Planning permission for lightweight construction halls

What building owners should know!

Germany has one of the safest structural infrastructures in the world. This is due, among other things, to strict building regulations and independent monitoring. However, the process surrounding the building application and the planning permission in particular regularly presents challenges for building owners. To provide clarity, we have summarised the most important information for you here.

What exactly is a building application?

A building application is your official application for planning permission for a construction project. It is based on the German Federal Building Code, the respective state building regulations and the local development plan. It is usually prepared and signed by an architect or planning office authorised to submit building documents and then submitted to the relevant building authority.

Important: With a preliminary building application, you can clarify specific questions in advance (e.g. boundary development or roof design) to avoid delays later on.

When do you need a building permit?

The question of whether a building permit is required depends primarily on the planned duration of the hall:

• Short-term use (up to a maximum of 3–6 months): A so-called ‘temporary structure’ in accordance with DIN 13782 does not require a permit, but a construction notification must be submitted to the building authority and a TÜV-approved construction book (available from Röder).
• Medium-term use (more than 3–6 months): An application can be made for an extended, limited service life, but this usually requires a case-by-case review.
• Long-term use: A building application is always required for permanent use or use of an indeterminate duration (fixed structure as per DIN 1991).

What documents are required?

The following documents are required for a complete building application:

• Construction drawings and location-specific structural analysis (available from Röder)
• Proof of stability
• Site manager's declaration
• Foundation plans and structural analyses (optional with Röder)
• Site plan
• Description of construction and operation
• Drainage and open space plans
• Statistical data sheet

Depending on the use and size of the hall, a fire protection concept and sound insulation certificates may also be required.

How long does the approval process take?

The application is checked for completeness within 10 days, after which the processing time begins, which is usually three months. Delays are possible if improvements or additional documents are required. Based on our experience, you're better off planning for up to six months.

Our expert tips for a quick turnaround

• Involve an architect authorised to submit building documents at an early stage.
• Make sure that the documents are complete and correct to avoid delays.
• Use a preliminary building application to clarify any open issues.
• Work closely with experts (such as Röder) to avoid formal errors and missing deadlines.

Conclusion

The path to a successful building application often seems complex. However, with expert support – especially for lightweight hall buildings from Röder – you benefit from considerable time and cost advantages thanks to modular systems and standardised basic static calculations. This enables you to implement your project quickly, cost-effectively and safely.