

Building and planning law
Public building and planning law represents one of our team's core competences.
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.
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News & insights

News: 10 May 2022
Survey: Major German companies appear largely unfazed by Russian conflict
Revenue expectations remain positive despite increased costs and interrupted delivery chains Investment activities are being continued; access to financing remains open Companies do not…

News: 24 February 2022
Allen & Overy advises TripActions on the acquisition of Comtravo
Allen & Overy has advised TripActions, a company for travel, corporate card and expense management based in Palo Alto, California, on the acquisition of all shares in Berlin-based Comtravo GmbH…

Publications: 25 November 2021
The 177-page coalition agreement of the three parties set to form the new government in Germany provides for numerous innovations in the German real estate sector. In future, building and housing is…
Recognition
The focus is on advising on complex major urban development projects.
JUVE Handbook 2018/2019, Public Sector
Additionally active on urban planning matters concerning land redevelopment, often appearing in administrative proceedings
Chambers Europe 2017: Public Law