Erschließungsstraßen

Erschließungsstraßen, often translated as development roads or access roads, are a specific category of roads in German land use planning and construction. They serve the primary purpose of making undeveloped or underdeveloped land accessible for building and development. This means they are constructed to provide the necessary infrastructure for future construction projects, such as residential areas, commercial zones, or industrial parks.

The construction of Erschließungsstraßen is typically a prerequisite for obtaining building permits. Before a developer can start building on a piece of land, the municipality or relevant authority usually requires that adequate access roads and associated utilities are in place. These utilities can include water supply, sewage disposal, electricity, and telecommunications lines, all of which are often laid beneath or alongside the road.

The financing of Erschließungsstraßen is a significant aspect. In many cases, the costs are borne by the developers or landowners who will benefit from the improved access and utility provision. This principle is known as "Erschließungsbeitrag" or development contribution. Municipalities may also contribute to the costs, especially if the roads also serve a broader public interest beyond the immediate development. The legal framework for these contributions is defined in the German Building Code (Baugesetzbuch).

Once construction is complete and the land is developed, Erschließungsstraßen may be incorporated into the public road network, becoming part of the municipality's regular road maintenance responsibility. However, their initial purpose remains to facilitate and enable new development.