Land use plan; preparation

The land-use plan sets out, in broad terms, the land-use patterns for the entire municipal area resulting from the intended urban development. The land-use plan is therefore a preparatory urban development plan. This distinguishes it from local development plans (see also the entry ‘Local development plans’), which are drawn up for parts of the municipal area and contain binding regulations for residents and the planning authorities.

The land-use plan sets out, for example, areas designated for development, areas for transport infrastructure, green spaces, as well as areas for agriculture and woodland. In addition, plans established in accordance with other statutory provisions are incorporated for information purposes. An explanatory memorandum must be attached to the land-use plan. This memorandum must set out the objectives, purposes and significant impacts of the land-use plan, whilst an environmental report must outline the relevant environmental protection considerations.

The land-use plan is drawn up in accordance with a procedure laid down by law in the Building Code (BauGB). This procedure involves the participation of citizens, public authorities and bodies representing public interests (see also the entry: ‘Urban land-use planning procedure’). The land-use plan requires approval from the higher administrative authority. Responsibility for granting approval generally lies with the district offices; in exceptional cases, it lies with the regional governments. The land-use plan comes into force upon publication of the approval in the manner customary for the locality.