Baurechten

Baurecht is the branch of public law that governs planning, development and use of land and buildings. It defines where and how structures may be erected, altered or demolished, and which conditions must be met to protect public interests such as safety, health, and the environment.

It comprises planning law (land-use planning and zoning), building regulations (standards for construction, fire safety and structural integrity), and procedural rules for approvals. Central elements include land-use plans or zoning regulations, building permit procedures, and rules governing design, density, height, setbacks and required infrastructure. In many jurisdictions, environmental protection, heritage conservation, energy efficiency and accessibility requirements are integrated into Baurecht.

Process and enforcement: Municipal or regional authorities prepare plans, review construction plans, conduct inspections and issue permits. Applicants may be required to submit technical reports, environmental or impact assessments, and to comply with public notice and participation procedures. Decisions can be subject to administrative review or judicial appeals, and violations can lead to penalties, orders to modify or demolish, or other enforcement actions.

Relationship to property rights: Baurecht balances private property rights with public planning objectives. It interacts with private law and can impose use restrictions or obligations; in some cases it provides for compensation mechanisms or expropriation under defined conditions, depending on the jurisdiction. The specifics of Baurecht vary between countries and regions, reflecting local planning traditions and legal frameworks.