Building and planning law

We advise on project developments across the entire scope of modern residential forms, in the retail sector, which is currently undergoing a sea-change, and in the field of commercial property from the planning stage, through the securing of building permits and approval proceedings, right up to the official opening and commissioning, irrespective of whether the project is on a green-field site, involves the conversion of existing buildings or is located in an urban context.

The tight coordination of various types of use in terms of both space and function is a challenge which must be mastered in each individual case while taking account of the most diverse legal requirements. We are familiar with particular local requirements, such as the Regional Land-Use Plan for Frankfurt and the Rhine Main area, as well as with sector-specific provisions, for planning and building motorways and the corresponding ancillary operations, for instance, or usage restrictions under industrial accidents law, such as the Seveso III Directive.

Issues relating to the relevant state building codes and heritage conservation laws are often of particular significance. Increasing emphasis is also being placed at local-authority level on the redevelopment and conservation of existing buildings and sites, as well as the other instruments for redevelopment and improvement provided for of the German Building Code (Baugesetzbuch); through our broad range of work for local authorities, we also have experience in structuring the relevant legal framework.

The close coordination between our Public Law practice group and our public procurement expertise means that we are a leading service provider for investor selection procedures in the context of urban development projects or projects for (re-)developing certain elements of the social infrastructure, such as town halls, libraries, stadiums and swimming pools.