Introduction
You need a building permit (Baugenehmigung) – but how do you file a building permit application (Bauantrag)? What documents do you need? And where do you submit everything? Here you will learn the process step by step, from preparation to approval.
Step 1: Preliminary Building Inquiry (optional, recommended)
Before filing a full building permit application, you can submit a preliminary building inquiry (Bauvoranfrage). This clarifies in advance whether your project is fundamentally eligible for approval.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Cost | 50–500 EUR |
| Duration | 2–6 weeks |
| Binding? | Yes, for 2–3 years |
| Recommended for | Uncertain approval situations, large projects |
The preliminary building inquiry is not a building permit application – you are not yet allowed to build afterward. But you will know whether filing the full application is worthwhile.
Step 2: Hire a Design Professional
The building permit application must be prepared and signed by an authorized design professional (bauvorlageberechtigter Entwurfsverfasser).
Who Is Authorized?
- Architects (registered with the Chamber of Architects)
- Structural engineers (with building submission authorization)
What Does the Design Professional Do?
- Prepares all required construction drawings
- Calculates setback areas, site coverage ratio (GRZ), floor area ratio (GFZ)
- Fills out the official building application form
- Reviews the local development plan (Bebauungsplan)
- Submits the application
- Communicates with the authority
Step 3: Compile the Required Documents
Mandatory Documents
| Document | Prepared By |
|---|---|
| Official building application form | Architect |
| Site plan (official cadastral extract) | Surveying office |
| Construction drawings (floor plans, cross-sections, elevations) | Architect |
| Building description | Architect |
| Calculation of built-up area / usable floor area | Architect |
| Setback area calculation | Architect |
| Structural stability certificate (statics) | Structural engineer |
| GEG certificate (for heated buildings) | Energy consultant |
Frequently Required in Addition
| Document | When Required |
|---|---|
| Fire protection concept | From a certain building class onward |
| Sound insulation certificate | For multi-family buildings, commercial use |
| Soil report | For difficult subsoil conditions |
| Drainage plan | For new buildings |
| Parking space certificate | For new buildings / change of use |
Step 4: Submit the Building Permit Application
Where to Submit?
At the building regulatory authority (Bauordnungsamt, also called Bauaufsichtsbehoerde) of your district or county.
How to Submit?
| Method | Availability |
|---|---|
| Online (digital building application) | Berlin, Hamburg, NRW, Bavaria (partially) |
| In person / by mail | Everywhere |
| Rarely accepted |
Digital Building Application
More and more federal states offer the option to submit the building permit application online. Advantages:
- Faster processing
- Online status tracking
- No paper forms
Step 5: Review by the Authority
What Is Reviewed?
| Review Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Local development plan (B-Plan) | Does the project comply with the B-Plan? |
| Setback areas | Are the distances to neighboring properties maintained? |
| Building law | Is the intended use permitted? |
| Statics | Is the construction structurally safe? |
| Fire protection | Are the requirements met? |
| Neighbor consultation | Has the neighbor agreed / raised no objections? |
Supplementary Requests
The authority may issue supplementary requests – missing or incomplete documents must be submitted later. This delays the processing.
Tip: The more complete the application, the faster the approval.Step 6: Receive the Permit
What Does the Approval Notice Contain?
- Approval of the building project
- Conditions (e.g., fire protection requirements, parking spaces)
- Validity period (usually 3 years – construction must begin within this period)
- Legal remedies notice (objection option for neighbors)
After the Approval
- Notify the authority of construction start (before the first ground is broken)
- Inspections during construction (e.g., structural shell inspection)
- Completion notice after finishing
Simplified Approval Procedure
For smaller building projects, most federal states offer a simplified procedure:
| Feature | Standard Procedure | Simplified Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of review | Full | Reduced (no fire protection, no statics review) |
| Duration | 8–12 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Suitable for | Large projects, special buildings | Residential buildings, small projects |
Deemed Approval (Genehmigungsfiktion)
In some federal states, if the authority does not respond within a certain deadline, the application is deemed approved (Genehmigungsfiktion). However, this is rare and subject to strict conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until the permit is issued?
4–12 weeks under the simplified procedure, 8–16 weeks under the standard procedure. Supplementary requests can double the processing time. See: Building Permit Processing TimeCan my neighbor block the permit?
To a limited extent. The neighbor can file an objection if their rights are violated (e.g., setback areas). However, they do not have a veto right.What if the building permit application is rejected?
You can file an objection (deadline: 1 month). Alternatively: revise the application and resubmit.
Do I need an architect for a carport?
Usually yes, if a building permit is required. For permit-exempt projects, you do not need an architect – but you must still comply with setback areas and the local development plan.Summary
- Design professional (architect) is mandatory for the building permit application
- Documents: Construction drawings, site plan, statics, possibly energy certificate
- Submission: Building regulatory authority (increasingly available online)
- Duration: 4–16 weeks depending on the procedure
- Preliminary inquiry saves money when the approval situation is uncertain
- Tip: Complete documents = faster approval