Neighbourhood matters (building law)

  • Service description

    A construction project can have an impact on the neighbouring properties of the building plot. For this reason, the Hessian Building Code, the Building Code and the Land Use Ordinance contain various regulations that also serve to protect neighbours.

    These include, for example, the stipulation of a development plan regarding the permitted structural use by designating building areas as well as the boundary distances for buildings and outbuildings under building regulations. There are also regulations that give neighbours a special legal position in the planning permission process. In certain cases, they can inspect the building file.

    In addition to this aspect of public law, there is also the Hessian Neighbour Law, which is part of civil law. The building supervisory authorities are not authorised to examine civil law claims or provide legal information in this regard.

  • Which documents are required?

    In order to obtain specific legal information or access to files, a legitimate interest must be demonstrated.

    This can be:

    • Proof of ownership (extract from the land register)
    • notarised purchase contract
    • Extract from the register of owners of the cadastral map series

    Note: Tenants generally have no legitimate interest

  • Legal basis

  • What else should I know?

    See also the brochure "Nachbarrecht" (Hessian Ministry of Justice).

  • Typing

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Who should I contact?

The correct point of contact is the relevant lower building supervisory authority (district administration, independent cities, special status cities). The respective city administration usually also has a duplicate of the building permit.

Responsible departments