
A building permit is required for almost every construction measure. Often, size and structural details play a role. However, some projects can be built without a permit, while others require one. This can be somewhat confusing. Therefore, it is better to be safe as a builder and check with the relevant local building authority. Otherwise, hefty fines and even demolition may occur, even if it’s just a small project.
Note: To avoid the risk of unauthorized construction, it is important to check with the local building office beforehand to see if you need a permit for your project. Often, the requirements vary even within different cities and municipalities.
When do you not need a building permit?
Sometimes, it is assumed that a structural change can be made without a permit. But be careful! Even for projects without specific requirements, additional regulations may still apply. Sometimes, even the neighbor’s approval is necessary. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with the local building authorities about the current situation. Here are some projects for which you may not need a building permit:
- Additions like terraces or porches: If you build a terrace that does not affect the structure of the house, a permit is usually not required. However, the size of the terrace matters. If it is larger and exceeds a certain height, a permit may still be needed.
- Garden sheds and gazebos: Under a certain size, garden sheds and gazebos are permit-free.
- Terrace roofing: If the roofing is no larger than 30 square meters with a building depth of three meters, you can usually build it yourself.
- Windbreak: If you want to build a windbreak yourself, you generally do not need a permit. However, certain requirements must be met. For example, the windbreak cannot be used as a living space.
- Pool: A pool usually does not require a permit unless it holds a large water volume over 100 cubic meters.
- Fences and walls: If the boundaries are not higher than one or two meters, fences or walls can often be erected without a permit. However, it is advisable to double-check, as the height can vary. It is also good to inform the neighbor about your construction plans beforehand.
- Minor repairs or renovations: If the repairs or renovations do not affect the structure of the house, they can be carried out without a permit.
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What happens if you build without a permit?
If you build without a permit, risking unauthorized construction that does not comply with building regulations or codes, you may face hefty fines. Violating the state building code can be very costly. The size of the project and the severity of the violation are also decisive. Fines can be up to 50,000 euros, especially if it involves more than 100 square meters of construction area.
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What is a building notification procedure?
A building notification procedure is a process in Germany designed to simplify the approval of construction projects. Often, you do not need detailed plans or to submit documentation. You usually submit an informal notification to the competent building authority.
In this procedure, you can make changes to existing buildings or smaller new constructions that are not expected to have a significant impact on the surroundings. This includes minor renovations, additions, or the construction of smaller buildings.
If you choose a building notification procedure, you still need to submit some documents, but the scope is less than for a building application. It is important to submit all required documents; otherwise, the notification may be rejected.