The Bremen Senate has passed a comprehensive reform of its building regulations. This amendment aims to optimise construction processes, reduce building costs, and encourage the development of existing properties. The Association of Housing and Real Estate Industry Lower Saxony Bremen (vdw) has positively assessed this realignment of the so-called 'Bremen Way'.
Dr. Susanne Schmitt, Managing Director of the vdw, commented on this decision. She emphasised that simplifying, reducing costs, and accelerating building processes are essential for a turnaround in affordable housing construction. The current amendment to Bremen's State Building Code provides the necessary framework for this.
Four Key Aspects of the Building Code Reform
From the perspective of the socially oriented housing industry, several points of the new regulation are of particular relevance. The alignment of building law with the nationwide established Model Building Code is recognised as an overdue step. This harmonisation can contribute to reducing complexity and standardising norms.
Furthermore, the introduction of a deemed approval is considered crucial for accelerating application procedures. This creates greater planning certainty for developers and project developers. Another key point is the new conversion order, which enables more effective redevelopment of the existing housing stock. This includes specific regulations for changes of use, the conversion of attic spaces, and the adding of storeys to existing buildings.
The fourth point to highlight concerns the abolition of the parking space requirement for residential buildings with up to ten residential units. This measure not only leads to significant cost relief for smaller construction projects but also reflects the current mobility situation in urban conurbations. In many cases, residents in large cities do not own a motor vehicle, which makes this adjustment seem contemporary. The totality of these measures is intended to contribute to easing the housing market in Bremen.
