

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

Publications: 21 DECEMBER 2020
Covid-19 Update: Act to further shorten the residual debt discharge procedure
Effects on the Commercial Lease Law
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Publications: 18 DECEMBER 2020
On 13 December 2020, the Federal Chancellor and the Prime Ministers of the Federal States again decided, in view of the current development of the Covid-19 pandemic, to impose far-reaching measures…
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News: 09 NOVEMBER 2020
Allen & Overy has advised a syndicate of eight banks in connection with the refinancing of Global Tech I, an offshore wind park in the German North Sea, with a volume of more than half a billion…
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Publications: 19 JUNE 2020
Foreign Direct Investment Screening in Germany – most recent developments
What foreign investors need to consider Germany is one of the few countries in the world where the doors are wide open to foreign investment. With an export-oriented national economy, Germany thrives…
Read moreRecognition
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