Change in the state building code: Building authority trained employees of municipal building authorities More than 70 employees of lower building inspection authorities and municipal building departments/sections participated

Oberbergischer Kreis. The building authority of the Oberbergischer Kreis has trained more than 70 employees of municipal building authorities on the extensive new regulations in the state building code. The training focused particularly on the changes relevant to practice compared to the previous versions. The revision is characterized by an increasing privatization of building regulatory tasks and simplifications intended to reduce construction costs. Implementation in practice is a significant challenge not only for the building inspection authority but also for the cities and municipalities.

Among other things, a so-called "approval fiction" has been introduced for projects requiring a building permit - in the simplified building permit procedure. This means that a building permit is deemed approved if the submitted building application is complete and reviewable, but the responsible authority does not decide on the building application within 3 months or on a preliminary building inquiry within 6 weeks.

Furthermore, for building inspection authorities that already enable digital building application submissions, the digital building application has been made mandatory. Since September 1, 2026, for example, the building authority of the Oberbergischer Kreis will no longer accept building applications in paper form, as reported. The digital application process allows for a quick exchange of information, prompt involvement of relevant departments, and thus contributes to shortening the approval process.

"To continue making legally sound decisions for citizens in light of the numerous changes, there is a massive need for further training. The Oberbergischer Kreis has addressed this need. With Manfred Müser, a highly experienced and sought-after expert lecturer in building and planning law, we were able to secure a competent speaker who conveyed the sometimes very complex regulations in a very practical and engaging manner," says Michael Starck, the head of the building authority.