Geschossflächenzahlen

Geschossflächenzahlen, often abbreviated as GFZ, is a fundamental concept in German land-use zoning law. It specifies the maximum permissible floor area ratio (FAR) that can be built on a given plot of land. This ratio is calculated by dividing the total floor area of all stories of a building by the area of the plot. For example, if a plot of land is 1000 square meters and the GFZ is 0.8, the maximum total floor area that can be constructed on that plot is 800 square meters.

The GFZ is a key instrument for urban planning and development. It helps to control the density of construction within a specific area, influencing factors such as traffic, infrastructure load, and the overall character of a neighborhood. Higher GFZ values generally permit more intensive development, leading to denser urban environments, while lower values encourage less dense construction.

Different GFZ values are stipulated in zoning plans (Bebauungspläne) for various zones within a municipality. These values are determined based on the intended use of the area, its existing infrastructure, and urban planning objectives. For instance, areas designated for commercial use or in central urban locations might have higher GFZ values compared to residential areas on the outskirts. The GFZ is one of several key figures that define the permissible building parameters on a property, alongside others like the Geschossflächenzahl (GRZ) and the Freiflächengestaltungszahl (FGNZ).