The Lower Saxony cabinet today presented a draft of a comprehensive amendment to the Lower Saxony building regulations, which aims at that, to speed up the construction process in the country, to simplify and make it more cost-effective. The draft law relies on a variety of measures, which affect both new construction and conversion of real estate.
Focus on conversion regulations for existing properties
The central component of the novella is one “Remodeling regulations”, which is specifically aimed at simplifying renovation work on existing properties. Construction Minister Olaf Lies emphasized the urgency of these measures in view of the current housing market report, which shows a significant need for more affordable housing. Another focus of the bill is the implementation of the am 6. November between the federal and state governments “Bau-Turbo-Pact”. This one aims to do that, to make the construction of new properties more efficient and faster. The planned entry into force of the new building regulations is for the summer 2024 planned.
Facilitation for renovation projects
To make the conversion process easier, The draft law provides for a number of innovations:
- Adaptation to years of manufacture: Ceilings should be used in renovation projects, walls, Stairs and sound insulation only have to correspond to the standard of the year of construction of the entire property, no longer the current standard.
- Deviations from standards: Under certain conditions, deviations from applicable standards for changes of use should be permitted.
- Reduction of border distances: The boundary distances for conversions should generally be reduced.
- Attic extension: Freedom from approval for attic conversions, even within unplanned interior areas.
- Facilitation of increases: Elimination of the obligation to subsequently install elevators when adding up to two floors for residential purposes.
- Changes to children's playgrounds: Elimination of the possibility, to subsequently require the construction of children's playgrounds in existing buildings.
In addition to the measures mentioned above, the draft law contains further innovations:
- Approval fiction: Introduction of a temporary approval permit of three months for housing construction and mobile phone systems, if the authority does not decide within this period.
- Recognition of type approvals: Type approvals from other federal states should also apply without restriction in Lower Saxony.
- Reduction of boundary distances in new buildings: Fundamental reduction of border distances, even in new buildings.
- Regulation for “Mobile Tiny Houses”: Improving the situation for tiny houses, which are to be properly constructed and later moved to another location.
- Innovation clause for “Building type E”: Deviations from existing regulations for testing new construction- and living arrangements are made easier.
- No obligation for vehicle parking spaces in residential buildings: The requirement for vehicle parking spaces when constructing residential buildings should be deleted.
- Extension of the obligation for bicycle parking facilities: The obligation for bicycle parking facilities to also be extended to permanent users and visitors to residential buildings.
- Expansion of process-free construction measures: This affects, among other things, higher mobile phone antennas.
These proposed changes are intended to improve construction- and conversion process in Lower Saxony to significantly simplify and thus cover the growing need for living space. The planned implementation of the amendment to the building regulations is scheduled for the summer 2024 take place.