In principle, the Hessian Building Code (HBO) regulates which structures, construction measures, land use, facilities and other installations require approval. It distinguishes between projects that do not require a procedure and those that do. The scope of the building inspection varies depending on the procedure.

With the new version of the HBO 2002 and the introduction of simplified building approval procedures, the legislator has significantly shifted the distribution of responsibility between the building inspectorate and the client. The scope of state preventive inspection and monitoring was restricted and largely transferred to the responsibility of private builders and the drafters, authorized verifiers and experts working to support them.

A building application is required for construction measures that require planning permission in accordance with the HBO. However, there are also construction projects that do not require building permission, require notification or are exempt from approval. For example, many building projects - particularly in connection with detached houses, garden designs or garages and parking spaces - have been exempted by law from the obligation to obtain planning permission up to a certain size.

You should therefore not be misled by the terms "building permit-free" or "permit-exempt". These do not mean that you are allowed to carry out these building projects without observing the rules and regulations. If you build without a building permit, you are responsible for ensuring that all public law regulations applicable to the building project, such as the statutory clearance areas or the recognized rules of technology, are complied with. If this is not the case, the building inspectorate has the option of intervening here.

In addition, although no building permit procedure is required, other approvals or permits may be necessary. For example, a building project may affect listed building or nature conservation issues and require approvals from the relevant authorities. This can also mean that projects that do not require approval are not permitted.

The application options and therefore the respective procedures are therefore very diverse. We offer you an overview of the procedures and the necessary documents to be submitted.