Reform of the building code is coming

Following the construction stimulus package, the German government has now passed an amendment to the Building Code. This aims to make building permit procedures simpler, faster, and more digital. The German Construction Industry Association (ZDB) welcomes the measure.

The coalition committee has... Federal government An agreement has been reached on a reform of the building code, and a policy paper outlining key points has been presented. The measures aim to enable faster and more legally sound construction, thereby alleviating the significant housing shortage. The amendment complements the already enacted "Law to Accelerate Housing Construction," the so-called "construction turbo" designed to speed up planning and approval processes.

Building permit procedures are to become simpler, faster, and more digital. Plans include digital zoning procedures, more efficient participation processes, and standardized deadlines for official comments. A key measure is prioritizing new housing construction in tight housing markets. In planning processes, decisions should more frequently favor new housing.

"Important step towards accelerating housing construction"

The Central Association of the German Construction Industry The German Construction Industry Association (ZDB) welcomes the government's plans. "It is absolutely to be welcomed that the federal government is consistently pursuing its acceleration agenda and acting swiftly. Following the construction accelerator for faster planning, the amendment to the Building Code represents the next important step towards accelerating residential construction," explains ZDB Managing Director Felix Pakleppa. The planned reform will bring concrete improvements.

Pakleppa: "With the priority given to new housing construction in tight markets, the deadline for environmental impact assessments, and the digitalization of zoning procedures, construction projects become more legally secure and can be implemented more quickly. Streamlining participation processes also ensures noticeable acceleration effects – less bureaucracy, more housing built. With the improved framework conditions and funding programs like EH55 Plus, we very much hope that investors and developers will regain confidence and increasingly pursue their projects."

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